essay about traditional food in uae

• City Sightseeing
• Dinner Cruise
• Luxury Yachts
• Things to do in Dubai

The Traditional Food of UAE – A complete guide to Emirati cuisine

These days you can find any food in Dubai. Anything from east to west. Sometimes if you go to a restaurant and ask for Chinese food, they might get confused. You might need to be a little more specific because there is so much of everything. 

So what is traditional Emirati food? This particular question is often asked by those who visit Dubai. The fact is that Emirati cuisine has undergone many changes in the past century. Most of those living in Dubai have not eaten authentic Traditional food of the UAE. Even the young Emiratis don’t have them every day, especially those who live in the more cosmopolitan parts of the country, like Dubai.

Even when you go to an Arabic restaurant, most of the items on the menu are Lebanese or Egyptian dishes. Hummus, one of the most loved dishes in the UAE, is, in fact, Levantine in its origin. And that’s okay because traditions and cuisines undergo many givings and takings as they evolve. But for now, we are wearing the hat of gastronomical puritans.

Click here to read about the traditional dress of the UAE .

Traditional Emirati Food

Like everywhere, Emirati food reflected the region’s culture, climate, and resources. It has undergone many changes. After discovering oil and the influx of ex-pats, their cuisine underwent many changes. For instance, chicken meat is a relatively new addition to the food habit in Dubai. Before that, they used camels, goats, and other birds like Houbaras for meat. Because of the prevalent fishing trade among emiratis, fish was a significant part of the dishes.

Here we look at the main dishes considered native by the Emiratis themselves. We will cover them individually, from breakfast dishes to dinner and desserts.

Emirati Cuisine

Traditional emirati breakfast dishes.

The Baleetat is a combination of sweet and salty elements. It is a breakfast dish made with an omelet and vermicelli. Sugar, cinnamon, saffron, cardamom, orange blossom, or rose water are added for flavor. Spices are added to the sweetened vermicelli, and the whole preparation is topped with a thin egg omelet.

The Balaleet is a breakfast food and a dessert at the same time. It is an inevitable part of the Iftars and Eid celebration for Emiratis. A close relative of Balaleet can be found in other cuisines. The Persian Faloodeh and Indian Sheer Khurma are similar ceremonial dishes made of vermicelli.

Balaleet is served warm for breakfast, while it should be cold when eaten as a dessert. Sometimes garbanzo beans and black-eyed beans also accompany Balaleet. Legends have it that Balaleet became a part of Emirati cuisine when they experimented with pasta.

Beidh Wa Tomat or Shakshuka

In simple terms, Shakshuka is just scrambled eggs with tomato and pepper. On top of the tomato, there will be thyme and coriander. Instead of scrambled eggs, there is a different shakshuka style with poached eggs. Shakshuka is a simple and nutritious breakfast dish that can be made with everyday ingredients and a single skillet.

Chabab Bread – Emirati Pancake 

A thin, crisp, and sweet bread that looks and feels a lot like an American pancake. The main ingredients of chebab bread are flour, egg, melted butter, and yeast. Some Fennel and a dash of turmeric will make it even better. The name Chabab comes from cooked bread until it’s light brown or golden yellow on both sides.

The Chabab bread and Chami cheese (or Kraft cream cheese) are usually served together. Chami is a salty cheese made from buttermilk. Date syrup and honey will top the chebab bread. Sometimes It is garnished with sesame seeds as well. Serve this breakfast dish hot.

Khameer Bread

This can easily qualify as the softest bread in the world. Khameer bread is a round, puffy flatbread with two layers that separate easily. Instead of sugar, dates are used to sweeten this bread. Fennel, saffron, and cardamom are flavoring agents in the bread. It would help if you had an oven to make this. In the old days, Arabs used coal ovens to bake khameer bread.

The khameer bread might remind you of the burger bun with a sprinkle of sesame seeds garnished on top. While eating, you can split the layers and fill the butter or cream inside. The bread is so soft that a fresh Khameer will melt with a touch of your tongue.

Khubz Regag – Raqaq Bread

Reqaq is a crispy paper-thin bread made of whole wheat flour. The dough is flattened and cooked in a pan or a hot iron plate. This is almost similar to the Indian flatbread chapati. The name Reqaq itself is from the Arabic word Reqa, meaning thin.

This is the most common type of Emirati bread and a staple regularly made in Emirati homes, especially for dinner during Ramadan. Reqaq is served with the meat dish Tharyd (Fareed in some dialects). If you like it sweet, roll the bread, pour some honey, or have it with cheese and sugar.

Dango – Boiled chickpeas (دانقو)

Basically, this is boiled chickpeas but with red chilies and spices. The dish lasts long without spoiling. Hence, Arabs carried this with them on long journeys through deserts. Dango can be prepared on a whim. And for that reason, it is also a popular evening snack.

Dango is an Emirati take on the Levantine Hummus. But instead of making the chickpeas into a paste, they are boiled to soft with salt and spices.

The chickpeas must be soaked overnight to shorten the cooking time. The water used to boil the peas is not thrown away. It is reused to prepare soups and stews.

Traditional Lunch Dishes of the United Arab Emirates

Hareeth .

The Hareeth is ancient and the most needed dish during ceremonies and gatherings. The preparation method is unique and time-consuming. It takes at least 3 hours of continuous boiling. It will take even longer if the meat is added.

Hareeth is a wheat porridge with meat and ghee. The wheat must be cooked for three hours in salted water until it fluffs up. That will take about 3 hours. Then the meat is added to the mix and heated to form a thick porridge.

After cooking, some ghee is added on top. Hareeth is always served hot. You can have it plain or with a bit of sugar. Some also do it dressed with chopped onion. After all the hours of cooking, Hareeth is so easy to digest and moreish.

Samak Mashwi

There are several ways to grill a fish, including the Emirati way. Traditionally, Samak Mashwi is cooked in a dome-like barbecue made of clay. Fish is pinned on the stick and put in the barbecue with the other end of the post fixed to the coal bed at an oblique angle.

Date paste mixed in the marinade gives it a unique taste from other grilled fish. To properly fix the fish on the stick, you need a big fish, preferably around and fat. The fish is cooked unscaled, and the scales are removed before serving. The scales help keep the flesh from breaking apart in the heat.

Often mispronounced as Fareed, Thereed is a popular iftar dish in UAE. It is preferred for breaking fast because it is light on the stomach. Thereed is a meat stew with large pieces of potatoes. You can make it with chicken or lamb. But if you have a taste for vegetables, make it with that. 

The closest relative to Thereed in any other cuisine is the Tagine, popular in morocco. Thereed combines the rich flavors of meat and potatoes with vegetables. If you want to enjoy it the best, have it with Raqaq bread.

Rice was not originally a part of the traditional food of the UAE. A few centuries ago, Emirati Arabs borrowed it from Indian and Persian traders. Before that, the main cereal was wheat. Machboos is the most popular rice dish in Emirati cuisine. It’s loved by both locals and ex-pats alike. But their way of preparation is different.

Machboos can be prepared with chicken, lamb, or fish. The main flavorings are cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, lemon, and sometimes saffron. Machboos is, in fact, an Emirati adoption of Indian biryani. Among all types of Machboos, lamb Machboos are the crowd favorite.

Lamb Ouzi is a delicious and much-coveted dish in Emirati cuisine. Ouzi is rice prepared with spices and lamb meat. Almonds and pine nuts are also a part of the final preparation. If you want to enjoy lamb meat in the best way possible, Ouzi is the answer. In every Emirati function, you will find this in the center of the table in a large container.

This dish has to be cooked in large quantities. Therefore, it is a perfect option for large groups. So when guests visit Emirati homes, Ouzi is to be expected. But Ouzi has to be planned as the lamb requires marination 24 hours before cooking. Have Ouzi with some yogurt and tomato sauce.

Traditional Desserts of UAE

These are sweet fried dumplings made of milk, sugar, butter, and flour and covered in date syrup. Luqaimat is undoubtedly the most famous traditional dessert. Though a bit calorific, these are too good to resist.

The outside of Luqaimat is crunchy, while the inside is soft and spongy. They are dipped in date syrup and garnished with sesame seeds. Flavoring is done with cardamom and saffron. Just like the dessert, Luqaimat in Arabic means small or bite-sized.

Aseeda – عصيدة

A classic dessert made of pumpkin. This pudding, also known as Assidat al Boubar, is mildly sweet. Apart from pumpkin, flour, cardamom, saffron (okay, by this time, you know that Emiratis add cardamom in almost everything), and sugar are the main ingredients. Add rose water and honey for flavor and nuts on top for decoration. And have it warm for the best taste.

Al Batheetha

This is a simple yet delicious dessert made of dates. The date paste, wheat flour, and nut of your choice are baked with spices like cardamom and ginger to prepare Batheetha. It would help if you used soft dates like Medjool or Sukkary.

You can see Batheeth in all shapes, flat like a cookie or like a ball, but most balls. You might also see it decorated with sesame seeds and nuts. It can also last a few days without spoiling.

Batheetha is but more of a cookie made of dates than a dessert. Emiratis’ favorite snack with Arabic Coffee is, therefore, not cookies. 

Experience the Emirati Cuisine and Arabic Traditions

Every cuisine in the world has its unique tastes. The signature of the Traditional food of the UAE is the ubiquity of cardamom, thyme, and saffron. They are also heavily reliant on meat and poultry.

Some mistake Levantine dishes like shawarma, Kunafa, and falafel for Emirati dishes. Levantine and Palestinian dishes have more vegetables and leaves than Emirati cuisine. Generous usage of the olive oil well is a characteristic of Levantine cuisine.

If you are interested in the heritage and culture of the United Arab Emirates and its people, then take a Dubai desert safari trip to the desert. The desert safari will tell you about the Bedouins and how they lived.

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

15 Traditional Emirati Food: UAE Cuisine

Without a doubt, the UAE is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world, especially when you visit the cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. And of course, in a place where there’s a variety of cultures, there’s bound to be a wide range of cuisines.

In Dubai, for instance, there are numerous restaurants that serve international cuisines like Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Mediterranean, Mexican, and so on. For this article, though, we will focus on traditional UAE cuisine. In case you haven’t tried them yet, the following Emirati dishes are definitely a must-try!

1. Balaleet

5. machboos, 6. khobz al khameer, 8. luqaimat, 11. samak mashwi, 12. shakshuka, 13. shawarma, 14. tabbouleh, bonus: arabic coffee, list of traditional emirati food to try.

Emirati cuisine reflects Arabian heritage and shares similarities with the food in neighbouring countries, like Oman and Saudi Arabia. With the passage of time — due to travel, trade, and interaction with other nations — you may also notice the influence of Asian cuisines.

Notably, the common ingredients for UAE dishes include meat, fish from the Persian Gulf, and of course, dates. Without further ado, here’s an overview of traditional Emirati food that you should try during your stay in the country!

For breakfast, “balaleet” is a popular choice among Emiratis. It is actually a noodle dish made from vermicelli; its flavour is both sweet and savoury. The vermicelli noodles are sauteed and then boiled. Afterwards, the dish is sweetened with sugar, cardamon, rose water, saffron, and turmeric.

Balaleet is typically served with scrambled eggs or an omelette on top. If you want, you can serve some potatoes or sauteed onions, as well. During Islamic holidays, this dish is usually served as the first meal of the day. Cool!

