United Arab Emirates, a country rich in culture and heritage. One of the most significant aspects of this heritage is its traditional food, often referred to as Emirati cuisine.
Each dish tells a story of the UAE’s past, its people, and their way of life. From the hearty Harees to the sweet Luqaimat, Emirati food is a testament to the country’s historical journey, reflecting influences from Middle Eastern and Asian cuisines.
In this article, we will explore 20 traditional foods that you should try when in the UAE, each offering a unique taste of the country’s rich culinary heritage.
The History of UAE Traditional Food
The history of Emirati cuisine is as rich and diverse as the UAE itself. It’s a culinary tradition that has been shaped by the country’s unique geographical location and its interactions with various cultures over the centuries.
The UAE’s position along the ancient trade routes brought it into contact with Persian, Indian, and East African cultures, each leaving their mark on Emirati food.
In the past, the diet of the UAE’s inhabitants was dictated by the harsh desert environment. The Bedouin tribes relied on a diet of dates, camel milk, and meat, while the coastal communities subsisted on a diet of fish, rice, and coconuts.
Over time, as trade routes expanded and the UAE became a hub of commerce and culture, the cuisine evolved to incorporate a variety of ingredients and cooking techniques.
Today, Emirati cuisine is a reflection of this rich history, offering a blend of flavors and dishes that tell the story of the UAE’s cultural heritage and its journey through time.
20 Famous UAE Traditional Foods
Emirati cuisine is a gastronomic delight that offers a variety of dishes. Here are some of the famous traditional foods that you should try when in the UAE.
1. Harees
A staple during Ramadan and weddings, Harees is a comforting dish made of wheat and meat, often chicken or lamb.
The ingredients are slow-cooked until they form a smooth porridge. It’s a dish that showcases the importance of patience and slow cooking in Emirati cuisine.
2. Machboos
Also known as Kabsa, Machboos is a hearty rice dish that’s akin to a Middle Eastern version of a pilaf.
It’s typically made with basmati rice, meat (such as chicken, goat, beef, camel, or shrimp), and a blend of spices. The dish is then garnished with fried onions and served with a side of yogurt or salad.
3. Balaleet
A unique sweet and savory dish, Balaleet is a breakfast staple in the UAE. It’s made of vermicelli noodles that are sweetened with sugar, saffron, and cardamom, then topped with a thin, savory omelet.
This dish is a testament to the UAE’s trade connections, showcasing ingredients like saffron and cardamom that were brought in through trade routes.
4. Chebab
These are the Emirati version of pancakes, made with a batter of flour, eggs, sugar, cardamom, and saffron.
They’re cooked until golden and served with date syrup and cheese, offering a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors.
5. Ghuzi
Also known as whole roast lamb, Ghuzi is a dish that’s typically served on a bed of nutty rice.
The lamb is slow-roasted until it’s tender and flavorful, and the rice is cooked in the lamb’s juices. This dish is often served during special occasions and large family gatherings.
6. Luqaimat
A common dessert in the UAE, Luqaimat are sweet dumplings that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
They’re made from a simple dough that’s deep-fried and then drizzled with date syrup or honey, resulting in a sweet treat that’s loved by locals and visitors alike.
7. Madrouba
A comforting rice porridge, Madrouba is often cooked with chicken or meat. The rice and meat are slow-cooked until they form a thick, hearty porridge.
It’s a dish that showcases the importance of simple, nourishing meals in Emirati cuisine.
8. Fatteh
This is a layered dish of flatbread soaked in broth and topped with rice and meat.
The bread soaks up the flavorful broth, while the rice and meat add heartiness to the dish. It’s a comforting dish that’s often enjoyed during the cooler months.
9. Shawarma
Although not unique to the UAE, Shawarma is a popular street food across the country. It’s a wrap filled with thinly sliced meat or chicken that’s been marinated and slow-roasted on a vertical spit.
The meat is then wrapped in a flatbread with garlic sauce, pickles, and sometimes fries, making for a delicious, portable meal.
10. Falafel
Another popular street food, Falafel is a deep-fried ball or patty made from ground chickpeas or fava beans. It’s often served in a pita bread with salads, pickled vegetables, and hot sauce.
While falafel is found throughout the Middle East, each country has its own version, and the UAE is no exception.
11. Baleelat
This is a traditional sweet and savory dish popular in Eastern Arabian cuisine. It’s a popular breakfast choice that traditionally consists of vermicelli sweetened with sugar, cardamom, rose water, and saffron, served with an overlying egg omelette. It is sometimes served with sautéed onions or potatoes.
12. Beidh Wa Tomat or Shakshuka
In simple terms, Shakshuka is scrambled eggs with tomato and pepper. On top of the tomato, there will be thyme and coriander. There is a different shakshuka style with poached eggs.
13. Al Majboos
Also called Kabsa and Makboos, Majboos is a traditional mixed rice dish that originated in Saudi Arabia. It’s famous in the Arab World especially in the Gulf countries including Oman. The dish consists of rice, usually basmati, vegetables, meat or chicken and a mix of spices.
14. Al Haree
Harees is a dish of boiled, cracked, or coarsely-ground cracked wheat or bulgur, mixed with meat and seasoned.
Its consistency varies between a porridge and a gruel. Harees is a popular dish known throughout the Arab world, where it is commonly eaten during Ramadan.
15. Al Madrooba
Madrooba is a spicy and comforting Omani and Qatari porridge made with chicken, overcooked rice, and a plethora of flavorings such as turmeric, cumin, cardamom, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, garlic, and black pepper. Variations do exist, though, as there is no fixed recipe.
16. Al Saloona
Saloona or salona is a classic Arabian stew that is usually enjoyed as an everyday, home cooked meal. The most common variety is prepared with chicken (dejaj), but vegetables, other types of meat such as beef or lamb, and fish can also be used as the main ingredient.
17. Fareed
Fareed, also known as Thareed, is a type of bread soup that originates from Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It’s a simple meal of broth and bread, in this instance crumbled flatbread moistened with broth or stew.
18. Thareed
Thareed is similar to Fareed, but it’s made with thin, flat bread.
19. Mahyawa
Mahyawa or mehyawa is an Iranian cuisine tangy sauce made out of fermented fish. Mahyawa originates in the southern coastal regions of Iran, but has become a popular food item in the Persian Gulf countries.
20. Rgaag Bread
Rgaag bread, also known as Rigag or Khubz Ragag, is a wafer-thin bread that is cooked on a special pan over high heat. It is often prepared for breakfast and is incorporated into foods served during Ramadan.
Usually, toppings such as cheese, eggs, honey, and mhyawa (a thick fish paste) are added while the bread cooks. The finished dish, which looks similar to a crepe, is eaten hot.
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The Cultural Significance of UAE Traditional Food
Food is a significant part of any culture, and this is especially true in the UAE. Emirati cuisine is deeply intertwined with the country’s history, traditions, and customs.
It’s not just about sustenance, but also about hospitality, celebration, and maintaining a connection with the past.
In the UAE, food is often used as a means of showing hospitality and generosity. It’s common for Emiratis to invite guests to share a meal, and traditional dishes like Harees and Ghuzi are often served on special occasions and celebrations.
These dishes are prepared with care and served with pride, symbolizing the Emirati people’s hospitality and their love for their culinary heritage.
Moreover, many traditional Emirati dishes are tied to the country’s Bedouin past. Dishes like Madrooba and Saloona were born out of necessity, using ingredients that were readily available and could withstand the harsh desert conditions.
These dishes are still enjoyed today, serving as a reminder of the UAE’s history and the resilience of its people.
