Dubai is a city known for its diverse culinary scene, and traditional Middle Eastern food is an important part of this. The traditional cuisine of Dubai is a blend of flavors and influences from countries such as Iran, India, and Africa, and it’s characterized by the use of spices, herbs, and fresh ingredients. In this article, we will explore some of the most popular traditional dishes in Dubai and where to find them.
The best traditional food in Dubai
1. Shawarma
One of the most popular traditional dishes in Dubai is shawarma. This is a dish of meat, typically chicken or beef, that is cooked on a spit and then shaved off and served in a wrap or pita bread with vegetables and a variety of sauces. Shawarma can be found at street food vendors and food trucks, as well as in restaurants throughout the city.
2. Machboos
Another popular traditional dish in Dubai is machboos, also known as machbous or machbousa. This is a dish of rice cooked with meat, usually chicken or lamb, and a variety of spices such as saffron, cinnamon, and cardamom. Machboos is often served with a variety of sides such as yogurt, salad, and pickles. This dish can be found in many traditional restaurants throughout Dubai.
3. Harees
A traditional breakfast dish in Dubai is Harees, also known as Jareesh. This is a porridge made of wheat and meat, usually chicken or lamb. Harees is often served with sugar or honey and is a popular meal during Ramadan. It can be found in traditional breakfast places and some restaurants throughout the city.
4. Machboos Laham
Another traditional dish in Dubai is Machboos Laham, it’s a variation of machboos with the addition of lamb or beef. It’s known to be a staple dish in Gulf countries and can be found in traditional restaurants throughout the city.
5. Luqaimat
For dessert, one of the most popular traditional dishes in Dubai is Luqaimat, also known as Lukhaimat. These are small dough dumplings made of flour, yeast, and sugar, and are often served with honey or date syrup. They can be found in traditional sweet shops and some restaurants throughout the city.