Savouring Dubai Cuisine: Top 8 Local Delicacies to Sample during a Getaway

Rice fanatics looking for a hearty lunch meal in Dubai will find no finer alternative to this decadent meal while those with a love of classic kebabs won’t be able to resist this saffron-infused basmati rice dish that’s served alongside the meat skewers. Seasoned with dill and zereshk berries, the dish traces its origins to Iran, although Dubai has made Chelo Kebab its own by adding its own twist to this beloved Middle Eastern favourite.

Travellers with a hankering for pizza, however, must order a serving of Manousheh during their time in the desert city where most restaurants list it as a breakfast option. Manousheh usually features an olive oil, Akkawi cheese and zaatar herb topping while some restaurants may add other ingredients including minced meat, eggs, jams and labneh atop the flatbread. While it may not be as thick as pizza dough, the taste of this flatbread treat is remarkably similar despite its largely Mediterranean ingredients.

Tourists based at  Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort or wining and dining at Dubai restaurants with a view must savour the fresh taste of this healthy starter. Considered the best appetiser for health-conscious travellers, Fattoush is a guilt-free salad that’s made using toasted pita bread and a wide variety of fresh veggies. Drizzled with an irresistible dressing, it is one of the best Dubai dishes to whet one’s appetite before a scrumptious dinner meal.

If there’s one traditional Dubai staple that all visitors must savour during a trip to the city, it’s the humble but deliciously decadent Al Harees. Made using pounded wheat, crushed meat and thick slabs of butter, it is a dish synonymous with Ramadan feasts and local weddings. The wholesome and creamy texture of Al Harees, as well as its sweet variations seasoned with sugar and cinnamon, are what make it a versatile crowd-pleaser.

As a regular feature on most Dubai restaurant menus, Kousa Mahshi is a courgette that’s tailor-made for zucchini enthusiasts. Often paired with Lebanese vintages, this lip-smacking main dish is an explosion of flavours that come in both non-veg and vegan variations. Fans of stuffed zucchinis will relish the crunchy exterior of Kousa Mahshi as it is baked to perfection before being served.

Often served with a dollop of raita, Al Machboos is the perfect Dubai treat to enjoy as a group or as a family. Although it is often compared to biryani, this nutritious rice meal, which features onions, dried lemons and a host of herbs and spices, offers an entirely different culinary experience, especially since Dubai’s restaurants serve mutton, chicken and seafood-infused versions of this classic meal.

As an appetiser that is renowned for its unique flavour notes as it is for its creamy texture,  Baba Ganoush will defy expectations with every bite. Made using smoked eggplant, olive oil and tomatoes, the dip is usually enjoyed with toasted or freshly baked pita bread. Although some restaurants in Dubai may also throw a splash of tahini and a side dish of blanched veggies into the mix, most eateries will stick to the basics when it comes to this beloved Levantine delight.

This layered treat, which is infused with stuffed brinjals and creamy chickpeas, is often garnished with a yoghurt and tahini sauce. Although most locals like to enjoy this tasty snack with roasted pine nuts seasoned with paprika, Fatteh brings together an exciting mix of flavours and textures with or without these additions.