The Emirati Food Guide: 10 Dishes I Wish I'd Tried Sooner in Dubai

You know that feeling when you discover something amazing and immediately think, "Where have you been all my life?" That's exactly how I felt about Emirati cuisine during my time in Dubai.

For too long, I stuck to the safe options, the international restaurants, the familiar chains, the tourist-friendly spots. Don't get me wrong, Dubai's culinary scene is incredible, but I was missing out on something truly special: the authentic flavors of the UAE.

Ready to taste these Emirati delights for yourself? Join one of our Dubai travel packages and discover the city’s most authentic flavors.

1. Al Harees | The Ultimate Comfort Food

Imagine the creamiest, most soul-warming porridge you've ever had, but make it savory and infinitely more interesting. That's Al Harees. This dish combines wheat and meat (usually chicken or lamb) that's been slow-cooked for hours until it reaches this incredibly silky texture.

I first tried it during Ramadan at a local family's iftar, and honestly? I went back for thirds. The simplicity is deceptive, it's seasoned with just a touch of salt and clarified butter, but the long cooking process creates this depth of flavor that's absolutely addictive.
 

2. Machboos | The Rice Dish That Ruined All Other Rice Dishes

If biryani and kabsa had a baby, it would be Machboos. This spiced rice dish comes with your choice of meat – chicken, lamb, or fish – and it's cooked with dried limes (loomi) that give it this distinctive tangy flavor I can't stop thinking about.

The first time I had it, I was at a small restaurant in Deira, and I literally scraped my plate clean. The rice is fluffy, aromatic, and each grain is perfectly coated in those warming spices. Now I judge all rice dishes against it. Sorry, other rice dishes.

3. Luqaimat | These Little Dumplings Are Dangerous

Picture this: crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, drizzled with date syrup and sprinkled with sesame seeds. Yeah, Luqaimat is basically happiness in ball form.

These sweet dumplings are traditionally served during Ramadan, but thankfully, you can find them year-round now. I made the mistake of trying one at a street food stall, and ended up buying a whole box. Zero regrets. They're slightly cardamom-scented, which gives them this aromatic quality that sets them apart from any other donut-like treat I've had.

4. Al Madrooba | The Salted Fish Revelation

Okay, I'll be honest , when someone first described this to me as "salted fish mashed with spices," I wasn't rushing to try it. But wow, was I wrong.

Al Madrooba is typically made with local fish that's been salted, then cooked with onions, tomatoes, and a blend of spices until it's silky smooth. It's usually served with thin bread for scooping, and the combination is phenomenal. It's got this umami-rich, deeply savory flavor that's unlike anything else.

I finally tried it at a traditional Emirati restaurant in Al Fahidi, and it completely changed my perspective on how delicious preserved fish can be.

5. Balaleet | Sweet and Savory Breakfast Perfection

This dish confused me at first. Sweet vermicelli noodles topped with a savory omelet? But Emiratis have been doing the sweet-savory breakfast combo way before it was trendy, and they've perfected it.

The noodles are delicately spiced with cardamom, saffron, and rose water, creating this fragrant sweetness, while the omelet provides a savory contrast. I had it at a traditional breakfast spot, and it's now my go-to when I want something different in the morning. The textural contrast alone is worth waking up for.

6. Khuzi (or Ghuzi) | The Showstopper

If Emirati cuisine had a mic drop moment, Khuzi would be it. This is whole roasted lamb served on a bed of rice mixed with nuts and raisins. It's the dish that gets brought out for special occasions, and one look at it tells you why.

The lamb is impossibly tender – it literally falls off the bone, and the rice underneath soaks up all those incredible juices. I had it at a wedding once, and I understood immediately why it's reserved for celebrations. It's not just a meal; it's an experience.

7. Jasheed | Shark Meat? Trust Me On This

I know, I know – shark sounds intimidating. But Jasheed is traditionally made with shark meat that's been dried and then cooked with onions and spices until tender. The result is this rich, hearty dish that tastes nothing like what you might expect.

It's got a firm, meaty texture and soaks up the spiced sauce beautifully. I tried it at a coastal Emirati restaurant, and it gave me a whole new appreciation for traditional fishing communities and their food preservation techniques. Plus, it's surprisingly mild and delicious.

8. Chebab | Pancakes with an Emirati Twist

These aren't your average pancakes. Chebab are flavored with saffron and cardamom, giving them this beautiful golden color and aromatic quality. They're slightly crispy on the edges, fluffy in the middle, and traditionally served with date syrup or cheese.

I stumbled upon a vendor making these fresh at a market, and the smell alone drew me in. They're less sweet than Western pancakes but so much more interesting flavor-wise. The date syrup and cream cheese combination is absolutely next-level.

9. Harees with Meat | Not Your Regular Porridge

While I mentioned Al Harees earlier, I need to give special attention to the meat version. It's similar but richer, with chunks of tender meat throughout. During Ramadan, this is the dish that appears on every iftar table, and for good reason.

The consistency is somewhere between a thick soup and a porridge, and it's incredibly filling. I love how it's served simply, often with just a drizzle of ghee on top, letting the wheat and meat flavors shine through. It's rustic, honest food at its finest.

10. Saloona | The Stew That Hits Different

Saloona is an Emirati stew that can be made with meat, fish, or vegetables, all simmered in a tomato-based broth with traditional spices. It's warming, comforting, and perfect with rice or bread.

What I love about Saloona is its versatility. Every family has their own version, their own spice blend, their own secret ingredient. I've had it at several places, and each time it's been different but equally delicious. It's like a warm hug in bowl form, especially perfect for cooler Dubai evenings.

Why It Took Me So Long

Looking back, I realize I fell into the same trap many visitors do – I was so dazzled by Dubai's international food scene that I overlooked what was right in front of me. The traditional Emirati restaurants aren't always the flashiest or the most Instagram-worthy, but they're serving up dishes that have been perfected over generations.

These aren't just meals; they're stories of Bedouin traditions, coastal fishing communities, and the harsh desert environment that shaped a unique cuisine. Each dish reflects the UAE's history, the use of dried ingredients, the emphasis on dates and seafood, the influence of trade routes that brought spices from India and Persia.

Where to Start Your Emirati Food Journey

If you're in Dubai and want to dive into this cuisine, here are my top tips:

• Al Fanar Restaurant & Café: Multiple locations, great for beginners, and they explain each dish beautifully.
• Seven Sands: Another excellent spot with an extensive Emirati menu and lovely ambiance.
• Local houses during Ramadan: If you're invited to an iftar, say yes! It's the best way to experience authentic home cooking.
• Markets and street food stalls: For treats like Luqaimat and Chebab, the fresh, hot-off-the-griddle versions from markets are unbeatable.

Trying these Emirati dishes didn't just expand my culinary horizons, it gave me a deeper appreciation for Dubai beyond the skyscrapers and shopping malls. These flavors tell the story of a people, a place, and a heritage that deserves to be celebrated and preserved.
 

So if you’re in Dubai, do yourself a favor: step away from the familiar and try something authentically Emirati. Start with one dish – maybe the Machboos or those addictive Luqaimat, and go from there. Better yet, join one of the Dubai tours to discover where locals truly eat and uncover the city’s hidden culinary gems. Your only regret will be not trying them sooner.