Anastasia Smith
When it comes to culinary adventures, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers a delightful array of traditional dishes that tantalise one’s taste buds and highlight the rich cultural heritage of the region. Let’s dive into nine must-try dishes for one to try while on holiday in the UAE!
Quite possibly one of the UAE’s best-loved street food, shawarma consists of well-marinated meat (usually chicken, beef or lamb) grilled to perfection, pickled vegetables, spices and wrapped in warm, fluffy Arabic bread. Shawarma is perfect for a quick snack while on the go, or a fulfilling meal with other accompaniments such as French fries and a carbonated beverage.
Considered a staple in Emirati cuisine, this aromatic rice dish features fragrant long-grain rice cooked with tender meat (often chicken or lamb) and seasoned with a blend of spices such as saffron, turmeric, and dried lime. Majboos is a popular dish that is best eaten for lunch or dinner and is sure to leave one wanting more.
A hearty dish made from wheat, meat, and a medley of spices, harees is a traditional favourite during the holy month of Ramadan. The ingredients are slow-cooked to a smooth, porridge-like consistency, creating a comforting meal that’s perfect for breaking the fast.
No Emirati feast is complete without luqaimat – sweet fried dough balls drizzled with date syrup or honey. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these indulgent treats have a very similar texture to doughnuts and are a delightful way to satisfy one’s sweet tooth.
Considered a refreshing dish at the table, fattoush is a salad consisting of crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumber, peppery radish, parsley or mint and fried pieces of Arabic pita bread, made complete with zesty olive oil, lemon juice and sumac dressing. Consider tucking into this unique salad whilst taking in the comforts of a stay at a property such as Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort. Featuring one of the island’s best restaurants, Abu Dhabi certainly is a must-visit for anyone considering a holiday to the UAE.
Originating from Yemen but popular throughout the UAE, mandi is a flavourful rice dish cooked with tender, slow-roasted meat (often chicken or lamb) and served alongside tangy tomato chutney. It is an absolute must-try while on holiday in the UAE and is one that is available at almost any restaurant.
Often referred to as the Emirati version of a pizza, manakish is a traditional Lebanese delicacy that features bread filled with cheese and topped with vegetables and meat. It’s a must-try snack that is sure to leave one craving another one the next day!
For those with a sweet tooth, balaleet is a must-try dish. This sweet and savoury vermicelli breakfast combines lightly sweetened noodles with a sprinkle of cardamom and saffron, topped with an omelette for a truly unique Emirati breakfast.
Going out for dinner? Consider ordering a plate of fatteh for the table. Fatteh is a three-layered dish featuring bread at the bottom, chickpeas, aubergines and other vegetables in the middle, and yoghurt and tahini sauce on top.
