Dubai is a food lover's paradise. With a diverse population from all over the world, the city's cuisine reflects its multiculturalism. In this post, we will take you on a culinary journey through Dubai and introduce you to the top 10 must-try dishes in the city. We'll also provide you with information on where to find them and how to prepare them at home.
Shawarma
Shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern dish that has become a staple in Dubai's food scene. It consists of marinated meat, usually chicken or beef, that is roasted on a vertical spit and then shaved off and served in a wrap or pita bread with vegetables and sauce. The best places to try shawarma in Dubai are Al Mallah, Automatic Restaurant, and Operation: Falafel.
Machboos
Machboos is a traditional Emirati dish that is similar to biryani. It consists of rice cooked with meat or seafood, spices, and tomato. The dish is often garnished with fried onions and served with a side of raita. You can try Machboos at Al Fanar Restaurant, Logma, and Seven Sands.
Luqaimat
Luqaimat is a sweet Emirati dessert that is made of fried dough balls that are soaked in honey or date syrup. It is usually served with Arabic coffee. You can try Luqaimat at Al Reef Bakery, Al Ustad Special Kabab, and Milas.
Fatayer
Fatayer is a popular Middle Eastern pastry that is similar to a pie. It is filled with spinach, cheese, or meat and baked until golden brown. Fatayer can be found at Al Tawasol Bakery, Feras Aldiyafa Sweets, and Zaatar w Zeit.
Camel Burger
Dubai is known for its unique cuisine, and one of the most unusual dishes you can try is the camel burger. Camel meat is lean and flavorful, and when it's served on a burger bun with traditional toppings, it's a must-try. You can find camel burgers at Local House Restaurant, The Majlis Dubai, and Arabian Tea House.
Grilled Seafood
Dubai is located on the Arabian Gulf, and fresh seafood is readily available. Grilled seafood is a popular dish in Dubai, and you can find it at any seafood restaurant in the city. Some of the best places to try grilled seafood are Bu Qtair Seafood, Bait Al Wakeel, and The Fish Market.
Kunafa
Kunafa is a sweet pastry that is made of shredded phyllo dough that is filled with cheese or cream and baked until golden brown. It is then soaked in syrup and garnished with pistachios. You can try Kunafa at Al Samadi Sweets, Asayel Restaurant, and Habiba Al Nabulsi Sweets.
Kabsa
Kabsa is a traditional Saudi Arabian dish that is popular in Dubai. It consists of rice cooked with meat or seafood, vegetables, and spices. The dish is often garnished with nuts and raisins and served with a side of raita. You can try Kabsa at Al Khaleejiah Sweets & Restaurant, Al Ibrahimi Restaurant, and Al Khaleej Palace Hotel.
Karak Chai
Karak Chai is a popular Emirati tea that is made with black tea, spices, and milk. It's usually served sweet and is the perfect pick-me-up after a long day. You can try Karak Chai at any local cafe or tea shop in Dubai, such as Tea Junction, Karak House, and Filli Cafe.
Harees
 |
| Photo Credit: thebigsweettooth |
Harees is a traditional Emirati dish that is usually served during Ramadan. It is a simple yet hearty dish made of cracked wheat, meat, and spices. The ingredients are cooked together in a pot until the wheat and meat are soft and tender. Harees is usually served hot and garnished with fried onions and ghee (clarified butter).
To try Harees in Dubai, head to traditional Emirati restaurants like Al Fanar Restaurant, Logma, and Seven Sands.
If you want to make Harees at home, you'll need the following ingredients:
1 cup of cracked wheat
1 lb of lamb or beef
1 tsp of cumin powder
1 tsp of coriander powder
1 tsp of cinnamon powder
Salt to taste
4 cups of water
Directions:
Rinse the cracked wheat and soak it in water for 2 hours.
Cut the meat into small cubes and season with cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and salt.
In a pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil and add the meat.
Cook the meat until it's tender, then add the soaked cracked wheat.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2 hours or until the wheat and meat are soft and tender.
Use a blender or food processor to puree the Harees until it's smooth.
Serve hot, garnished with fried onions and ghee.
Harees is a comforting and satisfying dish that is perfect for a chilly evening. It's a dish that is deeply rooted in Emirati culture and is a must-try for anyone visiting Dubai.
