Top Delicious Traditional Emirati Food You Must Try!

Traditional Emirati food is a delicious embodiment of the rich heritage and culture of the United Arab Emirates. It is based on Bedouin, marine and trade-based heritage and integrates local ingredients, ancient cooking processes, managing food temperature in the hot sun, and Arabian hospitality. The result is a cuisine that combines spices, rice, meat, fish and dates, telling a story of survival, celebration and community.

Historical Background of UAE Food

The early inhabitants of present-day UAE lived in deserts and coastal villages, shaping a food culture influenced by their environment and lifestyle. The Bedouins developed nourishing dishes using dates, camel meat, and camel milk, while coastal communities relied on fresh seafood. As the UAE established extensive trade routes, they began importing exotic spices from India and Persia, including cardamom, turmeric and saffron. Over time, these influences fused to create a distinctive and adaptable cuisine, reflecting not only the region’s resources but also its deep-rooted UAE cultural customs and traditions. This culinary heritage was designed to sustain travelers, welcome guests and celebrate community.

Most Popular Traditional Emirati Dishes

Traditional Emirati dishes are full of flavor and history. The food of the UAE is an important part of the landscape, heritage, and lifestyle of the UAE. Below is a closer look at some of the most popular dishes eaten throughout the Emirates:

1. Al Harees

Al Harees is one of the more prestigious meals within Emirati cuisine, especially associated with the holy month of Ramadan, or the joyous celebration of Eid. It is made with cracked wheat and meat (typically chicken or lamb), but the cooking process is what sets Al Harees apart.
The wheat and meat are slowly boiled together in large pots made of clay or metal for over several hours, sometime overnight. Al Harees takes on a similar consistency of porridge. It is a hearty food that is thick enough to require a spoon but is only subtle in flavor. The dish is usually accompanied by melted ghee (clarified butter) and eaten as a dip.
The endurance of making Al Harees represents patience and generosity in terms of serving traditionally for large extended families, being prepared in large batches for larger gatherings and generally, passing around food (Al Harees) represents sharing in the community.

2. Al Machboos

Al Machboos, also called “Kabsa” in other Gulf countries, is an iconic Emirati dish that includes aromatic spiced rice in conjunction with either meat or seafood. What makes it unique is the addition of loomi, which is dried black lime giving the dish a unique tartness that balances the savory spices. Al Machboos usually includes:

• Long-grain basmati rice
• Meat (chicken, lamb or fish)
• Tomatoes, onions and garlic
• A blend of spices including cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, saffron, turmeric, as well as loomi

Al Machboos is usually served at special occasions with large groups of people. It is influenced by a strong aroma and colorful appearance at weddings, family gatherings and national holidays.

3. Balaleet

A tasty mix of sweet/savory flavor, Balaleet is one of the more distinct breakfast meals in the UAE. It is composed of sweet vermicelli noodles sweetened by sugar, rose water, saffron and cardamom and topped with a spiced omelet.
The sweet noodles contrast surprisingly well with the omelet that is a bit salty, allowing for the perfect blending of flavors. Balaleet is a favorite dish during Eid al-Fitr morning after the prayer.
The golden color and fragrant spices engage the sight and the palate, representing the hospitality and warmth that is embedded in Emirati tradition.

4. Majboos

Majboos is typically used interchangeably with Machboos, but Majboos can also refer to the regional variations of the same thing. The differences in regional definitions correspond to:
The spice blends used (more cinnamon in some emirates, dried lemon in some)
The type of meat and method of marination
Cooking techniques and broth depth
In some areas, Majboos are made with dried shrimp or camel meat, especially in more traditional settings of their cuisine. A great example of culinary variance and differences in the Emirates while maintaining a history of some kind of shared roots.

5. Samak (Grilled Fish)

With the UAE’s long coastline along the Arabian Gulf, grilled fish (Samak) is a staple. Fresh fish like kingfish (kanad), hammour (grouper) and shari (emperor fish) are marinated in a mix of fresh local spices, including garlic, coriander, turmeric and chili, before being grilled or fried.
Typically served with white rice or bread, grilled fish (Samak) encapsulates the sea-to-table philosophy of coastal Emirati ways of eating. It’s uncomplicated, healthy and wonderfully fresh from the Gulf.

6. Madrouba

Madrouba is a comforting food made by cooking rice with meat or fish over low flame until cooked grains break down and develop a porridge-like consistency. Ingredients include tomato, garlic, onion, black pepper, turmeric and loomi.
“Madrouba” origins from the Arabic verb “daraba” which means “to beat”. Madrouba is beaten, and mashing is a vital part of the dish too. Madrouba is popular in the winter and its consistency makes it easy to digest for both children and the elderly. It exemplifies the Emirati talent of creating delicious, healthy meals made from basic ingredients.

