Planning a trip to Dubai and wondering which local foods you should try out? Here’s a list of dishes you definitely wouldn’t want to skip out on!
Kabsa
Kabsa is the national dish of the UAE. It is basically a fragrant combination of basmati rice with lamb or chicken, vegetables, cardamom, cinnamon, saffron, nutmeg and bay leaves. All of the ingredients of this dish are cooked together and served in the form of a mound at the table center.
Majboos
Majboos is a dish that is very popular amongst local Emiratis and tourists alike. The dish is prepared using basmati rice and is served with various types of meat. Usually served with chicken, the dish features the delicious flavours of Arabian spices and a range of vegetables.
Madrouba
Madrouba is one of Dubai’s most well-known delicacies, and it is also popular in Bahrain and Oman. The name of the dish literally translates to “beaten” in English, and is named so due to the fact that at the final stage of the recipe, all of the ingredients are beaten together in order to form a mash.
The best-known variety is Madrouba with chicken, but it’s also served together with lamb, fish, and crushed grains. It’s prepared using rice, garlic, onion, tomatoes, yoghurt and seasoning together with a bit of butter. Easily digestible, Madrouba is the perfect pick for people of all ages!
Harees
Harees is one of Dubai’s most well-known dishes. It is commonly found on Emirati dinner tables as well as in some of Dubai’s best restaurants’ menus. Its preparation takes a long time and demands considerable skills. Emirati harees is one of the most famous traditional dishes in UAE. It’s a significant component of the region’s culinary history, and it’s been passed down through generations. It is usually served at weddings, banquets, and other special events.
Crushed wheat, minced meat (occasionally chicken), onions, ground cumin, a substantial quantity of water, and salt are used to make harees.
Tahta Malih
The dish tahta malih is a popular one in Dubai today. Its original tastes have been maintained, similar to the fish that is utilized to prepare it. When there was little fresh fish or other food available, people in the Emirates used preserved, salted fish known as malih to prepare this dish.
Some fish are better suited to being salted and preserved than others. Mackerel, tuna, herring, and queenfish are some of the most popular types. Considering the high salt content of this dish, it is best for people with hypertension to avoid it or at least not have too much of it. Malih is frequently found in Dubai, with yellowfin tuna as the primary ingredient.
If you are interested in trying out local dishes when visiting Dubai, then this list should get you started for sure. Have fun during your trip!