Another popular breakfast dish in the UAE is the “chebab,” which is kind of like a pancake. It is made with spices such saffron and cardamom, resulting in a delicious and aromatic dish. Chebab is usually served with date syrup and cheese. Yum!!

“Ghuzi” is considered as one of the UAE’s national dishes; it is a dish that consists of rice and slow-cooked meat. Rice? Slow-cooked meat? Sounds awesome already!

There are actually different ways of cooking and preparing ghuzi. It usually starts with marinating the meat (usually goat or lamb) in spices such as bay leaves, cardamom, cinnamon, garlic, ginger, and saffron — for 8 hours at least.

After marinating the meat, some people prefer to wrap it in date palm leaves and place it in a submerged oven; while others prefer to cook it in an oven for about 4 hours. When the meat is cooked, it is placed on a bed of rice and roasted potatoes, then garnished with currants, raisins, and roasted nuts.

During the month of Ramadan, “harees” is often served in the UAE. It is a nutritious and filling dish that is similar to porridge.

Harees is made from “bulgur” (cracked wheat) that is boiled, mixed with meat (usually lamb or chicken), and seasoned. It is then garnished with cinnamon, ghee, pistachio, raisins, and sugar — depending on the diner’s taste and preference.

“Machboos” is another popular dish that is considered as one of the UAE’s national dishes. Just like ghuzi, it contains meat and rice, although this time, the meat and rice are cooked together in the same pot. That’s why the dish is also called “kabsa,” since the Arabic word “kabasa” means “to press or squeeze.” In machboos, all the ingredients are pressed or squeezed into one pot!

The meat used in machboos could be chicken, lamb, goat, beef, camel, shrimp, or fish. It is marinated in spices such as chili powder, cloves, cumin, and garlic, then “browned” in cooking oil. Afterwards, the meat is braised in water containing chopped tomatoes, coriander powder, dried lime, garlic, onions, and turmeric powder.

When the meat is almost cooked, soaked rice is added to the pot and cooked slowly until all the liquid has been absorbed. Other ingredients like almonds, peanuts, pine nuts, and sultanas may be added. What a truly rich-tasting dish!

“Khobz al khameer” is a hollow bread that’s usually served for breakfast. The ingredients are basically the same as other yeast breads that are served in other parts of the world. It is cooked with ghee and often includes a pinch of spices like cardamom and turmeric. Sesame seeds are then sprinkled on top.

Typically, khobz al khameer is served with cheese and date syrup. You can also fill the hollow part with date paste or other fillings. Delicious!

Who’s up for a sweet snack or dessert? We’re talking about the “kunafa,” which is pastry soaked in sweet syrup and layered with cheese. Depending on your preference, you can also enjoy kunafa with almonds, cinnamon, pistachios, raisins, lemon juice, rose water, and other ingredients.

The “luqaimat” is another must-try snack or dessert. The batter is made from butter, cardamom, flour, milk, saffron, sugar, and yeast — combined and whipped into a smooth batter. It is then deep fried, resulting in doughnut-like balls that are crispy on the outside, yet soft on the inside!

Once cooked, luqaimat is typically topped with sesame seeds, then served with honey or date syrup. You’ll have to eat it using a toothpick or skewer, since luqaimat can be very sticky!

In Arabic, the term “maqluba” means “upside down” — a fitting name for this traditional dish, wherein the pot is flipped upside down before serving!

What’s in maqluba? This dish is actually cooked in layers. First, there’s the vegetables, including cauliflower, eggplant, fried tomatoes, and potatoes. Secondly, you add the meat — usually lamb or chicken. Finally, you add the rice.

Once everything is cooked, the pot is flipped upside down onto a serving dish, resulting in a delicious, savory, and tasty maqluba! To finish, you can garnish it with chopped fresh parsley and pine nuts. Serve with some yoghurt and salad, and you’re good to go!

Similar to a crepe, the “rigag” is made of just three ingredients: flour, water, and salt. This thin, unleavened flatbread is very popular among Emiratis.

There are two ways to enjoy rigag. First, you can eat it on its own; just spread with cheese, honey, yoghurt, or other ingredients. Secondly, you can serve it as an accompaniment. Rigag can be used as a topping or a side for meat stews and other dishes.

So far, we’ve talked about meat and pastry dishes. This time, let’s discuss a seafood fish! “Samak mashwi” is basically seafood ( e.g. seabream) that is grilled in the traditional Emirati method. First, the fish is marinated in spices such as chili, coriander, cumin, date paste, dried lime powder, paprika, and turmeric. Then, it is grilled with the scales still on (so it can stay moist). The result? A juicy and tasty seafood dish!

“Shakshuha” is nourishing dish made with tomatoes and poached eggs. First, you sautee some bell pepper, chili, garlic, shallots, and tomatoes in a pan. Then, you add some pureed uncooked tomatoes, tomato paste, and honey.

When the tomato base is cooked, crack some eggs into the pan. Allow the egg whites to blend into the tomato base, and leave the egg yolks intact until these are poached. Finally, garnish with some basil leaves and top with your choice of spices. Enjoy!

Of course, this list would not be complete without the “shawarma,” a popular street food dish not only in the UAE, but in other parts of the world! Shawarma consists of flatbread, shaped into a cone and filled with sliced, roasted meat (beef, lamb, or chicken), vegetables, and spices. It is often served with hummus… Yum!

If you’re a vegetarian, don’t worry because we have a “veggie” option on this list, and that’s “tabbouleh!” Basically, this dish is a salad made with cucumber, green onions, parsley, tomatoes, and other ingredients. You can season it with lemon juice, sweet peppers, and mint. A truly healthy and tasty dish, indeed!

And last, but certainly not the least, there’s “tharid.” It consists of stew and flatbread — a combination that is common in most Arab countries. Notably, tharid is often served during Ramadan, to “break the fast” among Muslims.

The stew is usually made with meat ( e.g. goat, lamb, or chicken), combined with potatoes, vegetables, and spices. It is cooked for at least one and a half hours! The dish is then served with some flatbread ( e.g. rigag), which is dipped into the stew. Sounds delicious, don’t you think?!

If you’re having Emirati food for breakfast, lunch, or dinner — don’t forget to have some Arabic coffee, too! What makes this coffee stand out from all the others is the taste; Arabic coffee is usually flavoured with cardamom, cloves, and cumin. These spices definitely add a distinctive flavour to your coffee!

As you can see, Emirati cuisine is truly unique, with its own ways of cooking, preparation, and serving of dishes. As long as you are staying in the UAE, you should certainly make the most of it by trying out the country’s traditional food!

Meanwhile, if you are missing the taste of home… adobo , kare-kare , lechon , sinigang , and sisig , anyone? Don’t worry because there are many places where you can enjoy Pinoy food in the UAE. Check out this list of the best Filipino restaurants in Dubai!

• Latest News
• Emergencies
• Ask the Law
• GN Fun Drive
• Visa+Immigration
• Phone+Internet
• Reader Queries
• Safety+Security
• Banking & Insurance
• Dubai Airshow
• Corporate Tax
• Top Destinations
• Corporate News
• Electronics
• Home and Kitchen
• Consumables
• Saving and Investment
• Budget Living
• Expert Columns
• Community Tips
• Cryptocurrency
• Cooking and Cuisines
• Guide to Cooking
• Art & People
• Friday Partner
• Daily Crossword
• Word Search
• Philippines
• Australia-New Zealand
• Corrections
• From the Editors
• Special Reports
• Pregnancy & Baby
• Learning & Play
• Child Health
• For Mums & Dads
• UAE Success Stories
• Live the Luxury
• Culture and History
• Staying Connected
• Entertainment
• Live Scores
• Point Table
• Top Scorers
• Photos & Videos
• Course Reviews
• Learn to Play
• South Indian
• Arab Celebs
• Health+Fitness
• Gitex Global 2023
• Best Of Bollywood
• Special Features
• Investing in the Future
• Know Plan Go
• Gratuity Calculator
• Notifications
• Prayer Times

From Kitchen to Cuisine: How Emirati foods tells the story of the Nation

• Environment

Why is it important to understand local culture, history and the national community?

What makes Emirati food, Emirati? Why is it important to understand local culture, history and the national communit7? Food helps to tell and understand the UAE history and its rapid changes: recipes have been created and adapted considering the landscape and commerce and, in the past decades, the access to ingredients brought by the development of the country. Cars, roads, refrigerators, and the arrival of foreigners explain the recipe´s variation between mountain, coast and oasis, and how open (or not) certain communities are to innovation in their traditional dishes. In the UAE, Emirati food is presented as culturally important, in three main ways: 1) as a common ground of multicultural conviviality; 2) as gateway for introducing and teaching Emirati culture to foreigners, and 3) as a heritage to be celebrate and preserved.

A national cuisine is always continuously evolving, while it is possible to identify certain patterns of ingredients, flavours and techniques that would build an identity. The UAE is a young nation, and their cuisine is not yet fully consolidated. While we can find a number of dishes considered traditional and a clear differentiation between a home-based familiar kitchen and the Emirati food as is presented in restaurants, there´s no agreement regarding which is the national dish. Different institutions and Tourism and Culture Authorities have embraced projects of promoting Emirati food, together with well-known Emirati chefs, but results were uneven. A more coordinated effort between government and local restaurants is much needed to consolidate an Emirati National Cuisine.

Dr. Eloísa Martín, Associate Professor of Sociology. College of Humanities and Social Sciences, United Arab Emirates University

More From UAE

Abu Dhabi tackles ways to curb food fraud

Question on child custody in case of remarriage

Who pays for unemployment insurance?

Sharjah residents thank volunteers as streets clear up

UAE Digital Government’s advisory on visa cancellation

Weather alert: Beware of foggy conditions in Abu Dhabi

See: Joy at Sharjah Safari as 2nd African elephant born

Clear skies with not much rain in UAE today: forecast

Dubai Police waive traffic fines incurred on April 16

Gaza war tests academic freedom across us campuses, vietnam jails soft drinks tycoon in $40m scam case, dubai fintech summit to take place on 6-7 may.

Get Breaking News Alerts From Gulf News

We’ll send you latest news updates through the day. You can manage them any time by clicking on the notification icon.

Travel Guides

Emirati cuisine – food with a tale of history.

Though the city is known for being one of the most popular hubs in the modern world, Dubai also offers a range of traditional foods for its citizens, residents, and curious visitors. The UAE ’s traditional cuisine shares a number of similarities with neighbouring countries, including Omani food, Saudi Arabian food, and a few Asian dishes as well. Thanks to the rise of globalisation, modern Emirati food includes elements of other cultures, resulting in fusion dishes that incorporate elements from cuisines around the world. Staples of Emirati cuisine include meat, fish, and rice, with lamb and mutton being the more favoured meats; tea and coffee are the preferred beverages, with spices like cardamom, saffron, and mint added to give it a distinctive flavour. 

Popular Emirati Dishes

The most popular Emirati dish, and common Arabic food, is the classic shawarma . This is a non-vegetarian delicacy which includes chicken, lamb, or beef, along with a number of vegetables, mixed with mayonnaise, and wrapped in soft flatbread. This wrap is the perfect snack to grab on the go, and restaurants often serve platters of shawarmas as a starter for larger dinners. For vegetarians, the falafel is the perfect alternative. The falafel consists of a deep-fried chickpea patty, combined with fresh vegetables and dressing, wrapped up in flatbread. Falafels , too, are found in almost every restaurant and cafeteria across the city, and are a popular snack for those looking to avoid some meat, or even to try something new.

