Flavors of the UAE: A Guide to Local Cuisine and Culinary Experiences for Travelers
The culinary culture of the UAE combines tradition and modernity. Here you can find almost everything: authentic Arabic dishes and international haute cuisine. Gastronomic experiences are an important part of every tourist's trip, including the UAE. You can easily rent a car UAE to visit various attractions and places where incredible dishes are served. The country has a rich cultural heritage, reflected in the variety of dishes and unique products.
A selection of the best Arabic dishes for tourists
Emirati cuisine has a distinctive character and unique flavors. The main ingredients are rice, camel meat and lamb. Dates are also very popular in the country. Spices such as cardamom, saffron and cinnamon are used extensively in all dishes and even drinks. Many restaurants and cafés serve traditional dishes. Food tours are popular, so you can ask for recommendations from a local tourist office or a car rental company, as they usually help with the route on where to go first. Explore the main traditional dishes of the UAE with pure pleasure.
Al Machboos
One of the most popular national dishes of the UAE. It is made from rice and meat. Lamb or chicken is most often used. Onions and spices are also added. These are usually cardamom, saffron and dried onions. Al Machboos is usually served at family celebrations.
Harees
This dish is made from ground wheat with meat added. It is simmered for several hours, resulting in a creamy consistency. It is then served with butter. Harees is most often served during Ramadan and local holidays.
Luqaimat
These are small, sweet balls made from dough. They are deep-fried. Honey or date syrup is added when serving. This is an incredibly delicious dessert. It goes perfectly with Arabic spiced coffee.
Mandi
This dish is made from fragrant rice and meat. Chicken or lamb is most often added. It is cooked in a special underground oven lined with clay.
Thareed
This dish is made from traditional Emirati bread. It is soaked in chicken or meat broth. Vegetables and spices are added. It is most often served during Ramadan because of its high nutritional value.
Shawarma and falafel
These are not traditional UAE dishes, but they are very common in street food. Shawarma in the UAE is unique in that it is very juicy and spicy. Local sauces are used during
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Atmospheric places in the UAE to sample the local cuisine
Before embarking on a journey to various restaurants, cafés and other locations, it is worth finding a car rental service in the UAE. Freedom of movement is significant for tourists. Moreover, you can rent a car for any length of time. As a bonus, consider the many free parking spots throughout Dubai and Abu Dhabi for your rental car, which gives even more comfort.
We have compiled a list of the most atmospheric places where delicious, authentic dishes are served. Each of them is easily accessible by rented car.
Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant (Dubai)
This restaurant in the old town will immerse you in the traditions of the UAE. It has low wooden tables and many soft cushions. The menu includes machboos, harees and luqaimat. All dishes are served in traditional tableware. The service is characterized by typical Arab hospitality.
Bedouin camps in the desert (for example, Al Marmoom Desert Camp)
In this case, hiring a vehicle is a good choice, as you will have to travel outside Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Keep in mind that in such places, dinners are often served around a campfire.
Many dishes contain camel meat. You will also be treated to freshly baked bread cooked over charcoal and mint tea. In addition to sampling the local cuisine, tourists can ride camels.
Al Fanar Restaurant & Café (locations in several cities: Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi)
This is a chain of restaurants serving only local dishes. Here you can try machboos and many other dishes, including camel meat.
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Tips for tourists on tasting local dishes
Before trying Arabic dishes, learn a few important rules:
- Respect local traditions – it is customary to eat local food with your right hand, especially when visiting traditional eateries.
- It is better to find out in advance about the use of spices – certain foods can be very spicy or contain unusual spices.
- Try important dishes of the local cuisine – in the UAE, tourists should try dishes made from camel and dates.
As for drinks, tourists should try the local Arabic coffee. It is called ghahwa. The drink is served in small cups, often served with saffron or cardamom. Karak tea is also a must-try. It is a sweet, spicy tea with milk.
Conclusions: Is the UAE suitable for culinary experiences?
The UAE is perfect for new culinary discoveries. Camel meat, spices and unique recipes. Tourists can easily get a rental car for convenient travel to different locations. We recommend making a list of restaurants to visit and planning your route.
You can also familiarize yourself with the most popular dishes so you know what to order.
