There is huge variety in the cooking of the Middle East and Emirati dishes are no different, with bold flavours and exciting combinations. With a melting pot of cultures and influences on the cuisine, the food here will have you instantly hooked. Traditional Emirati food includes meats (traditionally camel for special occasions!), fish, chickpeas, and fragrant spices.
You might not be able to travel there right now, so we’re highlighting some of the best recipes from the region. These recipes come from some of the very best food bloggers in the world, so make sure to bookmark their sites!
Prepare to take your tastebuds on a journey with these delicious Emirati dishes. Time to get into that kitchen and start cooking up a storm…
The Best Emirati Dishes
1. Chebab (Emirati Saffron Pancakes)
The UAE is part of the Lower Gulf region and it bursts with intense flavours and vibrant colours and unexpected textures. Like this saffron pancake recipe. The yeast creates bubbles which makes the pancakes fluffy and light.
Recipe created by Kati.
2. Aseeda Bobbar
This dessert is full of lots of cardamom and saffron flavours and uses honey to sweeten it, but you can use dates syrup as well. An absolutely delicious treat that you won’t be able to get enough of.
Recipe created by Big Sweet Tooth.
3. Ro-be-yann nashif (Shrimp Fried with Spices)
Ro-be-yann nashif is a magical dish from the United Arab Emirates where plump shrimps cook slowly with loads of exotic spices, bezar, loomi and curry leaves.
Recipe created by Evelyne.
4. Emirati Samboosa
These little parcels are stuffed full of a super flavoursome and then gently fried. They end up wonderfully crispy on the outside, with a melt in the mouth filling. It’s like an Indian samosa but with a Middle Eastern twist!
Recipe created by Sandy
5. Balaleet (Sweet Vermicelli And Egg Omelet)
Balaleet is a delicious salty and sweet breakfast dish that is people eat on a regular basis in UAE and is common to all Gulf countries. It is a sweet and savoury dish served as the traditional breakfast, and it is eaten either hot or cold.
Recipe created by Kitchen Maestro.
6. Shorba (Lentil Soup)
Lentil soup is a staple soup in the Middle East. It uses the same lentils that us Southeast Asians use for daal, but is made the way classic soups are made. It is made light and fresh with freshly squeezed lemon juice and fresh parsley.
Recipe created by Rehana.
7. Emirati Flatbread
This Emirati khameer is one of the softest flatbreads you will come across. It is also super easy to make and makes the ideal snack with a dip or some simple meats.
Recipe created by My Cooking Journey.
Spending times in the Emirates? Check out The 25 Best Burgers In The UAE.
