There is something about the food of the land that instantly binds people and creates an atmosphere for conversation. Embrace the flavours of the destination, and language ceases to be an obstacle. In the UAE, people love to talk about food and mingle over it. During a trip to the UAE, a visitor can experience an astounding array of experiences, but it is the food culture that attracts travellers the most. A wide array of delectable cuisines are available in the UAE and you will be able to experience some of the most distinctive flavours from around the world. However, as a tourist in UAE, it is essential to get acquainted with the local culture, and the best way is through Emirati cuisine.
Explore the local cuisine and sample some of the most delicious flavours that the UAE has to offer during your stay. Emirati cuisine is influenced by the UAE’s historic trade routes and is infused with ingredients procured from the UAE’s lands, such as local date palms and spices and fish caught by local fishermen. UAE was a major trading route for other countries and it has heavily influenced its cuisine. Today, its culinary journey is inspiring and is something every UAE visitor should discover. You shouldn’t miss out on these delectable Emirati traditional dishes when you are in the UAE.
Popular Emirati meals
Al Jabab Bread
This is one of the most common dishes you will see on the breakfast menus in the UAE. This Emirati pancake is made of fermented flour and egg and topped with date syrup, rosewater and saffron concoctions, or cardamom and honey mixed dressings.
Emirati Khameer Bread
This toasty toast with sesame seeds strewn across the top is the staple bread of Emiratis. Served for breakfast, you can stuff it with fillings such as dates and nuts, cream cheese fillings, or chickpea fillings.
Harees
In terms of food culture, Hareez is considered one of the oldest Emirati dishes passed from generation to generation and is considered a signature dish during festivals like Eid and Ramadan. There is a legend that states that the recipe for Harees was discovered during the 10th century. Fused with melted butter, salt, and pepper, this classic Emirati dish is a sumptuous porridge made from ground wheat and minced beef that is slow-cooked for hours.
Machboos
Known as the national dish of the UAE, this dish is a one-pot food that is a wholesome meal and is available in abundance throughout the country. In many ways, the combination of tender meat, rice, vegetables, and aromatic spices and herbs might sound similar to the authentic Spanish dish paella and the Indian Biriyani. But the real twist is provided by the addition of dried lemon peels and generous garnishes of roasted nuts and Arabian dates. This hearty meal is fulfilling and truly delicious. Dhow cruises with dinner is one of the best ways to enjoy this traditional cuisine along with a relaxing atmosphere and a chance to enjoy scenic city views.
Tharid
Tharid is an Emirati dish that is nutrient-rich and is often used during the festivities to break the fast before the feasting rituals begin. This is another dish with deep Emirati cultural roots. Essentially, it is a fusion of a variety of vegetables and meat that has been simmered for a long time, heavily spiced, and then laid on top of an Emirati bread. Quite simply, the combination is heavenly and you wouldn’t regret trying it at least once.
Samak Mashwi
Craving for some seafood? You should probably try the Samak Mashwi, which is the region’s offering as a lip-smacking fish fry. The Samak Mashwi recipe consists of a whole fish marinated in a very special sauce of spices, fragrant and intensely flavourful herbs. It is cooked on a high flame and served as a side dish or appetizer to a full meal.
Ouzi
There is no doubt that Ouzi is one of the favourite dishes in Emirati cuisine. It is both delicious and fulfilling in every way. It is prepared with lamb meat baked in the oven and slow-cooked spiced rice and nuts. In this dish, the rice is used as a base. The meat is then layered on top of this. Grilled vegetables are added as options and it is generously garnished with mixed nuts, roasted chickpeas, and fried onions. During the preparation of a delicious Ouzi, it is necessary for all the flavors to marinate and combine beautifully, which is why it takes as long as 4 hours to prepare. Since the cooking process is tedious, it is only made on special occasions such as weddings and festivals.
Emirati Traditional desserts
Khanfaroosh
Khanafaroosh, known as the “Arabic sweet cake,” are cardamom and saffron sweet cakes that beautifully complement Arabian coffee or a piping hot cup of tea. Khanafaroosh is just the right thing to sink your teeth into if you are a sweet lover. Even if you are not, you will be tempted to try out one of these aromatic cakes.
Luqaimat
Small, bite-size deep-fried dough balls drizzled with dates and cardamom syrup is the go-to dish to satiate a sweet craving. This mouth-watering dessert was named after an Emirati ritual of gifting edibles to near and dear ones. Luqaimat is a dessert that you must try at least once while you are in the UAE. The chances are that you won’t be able to stop at just one or two.
Bathieth
Bathieth is a recipe, which is made easily and allows you to satisfy your sweet tooth. It is made by just roasting flour and mixing it with dates, cardamom, rosewater, and saffron mixed in hot melted butter. The garnish of toasted sesame seeds and almonds enlivens this simple sweet dish with a delicious depth of flavour.
Mehalbiya
This Arabic milk pudding is quick and easy to whip up and has a fragrant flavour as one of the ingredients used is rose or orange water. It is made out of cornstarch, milk, sugar, condensed milk, and added flavouring. It made its way from the Ottoman ages to the Persian Gulf countries and since then, it has been a favourite dessert of the Emiratis and is a part of the Emirati cuisine to this very day.
Conclusion
In the UAE, there are countless choices of global cuisine to choose from, but Emirati cuisine stands out for its unique flavours based on authentic Bedouin recipes which over time have been tweaked and enhanced. For a visitor to the UAE, the traditional food of this destination provides a glimpse into the country’s cultural background and humble past. One can tell from the list above that the ingredients that go into cooking these dishes are simple and easily available in the UAE. The best way to experience the delicious dishes in the UAE is to pair them with an engaging experience such as desert safaris that take you to the middle of the Arabian desert and pampers you with Arabian folklore and traditional barbecue dishes. If you are in Dubai, some of the best places to try Emirati cuisine are the Alfanar restaurant, Siraj restaurant, Arabian Tea House, Wafi Gourmet, and Logma at Dubai Mall. You can define your UAE journey as complete only after you indulge in the Emirati food scene.
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