Snack · Middle Eastern · Breakfast ·

Fluffy Yemeni Malawah with Black Seed

Name: Fluffy Yemeni Malawah with Black Seed
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Snack
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 tablespoon black seeds (nigella seeds); 3 tablespoons vegetable oil; 3/4 cup warm water; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Malawah is a popular Yemeni bread, known for its fluffy, flaky layers and unique flavor. Often served with honey or savory dips, this bread is a delicious addition to any meal.

4.8(894 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·September 21, 2025

Fluffy Yemeni Malawah with Black Seed — Snack served and photographed from above

Prep

30 min

Cook

1 h 30 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Dough

For the Butter Mixture

Optional Sweet Topping

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 518 kcal
Protein: 5.6 g
Carbs: 48.3 g
Fat: 33.7 g
Fiber: 2.1 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 2589 kcal
Protein: 28 g
Carbs: 241.5 g
Fat: 168.5 g
Fiber: 10.5 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
2 cups all-purpose flour	910	24	190	2	8
1 teaspoon salt	0	0	0	0	0
1 tablespoon sugar	49	0	12.5	0	0
1 tablespoon black seeds (nigella seeds)	40	1.5	2	3	1.5
3 tablespoons vegetable oil	360	0	0	40	0
3/4 cup warm water	0	0	0	0	0
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted	810	1	0	92	0
2 tablespoons vegetable oil	240	0	0	27	0
2 tablespoons honey	128	0	35	0	0
1 tablespoon sesame seeds	52	1.5	2	4.5	1

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Preparing the Dough

1
Combine dry ingredients
In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and black seeds.
2
Add oil and water
Add the vegetable oil and warm water gradually while mixing until a soft dough forms.
3
Knead and rest
Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth, then cover and let it rest for 1 hour.
Tip: Allow the dough to rest for a full hour to achieve the flakiest layers.

Preparing the Butter Mixture

1
Melt the butter
Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
2
Combine with oil
Stir in the vegetable oil until well combined.
3
Keep warm
Keep the mixture warm for easy application.

How to Make Fluffy Yemeni Malawah with Black Seed

Total time: 2 h · Yields 4 servings

1
Shaping the Malawah
After resting, divide the dough into 4-6 equal pieces. Roll out each piece into a thin circle. Brush generously with the butter mixture.
2
Folding the Dough
Fold the circle in half, then into a quarter, creating a layered triangle. Let it rest for 10 minutes.
3
Cooking the Malawah
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and cook each triangle until golden and flaky on both sides, brushing occasionally with the butter mixture.