Joanna James
The United Arab Emirates boasts a number of great achievements, from the tallest building in the world to unforgettable desert safari expeditions. The Emirati cuisine, undoubtedly, is one for the books too. Here are a few must-try dishes in the futuristic city of Dubai.
A visit to Dubai would not be complete without indulging in the mouthwatering delight of a shawarma, or maybe even two! Renowned worldwide for its delectable shawarmas, this city boasts numerous shawarma shops scattered throughout every corner. Shawarma is a beloved street food consisting of a soft flatbread wrapped around a fresh, rotisserie-cooked meat filling, complemented by pickles, vegetables, and a delightful blend of special sauces and spices. Notably, most shawarma shops are more than willing to accommodate your preferences, adjusting the spice levels, meat type, and other ingredients upon request. So, feel free to customise your shawarma to suit your taste buds! Once you savour a shawarma in Dubai, you'll find it hard to resist going back for more.
While coffee is not necessarily a type of food (it may very well be!), you must not miss tasting Arabic coffee while you're holidaying in Dubai. If you're a religious coffee drinker, then Arabic coffee will soon become your favourite. Made in a unique, carefully curated manner, this type of coffee is available in most cafes and the best restaurants in Sheikh Zayed Road.
When discussing coffee and warm beverages, one cannot overlook the popularity of Karak Chai as a prominent street drink and an integral part of the UAE's tea culture, gaining even more fame in recent years. The credit for introducing this spiced tea, or chai, goes to the Indian diaspora that settled in the UAE during the 1960s. This hot and creamy beverage quickly won the hearts of both locals and expatriates, establishing a strong presence among tea enthusiasts that endures to this day. Enjoying Karak chai in good company, especially after a satisfying evening meal, enhances the experience. Beware, though, as one cup might not be enough to satisfy your craving!
If you're the type of person with a stubborn sweet tooth, luqaimat is the answer to questions you didn't know you had! The crunchy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside dumplings are slathered with date syrup or honey, accompanied by a drizzle of sesame seeds for extra oomph. Usually served at every cafe or hotel, the likes of La Suite Dubai Hotel and Apartments, this is a delicacy not to be missed!
This delectable street food favourite, commonly known as samboosa or samosa, holds a special place in the hearts of many. Usually served as appetisers or snacks, samboosas are triangle-shaped pastries with a number of yummy fillings and spices. Best eaten hot, samboosa is easily found in most Indian restaurants across the UAE. There are also vegetarian options, such as potato fillings for those who do not eat meat. You can also request for the spice levels to be lowered, in case you cannot handle too much spice!
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
