Quick Guide to Dubai Foods for Travelers
Dubai, with its authentic Emirati flavors and unique hospitality, offers you a special experience. In this table, get acquainted with the most famous Dubai dishes and the best times to enjoy them.
| Food Category | Famous Dishes | Features and Recommended Time to Eat |
|---|---|---|
| Main Dishes | Machboos, Harees, Thareed, Khuzzi, Salona, Madrooba, Samak Mashwi | Meat- and rice-rich dishes, suitable for lunch and dinner, especially for parties and celebrations |
| Breakfast and Traditional Breads | Balaleet, Chebab, Raqaq, Khameer | Sweet and savory flavors, local breads, suitable for breakfast and snacks |
| Traditional Sweets | Luqaimat | Delicious and crispy sweets, ideal for afternoon tea, served with Arabic coffee and at celebrations |
These items are explained in more detail below. Also, in the section Best Iranian Restaurants in Dubai you can find the best restaurants in Dubai serving Iranian, Arabic, and various other cuisines.
Main Dishes: The Beating Heart of the Emirati Table
Main dishes in the Emirates usually include rice, meat (chicken, lamb, or sometimes camel), fish, and a blend of aromatic spices carefully and skillfully combined. Among the most famous Dubai dishes, we can mention the following:
1. Al Machboos / Majboos
Undoubtedly, Majboos is one of the best dishes in Dubai and a symbol of Emirati cuisine. This dish, which resembles biryani, is a mixed and spiced rice dish made with chicken, lamb, or fish. Aromatic basmati rice is cooked in broth and flavored with onions, tomatoes, dried lime (loomi), and a blend of warm spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and saffron. Majboos is a popular dish at parties and family gatherings, with each family having its unique recipe.
2. Al-Harees (Al Harees)
Harees is a very traditional and valued dish with a texture similar to haleem. It is made from crushed wheat and meat (usually chicken or lamb), cooked slowly with a little salt for hours in clay or regular pots until completely soft and uniform. At the end, a bit of ghee (animal fat) is usually poured on top. Due to its simplicity, nutritional value, and cultural significance, Harees is often served on special occasions such as Ramadan, weddings, and festivals.
3. Al-Thareed / Fareed (Thareed / Fareed)
Thareed is a hearty and delicious stew made from meat (lamb, chicken, or goat) and large chunks of vegetables like potatoes, tomatoes, zucchini, and pumpkin. Traditionally, this stew is poured over thin, crispy Emirati bread called 'Raqaq' so the bread absorbs the stew’s broth. It is said that Thareed was one of the favorite dishes of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), which gives it a special place in the region’s food culture. This dish is one of Dubai’s famous foods, offering you an authentic homemade taste experience.
4. Khuzi / Ghuzi (Khuzi / Ghuzi)
Khuzi can be considered the most magnificent Emirati dish, often served at grand celebrations and ceremonies, and sometimes referred to as the national dish of the UAE. This dish consists of a whole roasted lamb or kid placed on a bed of spiced rice and garnished with nuts (such as almonds and pistachios) and raisins. Khuzi symbolizes Emirati generosity and hospitality.
5. Saloona (Saloona)
Saloona is a classic and common stew in Emirati homes, made with chicken, lamb, or fish and seasonal vegetables. Its main seasonings usually include turmeric, ginger, and other local spices. This light and tasty stew is typically served with white rice and is an excellent choice for a healthy, homemade meal.
6. Madrouba
Madrouba, meaning "beaten," has a soft and smooth texture similar to a puree. This dish is often made with salted fish (or chicken and lamb) cooked with rice, tomatoes, yogurt, onions, garlic, and various spices, then all ingredients are mashed together to create a thick and flavorful blend.
7. Samak Mashwi
Given the UAE's long coastline, seafood holds a special place in the country's cuisine. Samak Mashwi means grilled fish. Fresh fish (often hammour or other local varieties) is seasoned with a blend of Emirati spices and then grilled over an open flame. This dish is a perfect example of simplicity and authentic seafood flavor.