Though Emirati food is famous for its meat, there are a range of healthier options for those looking to cut back on the calories. A popular dish is Fattoush , a salad made of fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, cucumbers, mint leaves, onion, garlic, lemons, and olive oil, and is often served with Levantine bread. This simple salad is quite filling, and works well as an appetizer or as a full meal. 

Rigag , the Emirati Crepe as some may call it. It is healthier and made with wheat, they’ll add additional toppings as you like, such as egg and cheese.

Fattesh is another popular Emirati dish, and is perfect for an early evening meal. This three-layer dish comprises of bread soaked in stock, with the middle layer made of chickpeas and stuffed aubergines, topped with yoghurt and tahini sauce. People often add parsley and pine nuts to this, for some extra flavour. 

Another popular snack is manakish , a form of flatbread filled with cheese and cooked in an oven. Though this dish is Lebanese, it is popular across Emirati and Arabic restaurants, and many recipes share similarities with other regional cuisines. The flatbread is topped with spices, vegetables, and meats, making it a warm, filling appetizer for the family. 

Machboos is a common main-course meal that’s served in Emirati restaurants, and is a rice dish with a variety of meat, vegetables, and spices arranged in layers and slow-cooked in an oven. The spice mixes are found in Arabic stores across the region, and the addition of limes gives it a certain tangy flavour. This is popular with citizens as well, with most Emirati restaurants serving variants of this dish.

Emirati desserts are quite popular as well, with one local favourite being kunafa . This dessert is a sticky pastry made of sweet cheese that is baked in shredded phyllo dough, and soaked in sugar syrup. The dish is quite popular around the middle east. Luqaimat is quite present around as well, deep fried dough similar to donuts and drizzled with date syrup.

Coffee, of course, is an important part of the meal, and many restaurants provide endless supplies of Arabic coffee to sip on alongside your meal. The traditional gahwa (Arabic coffee) is spiced with cardamom, cumin, cloves, and saffron. This rich beverage is often served with fresh, sweet dates, and are a perfect way to start or end your meal. 

Favoured hotspots for food

From local, traditional joints frequented by residents and citizens to more modern restaurants that have re-invented Emirati cuisine, Dubai is a lovely place for those looking to try Emirati cuisine for the first time, and those who love to dine on Arabic food. One popular restaurant is the Aseelah restaurant at Radisson Blu Hotel, near the Creek in Deira. This restaurant is popular thanks to its adventurous take on Emirati cuisine; the chef is from Germany and has spent many years visiting Emirati families to learn traditional recipes, resulting in a fun, fresh take on Emirati cuisine. 

For those looking to enjoy a bite to eat while shopping, Al Fanar located in Festival City Mall is the perfect place to go. The restaurant is large, spacious, and is designed to look like an old courtyard house. The food and décor both bring visitors back to older, pre-oil days; the popular dish here is the machboos , and the authentic food is sure to satisfy even the pickiest of palettes. 

The Dubai Mall, too, has its own share of Arabic restaurants; a popular local spot is Milas, a modernistic space with warm wooden interiors that serves authentic Emirati food. The food is delicious, and guests can choose to start with small cups of Arabic coffee brewed with cardamom and served with sticky dates, before moving to classic dishes like kaboos with hummus , manakish , and other dishes.

Looking to enjoy traditional cuisine with a view? Seven Sands, a restaurant located on the Beach at JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence) features sleek Middle Eastern interiors, with a large terrace overlooking the sea. This restaurant perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Dubai as it covers traditional Emirati classics, along with dishes from the wider region, including sambousas (like Indian samosas but with ab Arabic twist), and kibbeh (meat-filled wheat croquettes). A more popular, local spot is Al Tawasol, in Deira, operational since 1999. This restaurant has traditional floor seating, and guests can enjoy some delicious fattoush , along with a mandi (a Yemeni-based dish), meat slow-cooked in a tandoor and served over a bed of rice.  For those looking for a crash course in Emirati heritage and cuisine, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding in the historic Al Fahidi District is the perfect place to go. Events are hosted by young Emirati volunteers, and guests are encouraged to ask questions about local culture and enjoy traditional dishes that are served while sitting cross-legged on carpets and cushions.

This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to the author’s employer, organization, committee or other group or individual. We take no liability for the accuracy of the information and cannot be held liable for any third-party claims or losses of any damages.

Discover the hidden niches of the world through the lens of a content curator. Monthly once. No BS.

Similar to this

Best Camping Sites in Dubai Editorial Team | Free -->

Things To Do In Pattaya Editorial Team | Free -->

Best places to visit in Muscat Editorial Team | Free -->

Top Things To Do In Bangkok Editorial Team | Free -->

The Perfect Getaway To Thailand Editorial Team | Free -->

• Health & Beauty
• Entertainment

A Culinary Journey: Exploring the Cuisine and Culinary Traditions of the UAE

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a country with high diversity, and despite its small geography, it is beautifully diverse in terms of culture, tradition, and, most importantly, cuisine. The UAE is a hub of international trade and travel, welcoming people from all over the world, and has an open-minded perspective, which makes its culinary scene unique. The food culture of the UAE is a fusion of several richly flavored dishes, bringing together diverse cultural influences. In this article, we will explore some of the dishes and culinary traditions that make the UAE's food scene unique, crafting a culinary journey through the flavors, techniques, and cultural significance of its cuisine.

Traditional Emirati Cuisine

Emirati cuisine is a delicious blend of local Arabian flavors and diverse international influences. The traditional dishes of the UAE consist of a wide array of ingredients and cooking techniques that have been passed down through generations. Local Emirati dishes are world-renowned for their flavors and ingredients, making them an essential part of any trip to the region.

One of the most popular Emirati dishes is Machbous. This is a spicy yet aromatic rice and meat dish, which is the quintessential Emirati meal. The rice is cooked with several flavorful spices, and a whole roasted chicken or lamb is served on top, accompanied by some caramelized onions. The preparation of Machbous includes the slow-cooking process to ensure that all the flavors are blended perfectly, making it a deliciously filling meal.

Another traditional Emirati dish is Harees - a hearty porridge made from boiled and ground wheat and meat, which is usually lamb or chicken. This dish has been a staple of the Emirati diet for centuries and is now associated with festivities and celebrations, serving as a nourishing meal for the locals.

Influences from the Arabian Peninsula

The Arabian Peninsula is a region full of diverse culinary influences, and the UAE cuisine captures some of the most significant and tantalizing dishes. One prominent example of such dishes is the Yemeni specialty Mandi. Mandi comprises a whole lamb or goat slowly cooked over charcoal, with basmati rice and a delectable blend of spices and herbs, giving it a traditional Arabian flavor.

The UAE has also embraced Saudi cuisine, which is simple, yet delicious with its use of staple ingredients like chicken, rice, and dates. This cuisine is notable for its propensity of spices, especially cumin, giving it a rich, aromatic flavor. One popular dish from Saudi Arabia is Kabsa, which is similar to Mandi, but with additional ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and carrots added. Kabsa is often served as a flavorful, savory meal with steamed rice and sautéed vegetables, together with some tender meat.

Gulf Seafood Delights

The country's strategic location along the Gulf offers a wide variety of seafood delicacies. Gulf seafood forms an intrinsic part of Emirati cuisine, and it is available in traditional preparation techniques or infused with foreign influences. Some popular Emirati seafood dishes include Sayadiyah, Samak Harrah, and Machboos Samak.

Sayadiyah is an iconic dish that is a must-try for any seafood lover. This meal consists of white fish cooked in a zesty tomato dusted with spices and served atop a bed of rice cooked with fragrant spices and saffron. Sayadiyah is a dish that can be found in all Emirati restaurants, and it is often served at special ceremonies and celebrations in the region.

Samak Harrah is a baked fish with tomato, onion, and chili, covered with breadcrumbs. It can easily be identified due to its spicy flavor and delivers a truly savory experience. Machboos Samak, on the other hand, is made of Gulf fish, prepared in the same way as the classic Machbous, but with fish added to the spices and rice.

International Influences

Apart from traditional Emirati dishes, there are numerous international influences that inform the UAE culinary scene. The fast-food chains in the region offer a combination of American, British, and European flavors. However, the UAE's gastronomic scene is also home to an array of international fine dining restaurants, with countless Michelin-starred dining establishments.

Outside of traditional, upscale dining, expatriate communities located within the country have introduced their local delicacies and have spread their influence throughout Emirati cuisine. Chinese, Turkish, Indian, and Iranian treats can be found throughout the country, with creative takes on traditional dishes that provide a unique flavor and dining experience. Emirati modern cuisine gives its chefs the freedom to experiment and fuse varying flavors, creating a new blend of international influences and local delicacies.

Traditional Emirati Beverages

Beverages in the UAE are important due to religious and social reasons. Beverages reflect Emirati culture, and many of them have significant historical context, tradition, and taste. Traditional Emirati beverages embrace local ingredients and preparation techniques, and among the most popular drinks enjoyed in the UAE include Arabic coffee and Karak Chai.

Arabic coffee (also known as Kahwa) is a staple hospitality drink in the UAE. This is a spiced coffee that typically uses freshly roasted beans and is foliated with cardamom, saffron, and rosewater. Served in small cups, it is essential to note that consuming more than three cups of Arabic coffee is generally considered a sign of hospitality and respect.

Karak Chai, on the other hand, is a traditional spiced milk tea that originated in India and has become a popular beverage in the UAE. This drink is often referred to as Masala Chai due to its infusion of spices like cinnamon and ground ginger. It is often served at breakfast or as an afternoon tea.

In the UAE, cuisine is an expression of both the country's history and the influence of its multicultural population. Traditional Emirati dishes rely heavily on the use of local, fresh ingredients while incorporating foreign influences, making UAE cuisine unique from other countries. This diverse range of flavors has made the cuisine of the UAE one of the most satisfying experiences for food enthusiasts. For those seeking adventure in the UAE, culinary tourism is the ideal activity that allows you to explore unique Emirati dishes and experience the extraordinary culture of the region. So go ahead, take a step beyond your comfort zone, and experience the bursting flavors of UAE's culinary delights.

Most Popular

Suggested for you.

Share your moments and explore the perfect mix of modern luxury business and lifestyle stories.

elegant.emirates

Elegant Emirates is the premier lifestyle and culture magazine that captures the essence of luxury.

Make your Inbox more interesting.

Every alternate week get a packaged update from the world of luxury. A newsletter tastefully curated by the luxurylifestyle.ae

UAE Traditional Food: A Culinary Journey Through Rich Heritage

• January 19, 2024
• uae traditional food
• UAE Traditional Food: A Culina ...

Introduction

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a land of rich cultural heritage, and one aspect that beautifully reflects this is its traditional food. The cuisine of the UAE is a harmonious blend of flavors, reflecting the country’s diverse history and influences. Join us on a gastronomic journey as we explore the vibrant world of UAE traditional food.

Popular UAE Traditional Dishes

Shawarma: A Savory Delight

One cannot talk about UAE traditional food without mentioning Shawarma. This iconic dish consists of succulent slices of meat, typically lamb or chicken, seasoned to perfection and wrapped in a warm flatbread. The tantalizing aroma of Shawarma wafting through the air is a common scene across the streets of the UAE, making it a go-to choice for locals and visitors alike.

