How to Order Traditional Food of UAE in Dubai

Dubai Weekly Team

The traditional food of UAE culture has a great variety of foods. The food of the UAE localizes both Middle Eastern and Asian cuisines. Through this, one can see their heritage and uniqueness. Various spices and rice ingredients are used in UAE cuisine. In addition to its pleasant aroma, it comes in rich flavors. In this part, we talk about the most famous UAE dishes, how people in these areas eat them, and where one can order food in Dubai

Top Traditional Food of UAE

1. Al Harees

Favored wheat, the meat of choice (most often chicken or lamb) and indispensable salt are three basic ingredients out of which Al Harees, the much-loved dish is cooked. They are allowed to cook together for long hours, turning them into a thick, porridge-like consistency. 

2. Al Machboos

This rice dish is a combination of rice and meat (chicken, lamb, or fish) and mixed spices. The meat is initially cooked in spiced water, then the rice is added and cooked in the same broth, infusing the rice with all the flavors.

3. Luqaimat

Luqaimat is a deep-fried, sweet crispy dessert, characterized by a crispy outer shell and a soft, jam-like middle. Date syrup or honey is then drizzled over and the soft, doughnut-like creatures are eaten. These soft, round dough balls are deep-fried and then covered with date or honey syrup. They are a favorite dessert, especially in Ramadan.

4. Shawarma

Shawarma has definitely become a household name in the UAE, aside from being an even more genuine form of Emirati street food. It is, in fact, thin pieces of meat (chicken, lamb, or beef) which were shaved and then cooked on a spit. Then, it’s served in pita bread with vegetables and sauces.

Traditional Ingredients

The main components of the UAE cuisine are as follows:

  • Meat: The most common are lamb, chicken, and fish
  • Grains: Rice and wheat
  • Dairy: Yogurt and cheese
  • Fruits: Dates, limes, and mangoes
  • Spices: Saffron, cardamom, turmeric, and cinnamon

Dining Customs in the UAE

You should be fully aware of the following local customs when you involve them in the Emirati food experience:

  1. A regular thing is that people usually eat sitting on the floor around a big common plate.
  2. Taking your meal only with the right hand is part of their culture.
  3. Emirati people do not eat pork because their religious principles do not allow it.

How to Order Food in Dubai

Dubai boasts huge numbers of restaurants, which is why ordering food is simple because people in most of the places know English well. Many restaurants are offering their menus in both Arabic and English. Thus, it is welcome for you to ask the staff for explanations or suggestions for the unknown food items.

In traditional eating places, people usually ask for dishes that everyone can share. Tipping is voluntary, and it’s appreciated if you leave it (10-15% of the total bill). For those who prefer to order food online or through apps, Dubai offers several options:

  1. Talabat
  2. Deliveroo
  3. Zomato
  4. Careem Now

Noon Food

Actually, Noon Food is a new edition to the family of food delivery apps throughout the Emirates. It is one of the services that are a part of the very large Noon.com e-commerce platform. Here is what you need to know about Noon Food:

  1. Among the list of offerings, it provides a range of cuisines including traditionally prepared Emirati dishes
  2. Just use the Noon app or visit the website to order your relatives what you want
  3. The platform provides customers with real-time reports on their orders
  4. Mostly hard-to-refuse promotional offers and discounts are given

Arabic Food Beyond the UAE

Despite the fact that the main focus of this article is on UAE cuisine, it is still much worth to mention that Arabic food is far more than just the UAE cuisine and includes dishes from many other parts of the Middle East. Here are the other popular Arabic delicacies that can be found:

  1. Hummus: A blend consisting of mashed chickpeas along with tahini, lemon, and garlic
  2. Falafel: Small, round, deep-fried balls made of ground chickpeas or fava beans
  3. Tabbouleh: A salad made with bulgur wheat, tomatoes, and herbs
  4. Moutabal: A puree prepared with roasted aubergine, sesame seed paste, and lemon juice

Conclusion

The traditional food of UAE is a rich source of flavors and perceptions. Myriads of other types of food including more meat and rice and up to the sweet desserts one can find. Eating at one of the traditional Emirati restaurant outlets, purchasing via the modern Noon Food app, or visiting the globalized Arabic cuisine market, food is another remarkable sector the UAE offers. Visitors who are alert to the uniqueness of the place and are eager to try out new tastes will be much rewarded with the true culinary delights this multifaceted setting has on offer. 

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