Suhoor, the pre‑dawn meal during Ramadan, traditionally includes hearty, protein‑rich foods to sustain fasting. Modern Middle Eastern families often serve warm sandwiches with smoked meats, labneh, and fresh vegetables, blending tradition with convenience.

In the Levant, suhoor sandwiches may feature labneh, za'atar, halloumi, or falafel. Some regions add pickled turnips, olives, or spicy harissa, while others prefer simple cheese‑filled rolls. The Metavo platter adapts these flavors with smoked meats and modern sauces.

Jordanian suhoor often includes warm flatbread or pita stuffed with labneh, fresh herbs, sliced cheese, and sometimes grilled halloumi or sujuk. It is usually accompanied by olives, fresh tomatoes, and a cup of mint tea.

While suhoor is a daily ritual during Ramadan, a lavish sandwich platter is also prepared for Eid al‑Fitr brunches, family gatherings, and special night‑time celebrations such as Laylat al‑Qadr, where extra nourishment is welcomed.

Authentic ingredients include labneh, smoked or cured meats (basturma, sujuk), fresh peppers, and Arabic breads like fino or pita. Modern substitutes can be smoked turkey, cheddar sauce, or store‑bought hot‑dog sausages, as used in this Metavo recipe.

Common errors include over‑cooking the egg mixtures, letting the hot‑dog sauce dry out, and assembling the sandwiches too early which makes the bread soggy. Keep heat moderate, monitor egg set‑time, and assemble just before serving.

Ghee has a higher smoke point than butter and adds a distinctive nutty aroma common in Middle Eastern cooking. It also keeps the fillings richer without burning, which is why the creator chose it for the basturma and pepperoni egg mixes.

Yes, you can prepare the hot‑dog mixture, basturma‑egg, and pepperoni‑egg fillings up to step 7. Store each in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat gently before assembling the sandwiches.

The mixture should be fluffy with soft curds of egg, glossy from the melted mozzarella, and speckled with thin basturma strips. It should not be dry or overly browned; a slight sheen indicates proper moisture.

The YouTube channel Mai Maher focuses on creative, modern twists on traditional Middle Eastern home cooking, often featuring high‑quality ready‑made meat products, quick‑prep meals, and festive suhoor or iftar ideas.

Mai Maher blends authentic flavors with convenience, showcasing premium brands like Metavo and emphasizing fast, visually appealing dishes for busy households. Unlike many channels that stick to classic recipes, she often experiments with fusion sauces and presentation styles while keeping the cultural roots intact.