The United Arab Emirates (UAE), a land of desert dunes and modern skyscrapers, is also a melting pot of culinary traditions. Influenced by Bedouin heritage, Arabian flavors, and global connections, Emirati cuisine offers a unique blend of flavors and ingredients. Join me as we explore the eight essential dishes that will transport you to the heart of Emirati culinary heritage.
1. Machboos (Meat and Rice Dish): A National Treasure
Description:
Machboos, often considered the national dish of the UAE, is a flavorful and aromatic rice dish typically made with either chicken, lamb, or fish. The meat is marinated in a blend of spices like turmeric, cumin, cardamom, and saffron, then cooked with basmati rice and vegetables. The result is a hearty and satisfying dish that’s often garnished with fried onions and raisins.
Recipe:
https://www.arabamerica.com/recipe/arabian-rice-dish-chicken-machboos/
Key Ingredients:
Basmati rice, meat (chicken, lamb, or fish), spices (turmeric, cumin, cardamom, saffron), vegetables (tomatoes, onions, peppers), ghee or oil.
Popular Restaurant:
Al Fanar Restaurant & Café (multiple locations) – known for its authentic Emirati cuisine and traditional atmosphere.
2. Thereed (Meat and Vegetable Stew): A Bedouin Staple
Description:
Thereed is a comforting and nutritious Emirati stew that holds deep roots in Bedouin culture. It’s made with chunks of lamb or chicken simmered with a variety of vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and zucchini, in a fragrant tomato-based broth. The stew is often thickened with thin layers of bread, which soak up the rich flavors of the dish.
Recipe:
https://www.196flavors.com/united-arab-emirates-thareed/
Key Ingredients:
Lamb or chicken, vegetables (carrots, potatoes, zucchini), tomatoes, onions, garlic, spices (cumin, coriander, cardamom), bread (usually regag).
Popular Restaurant:
Al Jawareh Restaurant in Dubai (offers a wide selection of traditional Emirati dishes, including Thereed).
3. Harees (Wheat and Meat Porridge): A Warm and Comforting Dish
Description:
Harees is a warm and comforting porridge-like dish made from wheat and meat (usually chicken or lamb). The wheat and meat are cooked together for hours until they break down and form a thick, creamy consistency. The dish is often flavored with cinnamon and cardamom and served with a dollop of ghee (clarified butter).
Recipe:
https://www.196flavors.com/united-arab-emirates-harees/
Key Ingredients:
Wheat, meat (chicken or lamb), ghee, spices (cinnamon, cardamom), salt.
Popular Restaurant:
Seven Sands (multiple locations) – this restaurant offers a modern take on traditional Emirati cuisine, including Harees.
4. Margooga (Vegetable and Meat Stew): A Flavorful Medley
Description:
Margooga is a hearty and flavorful stew that showcases the simplicity and versatility of Emirati cuisine. It features a combination of meat (usually chicken or lamb) and seasonal vegetables like squash, eggplant, and tomatoes. The stew is simmered in a flavorful broth with aromatic spices like turmeric, coriander, and cumin.
Recipe:
https://www.saveur.com/margoga-beef-and-vegetable-stew-uae-recipe/
Key Ingredients:
Chicken or lamb, vegetables (squash, eggplant, tomatoes, onions, carrots), spices (turmeric, coriander, cumin), tomato paste, ghee or oil.
Popular Restaurant:
Al Makan Restaurant in Dubai (serves a wide array of Emirati dishes, including a delicious Margooga).
5. Saloona (Meat and Vegetable Stew): A Comforting Classic
Description:
Saloona is a comforting stew that’s often enjoyed as a main course in the UAE. It typically features tender chunks of meat (lamb, beef, or chicken) simmered with a medley of vegetables like okra, eggplant, potatoes, and tomatoes. The stew is flavored with a blend of spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander, resulting in a hearty and satisfying dish.
Recipe:
https://www.chefspencil.com/recipe/arabic-lamb-and-vegetable-stew-saloona/
Key Ingredients:
Meat (lamb, beef, or chicken), vegetables (okra, eggplant, potatoes, tomatoes, onions), spices (turmeric, cumin, coriander), tomato paste, ghee or oil.
Popular Restaurant:
Seven Sands (multiple locations) – known for its modern interpretations of classic Emirati dishes, including Saloona.
6. Madrooba (Salted Fish with Spices and Sauce): A Coastal Specialty
Description:
Madrooba is a traditional Emirati dish that showcases the country’s coastal culinary heritage. Salted fish, usually kingfish or shark, is simmered in a flavorful sauce made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a blend of spices. The dish has a unique salty and savory flavor profile, often enjoyed with rice.
Recipe:
https://www.saudiarabia-travel.org/2018/08/madrooba.html
Key Ingredients:
Salted fish (kingfish, shark), tomatoes, onions, garlic, spices (cumin, coriander, turmeric), tomato paste, lemon juice.
Popular Restaurant:
Bu Qtair (Jumeirah Beach) – a casual seafood shack famous for its simple yet delicious Madrooba.
7. Balaleet (Sweet Vermicelli and Egg Dish): A Sweet and Savory Delight
Description:
Balaleet is a unique Emirati dish that blends sweet and savory flavors. It features vermicelli noodles cooked with sugar, saffron, cardamom, and rose water, then topped with a thin omelet. This dish is often enjoyed for breakfast or dessert during special occasions like Eid.
Recipe:
https://www.thespruceeats.com/balaleet-emirati-breakfast-2355384
Key Ingredients:
Vermicelli noodles, eggs, sugar, saffron, cardamom, rose water, ghee or oil.
Popular Restaurant:
Al Fanar Restaurant & Café (multiple locations) – known for its traditional Emirati cuisine, including a flavorful Balaleet.
8. Ouzi (Rice with Lamb and Nuts): A Festive Feast
Description:
Ouzi is a celebratory dish often served during special occasions like weddings and Eid. It consists of slow-roasted lamb or goat, cooked to perfection and served over a bed of fragrant rice. The dish is garnished with roasted nuts (usually almonds and pine nuts) and sometimes raisins, adding a sweet and crunchy element.
Recipe:
https://arabicfood-recipes.com/ouzi-lamb-rice/
Key Ingredients:
Lamb or goat, rice, spices (cardamom, cinnamon, cloves), nuts (almonds, pine nuts), raisins (optional), ghee or oil.
Popular Restaurant:
Al Majlis Restaurant in Dubai (offers a variety of Emirati dishes, including Ouzi during festive periods).
Conclusion: A Culinary Adventure Awaits!
Emirati cuisine is a treasure trove of flavors waiting to be discovered. From the fragrant rice dishes like Machboos and Ouzi to the hearty stews like Thereed and Margooga, each dish reflects the rich culinary heritage of the UAE. Don’t forget to explore the unique seafood dishes like Madrooba and the sweet and savory delight of Balaleet. As you journey through this captivating country, indulge in the authentic flavors of Emirati cuisine and let your taste buds experience a true Arabian culinary adventure.
Let me know if you have any other questions about Emirati food!
