By Kenya Barrett
From the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall to hot air balloon rides in The Empty Quarter, there are tons of things to do in Dubai. In addition to the activities, the cuisine of Dubai is also a must-try when visiting. Check out some of the best foods to eat in Dubai!
Knafeh
This deliciously sweet treat is a traditional dessert of the Middle East and can be found in bakeries and restaurants scattered around Dubai. It is prepared by spinning a finely cut noodle-like pastry called kataifi in a sugar-based syrup and layering the pastry in different cheeses and/or nuts. The dessert is then topped with crushed nuts – notably pistachios or almonds. Some bakers also create the dish by using ingredients such as semolina dough, butter, palm oil, rose water or even orange blossom water!
Camel meat
During your vacation in Dubai, you’ll realize that camels are good for transportation, and food! Camel meat is comparable to lean beef and has a bit of a gamey taste to it. In Dubai, the camel is seasoned with a blend of spices and cooked whole, or ground into a patty and eaten as a burger. While the meat serves as an alternative to chicken or beef, it is not available everywhere in Dubai – so if you happen to come across this delicacy, it is certainly worth a bite!
Arabic coffee and dates
One way to learn some of the customs and traditions of the United Emirates is to partake in coffee and dates! The serving of coffee is considered an act of kindness and respect in many Arab regions and Dubai is no exception. Arabic coffee is prepared with roasted grounds that are brewed and blended with cardamom and saffron. Visitors can enjoy the hot beverage in small cups, served with a helping of fresh dates. The dates are either stuffed with almonds and/or dipped in chocolate.
Machboos
Another popular dish in Dubai is machboos. This rice-based meal is a tasty blend of basmati rice, vegetables, cinnamon, cardamom, turmeric, fennel seed, cumin, and sometimes meat. Lamb and chicken are commonly used to prepare the dish but seafood is also a delicious alternative. Chefs cook the dish in one pot and usually serve it with meat on top and parsley as a garnish. Yum!
Lahem Bl Ajin
If you love flatbreads, you’re in for a treat when you try Lahem Bl Ajin. This dish translates to “meat on dough” and is often made with the ground meat of beef or lamb. To prepare this dish, you must roll fresh dough and add a meat mixture of chopped onions and spices atop the dough. It is then baked for no more than 10 minutes and then broiled for an additional five minutes. Once it has cooled, feel free to enjoy a bite of this delicious meaty bread!
Shawarma
You simply cannot travel to Dubai without trying some delicious Shawarma! This tasty dish consists of meat seasoned with various spices and prepared using a vertical rotisserie cooking method. Traditionally, the meal is made with lamb or mutton but modern chefs have used chicken, beef, turkey, and/or veal. Shawarma is a popular street food in Dubai but can be found in restaurants all around!
Which of these delicious meals will you eat on you vacation in Dubai?
