The most essential food experiences in Dubai

1. The Luqaimat

Doughnut flavour and texture abound in these heated dumplings. Every day, cafés prepare new batches topped with sesame seeds and served with a sticky date sauce. A great spot to taste them is in the morning with some hot coffee at Jumeirah’s Local Bites Café.

2. Knafeh

This pastry dish originated in Palestine and has become a local staple in the UAE. Made with dough, crisp sugar syrup, and sour cheese, it is best eaten immediately. In Deira, one of the most well-liked locations to sample is Qwaider Al Nabulsi. Thousands of people can place orders for this dessert each day during Ramadan as it is served during iftar, the meal Muslims consume at dusk to break their fast.

3. Camel Meat

Although Emiratis have never traditionally eaten camel meat, more and more contemporary chefs in the city are attempting to prepare dishes like camel sliders, camel biryani, burgers, and stews. Camel milk has a slightly higher salt content than cow’s milk but has more protein, less cholesterol, and more iron and vitamin C. Too total to finish a glass? Instead, try some camel milk ice cream. Pistachio, chocolate, and date are just a few varieties available in Arab cafés around the city.

4. Masala at Bab Al Shams

Easily the greatest tandoor in the area, Masala’s cuisine carries intense Indian flavours that instantly take you back to childhood. Dine al fresco at Bab Al Shams and indulge in a three-course dinner Chef Keshaw Jha prepared for vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Masala is a restaurant that celebrates Indian food unlike any other, offering a carefully curated selection of North Indian cuisine!

5. Harees

In Dubai, shares are among the most well-known foods. It is frequently present on Emirati dinner tables and on the menus of some of the best restaurants in Dubai. Due to the time and skill required in its creation, it is frequently served at banquets, weddings, and special occasions. Crushed wheat, minced beef (occasionally chicken), onions, ground cumin, a lot of water, and salt are the ingredients for hares. Emirati hares are regarded as one of the most well-known traditional foods in the nation. It is a significant component of the regional culinary legacy, and recipes are being passed down through the years.

6. Majboos

Due to their popularity among Emiratis, majors are enjoyed by a large number of visitors to Dubai. Recipes from families are handed down over the generations. The dish consists of different kinds of meat served over basmati rice. Emirati majors, which have the unique aromas of strong Arabian spices and a variety of vegetables, are commonly served with chicken. Meat or chicken majors are eaten at many family gatherings and are a mainstay of Iftar meals throughout Ramadan.

7. Luqaymat

A well-known feature of Dubai’s traditional food is the playmat, which is produced for a variety of cultural events conducted around the Emirates. They are regarded as a “must-have” dessert for restaurants and homes, particularly on special occasions. These quaint, sugary pastries have a beautiful golden ball shape and melt on your tongue. The ingredients include sesame seeds, flour, milk, sugar, salt, and a tiny bit of yeast. After the batter is kneaded, it is fried in oil, covered with syrup and left to rest for a while. Some maintain that the origins of luqaymat can be traced back to the Arab world, specifically to ‘awama or halwa al-luqaymat. However, the Greeks also had a variant called loukoumades. Sharbat, the syrup that resembles honey and is used to finish playmat, originated in Turkiye.

8. Madrouba

One of the most well-liked dishes in Dubai is Maroubra, which is equally well-liked in Bahrain and Oman. The most popular type of Maroubra is eaten with chicken but can also be had with fish, lamb, or crushed grains. Garlic, onion, rice, tomatoes, yoghurt, and seasoning are used in its preparation. The use of butter should also be reduced. The recipe’s final step involves beating the ingredients together to create a smooth mash, hence the term “madrouba,” which translates to “beaten” in Arabic. Because it is so digested, this dish is perfect for all ages.

9. Oozie

One of the most well-known foods from the Gulf area is oozie. It appears at significant events like celebratory gatherings and weddings. When family and friends get together to break their fast during Ramadan, oozing with meat also has a special place at the Emirati dinner table. This is a rice-based dish that can be served with chicken or filled into little pastry pockets. It is occasionally topped with a blend of roasted and fried nuts and served with lettuce and yoghurt.

10. Manousheh Pizza

You may sample some of Dubai’s sharp cuisine by ordering the local pizza if you’re searching for the city’s specialities. It is a stretched dough that becomes utterly mouthwatering when stuffed with locally grown foods and unusual toppings like olive oil, aromatic Zaatar spices, and Akkawi cheese. We are not surprised that it is regarded as the greatest street food in Dubai. Make sure you also sample the minced lamb and sweet jams; this restaurant is well-liked by both locals and visitors to Dubai who are searching for a culinary adventure.

With its tremendous growth since the United Arab Emirates was founded in 1971, the city’s culinary sector has risen to match its stature internationally. It’s not far off to say that Dubai is the Las Vegas of the Middle East. The dazzling Emirate is a vibrant, international metropolis with lots of eye-catching charm. It features some of the biggest, most unusual, and tallest attractions on Earth. Explore the must-try foods and experiences in the city with Thrillark’s comprehensive Dubai Food Bucket List.