What does the name maqluba literally mean for this Levantine rice dish?

The name maqluba literally means “upside-down,” describing how the finished dish is served.

Maqluba is made by layering rice with vegetables and meat, often eggplant, cauliflower, potatoes, lamb, or chicken, in a pot. After cooking, the pot is carefully inverted onto a serving platter so the ingredients form a compact mound with the browned vegetables visible on top.

The dish is associated especially with Palestine, Jordan, Syria, and Iraq, although recipes vary from household to household. Spices such as cinnamon, allspice, cardamom, and turmeric may be used depending on the regional version.

Its dramatic presentation makes maqluba a popular dish for family gatherings. The name describes the serving action, not one fixed ingredient list. Thus, versions containing cauliflower rather than eggplant are still maqluba, provided the layered dish is turned out upside down.