Dubai is a tourist hotspot with so many marvelous and unique attractions to see and enjoy. Right from the tallest building (Burj Khalifa) to the largest indoor theme park in the world (IMG World of Adventure), Dubai has a plethora of amazing places to see and things to do. Apart from all this, Dubai is also home to one of the largest expat communities. People from almost all over the world live and work in this emirate city of Dubai. This is also the reason why you would find food from almost all corners of the world in this city. Be it Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Greek, Italian, Spanish, American, or Mexican, you will find restaurants and cafes serving different kinds of cuisines in Dubai. Moreover, there is also the local Emirati cuisine, which would enthrall your palette with its authentic flavors. With this note, let us look at the 10 best Dubai foods.
1. Shawarma
The first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of Arabic food is Shawarma, mainly because it has become a popular food in several countries. A non-vegetarian dish, the Shawarma is made of slow-roasted meat (chicken, lamb, or beef) rolled into an Arabic flatbread or roti. The presence of sliced onions, tomatoes, vegetables, pickles, and garlic sauce is what makes the Shawarma a dish that your palette can never forget.
2. Oman Chips Roll
A simple comfort food, the Oman Chips Roll is on the nostalgic list of all those who have spent their childhood in Dubai. The center of attraction of this roll is the Oman chips, which have been a favorite of the children in the Emirate for a long time. This roll is a combination of two favorites of most children: chips and cheese. As you bite into the Oman Chip roll, you get to enjoy the crunchiness of the Oman chips along with the delectable cheese.
3. Harees
While visiting Dubai, it is important to look beyond the street food of the city to enjoy the flavors of the local culinary heritage. One of the dishes that you must try in this case is Harees. Although a simple dish with very few ingredients and flavors, Harees is usually served only during special occasions like weddings, Ramadan, and Eid. This is because it takes a lot of time and skills to make the perfect Harees. This dish is made by combining crushed wheat, minced meat, cumin powder, onions, salt, and lots of water. These ingredients are slowly cooked for hours to make Harees, which melts in your mouth.
4. Samboosa
Samboosa is a savory delicacy that has roots in Indian cuisine. If you are familiar with the Indian Samosa, Samboosa is quite the same. While the Samosa is mainly made of potatoes and peas, the Samboosa is a deep-fried pastry dish that is made of meat, chicken, vegetables, and different types of exotic spices. A unique Arabic version of the Samboosa is the one that is made with three types of cheese fillings.
5. Knafeh
No traditional Emirati meal can be complete without Knafeh, a sticky pastry dish that should be eaten warm. Known as the Queen of Arabic deserts, Knafeh has a Palestine influence and is a staple during Iftar. It is a pastry dish made with sweet cheese that is coated with rose syrup and sprinkled with deep-fried Kataifi noodles and chopped pistachios. Knafeh is found in most cafes and food joints in Dubai and should be eaten warm to enjoy all its flavors.
6. Luqaimat
Another sweet dish that is most popular during Ramadan, Luqaimat is similar to the modern donuts in taste and texture. These small, deep-fried dumplings are made by combining flour, milk, sugar, butter, cardamom, and sugar. To add to their flavor, the Luqaimat is topped with sticky date sauce and sesame seeds. This sweet dish is the perfect accompaniment along with a cup of coffee.
7. Madrooba
Another traditional Emirati dish, Madrooba is usually made during special occasions like Ramadan, as it takes a lot of time and effort to make it. The consistency and texture of this dish is similar to porridge, and it makes use of rice, meat, vegetables, dried lime, caramelized onions, and different spices. However, simply cooking all these ingredients together is not enough. The magic of the dish lies in how it is stirred continuously and consistently until all the flavors come together.
8. Oozie
A rice-based Emirati dish, Oozie is a special food served during Ramadan and other important occasions. The best part about this dish is that it can be served in a variety of ways. One way of serving Oozie is with chicken, while the other way is by stuffing it in tiny pastry pockets. Some also love to eat it with yogurt and salad or even with a serving of roasted or fried nuts.
9. Baba Ganoush
If you are a vegetarian or a vegan and think that you cannot survive in Dubai, you are completely wrong. Although most Emirati dishes have some kind of meat, there are various vegetarian and vegan options, one of them being Baba Ganoush. This is a dip made by combining smoked eggplant along with tomatoes, onion, and olive oil. Baba Ganoush is not only delicious but also healthy. It tastes best with pita bread.
10. Karak Chai
Inspired by India’s masala chai, the Karak Chai is a staple for people of Dubai and is also known as the national drink. Made by simmering black tea leaves and spices like cardamom, pepper, ginger, fennel, cloves, or cinnamon along with milk, the Karak Chai is easily available in the small shops and cafes of Dubai. Although strong, the Karak Chai is also known for its high level of sugar content. Reach out for Karak Chai if you want to reenergize your body and mind after a long day.
The Dubai foods mentioned above are only the gist of food items that you can enjoy in the city. Dubai is heaven for food lovers, and the innumerable dishes available here would not fail to tantalize your taste buds.