Al Harees: The Slow-Cooked Favorite

Al Harees is a dish that embodies the essence of patience and tradition. Prepared during special occasions, this slow-cooked delight involves a mix of meat, wheat, and a pinch of salt. The ingredients are combined and cooked in a clay pot for hours until the flavors meld into a hearty, wholesome dish. Al Harees is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of time-honored cooking methods.

Al Machboos: A Rice-Based Delight

Al Machboos is a flavorful rice dish that takes center stage in UAE traditional cuisine. Comprising fragrant rice, meat (often chicken or lamb), and a blend of aromatic spices, Al Machboos is a symphony of tastes and textures. The dish is often garnished with fried onions and raisins, adding a delightful crunch and sweetness to the overall experience.

Luqaimat: Sweet Dumplings for Dessert

No meal is complete without a touch of sweetness, and Luqaimat serves this purpose perfectly. These golden, bite-sized dumplings are deep-fried to a crispy exterior while maintaining a soft and fluffy inside. Drizzled with date syrup or honey, Luqaimat is a dessert that satisfies both the sweet tooth and the craving for something indulgent.

Culinary Influences on UAE Traditional Food

Historical Context of Cultural Influences

The diverse cultural influences on UAE traditional food are deeply rooted in its history. The region’s strategic location at the crossroads of various civilizations has resulted in a melting pot of culinary traditions. Persian, Indian, and Arabic influences can be traced in the spices, techniques, and flavors that define UAE’s traditional dishes.

Modern Twist on Tradition

While UAE traditional food proudly preserves its heritage, modern chefs and home cooks alike are adding contemporary twists to classic recipes. This infusion of innovation keeps the culinary scene dynamic and ensures that traditional dishes remain relevant and appealing to a global audience.

Exploring UAE traditional food is more than just a gastronomic adventure; it’s a journey through time and culture. Each dish tells a story, and the flavors linger, inviting you to savor the rich heritage of the UAE. From the savory delights of Shawarma to the sweetness of Luqaimat, these traditional dishes are a testament to the country’s culinary prowess.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Recent Post

Indulge in Opulence: House of Cuts –

• March 22, 2024

Eid 2024: Embracing Faith, Joy, and Unity

• March 7, 2024

Revolutionizing the Future: Technology in UAE

• February 16, 2024

Stay In Touch

• Terms of Use

© 2023. All rights reserved by DubaiWise.ae

• Environment
• Road to Net Zero
• Art & Design
• Film & TV
• Music & On-stage
• Pop Culture
• Fashion & Beauty
• Home & Garden
• Things to do
• Combat Sports
• Horse Racing
• Beyond the Headlines
• Trending Middle East
• Business Extra
• Culture Bites
• Year of Elections
• Pocketful of Dirhams
• Books of My Life
• Iraq: 20 Years On

A guide to Emirati cuisine: The history, the classic dishes and the restaurants to try

Do you know your balaleet from your luqaimat.

Luqaimat balls are one of the most popular Emirati desserts

Emirati cuisine is an edible testament to the history of the region. Much like the society of the country today, modern dishes of the UAE draw influence from those who have come here, yet local basics were borne out of necessity and remain the cornerstones of the cuisine.

What is Emirati food?

The origins of Emirati cuisine come from the Bedouins who roamed the country. With a focus on meat from goats and lambs, as well as fish caught from the Arabian Gulf – notably kingfish and grouper – the food staples are based on what was available at the time. Even chicken is a relatively new addition, becoming more available after the oil boom of the 1950s, with indigenous birds such as the Houbara bustard more common prior to that.

While today there is a growing use of camel meat, with camel burgers appearing in restaurants around the country, it was not an especially common meat to consume in the past. Camel would be occasionally served, in the case of high-profile events such as a VIP wedding, but typically the camel served as a main mode of transport rather than a source of food. Plus, camel’s milk was an important part of the diet.

For centuries, the UAE has been a place for traders in the region to meet and, as such, there has been an influence on Emirati food from those visiting, especially from Iran and India. Spices such as cardamom, saffron and cumin feature in myriad dishes and have been bought and sold in local ports for centuries. But how those spices are incorporated in meals is a key element that defines Emirati cooking.

Musabbeh Al Kaabi, executive chef at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, has a clear idea about what makes Emirati cuisine distinct from others in the region. “The main difference is the use of spices and how they are infused into our dishes,” he says. “Every family has their own unique favourite spice combination, so we roast the ground spices up to their preferred mix and then blend them for added flavour.”

Along with that blend of home-mixed ground spices, Al Kaabi picks out dry lemon and ghee as ingredients that define local cooking.

Popular Emirati dishes

Popular Emirati dishes include harees (wheat and veal slow cooked and mashed with Arabic-spiced ghee); luqaimat (deep-fried dough balls dipped in date syrup); chebab (yeasted pancakes flavoured with saffron and cardamom); balaleet (vermicelli cooked in sugar, saffron and cardamom topped with an omelette); and thereed (slow-cooked stew made of chicken, lamb or goat and roasted vegetables).

To this list, Al Kaabi adds jasheed with white rice and local ghee; kingfish tahtah; and aish wa laham, which is essentially lamb cooked in a traditional way”.

His favourite, and perhaps the local dish you’re most likely to encounter, is chicken or seafood machboos, a dish with rice and spiced meat, often compared to a biryani.

“When I was growing up, I used to spend hours watching my mum cook for us, which inspired me. I learnt so many tips from her,” he says. “I’d invite friends and prepare all the dishes, mainly chicken machboos, which I had learnt from her, and decided that this was something that I wanted to pursue as a career.”

The concept of fowala

When it comes to how Emirati cuisine compares to those of other countries in the Gulf, Faisal Naser, chef and owner of Lento in Abu Dhabi, says there are more similarities than differences, but adds: “One eating habit that defines the UAE is called fowala, which is not a dish, but a way of setting up a meal with people sitting around it.

"Fowala consists of mainly fresh fruits, halwa, aseedah, which is made of flour date sugar and ghee, chebab and khameer bread. There’s a special fowala for occasions such Eid and weddings.”

The cuisine is modernising and evolving with access to more ingredients and different styles, but Naser believes preserving the traditions of the past is important. “I’d love to see all Emirati chefs working together to make a database for authentic Emirati recipes, techniques and ingredients, and become a reference for generations to come.

“More Emiratis are entering the F&B industry and developing an interest in becoming chefs, as well as social media encouraging many others to blog recipes and dig deep into this culinary world,” he adds. “We are also starting to see more Emirati-cuisine restaurants emerging, which is something we can be happy about.”

Here are five to try.

Emirati restaurants to try

Al Fanar:  With branches all over the country (and one in London, too), Al Fanar not only offers an authentic taste of Emirati cuisine, but the decor also recreates the home of a merchant in the 1960s and makes for a sensory dining experience.

Al Mashowa:  There are outlets of this local restaurant at City Walk and Riverland in Dubai, and they focus on the seafood element of Emirati cuisine, but with more than 70 dishes on the menu, all of the classics of local dining are also covered.

Logma:  This Box Park restaurant in Dubai offers a casual, modern update of local dining, focusing on breakfast. Its standout dishes are the Logma Benedict – an Emirati take on the classic – and a traditional breakfast featuring breads, cream cheese and date syrup. There's also a branch in The Dubai Mall.

Mezlai:  This Emirates Palace restaurant in Abu Dhabi takes Emirati cuisine to the higher end of the dining experience. In a setting inspired by a Bedouin tent, local dishes featuring rice, fish, lamb and goat are given the five-star treatment.

Mitts and Trays: Run by Amna Al Hashemi, the UAE's first female chef to open her own restaurant, this City Walk Dubai restaurant features Emirati twists on classic dishes, as well as breakfast dish balaleet – an omelette served over sweetened vermicelli – and meat and rice dish ouzi, served in a pastry pouch.

Get the highlights of our exciting Weekend edition every Saturday

This website uses cookies to improve your browsing experience and analyze the use of the website. Learn More

Traditional Emirati Food

Dubai is a food lover’s paradise. The huge influx of expatriates means that one can find cuisine from every part of the globe here – spicy Indian curries, tender Iranian kebabs, rich Italian pastas and more. In the midst of all this, one might even forget the local delicacies the emirate has to offer. You’ll find plenty of Levantine dishes on offer here, including hummus , a smooth dip made of chickpeas and sesame paste, and shawarma , a sandwich made with meat that has been roasted on a spit. However, the traditional Emirati food is its own unique cuisine that pays tribute to the area’s geography, climate and culture. In this post, we will provide a guide to the country’s traditional food and help you figure out what traditional food to eat when in Dubai.

To experience the variety of cuisine Dubai has to offer, check out one of our food tours !

Introduction to the Traditional Emirati Food

Traditional Emirati meals focused on meat from animals such as camels and goats, or fish caught from the Arabian Sea. Today, you’ll see dishes prepared with chicken as well, but the local populace’s access to chicken only really occurred after the oil boom. Before that, the ancient Emiratis would cook indigenous birds such as Houbara bustards.

The ancestors of the local Dubai community, known as Bedouins, were people who travelled across the desert. Because of this, many of the meals incorporate complex carbohydrates, in order to provide the travellers with energy. Most of the dishes have delicate flavoring of spices like turmeric, saffron, cardamom, cinnamon. These are spices that hail from India, indicating the influence that trade with Indian merchants had on their cuisine.

To learn more about life in Dubai before the oil boom, check out one of our Old Dubai Walking Tours

For a main course, one-pot dishes tended to be the most popular option for those who dwelled in Old Dubai. This is because they reduced the number of dishes to wash (important in a desert climate) and simplified the food’s transportation (useful for people who were often travelling). If you want to eat a traditional, local meal in Dubai, some good menu options to try are:

Harees is one of the most popular Emirati dishes and is frequently served at weddings in addition to religious holidays. It's preparation involves cooking meat together with wheat in a pot, along with a generous dash of salt. The mixture is cooked until the meat melts into the wheat, and the combination is thickened over coals. The final result is very moreish.

Thereed is a rich and comforting stew, similar to a Moroccan tagine. The stew combines succulent meat with a selection of slow-roasted vegetables – potatoes, tomatoes, marrow and pumpkin. What makes it unique, however, is the addition of the thin Emirati flatbread known as rigag . The bread is generally placed at the bottom of the dish, with the stew layered on top of it. This allows for the flavors of the stew to really sink in.

This is a rice dish made with meat or fish, similar to an Indian biryani. What really sets it apart is the fragrant combination of spices used to flavor it – turmeric, cumin, cardamom and saffron, to name a few. The secret ingredient is the addition of a dried lemon, known as loomy . It provides a brightness and a zest that really makes the dish.

Over the years, the Emiratis have developed a great collection of desserts and sweet. Our favorite traditional Emirati desserts are:

This is probably the most popular traditional Emirati dessert. It consists of small deep-fried dumplings, that are then soaked in a sweet, sticky date syrup known as dibbs . These little things are addictive and an absolute must-try.

This is a dish made from vermicelli noodles and eggs. The mixture is cooked with sugar and spices, to create a salty-sweet dish that brilliantly combines the crunchiness of the noodles with the fluffiness of the eggs. This dish is sometimes had for breakfast as well (at least it has protein!).

Where to go

Of course, we would be remiss in telling you about what traditional food to eat in the UAE with telling you where to go to find traditional food.

