Joanna James
Dubai is well-known worldwide for its modern architecture, sound infrastructure, glitzy shopping and entertainment. These undoubtedly entice visitors to the city. However, Dubai is also home to the finest Emirati cuisine which is emerging on its culinary map since of late and is well enjoyed by visitors.
Placing value on authentic local spices and traditional food preparation techniques, many authentic Emirati dishes like stews, delicious pastries, and other mouthwatering concoctions are prepared at restaurants in Dubai catering to an increased demand for these local dishes. While the city has kept striving to cater to the diverse needs of locals and visitors this growing demand demonstrates an appreciation of Emirati food. Using a blend of Iranian, Lebanese and Indian flavours the Emirati cuisine brings delight to those partaking in it. Some of the unique dishes listed below can be enjoyed at local restaurants, shopping malls and properties like Avani Deira Dubai Hotel.
This tasty and filling meat stew has a tomato base and is made with lamb or chicken; however, vegetarians can enjoy it with potato or baby marrow. The flavour and aroma of this stew are thanks to the local spices like turmeric, cardamoms, cinnamon and cummin. The bowl of soup is garnished with chopped cilantro and served with Arabic flatbread.
Luqaimat are small rich brown balls of a date-based mix dotted with sesame seeds. The name luqaimat quite aptly translates to small bits. These warm tiny balls resembling donut holes are a local favourite usually prepared to consume during Iftar, the Emirati tradition of breaking the Ramadan fast. However, it is readily available at local cafes and is best when followed by an Emirati coffee.
Machboos is an aromatic and delicious dish of rice served at traditional family meals like Iftar dinners and other special events. Prepared with meat or seafood of choice such as lamb, shrimp, and chicken. Local spices are added while cardamom and cinnamon are musts. The well sauteed spices are combined with the raw meat to absorb all the flavours and the rice is added last with adequate water. Once done the delicious dish is served garnished with roasted nuts and accompanied by pickled onions.
A popular dish among the locals Tharid is a thick stew made with different seasonal vegetables, potatoes, and meat. A mix of chicken, lamb and mutton. The spiced meat is first cooked well letting the meat absorb the rich flavours and vegetables are added thereafter to make them cooked adequately to consume. A hearty family meal that is enjoyed with Emirati flatbread. The bread helps to scoop the broth and pieces of the stew while you relish the yummy goodness of Tharid.
Made with vermicelli noodles, the dish is spiced with rose water, saffron and cardamom and served with an omelette (made runny) on top. As the vermicelli is sweetened or toasted the first bite can be a mix of sweetness, tender and filling or crunchy, savoury and filling. This is usually eaten at breakfast and most locals have it for breakfast during the Ramadan period. Having a cup of spicy karak chai thereafter completes a hearty breakfast.
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.
