From opulent Dubai rooftop eateries to modest shawarma stands located on the streets of Sharjah, food in the UAE goes further than just quenching hunger; it resonates with culture, traditions, spices, and the quintessential flavors accompanied from many different regions.
The UAE is a true haven for gourmands since it uniquely blends Emirati culture with international cuisine, as each dish has something to narrate. Below is a list of 7 dishes worth indulging in if you are looking to have a taste of the heart and soul of this multifaceted country.
🍛 1. Al Harees – The Slow-Cooked Classic
Harees is popular across many Emirati households particularly during Ramadan. Al Harees consists of wheat and meat (or chicken) served alongside a sprinkle of salt, slow-cooked for many hours until it takes the form of thick soup that resembles porridge. It is comforting, and rich, comes with a lot of love, and nourishes the body.
🥘 2. Machboos- The Emirati Spiced Rice Masterpiece
To the UAE, Machboos is the nation’s version of biryani. It is prepared using fragrant rice, succulent meat, which is usually chicken or lamb, rich tomatoes, and a spicy mix of loomi (dried lemon) and other spices. This meal is the essence of Emirati cuisine.
🐟 3. Samak Mashwi – Grilled Fresh from the Gulf
If you enjoy seafood, you are going to love this. Simply visit any coastal restaurant and try the ‘Samak Mashwi.’ A whole fish grilled with spices and garlic along with citrus, usually served with rice or flatbread. The taste is fresh and smoky.
🧆 4. Shawarma – The UAE’s Favorite Street Food
You haven’t really lived the UAE experience if you have not tried their street-side shawarma. Shredded juicy chicken or beef wrapped in Arabic bread with garlic sauce, pickles and fries – it is fast and very affordable and diffenentelt hard to resist.
🍬 5. Luqaimat – Sweet Dumplings of Joy
Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside- each Luqaima is drizzled in date syrup or honey. A type of fried dough, its tradition to serve luqaimat during Ramadan and truly its hard to only eat one.
🫖 6. Karak Chai – The UAE’s Spiced Tea Obsession
Known for its strong flavor, milky tea brewed with cardamom, saffron and black tea is famously known in the UAE karak chai. In the UAE, tea shacks are everywhere so make sure to grab a roadside cup of karak chahi and sip on it like a local, with a biscuit or samosa on the side.
🥟 7. Multicultural Munchies – A Global Feast
Over two hundred nationalities live in the UAE. That means everything from local cuisine to global food chains is available. Within a single day, you can experience everything from Indian thalis in Karama to Korean BBQ in Abu Dhabi, Ethiopian injera in Deira, and French pastries in DIFC.
🌟 Bonus Tip: Try A Traditional Emirati Breakfast
For fresh Balaleet (Sweet saffron noodles with eggs), Khubz (Arabic bread) and Chebab (Emirati pancakes), head to Al Fanar or Logma. You won’t be disappointed!
🍴 Final Word: Come Hungry, Leave Happy
The UAE offers everything from modern international fusions to centuries old Emirati recipes. Regardless of your choice, you will be served with unmatched experience. Your meals here are more than just food. They embody the culture, hospitality, and flavor of the UAE.
So, how about traversing your way through mouthwatering meals on offer in the Emirates?
