The United Arab Emirates (UAE), has diverse kinds of people and practices as well as various types of food that are derived from many countries and their backgrounds. Emirati cuisine excites the palate with aromatic spices and succulent meats creating a unique symphony of flavors. Whether you Walk through the crowded streets of Dubai or enjoy a meal at Abu Dhabi, finding out on the right Emarati dishes is an essential part of your UAE adventure. This gastronomic guide is therefore about the Emirati dishes worth trying.
Al Harees: A Culinary Tradition
Al Harees is an Emirati speciality and is served on special occasions and holidays. This dish demonstrates the simplicity of Emirati cuisine, and it is mainly composed of meat, wheat, and just a pinch of salt. Together, they are mixed in clay pots, which are buried in a pit with sand, and it takes many hours until it gets slow-cooked, resulting in a unique porridge-like texture.
Despite the fact that Al Harees might be connected with holidays and celebrations, it’s available at eateries throughout the state as well as in cultural activities demonstrating Emirati cuisine.
Shawarma: The Street Food Staple
Despite its Levantine origin, shawarma is now an integral part of street foods within the UAE. The thinly sliced marinated meat in most cases is either chicken or lamb placed vertically onto a rotisserie. Meat is later shaved in a hot plate. It’s then offered with garlic sauce, tahini, pickle and put in flatbreads or wraps.
Shawarma is popular in the UAE and they are all over at places where there is a lot of activity such as Al Fahidi Street in Dubai and Corniche in Abu Dhabi. Other local kebab joints as well as various international fast-food chains offer their versions of this famous street food.
Majboos: The Fragrant Rice Dish
The Majboos (Kabsa) is another tasty dish that incorporates the popular Emarati spices. Majboos is usually made with Basmati rice, meat, especially chicken or lamb, along with many other wonderful flavoursome spices such as saffron, cinnamon and black lime. Fried onions and raisins are usually added to garnish this dish and to add a final touch of sweetness.
Majboos, which is a popular dish, is available in many local restaurants and traditional Emirati food outlets within the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The dish captures the spirit of Arabian hospitality.
Luqaimat: Sweet Fried Dumplings
One of the most delicious desserts in the UAE is Luqaimat, which are very delicious small deep-fried dumplings served during parties or feasts. These golden brown spheres are made of dough containing sugar and yogurt resulting in a soft interior but crusty exterior. These are usually drizzled with date syrup or honey with some sesame seeds sprinkled on top.
Luqaimat is a favorite delicacy in local sweet shops, especially during festivities like Eid. They are also easily available in traditional shops and dessert stores across the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Camel Meat Dishes: A Unique Culinary Experience
Camel meat is one of the highly cherished ingredients in Emirati cuisine, with a distinctive cultural touch on its menu. It is lean and has its own unique taste compared to other kinds of meat like beef or pork. The uniqueness of camel meat is also evident in some dishes like Camel Biryani and Camel Kebabs.
Camel meats may not be so widely accessible; however, some of the traditional eateries serving Emirati food offer such an experience. Such establishments usually take pride in providing and propagating local cuisines.
Arabic Coffee (Gahwa) and Dates: A Cultural Ritual
Hospitality in the UAE includes providing guests with Arabic coffee or Gahwa. This is made of lightly roasted coffee beans and cardamom poured into little cups and served along with dates. The combination of the bitter taste of coffee with that of sweet dates makes for a delightful moment in any social gathering, which is an important cultural ritual.
It is common to find Arabic coffee offered in Emirati households. You will also be treated to a cup of this when you visit the local people. This smoke-flavored beverage is also brewed and served in traditional coffee shops called ‘Gahwa’ houses.
Fish Machboos: Coastal Flavors
The flavorful coastal dish called fish ‘Machboos’ brings us close to the heart of UAE and its association with the sea. Fish (mostly kingfish or hammer) is normally mixed with aromatic spices before being steamed with a plate of basmati rice. A mix of spices containing turmeric, cinnamon, and dried lime creates a flavorful and delicious dish. Fish machboos are normally garnished with fried onions and served with a side of hot sauce.
Some of the good fish Machboos can be found in coastal areas, especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. This coastal favorite can be enjoyed in seafood restaurants and traditional eateries located by the waterfront.
Balaleet: Sweet and Savory Vermicelli
One of the distinct dishes of the United Arab Emirates is known as ballet, which combines sweetness with savoury into one fulfilling mouthful. The vermicelli noodles are simmered with saffron, cardamom and rose water. Sweetened scrambled egg covers the dish making it crispy and sweet in taste at the same time.
Local restaurants tend to serve balaleet as a breakfast option or on special occasions such as festivals. It is available for you in traditional Emirati restaurants and some modern cafes that celebrate local cuisine.
Fatayer: Flaky Stuffed Pastries
Fatayer are flaky pastry stuffed with different delicious fillings giving it more versatility and popularity in the UAE. Some of these common fillings include spiced spinach, cheese, or even minced meat. They are usually shaped like triangles or boat-like forms and their fillings make them savory delights.
It is possible to buy Fatayer from bakeries as well as local markets anywhere across the UAE. These delicacies make a great snack and can complement any other local dish.
Esh asaraya: Heavenly Dessert
“Esh asaraya”, which means “bread of the harem”, is an amazing dessert evolved from this part of the world. Its cream-soaked bread is topped by a mixture of cheesy sweetness. Following this, the dessert is cooked to achieve just the right texture and flavorful sensation.
This heavenly dessert can be bought at local bakeries and confectionery shops across the UAE. If you have the taste for a decadent dessert, you will certainly appreciate its soft silky texture and sweet flavor.
Arabic Sweets: A Symphony of Sugary Delights
No research on Emirati food can be considered thorough if it does not include sampling the tasty Arabian desserts. These intricate and delicious sweets include rose-water, pistachio, date, and aromatic spices. The sweets are usually relished with a cup of Arabian coffee or presented as a token of hospitality. These Arabic sweets represent the region’s rich confectionery heritage.
Must-Try Sweets:
Baklava: Thin sheets of pastry with chopped nuts mixed in honey or syrup.
Ma’amoul: Cookies similar to shortbread and containing a filling of dates, figs or nuts, which frequently are formed in intricate shapes.
Halwa: A thick, sugary dessert that is made by using semolina, tahini or various nuts.
Basbousa: It is a sponge cake made of semolina dunked in simple syrup and dressed up with nuts such as almonds and coconut.
Qatayef: stuffed pancakes, normally enjoyed in the holy month of Ramadan. These sweets are filled with nuts or sweet cheeses and folded into semi-moon shapes.
Sweet souk is a common name of Arabic sweet shops in the UAE. There is an availability of different types of local sweets in these establishments that are located across busy streets and peaceful neighbourhoods.
