Joanna James
Most classic beverages in the UAE involve tea and coffee. Due to its cosmopolitan nature, the UAE is influenced by other Middle Eastern and subcontinental nations as well. Here are some of the best five drinks to try in Dubai.
The aroma of robust Arabic coffee- gahwa is something else! It will follow you throughout the historic roads of Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. A sign of Arabic hospitality, the coffee is generally flavoured with cardamom, cloves, cumin, and saffron. It is offered with a ceremonial touch and poured from a traditional Arabian coffee pot. It is a sleek and ornate silver or gold vessel named dallah. The coffee gets poured into small cups without holds, dubbed the finjaan. Sipping Arabic coffee with close companions is a time-honoured cultural ritual and is commonly served with a plate of fresh dates.
Although coffee is the supreme beverage in Arabia, tea has found popularity in the karak chai. The word is taken from the word 'kadak', which implies 'strong' in Hindi. A heritage of the UAE's enduring trade connections with India. This aromatic, drink is served in nearly all coffee shops in the city. If this combination of spiced tea isn't to your preference, date-sweetened milkshakes and different tea-inspired drinks can be found on current drink menus in Dubai.
A traditional cold Arabic drink is the jellab, a combination of grape molasses and rose water. Additional toppings include pine nuts and raisins. It is a favourite drink during hot summer nights, particularly during Ramadan. Qamardeen, is another famous drink in Ramadan, which is a dense liquid prepared from dried apricot paste. It's common in most Arabic houses is shared with guests.
This wholesome drink is perfect for most diet plans due to its high-protein content and probiotics. Laban is a soothing and cooling fermented buttermilk drink for the body, perfect during the hot summer days. It is found everywhere and is easy to locate in any supermarket as well. It is a creamy dairy drink that can be appreciated by itself, or flavoured with dates, spices like saffron, cardamom, rosewater, or orange blossom water. Modern cafes in Dubai likewise utilise it as a flavour base in clever ways to create a variety of drinks. But if you prefer to taste the authentic drink, try it at Logma in The Dubai Mall. Another tangy dairy drink is ayran, which is slightly sourer than the former.
Also known as Timar Hindi, it is a cold drink mostly drunk during the hot summer. The drink is prepared by blending soaked tamarind pulp with water, lemon juice and sugar. The drink is highly refreshing, has a sour-sweet taste and has cooling effects on the body. It was traditionally drunk all over the Levant by travelling vendors. Some of these drinks can be found in the Palm Jumeirah restaurants. Many hotels will serve it as well, the likes of Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort is a popular among visitors.
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A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