7. Shawarma

Shawarma is a popular street food throughout the Middle East that isn’t originally Emirati slang, yet is a common sight on the UAE’s modern culinary map. Shawarma is typically made with chicken or beef, but really can be any seasoned meat that is piled high onto a vertical rotisserie and is slow roasted and then “shaved” into thin slices. Shawarma is wrapped in warm Arabic bread and is usually served with garlic sauce, pickles and vegetables. Shawarma can be considered quick food, delicious and fulfilling for people of all ages and social status.

8. Tabouleh

Tabouleh is a fresh, zesty salad that interacts well with the heavier foods in both the Emirati and broader Levantine diet. It comes from Lebanon and is primarily made with chopped parsley, mint, tomato, onion, bulgur wheat, olive oil and lemon juice. Tabouleh is colorful and very nutritious while being a great foil and the yin to meat dishes that are usually prepared. It is not a traditional food in the UAE, but tabouleh is an accepted side salad in Emirati homes and restaurants and frequently served alongside grilled meats, or as part of a mezze platter.

9. Mandi (Mandy)

Mandi is a dish that has its roots in Yemen and has found its way into Emirati cuisine, notably down south in the UAE. It is a rice and meat dish where lamb (or chicken) is marinated in spices and cooked in a tandoor-like pit underground with a smoky flavor. The meat is tender and falls off the bone and the rice absorbs the aromatic spices. During special occasions and festivities, Mandi is an ideal dish to serve and embodies the meaning of generosity and tradition in Emirati culture.

10. Chebab

Chebab is a traditional Emirati pancake that beautifully blends sweet and savory flavors, often enjoyed for breakfast or as a dessert. Made with a batter of flour, eggs, sugar, yeast, turmeric and saffron, Chebab is cooked on a griddle until golden and fluffy. What makes it distinct is its aromatic spices and slight tang from the inclusion of yeast. It is typically served with date syrup (dibs) and a side of cream cheese, making it a comforting and flavorful dish that reflects the warmth of Emirati hospitality.

Typical Food During Festivals

Festivals and food are inseparable in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with traditional Emirati dishes at the heart of every celebration. During Ramadan, dishes like Al Harees and Luqaimat are indispensable at Iftar, symbolizing nourishment, spirituality, and unity after a day of fasting. On Eid, families begin the day with Balaleet for breakfast and later enjoy rich meat stews during festive lunches with relatives and guests, reinforcing the Emirati values of hospitality and joy. National Day transforms public spaces into vibrant hubs filled with food fairs and cultural exhibitions, allowing locals and visitors alike to savor heritage dishes that reflect national pride. These culinary traditions are deeply embedded in the cultural festivals in UAE, where every bite tells a story of celebration, history and identity.

Emirati Food in Modern Times

In today’s dynamic culinary landscape, traditional Emirati food has gracefully transitioned from home kitchens to high-end luxury restaurants and trendy eateries across the UAE. While many families continue to prepare classic dishes like Al Machboos and Madrouba at home, modern chefs are breathing new life into ancient recipes by incorporating innovative techniques and creative presentations. This fusion of tradition and modernity has made Emirati cuisine more accessible and appealing to younger generations, tourists and international food lovers, ensuring its relevance and appreciation in the contemporary world.

Conclusion

Traditional Emirati food is not just a way to nourish; it is very much a cultural representation of Emirati heritage, history, and hospitality. When it comes to classic Emirati cuisine with its many slow-cooked meals like Al Harees, festive meals such as Luqaimat and warm spices of Al Machboos, each one represents the land and people in their own way; the food itself not only connects generations, preserves traditions and unites communities out of necessity for everyday meals or on special occasions. Today, Emirati food has reached international prominence and continues to grow, incorporating innovation while maintaining a sense of authenticity of the established traditional dishes. To experience traditional Emirati dishes is to experience an essence of the Emirati soul, making Emirati food a must for anyone visiting or residing in the United Arab Emirates.
Curious about Emirati cuisine and culture? Check out WikiHow for the latest, expert-backed guides on UAE traditions, food and travel.
Tried any of these dishes? Share your favorite recipes or thoughts in the comments we’d love to hear from you!

FAQs

1. What is the most popular traditional Emirati dish?

One of the most popular traditional dishes is Al Machboos, a spiced rice meal often made with chicken, lamb or fish and flavored with dried lime (loomi). Al Harees and Luqaimat are also iconic, especially during Ramadan.

2. Is Emirati food spicy?

Emirati food is not overly spicy but uses a rich blend of aromatic spices like cardamom, turmeric, saffron and cinnamon. It’s flavorful rather than hot.

3. Are there vegetarian options in traditional Emirati cuisine?

Yes, dishes like vegetable salona, Balaleet (without egg), lentil stews and Tabouleh are suitable for vegetarians. Emirati meals often include various plant-based side dishes and salads.