Visiting the UAE? Don’t forget to try some traditional Emirati cuisine!
It’s no secret that the United Arab Emirates is a foodie’s paradise.
Its major cities have everything from high-end five-star restaurants to hole-in-the-wall joints, and everywhere in between.
What’s more, it’s also the best place for a taste of traditional Emirati cuisine.
We tried many local Emirati dishes on our visit a few years ago and we had some truly memorable meals.
We always love trying local meals whenever we’re traveling and we were spoilt for choice with all of the great Emirati cuisine on offer. From ancient Emirati dishes to Middle Eastern fusion favorites–we loved them all!
And while it’s true that traditional Emirati cuisine has changed quite a bit over the past century (thanks to exposure to other cultures from Asia, Europe, the USA, etc. ) — the locals have put their own spin on these dishes and now they’re uniquely “Emirati.”
So next time you’re in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, or any other city —
Here’s our list of 10 Best Traditional Emirati Meals, and how much it might cost you:
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– Traditional Emirati Cuisine: Shawarma
This sandwich is one of the most popular dishes in the UAE, and it’s no wonder why!
Shawarma is a non-vegetarian delicacy that could be filled with your choice of sliced chicken, lamb or beef and is served in a soft flatbread and rolled to perfection.
It is filled with a variety fresh vegetables, chopped onions and various sauces that make the shawarmas something out of this world and delectably delicious. – 71
Price per plate: AED 6 – 12
– Shish Tawouk Sandwich
Who doesn’t love a good sandwich? Enter the Shish Tawouk Sandwich. This sandwich is a staple in the UAE and can be found all over the country. It’s one of the many traditional Emirati dishes that have now become popular even with tourists.
The Shish Tawouk Sandwich is made with thinly sliced chicken breast that’s been marinated in spices and herbs, then stuffed into a flatbread along with pickles, vegetables, and more herbs and spices. The result is a spicy-savory combo that will have your taste buds dancing!
Price per plate: AED 12 – 117
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– Chelo Kebab
The word “chelo” means “rice,” and the word “kebab” means “skewered meat.” So, it’s kind of like a skewered meat rice dish. But we guarantee it’s so much more than that!
Chelo Kebab is among the most popular food in UAE, and it’s easy to see why: The dish consists of skewered pieces of chicken and lamb, which are grilled over charcoal and served with saffron-scented rice.
It’s simple, but also incredibly delicious—and you can’t beat the price!
Price per plate: AED 55 – 80
– Al Machboos
If you’re looking for an exotic and delicious taste of the UAE, then Al Machboos is the dish for you.
Machboos is a traditional Emirati food that involves slow cooking rice with dried lemons, whole local spices including cardamom and cinnamon, and a choice of meat (usually lamb or chicken). It’s often served with raita (a yogurt-based sauce) and salad as well.
Price per plate: AED 52 – 68
Wondering if a restaurant in the UAE serves any of these traditional Emirati meals?
Head to this website to find out.
And while you’re there, why not check out and discover the UAE’s best restaurants!
– Falafel
Now becoming known all over the world, falafel is a deep-fried chickpeas patty that has its origins in Egypt. It’s served wrapped in a pita or other flatbread with fresh vegetables and various dressings.
It’s also the perfect option for all the vegetarians out there. That’s why it’s widely served at many restaurants across Dubai.
Price per plate: AED 6 – 32
– Fatteh
Fatteh is the UAE’s answer to hodgepodge. In fact, the name ‘fatteh’ comes from an old Arabic word meaning “to crumble” or “crumbs”.
The bottom layer consists of bread soaked in stock, while the middle layer is made up of chickpeas and stuffed aubergines. On top of it all is a layer of yoghurt and tahini sauce. You can also sprinkle some paprika and parsley on top for an added kick!
Price per plate: AED 26
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– Manakish
This dish, which originated in Lebanon, is flatbread snack filled with cheese and cooked in a huge oven. It’s topped with vegetables, meats, or oils and spices —and what could be better? A lot of places also offer meat-free manakish options if you’re looking for a vegetarian meal option!
Price per plate: AED 15 – 32
– Al Harees
Al Harees is a traditional dish from the UAE that is usually served during weddings and other religious festivals. It takes a couple of hours to prepare, but the result is worth it!
It’s made by mixing meat and wheat in a pot, along with water and salt. The wheat is boiled for several hours before adding meat and cooking for another four hours or so. The result is a porridge-like dish that has been enjoyed for generations by Emiratis.
Price per plate: AED 20 (small) to AED 45 (large)
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– Knafeh
This classic Palestinian dessert dish consists of a sweet cheese baked in shredded phyllo dough before being soaked in a simple syrup. It’s best eaten right away because it’s created with sour cheese, crisp sugar syrup, and dough. Emiratis have become quite fond of this dish. In fact, folks place thousands of orders for this dessert during Ramadan, as people crave it for iftar—the meal enjoyed by Muslims at dusk to break their fast.
Price per plate: AED 14 (per piece)
– Luqaimat
Luqaimat (Arabic for “little bites”) are crispy and sweet dumplings made with butter, milk, sugar, flour, yeast, cardamom and saffron. They’re often served during Ramadan in cafés and markets across the country, accompanied by date sauce and sprinkled with sesame seeds.
Also popular during Ramadan, these warm dumplings have a doughnut-like flavor and texture. Fresh batches are made everyday and served with a sticky date sauce and sesame seeds. They’re best with a cup of steaming coffee.
Price per plate: AED 25
– Traditional Emirati Cuisine: Bottomline
The UAE is full of delicious and traditional Emirati cuisine to try when you’re visiting. And we’ve made it even easier for you with this list of traditional Emirati dishes.
No matter what type of cuisine you prefer, one thing is clear:
The UAE has it all!
So get out there and explore!
