One of my goals when travelling abroad is to try as much local cuisine as possible. During our recent visit to Dubai I did just that and I wasn’t disappointed. These are my six favourite eats and treats in Dubai.
1. Machaboos
Machaboos (also known as kabsa) is a dish you’ll find across the Arabian Peninsula. This delicious rice dish is seasoned with cardamom, saffron and cinnamon and mostly topped with lamb or chicken. Kababji Lebanese Grill makes a killer Machaboos.
2. Tahta Laham
Tahta Laham is an UAE speciality. Think tender shredded lamb cooked in Emirati spices served between two layers of white rice. Topped with caramelised onion, fresh coriander leaves and a sprinkle of raisins. This unimpressive looking dish will blow your mind.
3. Harees
This dish is unlike anything I have ever tasted and I love it! Until quite recently, you would only be able to try this porridge-like dish when invited to an Emirati home. Locals typically reserve harees for festive occasions, as the preparation is extremely time-consuming. The dish is made with ground wheat, butter and lamb. Nowadays, you can enjoy harees at the Arabian Tea House Restaurant & Cafe in the Al Fahidi historical neighbourhood.
4. Luqaimat
Luqaimat is a popular dessert across the Middle East. These sweet doughnut-like dumplings are deep-fried, dipped in date syrup and sprinkled with sesame seeds. Crunchy on the outside and soft and airy on the inside – they make for a perfectly light dessert. The Arabian Tea House Restaurant & Cafe make the most amazing luqaimat.
5. Booza or Buzza
This Arabic take on ice cream is full of intense Middle Eastern flavours. It is made with Ashta (Ashta is clotted cream usually flavoured with rose water or orange blossom water) and mastic gum. Lebanese ice cream is called Booza or Buzza and is sometimes referred to as Arabic ice cream.
While visiting Kite Beach we stopped at Barrad Ice Cream Shop to try their Booza. It was delicious. Their Ashta and Saffron flavours are a must.
6. Gahwa (Arabic Coffee) and Dates
Gahwa and dates symbolise warmth, respect and generosity – the cornerstone of Middle Eastern hospitality. The pairing features strong, cardamom-spiced, lightly roasted coffee alongside sweet dates, creating a perfect balance between bitter and sweet. The coffee is traditionally served in a dallah pot with small finjān cups. At the Arabian Tea House Restaurant & Cafe they serve the dates with a Tahini paste which makes for a perfect pairing.
