Dubai is a dynamic and thriving metropolis situated in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), renowned for its towering skyscrapers and gorgeous beaches. Alongside its contemporary sights, Dubai is also home to a diverse and exciting food culture, which draws inspiration from both traditional Emirati dishes and global flavors. Visitors to Dubai can also indulge in a luxurious yacht charter in dubai experience, exploring the city’s stunning coastline from the comfort of their own private vessel.
Visitors to Dubai can enjoy a variety of dishes ranging from traditional Emirati specialties to international favorites such as Lebanese, Indian, and Italian cuisine. With its blend of old and new, traditional and modern, the city has something for everyone. Let’s discuss ten best foods of Dubai that you must try.
Shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern street food that has become a beloved global cuisine, including in Dubai. It is made by stacking thin slices of marinated meat, typically chicken or beef, on a vertical spit and then rotating it slowly as it cooks. As the meat cooks, it is shaved off the spit in thin, succulent slices and typically served inside a warm pita bread with vegetables, hummus, tahini sauce, and other condiments.
While shawarma’s exact origins are unclear, it is believed to have originated in Turkey or Lebanon and then spread throughout the Middle East and beyond. Today, it is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, and variations of the dish can be found in many other cultures, including Greek and Mexican cuisine.
In Dubai, shawarma is a popular street food, and there are many stalls and restaurants throughout the city that offer it. It is a convenient and delicious option for a quick meal, and the meat can be customized with different marinades and spices to suit individual preferences. Additionally, shawarma has gained popularity worldwide due to its delicious taste, affordability, and convenience of eating it on the go.
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Al Harees
Al Harees is a traditional Emirati dish that is considered a staple in the local cuisine of Dubai. The dish is made from a mixture of wheat and meat, usually lamb or chicken, that is slow-cooked in a clay pot or underground oven until it becomes a smooth and creamy porridge-like texture. The dish is traditionally served during special occasions, such as weddings and religious festivals, and is often shared among family and friends.
The preparation of Al Harees is a labor-intensive process that involves washing, soaking, and boiling the wheat before adding the meat and cooking it for several hours until it is fully tender. The dish is seasoned with salt and pepper, and sometimes additional spices such as cinnamon and cardamom are added to enhance the flavor. Once fully cooked, the dish is typically served hot with a dollop of ghee, a type of clarified butter, on top.
Al Harees is not only a delicious and hearty dish but also a symbol of Emirati hospitality and tradition. It is often served to guests as a sign of respect and is considered a symbol of unity and community. Its popularity has spread beyond Dubai, and it can now be found in other parts of the Middle East as well as in countries with large Emirati communities.
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Machboos
Machboos, also known as Kabsa, is a popular rice dish that is considered a national dish in the UAE, especially in Dubai. It is a savory and aromatic dish that is made with basmati rice and a variety of spices, typically including cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. The dish is usually prepared with meat, such as chicken, lamb, or fish, but can also be made with vegetables or seafood.
To prepare Machboos, the meat is marinated in a blend of spices, including cumin, turmeric, and black pepper, before being cooked in a pot with onions, tomatoes, and other vegetables. The rice is then added to the pot, along with water or chicken broth, and cooked until it is fully cooked and fluffy. The dish is typically garnished with toasted almonds, raisins, or fried onions, and served with a side of salad or yogurt.
Machboos is a staple dish in Emirati cuisine and is often served during special occasions, such as weddings on yachts and Eid celebrations. It is also a popular dish among locals and tourists alike in Dubai, with many restaurants and food stalls offering their own take on the dish. With its rich and aromatic flavors, Machboos is a must-try dish for anyone looking to experience the unique and delicious cuisine of Dubai.
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Luqaimat
Luqaimat is a popular Emirati dessert that is enjoyed throughout Dubai and the wider UAE. These bite-sized sweet treats are made from a dough that is typically made from flour, milk, and sugar, and flavored with saffron and cardamom. The dough is then deep-fried until it turns golden brown and becomes crispy on the outside while remaining soft and fluffy on the inside.
Once fried, the Luqaimat are traditionally drizzled with a generous amount of date syrup or honey, giving them a sweet and sticky coating. They are usually served hot, making them a perfect treat to warm up on a chilly day. Luqaimat is typically enjoyed during Ramadan, Eid, and other special occasions, but can also be found at street vendors and dessert shops throughout Dubai.
While Luqaimat may be simple in its ingredients, they are a beloved dessert in Emirati cuisine, and its popularity has spread to other parts of the Middle East and beyond. They offer a delicious combination of flavors and textures, making them a perfect way to end a meal or indulge in a sweet treat anytime. If you are in Dubai, be sure to try Luqaimat, and experience the unique and delicious flavors of Emirati cuisine.
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Manousheh
Manousheh is a popular Lebanese flatbread that has become a staple breakfast food in Dubai. It is typically made from a dough that is similar to pizza dough, topped with a variety of savory or sweet ingredients, and then baked in a wood-fired oven. Manousheh can be made with a variety of toppings, such as za’atar (a blend of herbs and spices), cheese, meat, and vegetables.
The origins of manousheh date back to ancient times, and it is considered an important part of Lebanese cuisine. It has become popular in Dubai due to the city’s multicultural population and growing interest in Middle Eastern food.
In Dubai, manousheh is often eaten for breakfast and can be found at many local bakeries and street food stalls. It is typically served with a side of yogurt, olives, or vegetables and is a filling and satisfying breakfast option.