Our top picks for restaurants that serve the local food of the UAE are:

Seven Sands

This restaurant is named after the seven emirates. Located in the trendy JBR area, it boasts striking décor in a bold Arabian aesthetic – great for any selfies you want to take.  It also has a great variety of non-alcoholic drinks – try the date frappé (not exactly traditional, but still delicious)

This restaurant has multiple branches in the UAE. You can find it in Festival City Mall, Town Center Mall and Jumeirah Road.  Its extensive reach is a marker of just how good the food is, and furthermore the plethora of Emirati diners behind its doors just highlights it. The décor is meant to mimic the inside of a traditional Emirati house, which provides a great ambiance.

Arabian Tea House

This eatery boasts a prime location in Dubai’s historic Al Fahidi district. When it comes to tradition, it’s hard to get a more authentic ambiance. The restaurant offers a combination of local Emirati fare, pan-Arabian favorites and even a few continental options such as pasta, which makes it a great option for tourists.

Karak and Rigag

This is a budget-friendly option. Try coming here for some luqaimat served with karak (strong tea). You can further more find a selection of Arabic breads, which you can have plain or with fillings like cheese or potato chips. Not the most traditional, but a great way to try some modernized versions of the old favorites.

We hope you find our guide to traditional Emirati food in Dubai helpful. If you want more recommendations on what to eat when in Dubai, leave us a comment and we’ll help you out. Alternatively, why not try one of our food tours to have an experienced guide walk you through the different cuisines of the United Arab Emirates?

Choose a Destination... I want them all PLUS general travel tips. Amsterdam Berlin Boston Charleston Chicago Dubai Lisbon London Los Angeles Miami Nashville New York City New Orleans Paris Philadelphia Prague Rome San Francisco Washington DC

About The Author

North America

United kingdom & ireland, middle east & india, asia & oceania.

Danni in the Desert

Traditional food of uae; 11 emirati dishes to try in dubai.

The food culture of Dubai and UAE is vibrant and diverse, with a blend of flavours that showcase its unique identity. You may have visited Dubai before or lived in Dubai for many years yet never tried Emirati food! So let’s change that!

Emirati cuisine has lots of tantalizing recipes with lots of exotic spices .

After living in the region for over 10 years , these are the best restaurants in Dubai for the traditional food of UAE ! Truly tasty eateries that serve traditional Dubai food.

People get confused between Arabic food and Emirati food, there are many shared dishes across the Middle Eastern but only certain dishes are Emirati.

Shawarma, Falafel etc are not Emirati! Kunafa is Palestinian!

Yes, you may find them served at an Emirati restaurant, but they are not Emirati dishes!

This is a guide to authentic Emirati dishes . Plus which restaurants in Dubai are the best for trying each dish. Make sure to try a tasty cup of Karak chai too while you’re here!

*This article contains affiliate links; as an Amazon Associate and a member of other affiliate programs, I earn a commission when you click a link and make a qualifying purchase. (See link to full disclosure below).

🧑‍🍳 Book an Emirati food cooking class 🧑‍🍳

Table of Contents

The traditional food of UAE

We’ll go through some of the key dishes that make up the traditional food of the UAE along with the restaurants I recommend in Dubai to try each of these.

Also called Reqaq. This is a traditional Emirati food that is popular with breakfast or as a snack. The word raga means thin in Arabic and this is because it’s a very thin crispy bread. Similar to a crepe but more crunchy!

The traditional recipe is with cheese and fish sauce spread onto the bread and folded up. Other popular fillings include egg or Chips Oman (another snack popular in the Arabian gulf). You can have all four in one wrap if you like! Or if you like it sweet, have it with Nutella instead.

It’s best eaten fresh off the griddle pan. So make sure to drive and eat it hot! Al Labeeb doesn’t have any chairs as typically people will take it back to their car and sit there to eat it.

It’s also a great cheap meal, costing between 4 and 6 AED depending on what filling you have. Cheese and egg with a dash of chilli sauce is another popular choice. The fish sauce is unique to the UAE where a similar bread in Oman is usually served with cheese and honey for breakfast.

Where to eat it in Dubai

Al Labeeb Grocery – Jumeirah

This small open kitchen in the front part of a grocery store is the most famous in Dubai for its Regag. You might not expect it looking from the outside but we definitely recommend to visit this one for Regag. The only downside is parking can be difficult and there’s sometimes a queue of cars waiting for the regag. Price : 4 – 6 AED ($2 USD)

2. Lugaimat

These are little fried balls, similar to mini doughnuts but with a hint of cardamom. They’re crispy on the outside and spongey in the middle! They’re a popular Arabic dessert across the Middle East. If you ever visit an Emirati home, they will usually always serve these for guests.

It’s traditional to pour date syrup all over them and sprinkle sesame seeds. They’re sometimes served with toothpicks to pick them up one by one or you can just enjoy them with your hands.

You can also have honey if you’re not a fan of date syrup. You’ll even sometimes find a more savoury version with cheese in the middle. Though traditionally they’re served as a dessert but can also be also be a breakfast food.

Lugaimat is very popular during Ramadan in Dubai . Perfect as a quick energy burst after you’ve been fasting all day. You can get a savoury kind with cheese inside but personally I love the traditional style with date syrup. They’re very addictive and you can easily end up eating a whole bowl!

(If you want to try making these tasty little balls check out my Luqaimat recipe here ! )

Also in Arabic it’s actually spelt Luqaimat but Emiraiti and other Gulf Nations pronounce the Arabic “qaf” or ق as a g.

Logma – Dubai Mall

If you’re wanting somewhere relaxed to enjoy a casual meal, Logma is the ideal spot and it’s located in Dubai Mall. Perfect for those wanting to enjoy the tourist sights and stop for a spot of Emirati food along the way.

Price : 35 AED ($10 USD) Website

Arabian Tea House – Al Bastikiya, Umm Sueqim & Jumeirah

These cafes are so cute and are a must visit then in Dubai! You’ll be taking photos for the Gram due to their beautiful blue and white interiors. I’ve always had a good experience with both the food and service when visiting here.

Cost: 28 AED ($8 USD)

3. Balaleet

This is slightly more unusual breakfast food. The bottom is sweet vermicelli noodles flavoured with cardamon and saffron. With an omelette placed on top.

This mixture of savoury and sweet is quite different when you try it for the first time. It’s definitely a dish that slowly grows on you. Then it becomes a weird Emirati food craving that you’ll have to explain to your friends!

Sikka Cafe – La Mer (Temporarily Closed )

I’m not sure if this restaurant will reopen as La Mer is being redeveloped. This is a shame because it was a really great spot and sadly their other branches seemed to have closed down too. Many of the options below also sell Balaleet.

The restaurant is a nice casual restaurant serving a mix of Emirati, Arabic, Indian and Persian street food. They offer a selection of different breakfast items including Balaleet.

Cost: 26 AED ($7 USD)

These are really tasty pancakes with little air bubbles that make them softer. Like Luqaimat they’re flavoured with cardamon and sometimes saffron.

They’re commonly eaten for breakfast with honey, cheese or date syrup drizzled over them. These are honestly one of my favourites and a must-try!

The Tent – Jumeirah in Umm Suqeim

This restaurant is a nice casual restaurant at an amazing location, looking directly out onto Umm Suqiem Beach. It used to be a much larger restaurant but sadly has been downsized to a food cabin but it is right by the beach. Making it an amazing location. It’s my favourite for breakfast with the sea and sand plus a fresh cup of Karak! Chebbab and the Emirati breakfast is only served until 12, so start your day early and then go enjoy the beach!

Cost: 10 AED ($3 USD)

You may not be familiar with this delicious treat, but it sure is worth a taste. It can be served in different ways and the flavour is something that has to be experienced. This Emirati delicacy has been enjoyed in the UAE for centuries. It’s sweet, spongy, and oh so satisfying.

This is honestly some of the tastiest bread I have ever tasted and when it’s fresh it’s so good! It has a soft spongey consistency and puffs up as it cooks similar to a naan but with a sweet taste instead. The topping of sesame seeds really just finishes it off. Mwah! It’s often served with cheese or honey or date syrup but can be enjoyed as is.

Al Fanar Restaurant – Festival City, Al Seef & Jumeirah

Now a Dubai classic, each restaurant is like travelling back in time. Festival city is its most unique venue, featuring a large tree in the middle of the dining area. This restaurant is a must for those wanting to try Emirati food. You’ll also find plenty of other dishes off the list there if you want one place to try them all!

Cost: 32 AED ($9 USD) Website

6. Machboos

A popular and classic dish in the Arabian gulf. Each gulf country has different spice mixes for this dish so you’ll find it sometimes labelled as “Emirati Machboos” or “Kuwaiti Machboos.”

Traditionally it is made with chicken or lamb and served on a bed of rice. Machboos can also be made with fish. It is typically served on a large plate for everyone to share which is very common as part of the culture in UAE and across the gulf. This is a must for any person wanting to try the traditional food of the UAE and is classed as one of the National dishes.

Aseelah – Deira

Another fusion restaurant, this one is perfect if you’re looking for that higher-end Arabic restaurant. The interiors are very pretty and the reviews are great too! You can choose from al a carte dining or the buffet.

Cost: 76 AED ($21) or 179 AED (49 USD) for the buffet including soft drinks

If you like to eat on the more adventurous side, this Emirati food is for you! This lunch or dinner dish is made from crumbled or minced shark layered on top of rice. Sometimes they style it with alternating layers of shark and rice creating a pretty tower.

Again like the other dishes, you’ll find a very interesting and flavoursome meal due to the spice mixes. Emirati food is traditionally shared so you’ll commonly find restaurants serving portions that are big enough for two. So make sure you take your other adventurous friend with you!

Al Jalboot Restaurant, Umm Suqeim

Of course, right by the fishing harbour is the best place to eat seafood. Not only will you get a lovely view of the Arabian Gulf sea and enjoy the sea breeze but you’ll also know the food is extremely fresh. The restaurant is also reasonably priced.

Cost: 58 AED ($16)

This is one of my personal favourites and is an ideal lunch or dinner for the winter. Though not everyone loves this dish due to its meat porridge-like nature. It is a very traditional food of UAE and one loved by many Emiratis.

The dish is made from slowly cooking meat, usually mutton, with barley for a long period until it becomes a gelatinous consistency with the meat distributed throughout. They then serve it with a big spoon of ghee added on top and sometimes crispy onions.

It isn’t the most beautiful looking of meals, as you can see above, but it really is delicious!

Al Shandagha Restaurant & Kitchen – Umm Suqeim, Al Quoz & Al Hudaiba

If you want somewhere really low-key, as in plastic tables and chairs or to order to take home, Al Shandagha is one of the best. A favourite among locals! Once you try their food you’ll know why. If you’re really wanting something authentic and affordable. It doesn’t get better than here. My absolute favourite place to eat Harees from.

Cost: 22 AED ($6 USD) for a small which I found was two portions for me

9. Thareed / Saloona

This is a yummy meat stew, it’s perfect if you’re wanting something a little bit different to typical Emirati food. It has a tomato based sauce mixed with lots of vegetables and Arabic spices. For fully authentic Emirati style Thareed, it must be served with regag!

This one also has a religious and historical relevance, as it was Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) favourite dish. It’s recommended as a meal for breaking your fast during Ramadan as it’s light but filling.

If you want to try making it, check out my Thareed recipe .

Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant & Cafe – Meena Bazaar

I wouldn’t recommend all of the dishes here for Emirati food since some of them have a more Indian influence here than a traditional Emirati style but they do offer lots of varieties of Thareed (with regag) and Salona, including lamb, chicken or vegetarian. So it’s a great spot to try this yummy stew and you can go shopping for Indian clothes in Dubai’s Little India after!

