Traditional Emirati food is a fascinating blend of history, culture, and resources. Shaped by the region’s desert climate and fishing trade, it has evolved over the years, especially after the discovery of oil and the arrival of expatriates, which introduced new ingredients like chicken. Earlier, Emiratis relied on camels, goats, and even birds like the Houbara for meat. Fish has always been a staple, reflecting the coastal lifestyle.
Here’s a look at the best traditional Emirati dishes that are staples, spanning breakfast, lunch, and dessert.
Table of Contents
Breakfast Dishes
Balaleet
A sweet-and-salty breakfast made from vermicelli, spiced with cinnamon, saffron, and cardamom, topped with an egg omelet. Balaleet is also enjoyed as a dessert and is a staple during Ramadan and Eid.
Shakshuka
A comforting breakfast dish of scrambled or poached eggs with tomatoes, peppers, and a sprinkle of thyme and coriander.
Chebab Bread
Similar to pancakes, these thin, sweet breads are made with flour, egg, and butter, flavored with fennel and turmeric, and served with salty chami cheese, date syrup, or honey.
Khameer Bread
A soft, round bread sweetened with dates and flavored with fennel and cardamom, this traditional Emirati flatbread is known for its melt-in-the-mouth texture.
Regag Bread
Also called Raqaq, this is a crispy, thin bread usually served with Tharyd, a meat dish. Sweet variations include honey or cheese.
Dango chickpeas
Boiled chickpeas with spices, enjoyed as a snack or light meal, inspired by Levantine hummus but retaining whole chickpeas instead of a paste.
Traditional Lunch Dishes
Harees
This ancient dish is a slow-cooked porridge of wheat and meat, simmered for hours until creamy. Topped with ghee, it’s often served at gatherings.
Samak Mashwi
Emirati grilled fish, traditionally marinated with date paste and grilled in a clay barbecue. It is cooked unscaled to protect the tender fish inside.
Thareed Laham
A meat and potato stew with flavors similar to Moroccan tagine, traditionally served with Raqaq bread. A light meal, perfect for breaking the fast.
Machboos
The UAE’s take on biryani, this aromatic rice dish includes lamb, chicken, or fish, flavored with cloves, cinnamon, and saffron.
Lamb Ouzi
This rich rice and lamb dish, garnished with almonds and pine nuts, is the centerpiece at Emirati celebrations. The lamb is marinated for a day to enhance the flavor.
Traditional Desserts
Luqaimat
Sweet dumplings made of flour, milk, and butter, fried and dipped in date syrup. Crunchy outside, soft inside, and flavored with cardamom and saffron, Luqaimat is a popular Emirati dessert.
Aseeda Bobbar
This pumpkin-based pudding, flavored with cardamom, saffron, rose water, and honey, is topped with nuts and best enjoyed warm.
Al Batheeth
A simple date dessert made by baking date paste with wheat flour and spices. Often shaped into balls, it’s a favorite snack with Arabic coffee.
Emirati cuisine provides a flavorful journey through the traditions and tastes of the UAE, blending centuries-old recipes with the influences of global ingredients.
