Experiences

Traditional Emirati Dishes: A Culinary Exploration

Explore the rich, spice-infused world of traditional Emirati cuisine, where ancient Bedouin flavors meet Gulf heritage through slow-cooked meats, fragrant rice dishes, and comforting stews rooted in desert culture.

3 min

Beyond the glittering skyline of Dubai and the modern luxuries of Abu Dhabi lies a culinary heritage that is deeply rooted in desert survival, trade routes, and family traditions. Emirati cuisine is hearty, fragrant, and soulful, celebrating local ingredients like dates, seafood, lamb, and rice—seasoned with saffron, cardamom, cinnamon, and dried limes.

Let’s take a flavorful journey through the traditional dishes of the UAE and discover what truly nourishes its people.

Must-Try Traditional Emirati Dishes

1. Al Harees

A slow-cooked wheat and meat porridge, traditionally served during Ramadan and Eid. Made with just salt, meat (often chicken or lamb), and cracked wheat, it's cooked in a clay pot for hours until creamy.

Best place to try: Al Fanar Restaurant, Dubai
Cost: $10–$15

2. Machboos (Majboos)

The Emirati take on biryani, made with spiced rice, meat (chicken, lamb, or seafood), and dried black lime (loomi) for a unique tangy taste. It’s rich, comforting, and often the centerpiece of family feasts.

Try it at: Logma, Dubai or Al Mandi, Abu Dhabi
Cost: $12–$18

3. Balaleet

A sweet and savory breakfast dish made from vermicelli noodles with saffron, cardamom, and sugar—served with an omelet on top. A must-try contrast of flavors.

Available during breakfast at: Arabian Tea House
Cost: $6–$10

4. Thereed (Thareed)

A bread stew made with vegetables and meat (often lamb or chicken), soaked in a spiced tomato-based broth and layered with thin, crispy Emirati flatbread called regag.

Where to taste: Seven Sands, JBR
Cost: $10–$14

5. Saloona

A hearty stew made with seasonal vegetables and meat. It’s mildly spiced and very comforting—perfect with rice or bread.

Try it at: Home-style Emirati restaurants in Sharjah or Abu Dhabi
Cost: $8–$12

6. Luqaimat

These crispy golden dumplings are a popular Emirati dessert. Drizzled with date syrup and sesame seeds, they're best eaten hot and fresh.

Street vendors or food festivals
Cost: $3–$5 for a plate

7. Khabees

A rich dessert made with roasted flour, sugar, cardamom, and saffron, often eaten during Eid. Dense and flavorful, it’s a festive treat.

Best during cultural celebrations or heritage village events
Cost: $4–$7

Ingredients That Define Emirati Cuisine

  • Loomi (dried lime): Adds a signature sour tang to many dishes.
  • Saffron & Cardamom: For aroma and warmth.
  • Dates & Honey: Natural sweeteners used in both savory and sweet dishes.
  • Camel Meat & Milk: Traditional sources of protein in Bedouin diets.
  • Seafood: Especially in coastal cities like Dubai and Ajman.

Where to Try Traditional Emirati Food

Looking to experience authentic Emirati cuisine in style? Al Fanar Restaurant in Dubai offers a nostalgic journey through time with its traditional setting and classic flavors. For a seaside twist, head to Seven Sands at JBR, where you can enjoy Emirati dishes with stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. In Abu Dhabi, Mezlai at Emirates Palace elevates local dining to luxurious heights, offering royal recipes in an opulent setting. For a charming courtyard experience, Arabian Tea House in Sharjah provides a peaceful, heritage-inspired atmosphere along with generous servings of local favorites. And if you’re up for something adventurous, Local House Restaurant in Dubai is known for its creative take on traditional fare—camel burgers included!

Traveler Tips for Culinary Explorers

  • Cultural respect: Eat with your right hand when dining traditionally.
  • Ramadan dining: Many dishes are more widely available during Iftar.
  • Food tours: Join heritage food trails in Old Dubai or Sharjah.
  • Local homes: If you’re invited to a majlis (guest room), don’t miss it!

Traditional Emirati cuisine is more than just a meal—it’s a reflection of the UAE’s enduring spirit, deep-rooted hospitality, and rich history shaped by desert life and global trade. From the comforting warmth of Harees to the bold, spiced flavors of Machboos, each dish offers a story waiting to be savored.

Ready to taste the heritage for yourself? Let Hi DMC craft a culinary journey through the Emirates that brings you closer to the heart of its culture—one delicious bite at a time.

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