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Emirati Food you Must Try
No holiday is complete without an exciting culinary adventure that allows you to fully immerse yourself in the destination. Emirati cuisine promises to delight your senses with its unique blend of Arabic, Persian, Indian, and Mediterranean influences. Traditional dishes prioritise simple, hearty ingredients that have sustained generations of desert dwellers, with roots in the nomadic Bedouin lifestyle. Emirati food is a celebration of flavours, from fragrant spices to succulent meats, making it a must-try for foodies around the world. So, come along and discover the dishes that have captivated the hearts and palates of locals and visitors alike.
Chabab
Starting with breakfast, Chebab is probably the most popular local food amongst locals, residents and visitors. This Emirati version of pancakes is thin, crispy and wholesomely delicious! Made with yeast and fine ingredients like cardamom and turmeric, this breakfast staple is usually topped with a rich date syrup, making it the perfect treat to begin your day with.
Regag
Regag is a crispy Emirati flat bread served with a range of side and main dishes including eggs and cheese. The word Regag is derived from the word ‘raga’, meaning ‘thin’. The bread is made with waterless dough and mostly served for breakfast and dinner. Regag bread is a staple in Ramadan, with almost every Emirati household serving it daily to accompany other traditional dishes like Thareed.
Thareed
Of all the comforting slow-cooked meals in Emirati cuisine, Thareed stands out as a soul-satisfying dish that evokes feelings of warmth. The dish is a lavish beef stew that is elevated by the generous addition of large pieces of potatoes and vegetables. Thareed is a versatile dish that can be customised to your liking, whether you prefer to use meat or vegetables as the centrepiece.
Madrooba
Madrooba is a traditional Emirati dish that reflects the country's deep-rooted affinity for fish. Being a coastal city, fish takes center stage in many local dishes, and Madrooba, a combination of salted fish, spices, and a thick sauce, is among the most favoured. A hearty meal, Madrooba is a popular Iftar dish during Ramadan.
Machboos
Machboos is an iconic Emirati dish that showcases the country’s rich culinary heritage and love for aromatic spices. Machboos is typically made of red meat, chicken or shrimp boiled in a fragrant stock and infused with a special blend of spices and dried lime, known locally as "loomi." The slow simmering process allows the meat to absorb the flavours, resulting in a satisfying dish layered with rice and vegetables such as chopped onions, potatoes and tomatoes.
Lugaymat
Lugaymat is a beloved Emirati dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. This deep-fried dough ball of joy is crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and coated with a generous drizzle of sweet syrup. Traditionally served during Ramadan and other special occasions, Lugaymat represents the spirit of sharing and generosity that is at the heart of Emirati culture.
