Home » Dubai On a Plate: Indulge in the City’s Mouthwatering Flavours and Hidden Food Treasures

Dubai On a Plate: Indulge in the City’s Mouthwatering Flavours and Hidden Food Treasures

by Nike Miller

Amidst Dubai’s vibrant luxury and metropolitan delights, the city is a melting pot of the best flavours from around the world. Dubai’s culinary scene has flourished alongside tech and innovation, telling the captivating story of an evolving city. From humble beginnings as a fishing village to the forefront of luxury living, trace the city’s heritage en route on a journey of flavours, and piece together a culinary palate unlike any other. 

Your Breakfast Platter: Chebab & Shakshouka 

Start your day the Emirati way, and discover Dubai’s beloved breakfast dishes, comprising hearty Emirati fare packed with flavour. Chebab, a thin pancake, is a centrepiece of local breakfast spreads, a versatile option showcasing the aromas and seasonings of Arabic cuisine. Marked with notes of cardamom and saffron, a serving of chebab is typically enjoyed with a dollop of honey and cheese, accompanied by a cup of black tea and a variety of fruit. 

For a savoury option, discover the creamy decadence of Shakshouka, a flavourful dish of poached eggs swimming in a heavenly tomato-based sauce. This Maghrebi recipe is a medley of spices, where the cayenne peppers, cumin, paprika and harissa work together to highlight the hearty goodness of the eggs. Although originally Tunisian, the dish has made its way to home kitchens across the Middle East, as well as the best restaurants in Dubai — for a blend of luxury and tradition, order a serving as the sun rises, right from your room at the NH Collection Dubai The Palm,

Dubai’s Beloved Classics: Al Machboos, Khuzi, Margoogat, and Mezze

Traditional Arabic fare goes beyond breakfast dishes. Indulge in fragrant helpings of rice and spiced meats with Al Machboos, one of Dubai’s most iconic dishes. The meat is marinated in a classic Emirati spice blend, or bzar, and topped with nibbles of toasted almonds. Similarly, Khuzi, the UAE’s national dish, uses a similar delightful formula, featuring tender cuts of lamb flavoured with an endless array of spices, and embellished with nuts and raisins. Margoogat, a spicy meat stew, is another popular choice, while Mezze platters offer a lighter option and showcase the essentials for Arabic cuisine, featuring a selection of small dishes such as hummus, pita, baba ghanoush, and falafel.

Street Food Delights: Arabic Shawarma, Falafel, Regag, and Samboosa

Dubai’s thriving street food scene offers a variety of delicious and affordable options, right at the heart of authentic cooking. Wander through historic souks and neighbourhoods for a bite of the best street fare in the city, from the juicy meat filled Arabic Shawarmas, to crispy Falafel, made from ground chickpeas or fava beans. For a savoury snack, indulge in Regag, a wafer-thin crepe stuffed with a variety of fillings, or Samboosa, a deep-fried pastry filled with meat or vegetables.

Palate Cleansers: Desserts and Refreshments

End your meal with a sweet treat like Luqaimat, small, donut-shaped pastries soaked in honey or sugar syrup. Other popular desserts include Ma’amoul cookies, filled with dates or nuts, and Baklava, a flaky pastry filled with chopped nuts and sweetened syrup.

To quench your thirst, try Arabic coffee, a strong and flavourful coffee served in small cups. For a refreshing drink, opt for a glass of Karak tea, a spiced milk tea that is popular in the Gulf region.

You may also like