Eat like a Local and Discover New Arabian Flavours
in Dubai
To get to know a country, it’s important to know its food.
With influences from all over the world contributing to Dubai’s rich food
scene, there isn't a single cuisine on the planet that can't be found in the
city.
Cherish your Ramadan by trying authentic flavour such as
machboos, a flavoursome dish of meat cooked with spice blends and rice. Prefer
bread? Try the exotic khameer and chebab, and end your meal with the Middle
Eastern version of sweet dumplings, luqaimat.
If you’re still unfamiliar with the cuisine, here, we
present a list of Emirati delicacies that you should try during your visit to
Dubai, along with the best place to enjoy them. Get ready to be spoilt!
Hommus
Everyone's favourite dip is also one of the most simple to
make, with chickpea, tahini (sesame paste), olive oil, garlic and lemon purée.
It’s a staple of almost every Middle Eastern spread.
Moutabel
With a similar texture to hommus, this aubergine-based dip
is a spicier version of its more well-known sibling, baba ghanoush. A perfect
complement to grilled meats and flatbread.
Fattoush
A vegetable-friendly option, fattoush is a slightly heartier
salad, usually featuring pieces of toasted or fried bread combined with
whatever vegetables and herbs the kitchen has on hand, notably tomatoes,
cucumbers and radishes – plus some pomegranate seeds for an added burst of
flavour and colour.
Falafel
Another classic that can be found on the menu of pretty much
any Middle Eastern restaurant, falafel is a fried ball made from ground
chickpeas or fava beans and spices and is the perfect street food.
Shawarma
With tender strips of chicken or meat flavoured with a heady
mix of spices, cooked on a rotating spit and then crammed into flatbreads full
of crunchy lettuce, hot sauce and yoghurt, it's easy to see why shawarma is one
of Dubai's most popular – and cheap - dishes.
Kabsa
A dish believed to have originated in Yemen, kabsa is now
popular throughout the Gulf and is often served on special occasions to feed
large numbers. In the most basic terms, it is rice with meat, but the
characteristic flavour of kabsa comes from combinations of cardamom, saffron, cinnamon,
black lime, bay leaves and nutmeg. The stunning blend of spices in this dish,
as well as the very special underground cooking method, makes it a must-try.
Hungry enough? Below we provide you with some
recommendations on where to find these delicacies.
Option #1: Aseelah at
Deira Creek
This fine-dining venue set in the heart of Old Dubai offers
a contemporary twist on traditional flavours in both its subtle aesthetic –
think sand-inspired colours and a jute-draped Ghaf tree centre piece – and its
menu.
As well as classics such as samak (fish in gravy with spiced
rice), the selection of dishes imaginatively combines indigenous ingredients
with European cooking and presentation techniques. The space also boasts a
separate lounge area.
Must Try: Poached Arabian lobster with herbed pilaf, pureed
peas and fennel salad
Option #2: Seven
Sands at The Beach
Paying homage to the seven emirates in both its name and the
Arabesque décor, this elegant restaurant enjoys a prime waterfront location in
Jumeirah Beach Residence. Traditional dishes are brought bang up to date with a
lighter touch and a dash of creative flair, although serving sizes stay true to
their roots... They’re generous! After a hearty spread, head upstairs to the
spacious terrace for a cup of tea while taking in the beach views.
Must Try: Aishu
laham: rice and slow-cooked lamb, flavoured with dried lime and saffron
Option #3: Siraj at
Souk Al Bahar
Imposing arches, Arabic calligraphy and horse sculptures all
come together to evoke an Arabian Nights- style ambience at this Downtown
venue. The food is a modern reimagining of Emirati-Levantine flavours, from the
warm date and kale salad; lobster kibbeh (stuffed savoury dough balls); chicken
biryani, served in a flatbread parcel; or mouhalabiya (Lebanese milk pudding)
served with 24 - karat gold honey.
Must Try: Grilled
saffron prawns
To plan your unforgettable foodies journey in Dubai, log in
to
visitdubai.com
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