Price: 76 AED ($21)

10. Shuwaa / Ouzi

Some call this the national dish of the UAE but it’s actually not that commonly served in the UAE and you’ll only typically see it served at Ramadan or very special occasions such as weddings.

This is meat, typically lamb served on a large bed of rice. The meat is wrapped in palm leaves and cooked slowly so the meat comes out really tender. It’s then sprinkled with nuts and served with legumes.

It really looks incredible if you go to a Ramadan buffet as you’ll see these huge pots with a lid and the Ouzi inside!

Where to eat Ouzi in Dubai

Siraj – Souq Al Bahar, Downtown

So this one is actually a fusion restaurant, serving Emirati, Lebanese and Syrian dishes. The inside looks like you’ve been transported to a European cellar which is pretty cool! It is a little bit more on the pricey side due to its prime location in Downtown Dubai! They serve Ouzi all year round.

Price : 81 AED ($22 USD)

11. Margoga

Also sometimes spelt Marguga. This is a traditional Emirati stew type dish, made with either lamb or chicken. It’s called Margoga as it is served with Margoga bread. The dish is similar to Thareed.

It is typically saved for special occasions such as Eid or UAE National Day.

Where to eat Margoga in Dubai

If you want to experience Emirati cuisine in an upscale restaurant and area, Neem Tree Lounge is the place for you. Serving a mix of Middle Eastern cuisine they also have Emirati dishes on the menu including this classic Emirati dish.

Neem Tree Lounge – DIFC

Price : 68 AED for chicken or 92 AED for lamb

Commonly asked questions about Emirati Food

Why have not many people tried emirati food in dubai.

So why is it that many expats have not tried traditional UAE food? It’s due to three factors. 1) Dubai has a huge expatriate population that is larger than the local population. So there are more options for international food than for Emirati food.

2) For a long time, there weren’t many Emirati restaurants. Arabian Tea House was one of the first to open in 1997 and was close to “Old Dubai” rather than the touristy areas of Downtown Dubai or Dubai Marina.

3) Emirati food is mostly either homemade or delivered from small kitchens that you pass by without a second glance. Thankfully now more Emirati restaurants have opened up serving traditional UAE food.

In 2011 Al Fanar opened. Followed by Seven Sands in 2015, located in JBR, finally moving into more expat territory but has sadly since closed down. These were some of the first Emirati sit down restaurants to open.

Al Shandagha however has delivered traditional Emirati food since 1988.

What is the national dish of UAE?

So the UAE doesn’t have an officially declared dish but two are often given as the national dish of UAE and that is Lamb Ouzi and Machboos. Lamb Ouzi is saved for special occasions whereas Machboos is commonly cooked and eaten in Emirati homes. There is also a traditional spice mix called “ Bzar ” which is a key ingredient in giving dishes a traditional Emirati taste.

Bzar is traditionally a mix of cumin, coriander seeds, fenugreek, fennel, cinnamon, black pepper and turmeric but different Emirati houses will have mixes of their own. Some even regard their mixes as ‘top secret’ and won’t share the exact mix they use! For fish or Bzar Samak, they’ll have a similar but slightly different spice blend where ginger is added. Also, the fennel and fenugreek are removed.

What is the traditional food of UAE like?

The breakfast items tend to be quite sweet while the dinner dishes tend to be mostly meat and rice or grains. Fish is also popular due to the closeness of the sea.

Without modern farming techniques and the harsh weather of the desert, most dishes were based on meat, dairy and seafood. As many vegetables or fruits required too much water to survive.

Emirati food had to keep people going for a long time due to their Bedouin lifestyle. So lots of protein and fat was essential. Despite the stereotypes of Arabs eating camels, Camel was rarely eaten due to how expensive the meat was and still to this day it is saved for special occasions. The most common meat was goat and is still popular today.

What influences are there are on Emirati food?

Emirati food was heavily influenced by trade with India and Iran, so there is a mixture of elements from Iranian and Indian food in the traditional food of the UAE. Helping create many of the dishes enjoyed to this day.

While there is an influence from India and they use a lot of spice mixes in the food, this is often without chilli or spices that make it hot. It is very common for a small bottle of chilli to be served with the meal and can be added based on your own personal taste. This makes it far less spicy than traditional Indian food but still full of flavour.

How do you eat the traditional food of UAE?

The traditional way is to eat sitting on the floor with cushions and a plastic covering on the floor. The floor covering is called a sufra.

A range of dishes will be spread out across the floor and everyone shares the dishes. Typically with one large central plate of rice and meat as the main course.

In Khaleeji culture, people eat with their hands rather than using a knife and fork. They take a little bit of meat, some rice and sometimes vegetables and create a ball in their hands. They then use their thumb to kind of ‘fire’ it into their mouths. It definitely takes practice!

Lots of Khaleeji restaurants in Dubai are closed off where you can sit on the floor in private. You take off your shoes before you enter and everyone sits together.

Dubai Food Tours

What better way to experience Dubai’s food and Emirati cuisine than doing a food tour? Check out some of these amazing options from Get Your Guide

🧑‍🍳 Book an Emirati cooking class 🧑‍🍳

Final Thoughts on Emirati Food

I hope you’ve learnt some more about Emirati food and are excited to try some of the traditional foods of UAE. Whether you’re living in Dubai or just visiting, I hope you have an amazing time and enjoy the food!

I highly recommend to try Lugaimat and Harees as it’s really something unique. The Chebabs are equally addictive and make a lovely breakfast. Though its definitely worth trying as many as you can.

If you have already tried some of the dishes off this list, then let me know what you thought of them in the comments. Which are your personal favourites?

Other articles you might like: 9 yummy Arabic desserts you must try if you have a sweet tooth Try my tasty karak tea recipe at home here Easy luqaimat recipe & how you can make your own machine for perfect balls every time Mahalabia, the easy to make but satisfying Arabic milk pudding What is the traditional dress of the UAE ? Emirati clothes

Read more Visit Dubai Guides

*This article contains affiliate links, as an Amazon Associate and a member of other affiliate programs, I earn a commission when you click a link and a qualifying purchase is made. (See Disclosure for more details)

Your blog beautifully captures the rich tapestry of Emirati cuisine, offering a tempting exploration of traditional dishes in Dubai. The distinction between Arabic and Emirati food is so well-explained, and I can’t wait to try these authentic flavors next time I’m in Dubai. Thanks for the culinary inspiration!

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Life in Dubai: 29 things to know before you move

Dubai jetski hire guide; plus 5 best jet ski tours in.

Danni first moved to Dubai in 2013 from her native country of England and fell in love with Dubai and the Arabian Gulf. She loves to share helpful information about Dubai for those planning to visit Dubai or thinking to move to UAE. She prides herself on giving a fully honest opinion of the lifestyle along with insights into the culture that she's learnt in depth due to converting to Islam and marrying a Saudi national. For more about Danni B and to work with her, visit about me

Privacy Overview

• Français
• - Department of Culture and Tourism
• - Approach to Conservation

Add your favorite stories here

• Baynunah Camel Site
• Baynunah Geological Formation fossils
• Bidaa Bint Saud
• Hafit Tombs
• Jebel Hafit Desert Park
• Mleisa Elephant Trackway
• Hili Archaeological Park
• Maqta Conservation Area

• Gahwa (Arabic coffee)

• Abu Dhabi Crafts

• Al-Taghrooda

• Celebrating Eid
• Maritime Life
• Nabati Poetry
• Pearl Diving
• Saluki Dogs

JEBEL HAFEET BEEHIVE TOMBS

500 tombs, 5,000 years, and a necropolis with a story

• Cultural Foundation
• Al Qattara Arts Centre
• Bait Al Oud
• Manarat Al Saadiyat
• National Theatre
• teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi
• Warehouse 421

• Al Ain Oasis
• Al Hili Oasis
• Al Jimi Oasis
• Al Qattara Oasis
• Marawah Island
• Delma Island
• Sir Bani Yas Island

• Al Murabba Heritage Festival
• Al Hosn Festival
• Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition
• Liwa Date Festival
• Sheikh Zayed Festival
• The Traditional Handicrafts Festival

• Louvre Abu Dhabi
• Zayed National Museum
• Guggenheim Abu Dhabi
• Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi
• Delma Museum

• Al Bahia Library
• Al Marfa Library
• Khalifa Park Library
• Zayed Central Library
• Qasr Al Watan Library

• Urban Treasures
• Bait Mohammed bin Khalifa
• Qasr Al Hosn
• Qasr Al Muwaiji
• Wahat Al Karama
• Al Jahili Fort
• Al Murabba Fort
• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
• Sir Bani Yas Church and Monastery
• The Founder's Memorial

SHEIKH ZAYED GRAND MOSQUE

A place of worship set in an artistic masterpiece

• Percussion Instruments of the Traditional Performance Arts of the United Arab Emirates
• Introductory Cultural Activities Baseline (2020 Report)
• Lullabies in the World of Islam
• Aflaj Al Ain

• Educator's Guide to Abu Dhabi's Cultural Sites
• Battle of the Arts
• Online Visual And Performing Arts Classes
• Activity Guides
• Educator Resources

• Abu Dhabi International Book Fair
• Al Ain Book Fair
• International Prize For Arabic Fiction
• Poetry Encyclopedia
• Sheikh Zayed Book Award

• Public Art Abu Dhabi
• Bait Al Gahwa
• Abu Dhabi Art
• Culture Summit Abu Dhabi 2024
• Manar Abu Dhabi
• Modern Heritage
• Abu Dhabi Music Program 2022
• Abu Dhabi International Translation Conference
• Galleries Week

• Louvre Abu Dhabi Director - Manuel Rabata
• Abu Dhabi Culture - HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak

Sheikh Zayed Book Award - Abdullah Majid Al Ali

• Al Ain Oases

Al Ain Oasis reflects what agriculture in this region has been like for millennia

• Bida Bint Saud

The area was an important stop on a possible caravan route extending from Al Ain to the north of the United Arab Emirates

This ancient caravan site features Bronze Age tombs and a rare Iron Age mud-brick building and irrigation system

An elaborate falaj system and one of the country’s earliest mosques make this an important historic site

Al-Ayyala is an embodiment of United Arab Emirates culture and Emirati values and heritage

Al-Azi is inscribed on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding

a cultural and social space

a traditional performing art of the Sultanate of Oman and the United Arab Emirates

traditional weaving skills in the United Arab Emirates

traditional Bedouin chanted poetry in the United Arab Emirates and the Sultanate of Oman

a living human heritage

a symbol of generosity

A welcoming brew steeped in popular culture

• Al Ain Cultural Sites

• Traditional home furniture

• The game of Al Karabi
• Girls’ Doll-making Game
• The game of hatha bayt mennou
• The game of Maryahanat al badw
• The game of Al Dahrouj
• The game of Al Suwair
• The game of es es see
• The game of Gol tabat
• The game of Haqallah
• The game of Humarat Al Qaylah
• The game of meen darabak
• The game of Motor Bou Ajal
• The game of Tug of War
• Wrestling Match, The Wrestler

• Al Taghrooda
• Gahwa (Arabic Coffee)

• The Folk Tale

• Camel feeding (so’out)(1)
• Dental Care
• Purification of drinking water in the past
• Bride’s procession

