Dubai has boldly shown its unparallel capabilities to transform nonstop and turn into a mega tourist hotspot, simultaneously it has thrown its doors open to travellers globally there by changing the very scenario of its cuisine blossoming ten folds and alluring food lovers from worldwide.
An Epicurean potpourri, Dubai is one of world’s most happening dining destinations and tempts your taste buds with sumptuous multi cuisines from all over the globe. Dubai is like a genie in a lamp that you just have to wish for the cuisine and your wish is granted. However, when travelling to Dubai, you would love what the locals are having.
As Dubai being a desert region and set in surrounds of waters, the cuisine mainly has non vegetarian elements and though the traditional cuisine is heavily influenced by other Middle Eastern countries, the flavours have their own unique twist and treats you to extravagant cuisine in the winding streets and alleys or in a classy Arabian chic restaurant in Dubai.
Here are our pick on some quintessential Dubai cuisines you should relish when you visit Dubai.
1. Shawarma
The most popular and savoured dish across the city, Shawarma generally tops the list of most sought dish by food lovers on a visit to Dubai. A simple yet delicious fast food, it is made with marinated lamb or chicken cooked on a spit, smoked and slightly burnt, and mixed with pickled vegetables, garlic sauce and rolled up in Arabic flat bread and eaten as a wrap. In Dubai, this is the perfect relished snack of the people and you can have a shawarma in most of the food outlets, which have added their own little twist into this dish.
2. Falafel
Another popular street snack among the locals, gorge on some lovely Falafel which is fried fritter made up of a mix of mashed chickpeas combined with assorted spices, deep fried till crisp and served in bread pockets along with tomatoes and onions. This scrumptious dish is usually enjoyed as a side dish.
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3. Kunafa
The Emirati version of a cheese pastry, the Kunafa is a moist treat filled with melted cheese that oozes out as you bite into the glazy crust coated with sugary egg mixture. It is among the most favoured dishes in Arabic sweets and is a finger licking treat to enjoy in Dubai.
4. Maamoul
A big time favourite around the festive times, Maamoul is a delightful, lip smacking sweet which people all over Middle East relish during holidays. This tender Arabian pastry is stuffed with a choice of dates, walnuts, almonds and pistachios, then moulded in shape and baked with sugary coating – a delight to indulge in when in Dubai.
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5. Mehalabiya
Though of Egyptian origin, this dessert is a simple milk pudding whose flavours are accentuated by pistachios and rosewater. Mehalabiya is mouth watering delicacy with intense flavours and is a refreshing delight to enjoy after a hearty meal.
6. Hummus
Not actually counted as a dish, but Hummus is more like a dip made out of chickpeas, sesame seeds and spices, all grinded into a smooth paste and drizzled with oil, which can be enjoyed along with chips and breads. An authentic traditional Middle Eastern dish, Hummus is a popular around the world.
[Read: Vegetarian Places to Eat in Dubai]
7. Stuffed Camel
For those who like to try extra ordinary feasts, how about trying a bite of stuffed roasted camel? Dubai has yet another record in its name with this famed dish, the Guinness Book of World Records has listed this dish as the largest dish on a menu in the world. The Stuffed Camel is simply a whole camel stuffed with lamb, boiled eggs, chicken and fish and then roasted completely. This dish is usually a royal occasion speciality and is served in Bedouin ceremonies and special occasions.
8. Al Harees
One of the staple foods in the Emirati region, the dish dates back to ancient times in Emirates and holds religious significance. Made with just three simple ingredients – meat, wheat and water, this thick porridge like dish is left overnight surrounded by hot charcoal. If you visit Dubai during the holy month of Ramadan, you will find this dish being served in almost every street of Dubai.
9.Tabbouleh
A crunchy refreshing Arab salad, Tabbouleh is a popular light vegetarian side dish made with a mix of crushed wheat, onions, tomatoes, cucumber and onions garnished with lemon juice and fresh mint. It’s one of the traditional dishes to order as an appetizer along with your main course and is a preferred dish among vegetarian travellers.
