The UAE is a destination that invites tourists to enjoy a wide variety of cuisines; it is a perfect place to dine. Today, we are talking about Emirati cuisine, which is exceptionally popular in the UAE. Emirati dishes are truly a work of art. Emirati people are proud of their rich heritage and they are very particular about their food. According to a recent study, Dubai has the second most diverse cuisine in the world, only after New York. To understand the true culture of the UAE and Emirati food culture, one needs to visit Dubai and try Emirati delicacies. Emirati food is quite different from the Arabian food that is served at most of the Arabian restaurants in the world. The cuisine has a distinct Arabic influence. And it is loved by the ex-pats and tourists who visit the city.
Emiratis are very open to new cultures, and thanks to the influences of many different countries that were introduced as part of trading and relations, Emirati cuisine has also opened up a lot. Dining out in the UAE is an experience you must treat your taste buds to. When dining out in Dubai in particular, there are many flavors you’ll come across from Arabic food to the rich multiculturalism resident in Dubai nowadays. There are so many great places in Dubai where you can get your hands on some amazing Emirati food!
To know more about Emirati food, Where we will be sharing you the 8 mouth-watering Emirati dishes that you mustn’t miss when visiting Dubai
1. Shawarma
Shawarmas as a wrap: You cannot make it among the Middle Eastern wraps by your local takeout shop! It is delicious shawarma that you can only find in countries like the United Arab Emirates. It has sliced chicken, lamb, or even beef that you can eat with vegetables and various sauces inside the shawarma which makes it something from another world! Let me just put it out there, even if your local food truck did a pretty good job of making any kind of shawarma, you cannot compare the real thing with what can be found in the streets of UAE. The word ‘shawarma’ is said to have originally come from Turkey, although it has become extremely popular in most other middle-eastern countries!.
2. Shish Tawouk Sandwich
Dubai is a melting pot of different cultures. This can be seen through its fast-growing restaurant business and particularly in its traditional cuisine. One such excellent dish that personifies the city’s cultural diversity and gastronomical expertise is the shawarma sandwich – a classic Middle Eastern favorite with a local twist. It originates from Turkey and as many probably know has also been adopted by Lebanon, Syria, and Egypt where it has become one of their most popular street foods to date. In short, it’s a tasty treat that not only represents culture but is healthy as well!.
3. Al Harees
Mixed grains are mixed to make the dish known as Al Harees in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and across the Middle East. This dish is traditionally eaten during religious festivals like Ramadan or wedding ceremonies. It’s made using a different technique by mixing meat with wheat and a little salt along with water and letting it cook for a long time. Another way to prepare this meal is by mixing wheat with slightly salted water for several hours, then adding meat to it, before cooking for approximately four more hours after that. Although there’s slightly more prep work involved when preparing this dish, the result is worth it!
4. Al Machboos
A popular UAE side dish is called Machboos. Machboos isn’t fish or vegetarian, it’s a dish that uses meat, fish, or shrimp as its main ingredient. The history of this recipe goes back to ancient Rome, where the Machboos recipes were considered a part of a type of cuisine that has now become rarer – Bouillabaisse. A great deal of Machboos’ popularity can be credited to the Persian Empire because they are taught to use spices and lemon rinds in their cooking this is why you will find both in this dish but people make Machboos differently depending on where they live. No matter how they are made through people agree that Machboos can be served better with some raita and tabbouleh so you might want to do the same!.
5. Fattoush
If you’re looking for a healthy option, might we suggest Fattoush. Coming from the Levant countries: Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Palestine, this Arabic salad is traditionally made with bread soaked in an oil dressing but we have devised our recipe that’s crafted using a range of fresh ingredients like tomatoes, cucumbers, mint leaves, onions, and garlic in addition to lemon juice..
6. Thereed
The Thereed is a traditional meal beloved by Emiratis. It’s a slow-cooked dish consisting of chicken, lamb, or goat, and roasted vegetables like marrow, pumpkin, potatoes, and tomatoes. The stew is traditionally served on top of thin round bread called Rigag. You can make this tasty treat as an entirely vegetarian meal by leaving out the meat. Fans of Thereed love everything about this dish: its unique hearty blend of ingredients and its preparation in two unique ways. They may even invite friends for dinner to enjoy the deliciousness that is Thereed..
7. Kousa Mahshi
Kousa Mahshi is a highly popular dish amongst customers who visit Dubai. It is prepared with zucchini or courgettes (or both) stuffed with rice and then topped with yogurt. Even people who aren’t vegetarian enjoy this meal. A mixture of spices, herbs, and condiments is added to the yogurt to make sure this meal is savored by anyone lucky enough to stumble upon it or order it in a Lebanese restaurant..
8. Shirin Polo
Mouthwatering and scrumptious Persian sweet rice, Shirin polo is a delicacy that has been popular in the UAE for years. The dish is prepared using rice and plenty of variety of nuts like slivered almonds for example. More importantly, the sweetness of this delicious Iranian dish differs from region to region. It often goes hand-in-hand with its sister dishes such as samanu, which is also a term used to describe the accompanying stewed fruits or vegetables usually eaten alongside other dishes served on a festive occasion or special event.
When visiting Dubai, one of the most delicious foods you must try is Emirati food. Emirati food is a combination of Arabic food and Persian food. Some of the most popular Emirati dishes include flatbread, cheese, and eggs. And of course, no meal is complete without the traditional Arabic tea. Emirati cuisine is a popular cuisine in the UAE, it’s unique and delicious. Emirati dishes are often spicy and oily, but they offer a wide variety of dishes and flavors. We hope you’ve found this article useful and we hope that you’ll try some of these delicious Emirati dishes!.
