Food is one of the quintessential ways to experience a country’s culture. The United Arab Emirates has its own traditional food that is a must-try for anyone visiting the UAE for the first time.
Whether you’re a tourist or a local, here are some traditional Emirati foods you need to try in the UAE.
Emirati Food in the UAE
Traditional Emirati food in the UAE is typically rich in flavour and involves filling ingredients such as various meats and rice. This is because Emirati cuisine has its roots in the nomadic lifestyle.
What makes Emirati food so culturally rich and diverse is that it blends inspirations from other regions and cultures, including Arabic, Indian, Persian and Mediterranean cuisines. Not only that, but it also offers a wide variety of flavours that range from both sweet to savoury.
Emirati cuisine features sweets such as the Chabab and Lugayma, stews consisting of meat and vegetables like Salona and so much more.
Al Madrooba
A dish that emphasises the coastal status of Abu Dhabi, Madrooba is a delectable dish made of salt-cured fish cooked in a pot with a thick sauce and various spices. It’s a popular dish for families in Iftar during Ramadan. Culturally, it expresses the love that the locals have for fish in the UAE. Moreover, it’s a staple on nearly every menu at the top seafood restaurants in Abu Dhabi.
Al Machboos
Imagine this: slowly cooked meat combined with a special mix of aromatic spices and a dried lemon peel (locally referred to as ‘loomi’). Once the meat has absorbed all the flavour of the breath, it’s served on top of rice and various vegetables.
Machboos is a traditional Emirati food that expresses the country’s affinity for aromatic spices. It is a blast of flavours that will leave you stunned and desperately craving for more the next morning.
Luqaimat
A deliciously sweet dish, Luqaimat is a dough ball sprinkled with sesame seeds and topped with a thick syrup after being deep fried. Crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside, It is a traditional Emirati sweet that’s as filling as it is addicting.
These sweet dumplings are typically served during Ramadan or on special occasions like weddings. It represents the love and generosity in the hearts of the Emirati people. If you’re craving this delectable treat, you can find similar treats at some of the finest Arabic sweets shops in Dubai.
Regag
A crispy flatbread is a staple for Emirati households for dinners and breakfasts. Regag typically accompanies other dishes such as stews, kebabs, etc. Regag is found all over the UAE in both households and street food. The dish is usually accompanied by eggs, cheese and even chocolate spreads like Nutella for breakfast.
Chicken Salona
Another common dish in Emirati households is Chicken Salona, also referred to as ‘Dajaj Salona’ (with Dajaj meaning ‘Chicken’ in Arabic and Salona meaning ‘vegetables’). It is a traditional Emirati food that is a tomato-based chicken stew.
Many Middle Eastern households typically serve their meats (chicken, lamb, beef) in a tomato-based stew, and Chicken Salona is no exception. You can savor this authentic Emirati delicacy at some of the best restaurants in Downtown Dubai, where traditional flavours meet the vibrant dining scene of the city.
Ghuzi
Ghuzi (sometimes referred to as Khuzi) is regarded by many as the national dish of the United Arab Emirates. The dish features rice that is spiced and seasoned to perfection, topped with peas, carrots and a flavorful lamb that just falls off the bone at the slightest touch. Added on top of that are almonds for an extra crunch leading to a unique, savour flavour profile.
Ghuzi is a common dish in the UAE that is perfect for gatherings.
Restaurants For Delectable Emirati Food
The UAE has no shortage of fine restaurants that serve Emirati food that is simply to die for. These restaurants will quickly jump into your favourites as the finest examples of traditional Emirati cuisine.
Al Fanar Restaurant and Cafe
Travel back to the 60s at the Al Fanar Restaurant and Cafe, one of the top restaurants in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Enjoy delicacies such as a hearty chicken stew that will leave you salivating at only a glance, In the mood for some seafood? Get the Machboos tray which features an array of seafood dishes such as Fish Machboos, Grilled Squid and Fish Kofta on Machboos rice.
- Locations: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi / Expo City, Dubai / Souq Al Zaafrana, Al Ain
- Timing: 09:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Monday – Sunday)
- Must-try Dishes: Machboos Tray, Mutton Stew, Chicken Machboos, Jesheed
Logma
Perfect for both a fulfilling breakfast and a hearty dinner. Logma champions itself with many UAE staples. This cafe features dishes such as Chebab topped with cream cheese and date syrup and crispy Regag with either egg, cheese or Zaatar.
Moreover, the cafe features mouth-watering rice dishes such as Fish Machbous, Lamb Biryani and Seafood Risotto.
- Location: Fashion Mall, Dubai
- Timing: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Monday – Sunday)
- Must-Try Dishes: Chebab, Regag, Fish Machbous, Biryani Lamb, Shrimp Machbous
Lgymat & Rgag
Get a taste of the best sweets at the Lgymat and Rgag restaurant while living in Abu Dhabi. Enjoy mouth-watering Luqaimat that is simply bathed in a sweet, sticky date sauce or enjoy a crispy regag flatbread with tangy cheese. Lgymat & Rgag is simply among the best street food experiences in Abu Dhabi.
- Location: Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi
- Timing: 06:00 AM – 03:00 AM
- Must-Try Dishes: Luqaimat and Regag
Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant
One of Dubai’s somewhat new establishments, Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant offers a relaxing, soothing ambiance that offers a great dining experience in Dubai. The restaurant prides itself on its farm-fresh ingredients.
Al Khayma is home to many traditional emirati dishes such as Chicken and lamb Machboos, Jesheed, Luqaimat and Regag.
- Location: Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, Bur Dubai
- Timing: 08:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Must-Try Dishes: Chebab, Dango, Balaleet, Lamb Machboos
Yadoo’s House
Whether it’s tasty breakfast or a filling lunch, Yadoo’s House is simply among the best traditional Emirati restaurants in Abu Dhabi. Enjoy mouth-watering stews and madrooba among various breakfast options like Chebab and Shakshuka.
Cool yourself down with some delicious cold beverages while you enjoy their wide array of delicious dining options.
- Location: Al Murror Street, Al Nasr Tower 2, Abu Dhabi
- Timing: 08:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Must-Try Dishes: Khameer pie, Mamawash Jesheed, Chebab, Khameer
FAQs
Apart from traditional Emirati cuisine, the UAE is rich in cuisine from all over the world. The following cuisines are widely available in the UAE:
– Indian
– Turkish
– Lebanese
– Mediterranean
– Chinese
– Japanese
You can also check out the best Chinese restaurants in Abu Dhabi.
When it comes to fine dining, Dubai has many options. Craving Indian food? Try “The Crossing.” Other options include Maiden Shangai for Chinese food and Ahla Tallah for a Lebanese feast. Here are the best fine-dining restaurants in Dubai.
The UAE’s traditional Emirati food vividly represents its deep cultural heritage. Anyone who visits the country and is interested in its culture must consider trying out the traditional dishes of the UAE.
Feeling hungry? Check out our guide on the best Pakistani restaurants in Dubai.