Manousheh is not only delicious but also versatile and can be eaten at any time of the day. Its popularity has spread beyond the Middle East, and it can now be found in cities around the world. If you are in Dubai, be sure to try manousheh and experience the unique and delicious flavors of this beloved Lebanese flatbread.
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Grilled Halloumi
Grilled halloumi is a popular dish in Dubai and throughout the Middle East. Halloumi is a semi-hard cheese made from a mixture of cow, goat, and sheep milk, and it has a unique texture that allows it to be grilled or fried without melting.
To prepare grilled halloumi, the cheese is typically cut into slices or cubes and then grilled or pan-fried until it becomes crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The dish can be served on its own or as part of a larger meal, such as a mezze platter or a salad.
Grilled halloumi is a favorite among vegetarians and is often used as a meat alternative in sandwiches or burgers. Its salty and tangy flavor makes it a versatile ingredient that can be paired with a variety of other flavors, such as sweet fruits or spicy sauces. It is a delicious and satisfying dish that is easy to prepare and enjoy, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike. If you are in Dubai, be sure to try grilled halloumi and experience the unique and delicious flavors of this beloved Middle Eastern cheese.
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Balaleet
Balaleet is a traditional Emirati breakfast dish that is commonly eaten in Dubai and other parts of the UAE. It is a sweet and savory vermicelli pudding that is typically made from thin, toasted vermicelli noodles, eggs, and sugar, and flavored with cardamom, saffron, and rose water.
To prepare balaleet, the vermicelli noodles are first toasted in butter until they turn golden brown. Then, a mixture of beaten eggs, sugar, and milk is added to the noodles and cooked until it thickens and forms a creamy pudding-like consistency. The dish is typically flavored with cardamom, saffron, and rose water, giving it a fragrant and exotic aroma.
Balaleet is often served for breakfast, and it can be enjoyed on its own or with a side of dates, fresh fruit, or Arabic coffee. It is a beloved dish in Emirati cuisine, and it has become a popular choice among locals and tourists alike in Dubai.
If you are in Dubai, be sure to try balaleet and experience the unique and delicious flavors of Emirati cuisine. Its sweet and savory flavor profile and fragrant aroma make it a perfect breakfast dish or a sweet treat to indulge in anytime.
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Al Machboosat
Al Machboosat is a traditional Emirati rice dish that is popular in Dubai and throughout the UAE. It is a spicy and flavorful dish that is made from a combination of long-grain rice, meat (usually chicken or lamb), and a blend of aromatic spices.
To prepare Al Machboosat, the meat is first marinated in a mixture of spices such as turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon, and cumin, and then cooked until it is tender. The rice is then cooked separately with additional spices and stock, and the meat is added to the rice towards the end of the cooking process. The dish is then typically garnished with fried onions, raisins, and nuts.
Al Machboosat is often served during special occasions such as weddings, and it is a staple of Emirati cuisine. It is a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for sharing with friends and family, and it is usually accompanied by side dishes such as salads, chutneys, or yogurt.
If you are in Dubai, be sure to try Al Machboosat and experience the unique and delicious flavors of Emirati cuisine. Its blend of spices and tender meat make it a perfect meal for any occasion. However, its popularity has spread beyond the UAE, making it a favorite dish among food lovers around the world.
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Stuffed camel
Stuffed camel is a traditional Emirati dish that is often served during special occasions such as weddings and other large gatherings. As the name suggests, the dish involves stuffing a whole camel with a variety of ingredients, which can include rice, spices, onions, and lamb or chicken.
To prepare stuffed camel, the camel is first cleaned and then stuffed with the ingredients. The camel is then sewn shut, and the entire animal is roasted slowly over an open fire for several hours until the meat is tender and the stuffing is cooked to perfection.
Stuffed camel is a unique and flavorful dish that is not commonly found in restaurants, and it is often prepared by locals or Bedouin tribes for special occasions. The dish is a symbol of hospitality and generosity, and it is often served to large groups of people who gather to share in the celebration.
While stuffed camel is not a dish that is readily available in Dubai, it is a fascinating example of the rich and diverse cuisine of the UAE, and it highlights the importance of food and hospitality in Emirati culture. If you ever have the opportunity to try stuffed camel, it is a dish that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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Mahalabiya
Mahalabiya is a popular dessert that is enjoyed in Dubai and throughout the Middle East. It is a sweet and creamy pudding that is made from a mixture of milk, sugar, and cornstarch, and flavored with rose water or orange blossom water. To prepare Mahalabiya, the ingredients are mixed together and then heated on the stove until the mixture thickens and forms a custard-like consistency.
The pudding is then poured into individual serving dishes and allowed to cool in the refrigerator. It is often garnished with nuts, dried fruits, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Mahalabiya is a delicious and refreshing dessert that is perfect for hot summer days. It is typically served after a meal or as a sweet treat to enjoy with tea or coffee. The dish is a staple of Middle Eastern cuisine, and it has become a popular choice among locals and tourists alike in Dubai.
If you are in Dubai, be sure to try Mahalabiya and experience the unique and delicious flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine. Its creamy texture and fragrant aroma make it a perfect dessert to indulge in anytime, and its popularity has spread beyond the Middle East, making it a beloved dessert around the world.
Final Words
Dubai’s cuisine is as diverse and rich as its culture, reflecting the city’s unique history and geographic location. Whether you are a foodie looking to explore new flavors or a traveler eager to experience local culture, Dubai’s cuisine is sure to delight your taste buds. So be sure to sample some of these delicious dishes on your next visit to this vibrant city and discover the culinary wonders that await you.