Experiences

A Guide to Traditional Emirati Desserts

Delve into the rich, sweet world of Emirati desserts, where dates, saffron, cardamom, and rose water create unforgettable flavors rooted in hospitality and heritage.

3 min

In Emirati culture, desserts are more than just a way to end a meal—they’re an expression of generosity, celebration, and tradition. Rooted in Bedouin customs and shaped by trade routes linking India, Persia, and East Africa, Emirati sweets combine local ingredients with aromatic spices, creating treats both delicate and indulgent. Whether you're sipping gahwa (Arabic coffee) or celebrating Eid, these desserts tell the story of a land steeped in history and hospitality.

1. Dates: The Heart of Emirati Sweetness

Dates are sacred in Emirati cuisine—rich in nutrients and symbolism. They appear in desserts in many forms: whole, mashed, syrup, or paste.

Popular Date-Based Desserts:

  • Khabeesa: A semolina-based dessert made with date syrup and ghee, often flavored with saffron and rose water.
  • Dates Stuffed with Nuts: Simple, elegant treats with almonds or pistachios.
  • Date Ma’amoul: Date-filled cookies with delicate designs.

Travel Tip: Visit the Date Souk in Al Ain or Dubai’s Global Village for unique varieties.

2. Lugaimat (Luqaimat): The Emirati Donut

These golden fried dough balls are the most beloved Emirati dessert.

Flavor Notes:

  • Crisp outside, soft inside.
  • Flavored with saffron and cardamom.
  • Drizzled with date syrup (dibs) or honey.

Lugaimat is a must-try at festivals like Eid, National Day, and heritage markets. You’ll find them freshly made in traditional souks and by street vendors during Ramadan.

Where to try: Local markets in Dubai’s Al Fahidi district or Al Seef heritage area.

3. Aseeda & Balaleet: Classic Comfort Sweets

Aseeda

  • A thick wheat flour pudding with ghee, sugar, and cardamom.
  • Often topped with dates or honey.
  • Served warm, perfect for desert evenings.

Balaleet

  • Sweet vermicelli noodles infused with saffron and sugar.
  • Topped with a thin egg omelette—a unique sweet-savory combo.

Balaleet is often enjoyed for breakfast during Eid or festive brunches.

4. Chebab & Mohalla: Emirati Pancakes

Chebab

  • Emirati pancakes made with flour, yeast, saffron, turmeric, and cardamom.
  • Served with cream cheese and date syrup.

Mohalla

  • A thinner, softer version of chebab.
  • Often eaten for breakfast or with afternoon gahwa.

Foodie Tip: These are a favorite in Emirati households—try them at cultural breakfasts offered in desert camps or local guesthouses.

5. Sweet Dishes with Coconut, Nuts & Spice

Khanfaroosh

  • Deep-fried saffron cakes made from flour and eggs.
  • A cross between a fritter and a cake.

Hareesah

  • A sweet wheat dish (different from the savory harees).
  • Flavored with rose water and often topped with pistachios.

Sago (Sagu)

  • Tapioca pearls cooked with saffron, cardamom, and sweetened milk.
  • A silky dessert with Indian and Persian influences.

These dishes reflect Emirati openness to other cultures, especially through trade with South Asia and the Gulf.

6. Dessert & Coffee: A Cultural Ritual

No dessert experience is complete without Arabic coffee (gahwa), served in tiny handle-less cups with:

  • Dates
  • Lugaimat
  • Sweets like ma’amoul or khanfaroush

Etiquette Tip: Accepting gahwa and dates is a symbol of respect and welcome—especially in majlis settings or when visiting a home.

7. What to Expect & Where to Try

Dessert lovers in the UAE will find plenty of affordable and delicious options rooted in Emirati culture. A serving of Lugaimat, crispy sweet dumplings drizzled with date syrup, typically costs $3–5 and is best enjoyed at local cafés in Al Seef or during a visit to Global Village. Chebab, a saffron-and-date pancake, is a breakfast favorite available for $4–6 at spots like the Arabian Tea House or traditional heritage hotels. If you're exploring a desert safari, don’t miss Balaleet, a sweet-and-savory vermicelli and egg dish often served at breakfast, priced between $5–7. For a quick bite, Ma’amoul—date-filled cookies—can be found at local bakeries and supermarkets for just $2–4. And during cultural festivals or family gatherings, try Khanfaroosh, golden fried cakes flavored with rosewater and cardamom, usually available for $4–6 through home chefs or pop-up stalls.

These treats offer more than flavor—they’re sweet glimpses into Emirati hospitality and heritage.

8. Best Places to Enjoy Emirati Desserts

  • Arabian Tea House (Dubai) – Traditional setting with a full Emirati dessert menu.
  • SMCCU Cultural Meals (Al Fahidi) – Join a local family for lunch and dessert.
  • Global Village – Try sweets from all 7 Emirates during cultural festivals.
  • Desert Safari Dinners – Most offer chebab, balaleet, and lugaimat.
  • Souk Al Bahar & Al Seef – Restaurants with heritage-inspired menus.

Emirati desserts are more than just indulgences—they’re expressions of warmth, tradition, and the region’s rich spice-laden heritage. From the comforting flavors of aseeda to the golden crunch of freshly made lugaimat enjoyed with a cup of gahwa, every bite offers a soulful connection to Emirati culture.

If you’re ready to explore this flavorful side of the Emirates, let Hi DMC craft a culinary journey just for you. Whether it’s a food tour through bustling souks or a home-cooked experience with local hosts, we’ll ensure your sweet adventure is unforgettable.

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