10. Ghuzi
A fantastic dish made of whole-roasted lamb served as kebabs on skewers, topped with vegetables, hazelnuts and cooked rice is a hearty meal in itself. You cannot leave Dubai without tasting a mouthful of this delicious Arabic meal.
11. Manousheh
Local pizza called Manousheh is a good option for food in Dubai, especially for those with intense palates and those looking for Dubai delicacies. It turns out to be the ideal option for a sumptuous breakfast. It can be described as a stretched dough or flatbread topped with exotic ingredients like earthy zaatar herbs, olive oil and salty Akkawi cheese. It is one of Dubai’s best street food cuisine and something to binge on at midnight. Manousheh can be topped and stuffed with sour labneh, minced lamb and even sweet jam filling.
12. Chelo Kebab
Another name on the list of foods to try in Dubai is a renowned meal; Chelo Kebab served with fragrant basmati rice flavoured with saffron and a pat of butter. These delicious non-vegetarian dainties from Dubai are a must-try, and it is said to be extraordinarily delectable and out of this world.
13. Shish Tawook
The dish Shish Tawook appears on the menus of practically all Dubai restaurants. Shish Tawook tastes better when served as a sandwich than a regular kebab. You can also find this dish in various South Asian countries, including; Pakistan and India. It goes well with fries and pickles. One of the most well-liked traditional foods from Dubai is this.
14. Fatteh
If you are looking for vegetarian options in Dubai, you honestly don’t have to fumble for other cuisine options. Dubai’s Eastern- Arab cuisine provides you with a variety of vegetarian options, including food items like Fatteh. Fatteh is a three-layer dish ideal for dinner in the early evening. The base is bread soaked in stock, the middle is chickpeas and filled aubergines, and the top is yoghurt and tahini sauce. It is an ideal option for vegetarians trying to taste Dubai’s famous delicacies.
15. Baba Ganoush
Smoky eggplant combined with onions, tomatoes, and olive oil makes a delectable dip. This Levantine appetiser is among the foods to try in Dubai on your trip to this city. Don’t miss the opportunity to try this unique delicacy from Dubai when visiting this city for a vacation.
16. Samboosa
Dubai is a city of diverse cultures and cuisines; you can witness foods inspired by other cuisines especially, the Indian cuisine. Samboosa is an Indian-inspired street food item deriving from samosa, one of the most well-known Indian foods; it is offered in Dubai with a variation that includes fish, veggies, and meat. Samboosas are filled with a variety of meat and veggies and unusual spices. So instead of eating samosas filled with potatoes, try the Samboosas served in this city.
17. Knafeh
Are you looking for something sweet and soothing for your taste buds? Then, you don’t have to wander too much for dessert items in Dubai. You can always opt for Knafeh, a sticky pastry consisting of sweet, gooey cheese, which is renowned as the queen of Arabic desserts. When discussing the unique foods of the city, chopped pistachios and rose-scented syrup are commonly added to this dish, a classic dish in Dubai. Knafeh is well-known throughout the rest of the Middle East because of its flavour richness.
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Conclusion
In all a typical Dubai cuisine is a heady mix of flavours inspired by its neighbouring Emiratis and Middle Eastern countries yet its rich and diverse zest, and tantalizing aromas will arouse your taste buds to eat like a true Emirati, sampling the incredible essence of its cuisine which will leave you craving for more. For all keen food lovers, plan your vacation to Dubai during the Dubai food festival which is a month long festival celebrating Dubai’s culinary journey – a great place to savour some mind blowing international cuisine as well as Dubai’s contribution in Emirati traditional food.
Author Bio: Bailey Stokes is a content marketer who works for Affiliate Marketing – Discount and Voucher Deals Providing Platform. A writer by day and a reader by night; He is striving to make the most of the new opportunities that come his way and excels in everything he does.
What a mouth-watering blog post! The pictures of dishes are so tempting that I am forced to look for their recipes on the internet. Since a visit to Dubai is not immanent, we can at least try its dishes.