23 Iconic Breads Around the World

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Pita Bread - Middle East / Mediterranean

Easily one of the most recognizable breads around the world, pita is a staple in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries, known for its round, flat shape and interior pocket that's perfect for stuffing with all kinds of delicious vegetables, meats or falafel. It can come in different styles, but its principal ingredients include flour, yeast, water and salt. The best cooking method is to bake pita bread at high temperatures, which triggers a steam reaction in the dough from the water and causes the bread to puff up, creating its signature pocket.

Wonderfully versatile, pita can be served with a variety of mezzes like hummus, baba ganoush, and tzatziki or split open and stuffed with beef or chicken shawarma, falafel, vegetables and more. It can also be made slightly larger and used as a wrap for kebabs, gyros or souvlaki.