Dukkah vs. Zaatar — What's the Difference?

Dukkah is a traditional Egyptian condiment consisting of a mixture of herbs, nuts (commonly hazelnuts or pistachios), and spices that is typically used as a dip with bread or fresh vegetables. On the other hand, Zaatar is a Middle Eastern spice blend that includes dried herbs like thyme and oregano, sumac, sesame seeds, and sometimes salt. Both offer unique flavors and are used to enhance various dishes, but their compositions and origins differ significantly.

While Dukkah's composition can vary greatly depending on the recipe, it usually includes coriander, cumin, sesame seeds, and nuts, which are coarsely ground together. This gives Dukkah a distinctive texture and nutty flavor profile. Whereas Zaatar, with its inclusion of sumac, has a tangy, lemony flavor that complements its herbal base, creating a blend that is both aromatic and savory.

Dukkah is often served as a dry dip, with bread first dipped in olive oil and then into the spice mix, making it a popular appetizer or snack in Egyptian cuisine. In contrast, Zaatar is used more broadly across Middle Eastern cuisines as a seasoning for meats, vegetables, and breads, or mixed with olive oil to create a spread for flatbreads.

The use of nuts in Dukkah not only adds to its flavor but also to its texture, making it a crunchy addition to salads, soups, or even pasta. Zaatar, lacking in nuts, relies on the flavors of its herbs and spices to complement dishes, and its versatility extends to being a topping on yogurt or cheese.

Despite their differences, both Dukkah and Zaatar share the trait of being highly customizable spice blends. Chefs and home cooks alike adjust the ingredients to suit their tastes or to highlight local flavors, making each blend unique to its creator.