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Food

Exploring the Rich Flavors in Dubai

Dubai offers a culinary experience as rich and varied as its people. For gastronomy enthusiasts and worldmenu.lv readers, a journey through Dubai’s classic Arabic cuisine is more than a taste experience. It is a journey into the heart of its vibrant culture and traditions.

In this article, we’ll introduce you to the most popular Arabic dishes Dubai offers and give tips on where to find these culinary delights.

Al Harees – a taste of tradition

al harres dubai food


Start your experience of the world of classic Emirati cuisine with Al Harees. It is a dish that is the surprise of simplicity and flavor. That food tells the region’s culinary history, offering a soothing and hearty taste deeply rooted in Dubai’s traditions.

Often prepared during Ramadan, Al Harees consists of wheat, meat (usually chicken or lamb), and a pinch of salt. Cooked for hours, it turns into a comforting porridge-like dish.

For authentic Al Harees food, visit the Al Fanar restaurant and café in Festival City Mall. The traditional atmosphere complements the rich food heritage, offering a glimpse into Emirati life.

Machboos – the aromatic delight

machboos in dubai


Machboos are not just food. It’s an aromatic journey through the different flavors of the UAE. This famous rice dish celebrates Dubai’s diverse culinary landscape with its rich blend of spices and succulent meat.

It is an aromatic mixture of rice, meat (chicken, lamb, or fish), spices, loomi (dried lime), cardamom and cloves.

Enjoy this dish at Seven Sands Restaurant in The Beach, JBR. Their Machboos reflect the history of the UAE spice trade. It’s also full of flavor and cooked to perfection.

Luqaimat – a sweet conclusion

Luqaimat sweet food


End your culinary voyage sweetly with Luqaimat, a delightful dessert staple in Arabian cuisine. These golden, crisp dumplings dipped in syrup are a testament to the region’s love for rich and indulgent flavors.
These small, crunchy dumplings are made from butter, milk, sugar, flour, and saffron, then deep-fried and drizzled with date syrup and sesame seeds.

For the best Luqaimat in Dubai, visit Logma at Boxpark. Their modern twist on this traditional dessert is a must-try for all sweet-toothed visitors.

Shawarma – the street food staple

shawarma best in dubai

Experience the bustling streets of Dubai through its most popular fast-food delight, Shawarma. This Middle Eastern wrap combines savory meat with fresh vegetables and tangy sauces, encapsulating the vibrant street food culture of the city.


This Middle Eastern dish consists of thinly sliced meat, such as chicken or lamb, wrapped with vegetables, potatoes, and garlic sauce. All neatly rolled in a lavash plate. Al Mallah on 2 December Street offers one of the best shawarmas in Dubai, a perfect blend of flavors and textures, reflecting the essence of the city’s street food culture.

A culinary adventure in Dubai’s arabic cuisine


Dubai’s Arab cuisine reflects its rich cultural fabric. From warm Al Harees to aromatic Machboos, from charming Luqaimat to the ever-popular Shawarma. Each dish offers a unique taste of the city’s heritage and cuisine.

They are not just dishes but messages on a plate waiting to be discovered and enjoyed. We, therefore, invite you to embark on this culinary journey and let the flavors of Dubai excite your taste buds and enrich your understanding of Arab cuisine.

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