Joanna James
As one of the main draws for foodies heading to Dubai, no trip to the city would be complete without savouring some of Dubai's finest local dishes. From delicious fusion favourites to staples in Arabic cuisine, here are some of the best culinary treats to dig into during a trip to Dubai this year.
Travellers on the lookout for a juicy kebab to enjoy while taking a break from sightseeing will find no finer alternative to Chelo Kebabs. Sold in restaurants all around the city, this dish is actually a full meal that's composed of saffron-infused steamed rice and buttered kebabs. Delectable and wholesome, it is the perfect meal any time of the day.
A favourite among locals, this breakfast dish is Dubai's own variation of a pizza. Called Manousheh, the dish is created by placing a number of toppings on top of a flatbread. Typical toppings that are found on street food hotspots around Dubai include Akkawi cheese, olive oil, and zaatar herbs while others will feature minced meat and even sweet-flavoured jams. Dubai residents like to grab a Manousheh when they embark on a shopping spree or before heading to work on a weekday morning.
This traditional dish is a staple that's enjoyed in local households at the end of the Ramadan season. A mixture of wheat flour clarified butter, and ground meat, this savoury dish is not only soft in texture but also easy on the digestive system. This meal is often the first full meal locals enjoy after a month-long fast leading up to Eid.
Another Ramadan dish that's usually prepared during this auspicious time of year, Oozie is also frequently featured on wedding menus. The rich dish is sometimes served alongside yoghurt and nuts or with a filling that's made up of chicken. Travellers visiting Dubai during the Ramadan season will find many local eateries offering their version of this classic meal.
Health-conscious visitors staying at Oaks Liwa Heights or any one of the other hotel suites in Dubai will find that a serving of Tabbouleh is the perfect starter for a traditional Arabic meal. As one of the few vegetarian dishes in the local canon, this salad usually contains green onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, and fresh mint leaves, which are garnished with lime juice just before serving.
Rice fanatics wining and dining in Dubai will find that a plate of Mandi is the perfect lunch option when exploring Dubai's culinary offerings. This meat-slathered rice dish is unique in flavour mainly due to the number of spices used during the cooking process as the meat (typically chicken) is slow-cooked for several hours during the preparation process. The Old City area is where some of the top restaurants famed for serving this particular dish are found.
Although it is one of the simplest recipes in Dubai's cuisine, Al Machboos is another rice mal that contains meat, onions, dried lemon, and a plethora of aromatic spices. Yoghurt Raita and salads are the side dishes that accompany a plate of Al Machboos.
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