Emirati Food Introduction
Emirati cuisine is a rich and diverse blend of flavors and influences from various cultures such as Arab, Persian, Indian, and African. Its location on the ancient trade routes has shaped the history and heritage of the UAE. These trade routes connected Asia, Africa, and Europe. Emirati food uses spices, herbs, and aromatic ingredients, giving it a unique and exotic flavor.
What is Emirati Food?
Emirati cuisine is a fusion of different cultures, with influences from Arab, Persian, Indian, and African cuisines. It’s a cuisine that uses a lot of spices and herbs to enhance the flavor of the dishes. The use of spices like saffron, cardamom, cinnamon, and cumin is common in Emirati cuisine. The food is also known for its generous use of dates and nuts, which are an important part of the Emirati culture.
The Bedouin culture heavily influences the cuisine as they have a tradition of hospitality and generosity. People commonly serve large platters of food on special occasions like weddings and Eid celebrations as Emirati cuisine aims to be shared with family and friends. People usually eat the food with their hands, and the Emirati diet staples bread.
Examples of Emirati Food
Here are some examples of Emirati dishes that you can try:
Machboos: This is a traditional Emirati dish made with spiced rice and meat, usually chicken or lamb. The meat is cooked with spices like cumin, cinnamon, and cardamom and then mixed with the rice dish is a traditional Emirati one which people make with spiced rice and meat, usually chicken or lamb.
People cook the meat with spices such as cumin, cinnamon, and Cardamom and then mix it with the rice. This is such a simple dish, but I love it. So tasty!
Thareed: This is a bread and meat dish popular in the UAE. People make it with bread soaked in a tomato-based stew cooked with meat, usually lamb or chicken. I have eaten much of this over the years, and it always tastes good. There are variations to the recipe as well.
Harees: People make this porridge-like dish with cracked wheat and meat, usually lamb or chicken. They slow-cook the meat with spices such as cinnamon and cardamom and then mix it with the wheat. This is tasty though it may not suit all tastes.
Luqaimat: These are small, sweet dumplings made with flour, sugar, and yeast. They’re usually served with date syrup. This dish is too tempting! It’s like mini doughnuts in syrup. You have been warned!
Khameer Bread: This type of bread is popular in the UAE. It’s made with flour, yeast, and sugar and is usually served with honey or cheese. A wonderful side dish that goes with everything.
5 Hidden Gems for Authentic Emirati Food in Dubai
If you’re in Dubai and want to try authentic Emirati cuisine, here are five hidden gems that you should try:
1. Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe
Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe is a popular Emirati restaurant in multiple locations. The restaurant draws inspiration from Emirati heritage for its decor, and its menu features traditional Emirati dishes such as Machboos, Thareed, and Harees.
The restaurant also offers a range of desserts and drinks popular in the UAE, such as Luqaimat and Karak tea. Al Fanar is a great place to experience Emirati hospitality and cuisine in a cozy and authentic setting. They have multiple locations across the city of Dubai.
2. Logma
Logma is a contemporary Emirati restaurant that’s located near Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai. The restaurant offers a modern take on traditional Emirati dishes, such as the Emirati breakfast, which features Balaleet (sweet vermicelli), Khameer bread, and Chai Karak (strong, sweet tea). The Logma fries are Logma’s signature dish, which they make with crispy potato fries that they top with khaleeji (Arabian Gulf) spices and a garlic aioli sauce.
3. Al Mashowa
Al Mashowa is a traditional Emirati seafood restaurant in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The restaurant offers a unique dining experience, showcasing the rich flavors and culinary heritage of Emirati cuisine.
The menu at Al Mashowa features a wide range of seafood dishes, including grilled fish, shrimp, and lobster, as well as traditional Emirati dishes such as Machboos, a spiced rice dish with either fish, chicken or meat and thareed, a bread and lamb stew. The restaurant also serves a variety of mezze, or small plates, that are perfect for sharing.
Al Mashowa is located in the Dubai Parks and Resorts Riverland complex off Sheik Zayed Road.
4. Sheikh Mohammed Centre For Cultural Understanding (SMCCU)
The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) is an organization based in Dubai that aims to promote cultural awareness and understanding of the UAE’s heritage and traditions. The SMCCU offers a range of activities and programs for locals and tourists, including cultural tours, mosque visits, traditional meals, and educational workshops.
One of the most popular activities offered by the SMCCU is the cultural meal. Visitors can enjoy a traditional Emirati meal while learning about the UAE’s customs and etiquette of dining. The organization also offers guided walking tours of the historic Al Fahidi neighborhood in Dubai, where visitors can learn about the history and architecture of the area. I visited this place a few years ago an it is fascinating. I highly recommend it if you wish to discover Emirati culture.
5. Aseelah
Aseelah is an Emirati restaurant in Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek. The restaurant offers a menu that features traditional Emirati dishes such as Machboos, Thareed, and Harees, as well as a range of seafood dishes popular in the UAE. Aseelah also offers a range of desserts and drinks popular in the UAE, such as Luqaimat and Karak tea. The restaurant draws inspiration from Emirati heritage for its decor and provides stunning views of Dubai Creek.
Conclusion
Emirati cuisine is a rich and diverse blend of flavors and influences from various cultures, and it’s a reflection of the UAE’s history and heritage. If you’re in Dubai and looking for authentic Emirati cuisine, there are several hidden gems that you can try. There are many great places to experience Emirati hospitality and cuisine, which we have only covered a few in this post. Each of these restaurants offers a unique take on Emirati dishes, and they’re all worth a visit.
By trying these hidden gems for authentic Emirati food in Dubai, you’ll be able to explore the richness and diversity of Emirati cuisine and experience the hospitality and generosity of the Emirati people.
Final Thoughts About Emirati Food
Emirati cuisine is a true reflection of the UAE’s history and heritage, and it’s a unique blend of flavors and influences from various cultures. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, trying Emirati food is a must-do experience you won’t regret. By visiting one of the hidden gems for authentic Emirati food in Dubai that we have listed above, you’ll be able to explore the richness and diversity of Emirati cuisine and experience the hospitality and generosity of the Emirati people. So go ahead and try Emirati food today!
Useful Links
- You can find more information about the Al Fanar restaurants. HERE
- You can see details about Logma, HERE
- The Al Mashowa restaurant is based and Dubai Parks and Resort HERE
- You can see further information about the SMCCU, HERE
- You can find further information about the Aseelah restaurant HERE
- For visa entry requirements for coming to Dubai, check HERE
- A general guide to Dubai can be found HERE
- For Thai Food you can check HERE
- If you love seafood then check out this article about Seafood in Dubai.
- Have a taste for Italian Food in Dubai. Read this post.
Key Takeaways
- Trying Emirati food is a fantastic way to be introduced to their culture as it is delicious and worth experiencing.
- There are plenty of choices for restaurants in Dubai for all budgets. Feel free to ask Emiratis for recommendations. They love to help.
- The geography of the region, including the ocean, deserts, and mountains, heavily influences Emirati cuisine.
- In particular, seafood is a staple of Emirati cuisine, with many fish-based dishes.
- Both breads and dates are also a major part of the cuisine, reflecting the ingredients readily available in the country.
- Coffee is also a key element. Gahwa, or Arabic coffee, is readily served with dates.
