Dubai is famous worldwide not only for its luxury shopping and modern buildings, but also for its rich cuisine. From the traditional flavors of the Arab world to the exotic flavors of Asian cuisine, there is something for every palate. In this article, we will explore 5 flavors you must try in Dubai. If you’re ready to discover the gastronomic richness of Dubai with these dishes that reflect the city’s multicultural cuisine, let’s get started!
Shawarma (Shavarma): Dubai’s Street Food
What is Shawarma?
Shawarma is one of the most famous street food in the Middle East, made with meat cooked in a doner style. In Dubai, shawarma is usually prepared with chicken, lamb or beef, sliced thinly and served with pita bread or as a wrap. The meat is marinated in special spices and the rotating doner is cooked in a hot oven, creating a delicious flavor. Shawarma is one of the most preferred street food options in Dubai and you can find it on almost every street.
Why to Try?
Shawarma is one of the most practical and delicious examples of Dubai’s traditional cuisine. The blend of spicy, tender meat with yogurt, salad, pickles and various sauces leaves an unforgettable taste on the palate. It is the perfect choice for those looking for a delicious, filling and quick meal. It is an ideal starter for anyone who wants to explore the traditional flavors of Dubai.
Highlights:
- Al Mallah: It is one of the places that offers the traditional flavor of Shawarma in the best way. Al Mallah, one of Dubai’s popular Shawarma stops, is frequently preferred by both locals and tourists.
- Shawarma Factory: Offering traditional flavors with a modern twist for shawarma lovers, Shawarma Factory is one of the most popular places in Dubai.
Machboos (Mekbus): The Legendary Version of Spicy Rice
What are Machboos?
Machboos is one of the most popular dishes in Dubai and the Gulf countries in general. Machboos is a dish prepared with spicy rice and usually lamb, chicken or seafood. The dish is made by adding meat to rice cooked with butter or olive oil and then cooked for a long time. Various spices enrich the flavor of the rice and add a unique aroma to the dish.
Why to Try?
Machboos, one of the most traditional dishes of Dubai’s culinary culture, is especially preferred during festivals or celebrations. The combination of rice with meat cooked with aromatic spices offers an unforgettable experience for food lovers. If you are looking for a traditional meal in Dubai, Machboos is the perfect option. The dish offers a unique taste with the perfect harmony of rich spices and slow-cooked meat.
Highlights:
- Al Fanar: A great place to experience traditional Emirati food in Dubai. Here, you can taste the most authentic version of Machboos.
- Logma: Serving traditional Machboos with a modern twist, Logma is one of Dubai’s most popular restaurants.
Luqaimat (Lokma): Dessert Heritage
What is Luqaimat?
Luqaimat is one of the most popular desserts in Dubai and the Arab world. Luqaimat, which is fried dough balls, is served sweetened with sherbet. Usually indispensable for iftar tables during Ramadan, this dessert stands out with its soft interior and crispy exterior. The intensity of the sherbet combined with the consistency of the dough leaves an unforgettable mark on the palate.
Why to Try?
Luqaimat is an ideal choice for dessert lovers. The light sherbet dessert is one of the most popular examples of traditional Arabic cuisine in Dubai. It can be served both hot and cold and offers an excellent flavor in any case. This dessert is also an important part of Dubai’s street food culture and is especially popular during Ramadan.
Highlights:
- Al Farsi: It is a place where you can taste the most traditional version of Luqaimat. It is one of the oldest sweet shops in Dubai.
- Al Hallab: Al Hallab is one of the most popular restaurants for Lebanese cuisine, where they also serve Luqaimat to perfection.
Hummus Indispensable in the Middle East
What is Hummus?
Hummus is one of the most iconic appetizers of Middle Eastern cuisine. This creamy delicacy is prepared with chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice and garlic and is usually served with lavash bread. Hummus can be found in almost every restaurant in Dubai and is perfect as a pre-dinner starter or with a main course.
Why to Try?
Hummus offers a healthy and nutritious option. Chickpeas, which are rich in protein, combine with tahini and olive oil to create a soft consistency. It is an excellent alternative especially for dieters and vegans. The multicultural nature of Dubai brings different presentations of hummus, so all kinds of hummus experiences are possible in Dubai.
Highlights:
- Zaroob: Served in Dubai with traditional and modern twists, hummus is a favorite on Zaroob’s menu.
- The Lebanese Bakery: Offering the best examples of Lebanese cuisine, The Lebanese Bakery also draws attention with its hummus.
Knafeh: A Sweet Ending
What is Knafeh?
Knafeh is a hot dessert with sherbet. This dessert is made with thin wire kadayif, filled with cheese filling and served hot with thick sherbet poured over it. Knafeh is a very popular dessert in the Arab world and is one of the most preferred desserts in Dubai.
Why try it?
Knafeh is the perfect choice for dessert lovers. The combination of thin wire kadayif, hot cheese and sherbet makes the dessert special. The crispy exterior of the kadayif and the soft interior of the cheese create a delicious contrast. Knafeh is a must for those looking for a traditional dessert experience in Dubai.
Highlights:
- Knafeh Al Sham: It is one of the first places that comes to mind when it comes to Knafeh in Dubai. It is famous for its freshly made Knafeh.
- Al Samadi Sweets: Serving traditional Arabic desserts at their best, this place prepares Knafeh to perfection.
Dubai attracts attention not only with its modern buildings but also with its rich cuisine. From Shawarma to Machboos, Luqaimat to Hummus, discover the gastronomic richness of Dubai by experiencing many different flavors. These 5 flavors are the dishes that best reflect Dubai’s unique culinary culture. While going on a gastronomic journey in Dubai, you should not leave the city without tasting these flavors.
