A trip to a new country isn’t complete until you sample the local fare. Learning about the history and customs of your destination through its food will enrich your travel experience.
We’ve put up a list of the most well-known and delicious dishes to try while in Dubai to ensure you have an experience you won’t soon forget. Some are common street foods, while others may be found at restaurants all around the United Arab Emirates.
You can also enjoy these regional delicacies without leaving your own country because there are Arab eateries all around the United States. Among the many, many popular Arab eateries around the US are the Kobee Factory in California, Karam’s in Florida, Oasis Falafel in Iowa, and Sarma in Massachusetts.
We’ve included ingredients and recipes so you can give these international delicacies a try at home, thanks to the abundance of international marketplaces in the United States. The vast majority of them need little effort to make. Are you prepared to experience Dubai like a local?
10 Local Dishes And Dubai Street Foods You Must Try
These are the most well-known and delicious dishes in Dubai that you simply must try.
1. Vada Pav
The vada pav is the most common and inexpensive type of street food in Dubai. The name “Vada pau” describes it as well.
A vada pav consists of a deep-fried potato dumpling coated in chutney or green chilli and sandwiched between two bread buns. The flavour of this traditional dish is superb. Wonderful Vada pav can be enjoyed by vegans as well as meat eaters due to its vegetarian foundation.
It’s no surprise that visitors to Dubai are cautioned against missing out on this treat, as the city simply would not be the same without the ubiquitous Vada pav. You can get a Vada pav for less than a $1 on practically any side street in Dubai.
2. Falafel
Visitors to Dubai should also make a point of stopping by the famous falafel strip. Falafel is a type of fritter made from crushed chickpeas and broad beans that is then deep-fried.
It’s the national dish of Turkey and Israel, and it’s also a popular snack in Dubai. Falafel is made using soaked chickpeas, onion, parsley, cilantro, garlic, green chilli pepper, cumin, chickpea flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
Each of these components is combined to form a thick paste, which is then used to form balls for frying or baking. Fried falafels are crispier than baked ones. This dish is fully vegan. Serve your Falafel with some yoghurt or a refreshing drink.
3. Balaleet
Dessert-like balaleet is a staple of the Dubai brunch scene. Ingredients for Balaleet include vermicelli, cardamom powder, black pepper, vegetable oil, turmeric powder, butter, sugar, rose water, saffron, and eggs.
The resulting vermicelli and omelette would be sweetened and tasty. Vermicelli is first buttered fried before being boiled.
The vermicelli is strained, then fried over low heat with sugar and other ingredients added. Balaleet is typically accompanied by eggs in some form (omelette, scrambled, or fried), onions, or potatoes cooked in a sauté pan. You can eat it hot or cold, it’s up to you. Balaleet needs about 40 minutes of active time in the kitchen.
4. Harees
During the holy month of Ramadan, Dubaiites go crazy for harees. Some people only eat this during Ramadan, therefore it has special significance.
To make this dish, you’ll need shredded chicken or lamb, wheat, barley, ginger-garlic paste, green chilli paste, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, salt, chat masala, lemon juice, olive oil, vegetable oil, Haleem masala, barista, and coriander leaves.
Harees, a dish made of shredded beef and cooked cracked wheat meal, resembles porridge in its final form. It’s only fitting to wash down this aromatic meal with Karak, the official drink of Dubai. In honour of Ramadan, while in Dubai, you must indulge in a bowl of delicious Harees.
5. Margoogah
The United Arab Emirates is home to the delicious delicacy known as margoogah. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) have multiple names for the same cuisine, Margoogah, each referring to a somewhat different preparation. The Arabian bread would be dipped into the fragrant stew, called margoogah, which is flavoured with various spices.
This delicious dish is made with ground mutton, cinnamon, bay leaf, garlic, onion, salt, pita, tomato puree, masala, dried lemon, chopped vegetables, chilli pepper, and fresh coriander leaves.
This specialty can be found at most of Dubai’s local restaurants, and it is an absolute must if you’re visiting the city. A refreshing drink pairs nicely with this dish. Making Margoogah is easy if you already have the necessary components on hand.
6. Lamb Thareed
Another traditional Iftar meal in Dubai is lamb thareed because it is a staple during Ramadan. On the other hand, you can eat it for breakfast if you want to.
Lamb thareed is a Middle Eastern soup dish. Mutton, chopped tomato, cinnamon stick, garlic, onion, koosa(marrow), carrot, capsicum, coriander leaves, potato, spices, and dried lemon are combined to make this spicy treat.
Lamb thareed is a popular Middle Eastern dish, and it is often eaten with Raqaq or Pita. You may eat this dish on its own, or pair it with rice for a heartier dinner. Lamb thareed is meant to be shared with friends and family.
7. Salona
The Arabian dinner known as Salona is a mainstay in most Dubai homes. This hearty stew is made with fresh ingredients including tomatoes, potatoes, baby marrow, carrots, bell peppers, green beans, onions, coriander, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and ghee.
Vegetable stew is typically served with either bread, vermicelli, or basmati rice.
Almost any kind of meat would work well in a Salona, and the dish can also be served without meat for vegetarians. Salona is a staple in many homes’ lunch and dinner rotations. It requires little effort and time to put together. If your trip happens to occur in the winter, make sure to include a thermos of hot Salona to keep you toasty. There is widespread availability of Salona at local eateries.
8. Sambusa
During the holy month of Ramadan and on other festive occasions, they are also served as an appetiser. Sambusas are a type of fried dough pastry stuffed with meat and vegetables that are traditionally served with hot sauce. These tasty spring rolls are made with ground beef, chopped leek, ground cumin and cardamom, salt, pepper, minced garlic, flour, and spring roll wrappers.
A thin paste of flour is produced, and the cone is folded over the meat mixture and sealed at the top with more flour. Sambusa goes great with Gahwa, a type of coffee popular in Dubai. Sambusa pairs well with a variety of regional drinks, including fruit syrup (Jallab) and coffee (Laban) (yogurt drink).
9. Madrooba
In Dubai, Madrooba, a rice dish, is a staple food. Mahel, a particular species of fish, is traditionally used to make the traditional Madrooba. However, other recipes require meat. Fish, rice, onion, bell pepper, tomato, garlic, green and red chile, turmeric powder, black pepper, and salt are all ingredients in Madrooba.
Madrooba, which literally means “beaten rice,” is made by simmering rice in a spicy broth for a long time, until the rice absorbs all the flavourings. This makes mashing the rice a breeze. Madrooba is generally topped with cardamom, powder, and sautéed onions. delicious rice porridge can be consumed any time of the day. Here’s a tasty recipe for Madrooba.
10. Ghozi
Most families save ghozi for celebrations, get-togethers, and other special events.
Ghozi consists of basmati rice, mutton, salt, black pepper, ginger, garlic, saffron threads, yellow onions, and cardamom pods. Clementines, dried currants, chopped pistachios, arugula, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, orange juice, ghee, tomato puree, potatoes, and bay leaves.
Ghozi is a traditional Persian dish consisting of delicate lamb that has been well seasoned, served on fragrant rice that has been ornamented with various spices. Serve Ghozi with salad, fruit, or yoghurt for a complete meal. When guests are honoured in Dubai with a dish of Ghozi, it is a sign that they are highly valued.
Final Note
The list of suggested foods we gave is a good starting point for making a shopping list before your tour. Please let us know how these recipes turned out for you.
You’d get more out of your food tour if you went with some locals, as they’ll take you to the best spots to sample the region’s culinary specialties and be aware of the best places to purchase them at the greatest costs. Tell us about the best dish you had in Dubai.