The Emirates became a wealthy state not so long ago, and for many centuries, the traditional cuisine of the locals was quite modest and not very diverse: flatbreads, rice, dates, and camel milk. Meat, such as stewed goat or lamb, was added on holidays. People living on the coast often eat fish.
Today, the Emirates, particularly Dubai, is one of the world’s gastronomic capitals. It is truly a paradise for gourmets. UAE cuisine is a whimsical mix of the cuisines of many countries:
- Arab (mainly Lebanese),
- Indian,
- Polynesian,
- European.
Some Emirati national dishes are sold in street food trucks, mostly those wrapped in lavash or flatbread. In the major cities of the Emirates (on bustling tourist streets of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, etc.), the quality of food is high, so you can safely explore the local cuisine. In general, most traditional dishes are served in restaurants, which are abundant in the country to suit every taste.
We offer you the top 10 national dishes of the UAE that every tourist must try. So, what should you try in the UAE?
1. Fareed
This dish can be prepared in different ways. Its base is meat, which is stewed with vegetables, any that are available at the moment. This might include, for example, pumpkin, potatoes, zucchini, tomatoes. When served, a thin bread called raka (similar to flatbread) is placed at the bottom of the plate to absorb the juices from the stew. Sometimes rice is offered as a side dish to fareed. There is also a version where rice is added to the dish instead of bread.
2. Al Madrooba
One of the most famous dishes in the UAE national cuisine. It is salted fish that is additionally boiled with the addition of flour and aromatic spices. Al madrooba is served with a sauce that emphasizes its unusual piquant taste. The dish is popular among tourists.
3. Al Harees
The ingredients of this national UAE dish are simple: wheat and meat, which are stewed together in a pot. It may seem ordinary, but there is a catch: the cooking time is at least 5 hours. As a result, the original components break down so much that they become almost unrecognizable, turning into a homogeneous paste. The dish is topped with melted butter when served. Such a simple, tasty, and aromatic dish is prepared for big celebrations like Ramadan, specifically at its end. It is also served at weddings, festivals, and other events.
4. Umm Ali
This dessert with a delicate aroma is a plain bread pudding soaked in syrup, often made from rose petals. Chopped nuts, raisins, and dried fruits are added to the syrup. The pudding is made from dough that contains butter and milk, giving the dish a light creamy taste. The dessert pairs especially well with Arabic coffee. Legend has it that a long time ago, a military leader with a “special” son (the boy had a mental disability) was executed by order of the queen. The boy’s mother avenged the queen, and at the feast held in honor of this event, guests were served this pudding with syrup. “Umm Ali” translates to “Ali’s mother,” named after the boy. Therefore, this dessert is considered a symbol of justice.
5. Biryani
This dish somewhat resembles the familiar pilaf. It contains similar ingredients: rice and meat (lamb, chicken), vegetables. Sometimes there are versions of the dish with fish. Like other Eastern cuisine dishes, biryani is generously seasoned with spices that are fried in a pan. Meat, cut into strips, is placed on the spices, and rice (almost cooked) is placed on top. All these components are then simmered together. The dish is given an additional piquant note by chopped pistachios added at the end of cooking, and raisins.
6. Brik
The UAE is located on the shores of two gulfs, so seafood and fish dishes are not uncommon in the local cuisine. Brik are very tasty pastries filled with fish or shrimp (although sometimes they are made with lamb, vegetables, sweet fillings – a great option for those who don’t like seafood). The pastries are triangular in shape and made from thin puff pastry. They are fried in oil, making them crispy. Before eating, they can be drizzled with lemon juice and garnished with fresh herbs.
7. Fattoush
This national UAE dish (and other Arab countries) is a light yet hearty salad. Its ingredients are: vegetables (cucumbers, carrots, lettuce leaves, tomatoes), aromatic herbs (any, but mint is a must), and dried pieces of lavash or pita. Lemon juice is used as a dressing. The dish is refreshing and original, somewhat reminiscent of the well-known Caesar salad with croutons.
8. Balaleet
This dish is often eaten by Emiratis for breakfast. It consists of two parts: sweet-salty noodles and an omelet placed on top. Sometimes the omelet is the base, in which the vermicelli is wrapped. An important feature: the omelet is made solely from eggs, without milk. Additional notes to this dish are added by rose water, cardamom, saffron, and sugar, giving it an interesting and rich taste.
9. Muttabal
This appetizer, which is an eggplant pate (caviar), is very popular in the Emirates. Nuts or sesame seeds, garlic are added to the vegetables during preparation. Muttabal has a rich, delicate taste and pleasant aroma. It can be spread on pita or lavash, or the pieces can be used instead of a fork. The appetizer is also good as a standalone dish or, for example, as a side dish to meat or fish.
10. Manakish
These simple round flatbreads are so delicious that they are loved by both locals and tourists. The filling is cheese (feta, suluguni). The flatbreads are seasoned with a spice mix called za’atar. It includes oregano, thyme, sumac, cumin, marjoram, and sea salt. Sesame seeds, greens, olives are also added. Manakish is not only tasty but also very filling. Flatbreads with melted cheese are mostly eaten as an appetizer to the main dish or as a snack, dipping pieces in oil with spices.
Certainly, this is not the entire list of interesting national dishes of the Emirates. For example, they prepare thick soups here, so hearty that one bowl can fill you up for a long time. Meat broth is supplemented with vegetables, spices, rice, legumes, and small pastries with meat, vegetable, cheese, or spinach fillings are offered with the first course. Those with a sweet tooth will appreciate the abundance of Eastern desserts with nuts, honey, and raisins. UAE national food is interesting with its eastern note.
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