• Al Ain Museum
• Al Ain Palace Museum
• Burj Bani Hilal
• Mezyad Castle

• Hijama (cupping).
• Sun therapy

• Al Muhannya
• Arabic Calligraphy
• Blacksmithing
• Cooking utensils
• Diving equipment in the past
• Fishing equipment
• Making the al jirab
• Ra'i al jaseef
• Uses of palm isqa
• Wood engraving
• Making of Burqas

• Al Qattara Murals
• Art installations by Emirati artist Zeinab Al Hashemi
• Artistic Development Exhibition Program
• Curatorial Development Exhibition Program
• Emotions! The New Art Adventure
• Experience Mars
• Abu Dhabi Art Fair 2022
• Arabic Manuscripts Conference
• Building With The Earth Exhibition
• Khaleejiness Exhibition
• Louvre Abu Dhabi Art Here 2021 Richard Mille Art Prize
• A Touch of Heritage
• The Spirit of the Place

• Abu Dhabi Classics 2023
• André Rieu & his Johann Strauss Orchestra
• The Youth Orchestra: Concert for Children
• Abu Dhabi Classics 2024: Timothy Chooi & Changyong Chin
• Umsiyat 2023: The Book of Songs
• Umsiyat 2023 - Chabab Tetouan Orchestra
• Umsiyat 2023: Oscar Williams and The Band of Life
• Bait Al Oud: Arab Choir Concert

• Celebrating Eid at the Cultural Sites

• Gahwa Championships
• Maritime Heritage Festival 2024
• GCC Heritage and Oral History Conference
• Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2022

• Evening in Al Ain Palace Museum
• Al Qattara Film Lab
• Al Qattara Murals 2023
• Alwaha Cinema
• Before Suhoor
• Ramadan’s Harees
• Manar Abu Dhabi - Artist Assistant Programme
• Qasr Al Qaseed
• Tales from Al Ain
• Winter at Al Dhafra Fort
• Al Ain Traditional Arts Days
• Cassette Concert at Al Jahili Fort
• Cinema Al Bait

• Al Qattara Art Workshops
• Building with Earth Workshop
• Gate of History
• Bait Al Oud Lessons at Al Qattara Arts Centre
• Calligraphy Workshop
• Cheeseboard Resin Workshop
• Drawing and Painting Workshop
• Mosaic Masterpieces
• Oil Painting Techniques
• Pottery Painting
• Shoe-Making Workshop

• History Across Abu Dhabi
• International Course on the Conservation of Earthen Architecture 2025
• Theatrical Performing Arts For Kids & Teens
• Education Programmes
• GAD Visiting Artist Programme 2022

Educators Resource

Heritage Register

Cultural Calendar

• -  Department of Culture and Tourism
• -  Approach to Conservation
• Terms & Conditions

Remains of the past, traditions that are a way of life, arts and skills passed down from generations, and a distinctive literary ethos – Abu Dhabi has many stories to tell.

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

Traditional Delicacies Of UAE For a Delightful Culinary Experience

Last Updated: May 16, 2022

Traditional food served in the UAE is referred to as Emirati cuisine. Although Dubai has made giant strides from a fishing village to a modern tourist hub, Emirati cuisine is still very popular among the locals and tourists. The Emirati food has been inspired by its neighbours like Saudi Arabia and Oman, plus some Asian nations. However, the modern Emirati cuisine features a wonderful fusion with elements from other cultures, giving it a unique and distinctive flavour. We bring you some popular Emirati cuisine dishes that you should try .

Traditional Food in The UAE

A popular traditional food in the UAE, shawarma is a non-vegetarian delight. The key ingredients include chicken, beef or lamb mixed with several vegetables garnished with mayonnaise and served in soft bread. This delicacy is popular worldwide, and you will find this served in every global city. People consume it as a snack or if they want something light. The meat is replaced with several vegetables for vegetarians and mixed with multiple dressings.

Arabic Coffee

Arabic Coffee is flavoured with cumin, cardamom, cloves and saffron and is a popular accompaniment to the main meal in the UAE. Many restaurants serve Arabic Coffee to complement the main meal. This dish is usually served with sweet dates and is a great way to start or end your main meal.

This traditional UAE dish is a common feature in religious festivals, rallies, weddings, and even the Ramadan season . Resembling a porridge due to its texture, Al Harees is prepared using simple ingredients like meat, wheat, water, and salt mixed in a pot and then cooked over a couple of hours. The wait is worth it. You get to enjoy it for AED 21-42 per plate. You can try this at Harees in Al Waldha, Abu Dhabi.

Al Machboos

This delicacy is served as a main course meal in several Emirati and Arabic restaurants. It mainly features flavoured rice mixed with meat, vegetables, and spices in several layers before being slow-cooked in an oven. Lemon is topped finally after baking it to bring about a tangy flavour. You will find this across several Arabic and Emirati restaurants, with each restaurant offering its fusion versions. Al Fanar Restaurant & Café in the Dubai Festival city serves the best version for AED 55-69 per plate.

A traditional Emirati dish is served usually for breakfast. However, this sweet and salty delicacy is sometimes served as a dessert. It primarily features vermicelli and egg flavoured with rose water, cinnamon, cardamom, orange blossoms, and saffron and finally garnished with pistachios. The Logma in Boxpark and Al Fanar in Dubai Festival serve the best versions of the balleat.

Chelo Kebab

Chelo Kebab features skewers of bread served with saffron flavoured rice, a well-liked traditional food served in the UAE. The recipe is quite simple, but the flavours are exotic. The locals prepare it over a charcoal grill to get the burnt flavour. You can get the best version served at Pars Iranian Restaurant in Al Barsha for AED 60-80 per plate.

Falafel is a popular vegetarian Emirati delicacy. The deep-fried chickpeas patty is wrapped in a roll and served with fresh vegetables and multiple dressings for added flavours. You can get your falafel for AED 6-30 per plate at various local joints and cafes.

A popular UAE traditional food is served as an early evening snack or meal. There are three mouth-watering layers – stock-soaked bread forms the first layer, and the second layer features stuffed aubergines and chickpeas garnished with tahini sauce and yoghurt flavours. Add pine nuts for some added extra flavours. You can get the best version served in Ayam Elezz in Umm Suqeim for AED 26 per plate.

This national dish of the UAE is a filling, and satisfying meal, and features roasted lamb or mutton served on top of rice and garnished with hazelnuts and vegetables. A complete protein meal, Khuzi is a must-taste during your trip to the UAE. Bu Qtair Fish Restaurant in Umm Suqeim serves the authentic khuzi.

Image Credit: foodieadvice.com

After a fulfilling Emirati dish, it’s time to enlighten your sweet tooth. Luqaimat features sweetened dumplings that have soft insides. The prime ingredients used are milk, butter, sugar, flour, saffron, yeast, and cardamom, which are whipped together until a smooth batter is formed. It is then deep-fried for a golden texture. Finally, date syrup or honey is generously drizzled over it while serving. You can get your own Luqaimat for AED 26 onwards per plate. The Arabian Tea House Restaurant & Café in Bastakiya and Milas Restaurant housed in the Dubai Mall are the best places to check out.

A flatbread topped with meat, vegetables, and spices topped with cheese before baking in an oven. It makes a A perfect snack or even a fulfilling appetizer before the main meal. Although it has Lebanese origins, this is very popular and served across all Arabic and Emirati restaurants, with several recipes sharing their fusion versions. In addition, you will get your own Manakish for AED 15-30 per plate.

This regional custard delicacy is a well-liked and appreciated dessert served during the Ramadan season. This pudding is prepared from boiled milk & sugar that is thickened using corn starch. It’s topped with fresh cream and rosewater for some added flavours. You can get the best version of this dish at Al Mallah in Dubai for AED 6-10 per plate.

The Emirati Crepe is quite popular among the locals. This thin Emirati bread is also a healthier alternative prepared from wheat with additional toppings such as egg and cheese. It is a perfect snack or you can consume this even as an appetizer. Serve with some gravy or other Emirati delicacies for the best culinary experience.

Shish Tawouk Sandwich

Many locals and tourists have not discovered a hidden culinary gem in the UAE. This spicy & savoury dish is served at every food joint in the entire Middle Eastern region. This non-vegetarian dish is prepared with sliced chicken stuffed in a flatbread and complemented by herbs, vegetables, pickles, and spices. However, you will find the best version served at Mezza House in Dubai for AED 10-115 per plate.

This slowly cooked non-vegetarian delicacy is prepared from chicken, goat or lamb meat roasted with vegetables, potatoes, marrow, diced tomatoes, and pumpkin and served with a thin traditional Emirati bread named Riga. You can create your vegetarian version by simply avoiding meat in the ingredients. The food lovers can get their plate for AED 74-84 for non-vegetarian and AED 74 for vegetarian versions.

Italy To Relax Travel Restrictions For Foreign Tourists

Comprehensive Khorfakkan Beach: Activities, Things to See & Top Tips

Shambhavi Sisodia

Intrigued by the breathtaking beauty and unbelievable diversity around the world, Shambhavi has taken the agenda of inspiring travellers to embark on their new journeys with passion and information. She has a pen in one hand and a camera in the other. She is a food-enamoured introvert who is fond of plants, reads fiction and taps feet to Bollywood music.

Thank you for this article. I am visiting Dubai soon and am glad to have come across this article. I love to try local foods, and would definitely try a few mentioned here.

Trying the local cuisine is important to experience the city to the fullest. You should definitely try these dishes when you are in Dubai.

Luqaimat is my favorite Emirati sweet dish. I can eat a several of them at a time.

It is one of our favorites too. Do let us know where you have had the best luqaimat in Dubai.

Although Shawarma is available in the city where I live, it cannot be compared to the one I had in Dubai. The Shawarma I had in Dubai was so juicy and flavorful.

Yes, Shawarma is one of the best foods to try in Dubai. It is simply delicious.

Falafel and shawarma are two of our favorites. Sometimes we get them for breakfast or brunch.

I love coffee and would love to try Arabic coffee. Friends who have tried it are very fond of it.

Arabic coffee is a romantic and delicious as well. If you love the taste, you can get some Arabic coffee beans or powder home as well.

Pingback: A Complete Guide to Traditional Food of UAE

This is such a delicious list. I am a foodie and looking forward to try these dishes during my trip to Dubai in October.

That’s cool! We are so excited for you. Do try these dishes and let us know your favorites.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Follow Us on :

Join The Newsletter

To Receive our best monthly deals

Get call back from us

• Ras Al Khaimah
• Kuala Lumpur
• Singapore Visa from Dubai
• Malaysia Visa from Dubai
• Thailand Visa from Dubai
• US Visa from Dubai
• Schengen Visa from Dubai
• China Visa in Dubai
• Canada Visa from Dubai
• Turkey Visa from Dubai
• Hong Kong Visa from Dubai
• Poland Visa from Dubai
• South Africa Visa from Dubai
• Web Stories
• Festivals and Events
• Romantic Destinations
• Travel Ideas
• Travel Tips

Traditional Food Of UAE – 10 Dishes You Need To Try Out In 2022

Since times immemorial, traditional food of UAE has always been a delicacy to die for. So steeped in tradition, some dishes are sweet even to decay your sweet tooth, while others are spicy enough to make smoke come out of your ears.

The cuisine of UAE contains delicious dishes that are full of various flavors that all come together to create something special. In addition, it shares similarities with the cuisine of its neighboring countries like Saudi Arabia, Oman, and even Mughal Indian cuisine.

