Traditional Food of UAE

If you are a foodie, you will love the UAE food scene. Over the years, the UAE has been a magnet for ex-pats from all over the world, enriching its diverse ethnic population, and this diversity is reflected in its remarkable international cuisine. All of this transforms the UAE into a culinary haven for food enthusiasts from all over the world. Dubai, in particular, has an incredible array of cuisine from around the world. However, experiencing some of the local Emirati cuisines is also something to look forward to when visiting the UAE. The cuisine of the land reflects its history and legacy, and it is worth delving into the destination's finger-licking delectable delicacies. Here is an insight into Emirati cuisine and some of the lip-smacking Emirati delights you must not miss while on a UAE holiday.

Traditional Emirati Cuisine: An overview

Heritage has a significant impact on UAE cuisine, which is an integral aspect of their culture. The UAE's traditional cuisine represents the country's origins, traditions, and culture. Arabic cuisine has evolved through centuries to include unique recipes and culinary traditions from various sections of the Arabian Peninsula, and it is noted for its simplicity and flavour. Here are some of the highlights of Emirati cuisine.

Originally, Bedouin food was centred on dates, meat, and camel milk, which expanded further in the Emirati food scene over the decades with changes in civilization. Today, many Emirati recipes feature seafood, meat, cereals and grains, dairy, and vegetables that can be grown in arid conditions.

The food itself is quite simple, requiring very fa handful of spices and a healthy helping of oil throughout the cooking process. The spices and herbs used are also quite distinctive, ranging from dried lemon peels known as loumi to a spice mix known as bzar, which contains black peppercorns, cumin seeds, cloves, coriander seeds, cinnamon, dry chillies, nutmeg, ginger, and turmeric which is utilized to season soups, curries, and stews.

Almost all recipes are made in a single pot, with each ingredient measured, blended, and cooked together. Breakfast would include Khameer flatbread, pancakes chebab with scrambled eggs, date syrups, and freshly prepared Arabian coffee or flavoured tea. Lunch and dinner are typically rice dishes topped with spicy chicken, seafood, or meat-based stews and soups. The desserts are dairy-based, and camel meat is a specialty that is only served on special occasions.

While there are plenty of restaurants that serve local Emirati cuisine, some of which are infused with modern influences, the originality of the flavours can only be experienced through home-cooked food. So, if you are invited to break a fast during Ramadan or Eid, don't pass up the chance to sample some great home-cooked Emirati meals. Another excellent option to sample some fantastic Arabian cuisine is to visit Dubai during the Food Festival season. There are other excursions that feature hearty Emirati traditional meals, such as during desert safari trips and Dhow cruise Dubai tours.

Top Emirati cuisine to try on a trip to the UAE

Muhalla

A bite of these delectable golden brown creps prepared from date puree blended with risen flour and eggs served fresh with a drizzle of date syrup, will have you craving more. Muhalla is an Arabic equivalent of European crepes, with maple syrup or marmalades replaced by sweet date syrups.

Bathiet

Bathiet is a traditional and easy-to-make dessert made of wheat flour, dates, saffron, clarified butter, and seasoned with rosewater, sesame seeds, and chopped nuts. Served crumbled or in form of rolled sweet balls, it is a favoured treat to have as a snack more than a dessert with spiced tea.

Majboos

While the Italians have risotto, the Spaniards have paella, and India has biriyani, the United Arab Emirates has its own version called Majboos. This is a one-pot dish made up of seafood, meat, or chicken richly seasoned with spice mix. The rice is cooked tender and perfect in the meat broth and garnished with crispy onions, raisins, and coriander leaves. This aromatic spiced rice blended with meat curry is one wholesome lunch to look forward to on your UAE trip.

Tharid

A staple dish of Emiratis, Tharid is a generous serving of lamb and vegetable gravy poured over thin crispy bread called regag. This stew steeped flatbread along with highly aromatic spices is enough to satisfy your hunger pangs.

Aseeda Bobbar

A uniquely sweet and savoury Emirati traditional dessert made out of pumpkin puree and flour cooked into a thick consistency and flavoured with, honey, rose water, cardamom, and saffron, garnished with pistachios and raisins is a one-of-a-kind sweet treat to indulge on a UAE trip.

Luqaymat

Luqaymat is a must-try for sweet lovers! If you are seeking something sugary sweet, try these exquisite deep-fired balls of dough flavoured with cardamom and saffron and steeped in honey syrup. You won't be able to stop at just one or two of these sweet, crispy, and soft Arabian dumplings.

Where to enjoy delicious Emirati food In Dubai

The best spots in Dubai to eat authentic traditional food of UAE are Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and Dubai Creek region. Arabian Tea House Restaurant and Cafe and Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant, and Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding are some of the best places to go for an Emirati epicurean experience. Other wonderful eateries to enjoy the Emirati culinary scene are Al Fanar Restaurant and Cafe at Dubai Festival City Mall, Logma at Dubai Mall, and Siraj Restaurant at Souk Al Bahar in Downtown Dubai.

Where to enjoy delicious Emirati food In Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi also has an Al Fanar Restaurant and Cafe at Yas Mall which is known for its exquisite traditional Arabian flavours. Mezlai at Emirates Palace offers authentic flavours with a touch of opulent settings. Freej Swaileh at Khalifa City is another amazing spot to check out for hefty servings of Arabian food.

Where to enjoy delicious Emirati food In Sharjah

The flavourful Emirati culinary scene is huge in the UAE's cultural capital. However, one of the most famous places to check out for UAE traditional food is Arjwan in Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa at Al Muntazah Street for an experience of Bedouin flavours merged with opulence settings.

Conclusion

While Dubai and Abu Dhabi will lure you with their diverse choice of international cuisine and Michelin-starred restaurants, the true cultural indulgence you can discover on a UAE vacation is through authentic Emirati food. Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah are notable emirates with a variety of options to sample Emirati cuisine. So, while visiting the UAE, don't forget to savour the flavours of the destination amid the desire to explore the UAE's worldwide gastronomic scene.