Twenty-Five Time-Tested Dishes from Emirati Cuisine

In the United Arab Emirates, the rich cultural heritage is beautifully reflected in its food, known as Emirati cuisine. This culinary tradition, deeply rooted in the customs of the Persian Gulf, has been greatly influenced by various cultures, particularly those from India and Southeast Asia.

One of the most iconic Emirati dishes is Fish Machboos, a traditional Biryani-style recipe cooked with fish. Another popular choice is Chicken Majboos, a spiced rice dish served with chicken, considered a national dish in Arabian Gulf States. This dish, like many others, is flavored with Bzar Spice Mix, an Emirati spice blend similar to Indian Garam Masala, used in dishes like Emirati Foga.

Emirati cuisine offers a variety of delightful surprises. For instance, Emirati Jisheed, a dish made with minced shark meat, turmeric, bezar, lime, and served on aromatic basmati rice. If you prefer something more familiar, Balaleet, a salty and sweet breakfast dish, might be just what you're looking for. This dish features toasted vermicelli noodles, sugar, spices, and an egg omelet.

The Emirati love for seafood is evident in dishes like Emirati Machboos with Desert Truffles, a dish made with the desert truffle, found in East and North Africa and the Middle East. For a flavor-packed stew, try Braised Lamb Shank and Okra Stew (okra salouna), or Tharid, a satisfying lamb and vegetable stew served over thin, cracker-like bread.

Emirati culture can be seen primarily in their cuisine, handicrafts, and architecture. A typical Arabian dinner consists of a starter, a main dish, and a salad. Salads are usually served with tagine or rice. The common salad is a mix of picked celery and eggplant, lettuce, okra, and tomatoes, prepared with the traditional Arabic sauce, known as tahina.

During special occasions like Eid, Emirate Ouzi, a dish made for Eid, especially in the season of peas, is a popular choice. For those who enjoy Middle Eastern dishes, Assyrian Bean Stew With Lamb (Masheh) is a popular dish in the region, where beans are simmered with lamb or beef in a tomato-based stew.

The 5 most popular United Arab Emirates dishes include Beef Shawarma, Chicken Shawarma, Kafta, Chicken Curry, and Falafel. Whether you're a fan of spicy, sweet, or savory flavors, Emirati cuisine has something to offer for everyone. So, why not embark on a culinary journey and explore the rich flavors of Emirati cuisine?