Culinary Delights: Exploring a Unique Palette—Top 10 Must-Try Food That Define Dubai's Flavors

The must-try kickstart to your day in Dubai and your culinary journey is the traditional Arabic breakfast. Combining an array of dishes that originate from North African and Levantine cuisines, Arabic breakfast is packed with flavours and nutrients! Encompassing Egyptian favourites such as Falafel and Ful Medames, the very Levantine Labneh balls, Nabulsi cheese, and Shanklish are all served with a side of Koubz, the flat Arabic bread. You may even find quick wraps and stuffed sandwiches such as Sabich or cream cheese and Zattar topped Manakeesh as an interesting breakfast option! 

Another absolute must-try is the classic Arabic Mezze. Served as a starter platter in most Restaurants in Ras Al Khaimah, this is a combination of hot and cold appetizers consisting of dishes such as the rich and flavourful Hummus and Babaganoush, the colourful and textured Muhammara and Tabouleh, creamy Labneh and Moutabel, meaty Shish Kebabs, Shish Ta'ouks, Kibbes, and Koftas, and even crunchy Samosas, crispy fried Sambousek meat pies, and rice & meat stuffed wine leaves! It is a hearty exploration of flavours from around the Middle East, with a hint of Persia and Mediterrania!

Meat and rice are staples in Arabic cuisine. One cannot surpass at least trying one of these rich and fragrant rice dishes cooked with meat (sometimes alternated with seafood) and local spices. Kabsa, this famed Saudi Arabian rice dish, consists of piled and pressed layers of rice and chicken cooked together, flavoured with spices and blackened lime, its distinguishing ingredient. Tracing back to Bedouin nomad times, the Machbous is another common favorite. Slow-cooked rice with meat and spices. Ouzi is another favourite where rice is cooked with ground meat and vegetables. 

Lamb and more lamb! Lamb is one of the most favoured meats in the Arabian Gulf and the Middle East! Enjoy it in a traditional Lamb Margoogat or a Lamb Salouna, Tajine cooked stews for flavors inherited from Morocco or savour a Minty Lamb Chop! Enjoy all of these unique Middle Eastern and local Emirati flavours and more at the many restaurants in and around Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort. 

For the pescatarians, do not miss out on trying Hamour (Grouper) or Seabass baked or grilled with local spices! Fish or seafood dishes like the spicy Samak Harra and Samak Mashwi, or Sayadieh a dish of fried fish with spiced rice, are also popular amongst locals. 

The holy month of Ramadan brings forth a feast of special dishes that locals enjoy for Iftar and Suhoor. Rigag a special Emirati flatbread, Harees a meat and crushed wheat porridge slow-cooked for hours; Shakshuka poached eggs in peppered tomato sauce, Thareed a rich and flavorsome meat and vegetable soup with layers of crunchy submerged flatbread; sweet deep-fried donuts; Luquaimat to name just a few!

Vegetarian food is rather hearty and fulfilling in arab cuisine! Delicious Fateh, rich lemon, garlic, and tahini yogurt, and chickpeas layered and eaten with crunchy fried flatbread. The savoury dishes made with the nutty Freekeh (green wheat), considered a superfood in the region. Mujadara rice cooked with lentils or Koshari an Egyptian dish made up of lentils, chickpeas, rice, and spaghetti with crispy onions in a spicy tomato garlic sauce are great meals on their own. For a light bite, try Zaatar Manakeesh, a type of flatbread covered in a blend of zaatar (a combination of thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds) and olive oil or Fatayer Jebneh, a delicious pastry with chewy cheeses like Akkalawi and Kashkaval. 

Arabian desserts are rich and gooey, and the other sweet treats highlight the use of pistachios, cashews, and almonds. Try Baklava yummy layers of filo pastry with syrupy nuts! Halva is a famous sweet made of sesame, tahini, and sugar. The creamy milk pudding Mahlabiya, flavoured with orange blossom and Knafeh made of delicious shredded dough, sweet cream cheese, and rose water syrup, are desserts not to be missed!