Maqluba
The famous showpiece of Palestinian and Levantine cooking: harmonious layers of caramelised aubergine, chicken and spiced rice. The fibre in the aubergine and the chicken protein slow the absorption of the rice starch, for a moderate index (55).
Glycemic index
Glycemic load
Calories
Protein
💡 Smart Nutritional Guidance
Consumption advice
A wonderful complete family dish; serve yourself a portion that is half aubergine and chicken and a quarter rice, with a cucumber-yoghurt salad on the side.
Best preparation methods
Roast the aubergine slices in the oven with a brush of olive oil instead of deep-frying them; you save hundreds of calories and avoid absorbing burnt oil.
Important Nutritional Note
For people with diabetes or insulin resistance, it is always recommended to consider the total glycemic load (GL) of the meal rather than relying on the glycemic index alone.
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per typical portion (250 g) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 295 kcal | 737.5 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g | 45 g |
| Carbohydrate | 38 g | 95 g |
| Available carbohydrate | 34.5 g | 86.2 g |
| Fat | 8.5 g | 21.2 g |
| Dietary fibre | 3.5 g | 8.8 g |
The typical portion is approximate, for comparison purposes.
Comparison & smarter alternatives
Among the foods in Arabic dishes with a glycemic index (24), it ranks 21 (lowest first).
Lower-GI alternatives:
Frequently asked questions
Is Maqluba good for weight loss?
It can be included in moderation: it contains 3.5 g of fibre per 100 g, which supports fullness, and a 250 g portion gives 738 kcal.
How does Maqluba affect blood sugar?
Its glycemic index is 55 (Low), a clinically reviewed estimate rather than a laboratory measurement. A typical 250 g portion has a glycemic load of 47.4 (High), so it is best to reduce or split the portion and combine it with protein and fibre.
What is the nutritional value of a typical portion of Maqluba?
A typical 250 g portion of Maqluba provides about 738 kcal, 45 g protein, 95 g carbohydrate, 21.2 g fat and 8.8 g fibre.
Reviewed by the WiBo Health medical team · Last reviewed 13 October 2026
Disclaimer: This guidance is for nutritional lifestyle orientation and does not constitute a diagnostic medical device under EU Regulation MDR 2017/745.