Dubai traditional food shows the tradition, lifestyle, and culture of the United Arab Emirates. It is built on Bedouin customs and is flavoured with different spices, and is a combination of Middle Eastern, Persian, and Indian cuisines. From rice dishes to different types of meat grills, Indian lentils and some of the best sweet dishes, these recipes hold the authentic taste of Dubai traditional cuisine. Travellers and food lovers commonly go for these authentic dishes to understand the country's identity. In this, we try out the popular vegetarian dishes options available in Dubai, famous recipes, and the traditional food of UAE with names that locals and travellers love. We will also explore authentic Dubai food, traditional Emirati dishes, and special traditional Ramadan dishes enjoyed by families during the holy month.
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Origin of Dubai Traditional Food
The traditional food of Dubai shows years of changing food culture. The Country’s past as a desert land affected its cuisines with early Emiratis depending on available ingredients such as:
- Dates are still used as natural sweeteners replacing sugar.
- As ocean water is near, seafood like fish and prawns were easily available.
- To survive in harsh desert conditions chicken, goat, lamb, and camel were the main source of proteins.
- From trade routes, wheat and rice were imported.
- Spices like cinnamon, saffron, turmeric, cardamom, and cumin were also imported through that trade route .
These all ingredients are origin of Dubai traditional food, which tastes good as well as healthy, and good for the bad desert conditions. Emirati cuisine is shaped by the festival of Ramadan, family functions, and its hospitality.
Popular Dubai Traditional Food
There are varieties of traditional food in Dubai. These are some of the most popular dishes in Dubai :
Al Harees
Al Harees is one of the oldest and favourite foods cooked during the festival of Ramadan. Mainly Made from three ingredients, wheat, meat, and ghee and has a thick and smooth texture. It is simple to make but healthy too, and is satisfying for the first meal during Ramadan.
Al Machboos
This is also a rice-based dish cooked with dried lemon, which gives a tangy flavour to it, just like Majboos. It is generally made during special occasions or in family gatherings.
Shawarma
Even though it started in Levantine, Shawarma has become part of traditional food of UAE with names recognized all around the world. It consists of grilled chicken/beef in a special grill, rolled in pita bread, with garlic sauce and pickles, making it an easy and handy food. The special way of grilling meat gives a different taste to it.
Balaleet
It is popular for breakfast in Dubai. Balaleet is a mixture of sweet and savoury, made of vermicelli cooked in sugar, cardamom, and saffron to give a sweet taste, topped with an omelette, which gives a salty taste.
Luqaimat
These are made of crispy dumplings which are dipped in date syrup. Luqaimat are appreciated as traditional Ramadan dishes and shows hospitality in Dubai.
Dubai Traditional Food Veg
As the UAE is famous for its non-veg cuisine, there are many Dubai traditional food veg recipes which are tastier. Emirati vegetarian food is made from spices, lentils, and grains to create rich flavours. Such as:
- Falafel –Mashed chickpeas are mixed with spices, and then deep fried the balls in oil till they have a nice golden brown colour.
- Hummus – It is a traditional dip in the UAE, which is prepared from chickpeas and sesame paste, garlic, lemon juice, and topped with olive oil.
- Tabbouleh – It is made mainly from parsley, bulgur wheat, tomatoes, onion, and is mixed with olive oil and lemon juice to make a fresh salad .
- Stuffed vine leaves – The grapevine leaves are filled with cooked rice and herbs which are then cooked in broth and are also known as dolmas.
- Vegetable Saloona– It is generally a tomato based stock prepared with mixed available vegetables, and spices. They are served hot and with coriander.
These vegetarian dishes show that authentic Dubai food is not only about meat but also about a huge variety of veg foods available in Dubai.
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Traditional Ramadan Dishes
The festival of Ramadan has mostly formed the Emirati customs and traditions. Families eat together with healthy, tasty and satisfying food prepared by them to break the fast. The popular traditional Ramadan dishes in Dubai are:
- - Dates and Laban (yogurt drink) – The first items consumed to break the fast.
- - Tharid – A bread and meat stew, considered Prophet Muhammad’s favourite dish.
- - Harees – A filling wheat porridge with meat.
- - Luqaimat– These are sweet dumplings mostly eaten at Iftar.
These dishes shows unity, and the cultural relations of Dubai during the festivals.
Traditional Food of UAE with Names
To easily identify the traditional food of UAE with names, following is a clear list:
- Al Majboos
- Al Harees
- Shawarma
- Balaleet
- Luqaimat
- Al Madrooba
- Tharid
These are basic and necessary dishes in family celebrations, weddings, and national festivals all over the UAE.
Dubai Traditional Food Recipes at Home
Many travellers want the flavours of Dubai at home. While restaurants provide authentic flavours , some Dubai traditional food recipes can be easily made in your own home kitchen.
Balaleet Recipe
- Boil water and cook vermicelli in a pot.
- Add sugar with saffron water, cardamom, and rose water and mix well in a pan.
- In a separate pan, make an omelette.
- Serve the omelette on top of sweet vermicelli.
Luqaimat Recipe
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and warm water with yeast.
- Let it rest to rise.
- Deep fry small balls of the mixture until golden brown.
- Serve it with some date syrup or honey on Luqaimat before serving.
Harees Recipe
- Soak wheat overnight.
- Cook it with lamb or chicken until tender.
- Blend into a thick porridge texture with ghee.
- It is served hot.
These simple traditional food recipes of Dubai show that Emirati flavours can easily be made again in families.
Modern Influence on Authentic Dubai Food
Dubai has become an International hub for different cultures and traditions. International cuisines combine with Emirati flavours for fusions but authentic Dubai food still has strong importance in the cuisine. Old Dubai has restaurants which still make the best traditional and authentic food, while luxury hotels make the same authentic dish with a touch of modern style. Modern chefs mix traditional Emirati dishes with international ingredients to make a fusion.
Why Try Dubai Traditional Food?
It is not only about just eating. It is about going through the history, culture, and tastes of Dubai. Each dish tells about the culture of staying safe in the desert, celebrations of festivals, and unity among the families. Whether having an authentic Dubai food at a restaurant or making Dubai traditional food veg recipes at home, this cuisine has something for anyone and everyone.
Conclusion
The Traditional food of Dubai stands as a face of the city’s culture. From traditional celebration of Ramadan, dishes like Harees and Luqaimat to Dubai veg options like hummus and falafel, the cuisine shows diversity and tradition. By exploring the traditional food of UAE with names and trying Dubai food recipes, one can see the best of Emirati hospitality.
For tourists, foodies, or anyone who wants to know about authentic flavours, the authentic Dubai food journey is not easy to forget. It not only fills the stomach but also grows with stories of tradition and its culture.