The Best Local Dishes To Eat In Dubai

Dubai is known for its flavors. Bringing together so many different cultures into one city means there are restaurants from all cuisines imaginable located here. However, when coming to Dubai it is essential to try the local cuisine. Rich in both flavor and history, Emirati dishes will certainly impress visitors and leave them craving more.

Dates

Dates are widely known for being nutritious and healthy, and they have been a vital part of the local diet in the UAE for decades. Because date trees can thrive well in desert climate dates have become a staple in Emirati cuisine. Best known for being the first thing locals eat when they are breaking their fast in Ramadan, dates have also become a gourmet delicacy. Visitors can try some of the most delicious dates in Dubai in one of the many Bateel outlets all over town.

Mandi

Al Jood Mandi, Baghdad Street, Al Qusais Industrial Area 1, +971 4 267 7851

Bait Al Mandi, Al Muraqqabat, Deira, +971 4 262 9139

Camel meat

Camels have played several crucial roles in Emirati history, from transportation, to clothing and of course, providing food. The stuffed camel dish is a traditional Emirati delicacy and is usually served at weddings and special occasions these days. Although much less common than it used to be, visitors can still try camel meat when visiting Dubai. Camel meat is served in various different ways, and even camel burgers can be found in restaurants such as Switch and The Local House.
Switch, Ground Floor, Dubai Mall, Financial Centre Road, Downtown, Dubai, +971 4 339 9131
The Local House, 51, Al Bastakiya, Dubai, +971 4 354 0705

1. Al Harees

For those who enjoy porridge, they should definitely try Al Harees when visiting Dubai. This popular local dish is a combination of wheat, meat and just a pinch of salt, prepared to a porridge like consistency. Al Harees is served at special occasions, such as Ramadan, Eid and even wedding celebrations. For those looking to try this dish, they don’t have to go very far. It’s served in Al Makan, located in the popular tourist hub, Souk Madinat Jumeirah.

Al Makan, Souk Madinat Jumeirah ,Al Sufouh Road, +971 4 368 6593

Fish

Fishing is a big part of Emirati tradition – fishing has been taking place in the Dubai Creek for decades. Traditionally the residents of the coast were the ones with access to fish, whereas Bedouins were more likely to eat camel or goat’s meat. Today, fish is one of the most popular foods in the UAE, fished locally and bought daily. The most famous fish of the region is the hamour and it can be found in a vast variety of restaurants in the city.

Qoozi

When is comes to rice and meat, the locals absolutely love dishes that include both. Qoozi consists of slow cooked lamb, with roasted nuts and raisins served over rice. The dish is vastly popular all over the Arabian Gulf, however there are variations in the way it’s cooked in different countries. In the UAE Qoozi is wrapped in date palm tree leaves before being put in a ground oven. In Dubai the dish can be found in very specific restaurants, such as Kabab Erbil Iraqi Restaurant and Babylon.

Kabab Erbil Iraqi Restaurant, Al Rigga Road, +971 4 269 1722

Babylon, Mamzar, +971 4 266 2100

Bread

Let’s face it, everyone loves carbs, and bread is one of the most delicious ways to eat them. Arabic bread is flat and soft and is better known as pita bread by Western cultures. However there are many different types of Arabic bread to be tried by visitors. Khamir bread, which is made of flour, thick yeast and dried dates is more commonly eaten for breakfast in winter. In summer, locals will probably eat chibab bread, consisting of almost the same ingredients but thinner yeast.

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