What to try in Dubai: the main dishes of the national cuisine of the UAE

Emirate's cuisine. Does it exist?!

The Emirates, associated by most with luxury, skyscrapers, and sandy beaches, hide an amazing gastronomic culture. While Emirati national cuisine might seem unremarkable amid international abundance, it deserves attention. Dubai is a city where modern gastronomy trends blend with traditions, making it a culinary paradise for gourmets. In this article, we'll discover what dishes and products to try in Dubai, discuss Emirati cuisine, and explore the city's best restaurants where you can experience traditions while enjoying luxurious atmospheres.

Emirati Cuisine: From Bedouin Traditions to Modern Gastronomy

Emirati national cuisine developed under Bedouin lifestyle influences, as traditional society in this region was nomadic. Bedouins, living in desert climate conditions with limited natural resources, developed eating habits adapted to their lifestyle. Basic products like camel milk, meat, fish, spices, and grains were key to their diet. The simplicity and nutrition of traditional dishes resulted from the necessity to survive in harsh desert conditions.

Key Cuisine Features:

Abundant spices: saffron, cardamom, cinnamon, and turmeric

Rice and meat predominance in main dishes

Fresh dates and nuts in desserts

Over time, other cultural influences, especially Indian and Persian, made Emirati cuisine vibrant and diverse. Today, traditions blend with innovations in this eastern metropolis: chefs reimagine ancient recipes with modern touches. This raises the question: what dishes and products should you try in Dubai to experience the true taste of the UAE?

What Products to Try in Dubai?

In Dubai, you can try many unique products that are an integral part of local cuisine and traditions. Here are some of them:

Camel Milk - unique Emirati product known for health benefits, used in drinks and refined desserts

Dates - classic Arab culture symbol, served alone or with nuts and honey

Loomi - dried limes adding sour-spicy flavor to dishes

Rose Water & Orange Blossom Water - aromatic essences for desserts, drinks, and tea

Saffron & Cardamom - key Emirati spices essential for traditional coffee (Gahwa), desserts, and rice dishes

What Dishes to Try in Dubai?

Dubai is famous for its multicultural cuisine, but it's worth trying dishes with local flavor in the city. Since the key feature of Emirati cuisine is the variety of spices - it reveals rich aromas and intense flavors.

Top 5 Traditional Dishes to Try:

Al-Machboos - spiced rice with meat, chicken or fish, similar to pilaf, flavored with dried limes (loomi) and saffron.

Shawarma - unique Dubai version with Arabic spices, special sauces, and sometimes camel meat.

Luqaimat - fried sweet dough balls covered in date syrup or honey

Harees - tender meat and wheat porridge, popular at festivals

Date Pudding - dessert baked with syrup, served with ice cream or cream

These dishes are best tried at traditional restaurants or local markets. Let's talk about where to find Dubai's best restaurants to experience Emirati national cuisine.

Best Restaurants in Dubai for Emirati National Cuisine

If you want to experience Emirati national cuisine, visit authentic establishments where you can not only taste traditional dishes but also immerse yourself in the culture and hospitality of this country. These restaurants are also an excellent choice if Emirati cuisine alone isn't enough and you want to enjoy luxurious interiors. Dubai is exactly the place that offers incredible establishments combining both refined atmosphere and traditions. To be brief, here are Dubai's best restaurants for your consideration: