Maqluba

A traditional dish popular in Palestine, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon. Literally meaning “upside down” in Arabic, it is a one-pot meal made of rice, meat, or chicken, and layered fried vegetables. The dish gets its name from the way it’s served: once cooked, the pot is flipped upside down onto a large tray, then the molded rice dish is slowly released, revealing its layers. Its origins go back centuries, with variations across the Levant. Commonly prepared for family gatherings, religious occasions, and special guests, maqluba evokes hospitality and celebration. In Jerusalem, it has more of a joyful resistance connotation, symbolizing Jerusalem’s victory and liberation.