When exploring Dubai's lively food scene, there are several must-try dishes that give a real taste of Emirati culture. From the juicy and spicy shawarma to the comforting thareed, these foods offer rich flavors and textures. Don't miss out on trying machboos, a traditional rice dish full of spices and tender meat, or the unique taste of camel, which is both delicious and culturally significant. For those who love sweets, luqaimat, with its golden syrupy goodness, and knafeh, a tasty mix of cheese and pastry, make perfect endings to any meal. Each of these dishes showcases Dubai's diverse food culture and promises an unforgettable eating experience.
Luqaimat
If you love sweets, you have to try Luqaimat in Dubai. These are small dough balls fried until crispy and then covered with thick date syrup, making them both crispy and sticky sweet. Sometimes, they are topped with sesame seeds for extra crunch. Luqaimat is a traditional dessert enjoyed by Emiratis for generations. You can find it at food stalls, markets, and restaurants around the city, especially during festivals. Don't miss tasting this delicious part of Dubai's food culture!
Camel
In the past, people in the UAE didn't eat camel meat. But now, chefs in Dubai make new dishes like camel sliders, biryani, burgers, and stews with a modern twist. Camel milk tastes a bit saltier than cow's milk and has more protein, less cholesterol, and more vitamin C and iron, making it healthy. If you don't want to drink camel milk, you can try camel milk ice cream instead. Many Arab cafés in the city offer flavors like pistachio, chocolate, and date. This shows how Dubai's food scene mixes old traditions with new flavors.
Knafeh
Another dessert you need to try in Dubai is Knafeh, a popular treat in the Middle East made with shredded dough, cheese, and syrup. You can find many versions of this dessert in the city, but the most famous one is Nabulsi Knafeh with Akkawi cheese and rosewater syrup. The mix of crispy dough, creamy cheese, and sweet syrup is amazing.
Knafeh originally comes from Palestine but is now loved in the UAE. It is made with sour cheese, sugary syrup, and thin dough layers, creating a unique and satisfying dessert best eaten fresh and warm. Making Knafeh takes careful preparation to get the right balance of textures and flavors.
One of the best places to enjoy this dessert is Qwaider Al Nabulsi in Deira, a famous spot serving authentic Knafeh for years. During Ramadan, Knafeh is very popular as an iftar treat, as people break their fast with this sweet dish. Sharing Knafeh adds to its charm, making it not just a dessert but a special part of Middle Eastern culture.
Meat Biryani
Biryani is a popular dish in the Gulf region, especially in Dubai. It comes from Indian cooking and spread to East Asia before becoming well-liked in the Arab world because of its tasty flavors and aromatic spices. Normally, biryani is made with basmati rice, known for its long and fragrant grains. The dish usually includes different meats like chicken, lamb, beef, and sometimes seafood, each adding its own richness and depth to the taste.
The cooking process is detailed, often starting with marinating the meat in yogurt and spices such as saffron, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and bay leaves. This mix is then layered with partially cooked rice and slow-cooked, allowing the flavors to blend nicely.
There are many types of biryani, each with unique traits. For example, Iranian biryani often has dried fruits and nuts, giving it a slightly sweet taste, while Katchi biryani is known for being spicy. Sri Lankan and Southeast Asian versions might use local spices and cooking methods, adding even more complexity to this already detailed dish.
Whether enjoyed during a big celebration or a simple family meal, biryani is loved by many, showing its lasting appeal and versatility in cooking.
Samboosa
Samboosas are a favorite in Emirati food, influenced by Indian flavors. These hot, triangle-shaped pastries have different fillings like meat, vegetables, and spices. The most popular kind is filled with three types of cheese. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, offering a mix of textures and flavors. Samboosas are often served as a starter or snack at parties, adding a tasty touch to events and celebrations. They are also a popular street food, enjoyed by both locals and tourists exploring the busy streets. Making samboosas involves careful folding and frying to make each one delicious.
Machboos
This traditional rice dish is made with local spices like cardamom and cinnamon, mixed with dried lemon, and often includes shrimp, lamb, or chicken. Majboos is popular with Emiratis and visitors to Dubai, with family recipes passed down over time. The dish has basmati rice with meats, usually chicken, flavored with strong Arabian spices and vegetables. It’s common at family gatherings and during Iftar meals in Ramadan.
To make Majboos, the meat is marinated in spices to enhance its flavor. The rice is cooked separately with saffron and other spices for a fragrant and colorful dish. Nuts and raisins are often added for sweetness and texture. Cooking Majboos is a special skill, with each family adding their own personal touch, making it a beloved and cherished dish. It’s more than a meal; it’s a celebration of culture and tradition, bringing people together to enjoy its rich flavors and history.
Chicken Saloona
Even with many Western foods in Emirates restaurants, saloona remains a favorite dish in the United Arab Emirates, often seen at dinner tables. This traditional Emirati stew is not just tasty but also a cultural treasure passed down through generations. If you're in Dubai, make sure to try this dish for a real taste of Emirati heritage.
Saloona is easy to make but full of amazing flavor. It usually includes tender chicken pieces, turmeric, olive oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, sliced onion, and chili, all cooked together. These ingredients are then simmered with aromatic spices and served over fluffy white rice. Fresh, local ingredients ensure each bite is nutritious.
Often served at special events and feasts in the Emirates, saloona is loved by both locals and visitors. It not only tastes great but also offers a look into the rich food traditions of the UAE. Whether enjoyed in a busy restaurant or at a family gathering, saloona reflects the warmth and hospitality of Emirati culture.
Shawarma
To get a real taste of Emirati food, you must try Shawarma. This tasty dish has juicy, spicy meat wrapped in warm, soft flatbread. It's often served with garlic sauce, pickles, and fresh vegetables. Shawarma is a popular fast food in Dubai, loved by both locals and tourists. It's a must-try when you visit the lively city and its rich food scene.
If you don't like spicy food, Shawarma might be too hot for you. But you can make it less spicy by adding more mint sauce and extra salad. This not only makes it less spicy but also makes it taste even better for everyone.
Thareed
Emirati thareed (or fareed) with meat is a popular dish in Gulf cuisine and is loved in Dubai. This filling meal includes pieces of bread and vegetables soaked in tasty meat broth, making it both yummy and nourishing. The bread, usually wholewheat, absorbs the rich broth, adding texture and flavor to the dish.
Thareed is often served during special times like Ramadan and family gatherings, where its comforting nature is much appreciated. It's rich in vitamins and protein, so it's not only tasty but also very healthy.
The meat in thareed can be lamb, beef, or chicken, each giving its own unique taste to the dish. Common vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and tomatoes add to its high protein content and health benefits. Loved for its ability to fill you up and provide energy, thareed is a favorite in Emirati homes, offering a meal that is both nutritious and comforting.
For a truly unforgettable culinary journey, make sure to explore the vibrant food scene in Dubai and savor the rich flavors of Emirati cuisine. From the aromatic spices of traditional dishes like Al Harees and Al Machboos to the sweet delights of Luqaimat and Khabees, Dubai offers a diverse and delectable range of culinary experiences. Don't miss the opportunity to dine in its renowned restaurants and markets, where the fusion of modern and traditional flavors creates an extraordinary gastronomic adventure.