That Dubai is a food lover’s paradise, is no secret. With a plethora of Michelin star and international restaurants, many seem to miss out on local Middle Eastern cuisine or limit it to the ubiquitous shawarma, falafel, hummus and pita. But it has so much more to offer. Middle Eastern cuisine is a beautiful fusion of Persian and Levantine ingredients, and Indian spices with Bedouin influences. So, when in Dubai, don’t miss out on these tantalizing Middle Eastern dishes that will leave you licking your fingers –
1. Machboos
© miansari66 / Wikicommons
Machboos is the Middle East’s answer to biryani, and it’s just as delicious! Undoubtedly a must-have, this classic is made with rice, onions, and meat, seasoned with spices and dried lemon and cooked in a large pot. What sets it apart from a biryani or pulao (pilaf) is generous use of dried lemons, giving it a refreshing zesty lemony taste. This is by far one of the best foods to try in Dubai.
2. Stuffed Camel
© welt.de
To most of the world, eating stuffed camel may sound weird, but in Dubai it’s a favorite. A traditional wedding dish, stuffed camel is meant for true carnivores! An entire camel is stuffed with lamb, chicken, boiled eggs, fish, and rice, which is then cooked on a grill until tender! So huge is this dish, that its listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the ‘largest item on any menu in the world’.
3. Tabbouleh
© cyclone bill / Wikicommons
Don’t think Middle Eastern cuisine is all about meat. This dish is a must-have for all vegetarians. A healthy, refreshing, yet oh-so-delicious, tabbouleh is a Middle Eastern salad prepared from bulgur wheat, tomatoes, onions, and cucumber with a dressing of lemon juice and mint. Perfect lunch on a hot day in Dubai, no?
4. Kanafeh
© maggwire.com
Often claimed as the best Middle Eastern dessert, sweet lovers must not miss Kanafeh. A luxurious dairy dessert (think of it as a Middle Eastern cheesecake), it’s perfect for vegetarians. Kanafeh is made with soft local cheese and sugar syrup topped with traditional kadaif noodles and pistachios. Can’t go wrong with cheese and sugar, can you?
5. Ghuzi
© motos.coches.net
Ghuzi is another popular meat and rice Middle Eastern dish. Traditionally, it is prepared with herbed and spiced roast lamb which is then served on a bed of rice, vegetables and crushed nuts.
6. Margoog
© fromtourist2local.com
A delectable and comforting dish, Margoog is a hearty Middle Eastern vegetable stew. Margoog is a beautiful mishmash of onions, tomatoes, carrots, courgettes, aubergines, and potatoes flavored with spices. It is soaked up with some fresh traditional sponge-like bread.
7. Harees
© Miansari66 / Wikicommons
A Ramadan special, Harees is the Middle Eastern version of the Indian-Pakistan delicacy of haleem. In fact, harees is often believed to be the origin of haleem. This mouthwateringly delicious dish is made by slowly cooking (for hours!) cracked wheat with meat seasoned with mild spices and served with more than a dollop of ghee (clarified butter). It is said that harees was first prepared by none other than Prophet Mohammed for his victorious troops at Mecca!
You certainly shouldn’t miss the opportunity, so book your flights to Dubai on EMI and explore the best dishes in Dubai.