If you wish to get such vibes after eating food, then you have come to the right place. I would highly recommend you taste traditional UAE food to get a taste of their culture and tradition that got passed down for centuries.

Best Traditional Food Of UAE

In my opinion, some of the best traditional food of UAE with pictures and names are:

1. Manakish

Where To Eat : Easily available in many street food vendors

Price : 15 AED – 30 AED

Manakish is a traditional Lebanese delicacy that has been imbibed in the culture of the UAE as well. This should be renamed “Middle Eastern Pizza” – because that’s what it actually is. 

The Manakish gets made with bread filled to the brim with cheese, loads of vegetables, and meat, with a dash of oil on top. In addition to being one of the best snacks amongst middle eastern nations, this is by far the best traditional food of UAE. 

2. Al Harees

Where To Eat : Harees Al Wadha, Abu Dhabi

Price : 21 AED (Small plate – serves one), 32 AED (Medium plate – serves two), 42 AED (Large plate – serves three)

One of the oldest traditional food of UAE, you will get to see this dish in almost every marriage ceremony and festival in the country. Popular during the religious month of Ramadan , this dish is easy to make, despite taking a few hours to prepare. 

Al Harees is made by boiling wheat and salted water in a clay pot for an hour or two. After that, meat is added to the mixture before being boiled for three more hours. While it may take quite some time to get the dish on your table, it is worth the wait. 

3. Al Machboos

Where To Eat : Al Fanar Restaurant and Cafe, Dubai Festival City Mall

Price : 50 – 70 AED

If you have ever tasted the famous Indian delicacy Biryani, consider this its middle eastern cousin. One of the few rice-based traditional food of UAE, the Al Machboos is the traditional food of UAE, with a stress on the word “the.” 

Like the Indian biryani, it is made by steaming rice in an oven with lots of spices and meat. Sometimes, shrimp and fish are used instead. However, what makes this different from the traditional Indian biryani is the inclusion of Loomy – dried lemons that give it its tangy flavor. 

4. Fattoush

Where To Eat : Al Halabi in the Mall of the Emirates, Aroos Damascus, Al Muraqqabad

Price : 20 AED – 30 AED

If you are on a diet or a vegan, then the Fattoush is what you need to taste. One of the healthier traditional food of UAE on this list, this salad with bread is a fantastic choice for green food lovers. 

Levantine bread is mixed with diced tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and garlic. It then gets topped off with lettuce and mint leaves. Finally, it gets served with a dash of lime to make it lip-smackingly tasty. 

5. Kousa Mahshi

Where To Eat : Leila Restaurant, Sheik Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Dubai

Price : 30  AED – 50 AED

If you are up for some tasty fun with vegetables, then try out the Kousa Mahshi. There are two variants available of this traditional food of UAE – one is made with zucchini, while the other gets made with courgettes. 

Here, the zucchini or the courgettes get stuffed with rice, meat, and yogurt. Diners typically serve it with mint leaves and garlic paste on top. Best served with a glass of Lebanese wine to soak in the flavors. 

6. Balaleet

Where To Eat : Logma in Boxpark- 28 AED per plate, and Al Fanar in Dubai Festival

Price : 40 AED

One of the best traditional food of UAE to have for breakfast in the morning, the Balaleet is deliciously sweet and salty at the same time. This vermicelli-based dish is made with a dash of rose water, saffron, and cinnamon as sweeteners. 

When you are served this food, it will look similar to an American chop suey because of the whole egg omelet on top and some added pistachio for garnishing. 

Where To Eat : Bu Qtair Fish Restaurant, old 32B street, Fishing Harbor 2

Price : 60 AED -90 AED

By far the most famous traditional food of UAE, the Khuzi (also known as the Ghuzi) is rightfully termed the national food of UAE. Another rice-based dish similar to the Al Machboos is served with roasted lamb or mutton on top of spicy rice that contains a great fill of vegetables and nuts. 

Where To Eat : Ayam Elezz, Umm Suqeim

Price : 30 AED

Fatteh is an excellent evening traditional food of UAE. This three-layered meal is packed with lots of ingredients. 

The bottom layer has bread stuffed with stock. The middle layer is a thick layer of chickpeas, aubergines, and stuffed vegetables, while the top layer is a thin layer of yogurt and tahini sauce. Have it alongside pine nuts, paprika, and parsley to get an overdose of varieties of lip-smacking flavors . 

9. Luqaimat

Where To Eat : The Arabian Tea House Restaurant and Cafe in Bastakiya

Price : 25 AED

To end your meal with what is the traditional food of UAE that counts as a dessert, this sweet dumpling is made with milk, sugar, butter, yeast, saffron, flour, and cardamom. Whip these ingredients together to create a fried sweet batter until it’s golden in color. You will find this easily during the month of Ramadan. 

Where To Eat: Any roadside tea stall

Price : 1 AED

If you want traditional food of UAE that can count as a beverage, then the Karak is the national tea of this middle eastern country. Served in small paper cups, have a cake or sweet to gulp them down together. 

Frequently Asked Questions: –

Ans: Shawarma and Al Machboos are the most traditional food in UAE.

Ans: Localities consider Khuzi or Ghuzi to be the national food of the UAE. 

Ans: Al Machboos and Khuzi are the purely traditional food of UAE with names from Dubai.

Ans: Shawarma and Hummus are the most eaten food in Dubai.

The traditional food of UAE is delicious enough to visit the country once in your lifetime, or maybe more if you like the food and the place. So eat those above ten unique dishes from UAE that will leave a mark on your taste buds for years to come.  If you want to read more about each of these dishes, read our other articles here at UAE Universe !

Quranic Park – Things You Should Know In 2021

How To Make Manakish At Your Home? UAE Universe

You may also like

Start Your Day With Karak Chai: How To Make Karak Chai At Your Home?

How To Make Luqaimat At Your Home? Arabian Sweet Dumpling

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

RECENT POSTS

Christmas Isn’t Over! Continue Enjoying The Festivity At Winter Garden, Dubai

10 Best Italian Restaurant In Dubai| Must Visit In 2022

How To Make Fatteh At Your Home? Delicious Fatteh Recipe

Stay connected, popular posts.

How To Make Khuzi At Your Home?

How To Make Balaleet At Your Home?

How To Make Al Machboos At Your Home?

Kousa Mahshi Recipe: Make It At Home

How To Make Fattoush At Your Home? A Step-By-Step Guide- 2022 

• The Economy
• Bank and Finance
• Consume Affairs
• Films & Music
• Celebrity Gossip
• Artificial intelligence
• Mobile & Tech

Latest Posts

Popular tags, popular search.

The UAE’s Tribal Society and Traditional Economy Essay (Article)

In a bid to understand the socio-economic organization of the UAE, one has to study its past. Tribes are distinct, and they only come together in times of general welfare. Marrying from the same family was practiced, and leaders could marry from families of fellow leaders. Married women, after moving from their father’s households, still kept ties with their families. Women controlled socio-economic activities when men were away from home. Cultural practices, such as naming amongst the people of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, were associated with their tribe affiliation. The structure of the region was subject to the tribes who lived there.

People migrated in large numbers from Yemen and Northern Arabia, shifting the Arab tribes to their current location. The use of a common language was a key factor in existence since the region was intolerable and other similar social practices. The long process of adaptation derailed the growth of their economy. The UAE experiences uniform climatic conditions throughout the year, with summer temperatures rising up to 50 degrees, with minimal rains during winter.

Despite the climatic challenges experienced throughout the year, the Emiratis have learned to make the best out of the land for a sustainable economy. The pastoralist communities moved long distances over long periods to graze their camels. The date palm provided fruits, which were important for the survival of the people living in the desert. Even though the supply of dates was not sufficient throughout the year, they enriched the Arabs with vitamins to take them across the desert.

The camels provided the Bedouin with solutions to most of their needs in the desert. The animal is well suited for the desert climate, as it provides transport across terrains were no other means can access. Fishing was another source of livelihood, and it provided food for the tribes. In addition, dried fish was used as fodder for the animals. People living on the Arabian coast mostly benefited from the sale of pearls. Money from pearling improved the socio-economic status of the entire society.

Due to the minimal resources across the desert, mountains, and the coast, nomadism was preferably the best lifestyle in order to benefit the maximum from the meager resources. Overcrowding decreased survival chances for both people and available food sources. This continued movement led to increased intermarriages. Ownership of land in the oases emerged, thus creating class distinction where the Bedouin property owners were at the top of the social structure. The basic pattern of their lives did not change despite the influence in the socio-economic and political dynamics of the UAE. They continued to practice the same religious beliefs, language, ate the same foods, and wore common clothes.

Urbanization emerged as pearling reached a boom. Tribes mixed within the coastal towns, thus leading to intermarriages. However, as the pearl trade flourished, local merchants, who made good money, started seeking political influence on the running of the cities. Most traditional practices still exist today for the sake of the new generation; for instance, camel racing and traditional boating. Heritage villages and museums with ethnological collections are established. These cultural practices are the defining factors for the economy of the UAE. Due to intermarrying, the assimilation of new practices occurs, and thus changing the original beliefs of this society is inevitable.

Works Cited

Heard-Bey, Frauke. “The Tribal Society of the UAE and Its Traditional Economy.” 2001.

• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2021, March 25). The UAE's Tribal Society and Traditional Economy. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-uaes-tribal-society-and-traditional-economy/

"The UAE's Tribal Society and Traditional Economy." IvyPanda , 25 Mar. 2021, ivypanda.com/essays/the-uaes-tribal-society-and-traditional-economy/.

IvyPanda . (2021) 'The UAE's Tribal Society and Traditional Economy'. 25 March.

IvyPanda . 2021. "The UAE's Tribal Society and Traditional Economy." March 25, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-uaes-tribal-society-and-traditional-economy/.

1. IvyPanda . "The UAE's Tribal Society and Traditional Economy." March 25, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-uaes-tribal-society-and-traditional-economy/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "The UAE's Tribal Society and Traditional Economy." March 25, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-uaes-tribal-society-and-traditional-economy/.

• The Bedouin People in the UAE and How They Use Camels
• Traditional Bedouin Aba as Saudi Arabian Heritage
• Al Sayyid Bedouin Sign Language
• Bedouin Tent : Review and Analysis
• Pearl Diving in the UAE
• Being a Part of a Bedouin Community
• Bedouins' Values Before and After Unification
• Clothing and Accessories' Heritage in Saudi Arabia
• Camel Racing and Nutrition
• Camels in UAE and Australia
• What Will Lithuania Look Like in the Future?
• Geopolitics of the Kazakhstan
• Germany's External and Internal Business Environment
• Common Characteristics of Developing Countries
• The UAE and Japan Comparison

Customer Reviews

Tinggalkan Balasan Batalkan balasan

Alamat email Anda tidak akan dipublikasikan. Ruas yang wajib ditandai *

When you write an essay for me, how can I use it?

Diane M. Omalley

Is my essay writer skilled enough for my draft?

Service Is a Study Guide

Our cheap essay writing service aims to help you achieve your desired academic excellence. We know the road to straight A's isn't always smooth, so contact us whenever you feel challenged by any kind of task and have an original assignment done according to your requirements.

Customer Reviews

Customer Reviews

Finished Papers

(415) 520-5258

Susan Devlin

How do I place an order with your paper writing service?

Terms of Use

Privacy Policy