8. Jasheed
Jasheed is another famous Dubai dish that might be less known but offers a unique experience. It is made from ground shark meat (usually small sharks) cooked with onions and spices like turmeric and Bizar (an Emirati spice mix), typically served with white rice.
Recommended Reading: Best Locations in Dubai
Traditional Breakfasts and Breads: Starting a Day Full of Energy
Breakfast in the Emirates can be an intriguing mix of sweet and savory flavors, with traditional breads playing an important role in meals. Among the most common and popular breakfast options in Dubai and the Emirates are the following:
1. Balaleet
Balaleet is one of the most unique and best breakfast dishes in Dubai. It is made from vermicelli sweetened with sugar, cardamom, rosewater, and saffron, usually topped with a thin layer of omelet or fried egg. The combination of the sweet noodles with the savory egg offers a different and delightful experience. Balaleet is especially popular on Eid al-Fitr morning.
2. Chebab
Chebab is a traditional Emirati pancake made with flour, eggs, sugar, and yeast, flavored with saffron and cardamom. These fragrant and fluffy pancakes are usually served hot with cream cheese, honey, or date syrup (dibs).
3. Rigag
Rigag bread is a very thin, crispy, paper-like bread that is baked on a hot griddle. This bread can be eaten on its own or served with stews such as Thareed. It is also enjoyed as a quick snack topped with eggs, cheese, honey, or even Omani chips, then rolled up.
4. Khameer
Khamir bread is a soft, round, and slightly sweet bread with a fluffy texture. Its dough is made using dates (instead of sugar) and spices such as fennel, cardamom, and saffron. This warm bread is delicious when served with cheese or date syrup.
Traditional sweets: a sweet ending to a meal
Sweets hold a special place in Emirati culture and are often served alongside Arabic coffee.
5. Luqaimat
Luqaimat is one of the most popular and best desserts in Dubai. These sweets are small fried dough balls that are crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy inside. Hot luqaimat is usually generously coated with date syrup (dibs) and sometimes sprinkled with sesame seeds. This delicious dessert symbolizes hospitality and is especially popular during Ramadan and celebrations.
I recommend visiting the section Best bakeries in Dubai as well.
Where to find traditional Emirati foods?
While Dubai hosts countless restaurants offering international cuisines from around the world, searching for and finding restaurants that serve Dubai’s and Emirati’s famous dishes in a traditional way is a valuable and essential experience to understand the local culture. Don’t forget that Arabic coffee (Gahwa) and dates are the main symbols of hospitality in the Emirates and you will likely be served them in many situations. Accepting this courtesy is a sign of respect for the host culture.
To taste the authentic flavors of Dubai’s best foods, you can visit the following restaurants:
- Al Fanar Restaurant and Cafe (Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe): With an atmosphere reminiscent of old Emirates, it offers a completely traditional experience.
- Arabic Tea House (Arabian Tea House): Located in the historic Al Fahidi neighborhood, it is a cozy place to enjoy authentic dishes in a traditional setting.
- Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant (Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant): Also located in the Al Fahidi neighborhood, it focuses on Emirati flavors.
- Siraj (Siraj): It offers a combination of Emirati and Levantine (Lebanese, Syrian) dishes with a more modern presentation.
- Local House (Local House): Known for dishes made with camel meat, alongside other traditional options, and is undoubtedly worth a visit.
- Loqmeh (Logma): Offers a modern and contemporary take on Gulf and Emirati cuisine and will surely surprise you with its unexpected plates.
Recommended Reading: Best activities in Dubai
Final words
Exploring the world of Dubai's famous foods not only introduces you to new and delicious flavors but also opens a window to a deeper understanding of the country's culture and traditions. As you prepare to start your new life in Dubai, we suggest dedicating some time to discover these culinary treasures. Trying the best foods in Dubai will be an enjoyable part of your journey in this amazing city. For more information and expert advice, you can contact our specialists at Step in Way, the comprehensive reference for businesses in Dubai.
