Walk into any Palestinian or Jordanian home at breakfast and you will find za'atar on the table, next to olive oil and fresh bread. But not all za'atar tastes the same. Each city and region has its own blend, and choosing the right one makes a real difference. Here is a simple guide to the main types of za'atar we sell at OHL Food.
What is za'atar?
Za'atar is two things: a wild herb from the thyme family, and the famous Levantine blend made from it. The blend mixes dried za'atar leaves with sesame and sumac, and every region adjusts the balance of salt, sumac and herbs.
The main types of za'atar
Za'atar Baladi West Bank (Daffa)
The classic homestyle za'atar, smooth and balanced. If you grew up with za'atar on the breakfast table, this is probably the taste you remember. Shop Za'atar Baladi West Bank.
Za'atar Jabali (mountain za'atar)
Mild and low in salt, with plenty of wild thyme. A great choice if you want the herb to lead the flavor. Shop Za'atar Jabali.
Za'atar Nabulsi (Nablus)
Bolder and saltier, for those who like a strong za'atar. Shop Za'atar Nabulsi.
Za'atar Khalili (Hebron)
Tangy and lemony, with extra sumac. Perfect if you love a sour kick. Shop Za'atar Khalili.
Za'atar Maqdsi (Jerusalem)
A high share of thyme for a deep, herby aroma. Shop Za'atar Maqdsi.
Za'atar Jenin
Perfectly balanced and a great first za'atar if you are new to the different types. Shop Za'atar Jenin.
Za'atar with pomegranate molasses and gluten-free za'atar
Our Za'atar Debs Roman adds pomegranate molasses for a sweet and tangy finish (it contains wheat). If you avoid gluten, choose our Gluten-Free Za'atar, made without wheat or flour fillers.
Quick guide: which za'atar is right for you?
- Everyday classic: Baladi West Bank or Jenin
- Mild and herby: Jabali or Maqdsi
- Salty and bold: Nabulsi
- Tangy and sour: Khalili
- Sweet and tangy: Debs Roman
- No gluten: Gluten-Free Za'atar
How to enjoy za'atar
Dip fresh bread in extra virgin olive oil and then in za'atar. Mix za'atar with olive oil and spread it on dough to make manakish. Sprinkle it over labneh, eggs, salads and roasted vegetables.
Buy za'atar online in the UAE
OHL Food is a Palestinian-Jordanian company that brings za'atar directly from the source. Order online and we deliver across the UAE, including Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman. Browse all our za'atar.