So I’m a DXB kid through and through, but even I have to admit that I personally haven’t tried my fair share of traditional Emirati dishes. But it’s never too late for change. So I did some research, and these are some of the top recommended dishes that you have to try at least once to understand the authenticity of traditional Emirati food fully. And along with that are some of the top Emirati restaurants around Dubai where you can try out these fabulous dishes. So come with me, and let’s explore the Tate of UAE.

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1. Balaleat: A Sweet And Savory Delight

Prepare your taste buds for a unique culinary adventure with Balaleat, a traditional Emirati dish that tantalises both sweet and savoury palates. This delightful combination of vermicelli noodles, sugar, and aromatic spices, such as cardamom and saffron, creates a symphony of flavours. Balaleat is often served with a side of fried eggs, giving it a rich and creamy texture that is sure to leave you craving more.

2. Khuzi: A Majestic Roast Fit For Royalty

Experience the regal flavours of Khuzi, the crown jewel of Emirati cuisine. This lavish dish features a whole roasted lamb or goat, stuffed with fragrant rice, nuts, and an array of spices. The meat is slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in tender and succulent flavours that are simply irresistible. Served on a bed of aromatic rice, Khuzi embodies the essence of Arabian hospitality and is a centrepiece at festive occasions.

3. Al Harees: A Hearty Dish For The Soul

Prepare to be embraced by the comforting warmth of Al Harees, a traditional Emirati dish with a rich history. This hearty meal combines cracked wheat, meat (usually chicken or lamb), and an array of spices, which are slowly simmered together for hours. The result is a thick and creamy porridge-like consistency that warms your soul and transports you to the heart of Emirati culture.

4. Al Machboos: A Fiery Fusion Of Flavours

Ignite your taste buds with the fiery flavours of Al Machboos, a beloved Emirati dish that marries fragrant basmati rice, succulent meat (often chicken or fish), and a medley of spices. The key to this dish lies in the unique blend of spices, including turmeric, dried lime, and cinnamon, which infuse the rice with a tantalising aroma. Al Machboos is a celebration of the rich culinary heritage of the United Arab Emirates.

5. Fattoush: A Refreshing Salad Bursting With Vibrant Flavours

Indulge in the vibrant and refreshing flavours of Fattoush, a traditional Emirati salad that captures the essence of the region’s culinary diversity. Crisp vegetables, such as lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and radishes, are tossed together with toasted bread and a zesty dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, and sumac. Fattoush is a delightful accompaniment to any meal, offering a burst of freshness and crunch.

6. Thereed: A Flavorful Stew With A Twist

Discover the artistry of Emirati cuisine with Thereed, a savory stew that combines tender meat, such as chicken or lamb, with a variety of vegetables, including tomatoes, onions, and eggplants. The unique twist lies in the use of thin, unleavened bread called regag, which is torn into pieces and soaked in the flavourful broth, creating a hearty and satisfying dish that will transport you to the heart of Arabian hospitality.

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7. Luqaimat: Bite-Sized Balls Of Sweet Delight

Now this one is a personal favourite of mine. Gwt ready to indulge your sweet tooth with Luqaimat, delectable bite-sized balls of deep-fried dough, generously drizzled with date syrup. These golden-brown spheres of goodness are crispy on the outside, while their soft and fluffy interiors melt in your mouth. Luqaimat is a popular dessert during festive occasions and adds a touch of sweetness to any gathering.

8. Margooga: A Tangy Tomato-Based Stew

Experience the tangy and tantalising flavours of Margooga, a traditional Emirati stew that features a tomato base infused with an assortment of vegetables and aromatic spices. This flavoursome dish often includes ingredients like eggplants, zucchini, onions, and garlic, creating a hearty and wholesome meal that is perfect for sharing with friends and family.

9. Mishwy: Grilled Perfection on a Skewer

Get ready to savor the succulent flavors of Mishwy, a beloved Emirati dish that showcases the art of grilling. Tender pieces of marinated meat, such as lamb or chicken, are skewered and grilled to perfection, imparting a smoky and charred essence. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth experience that will leave you craving more.

Now That You Know What To Eat, Here Are Some Top Emirati Cuisine Restaurants In Dubai:

1. Aseelah Middle Eastern & Emirati Restaurant

Aseelah is a refined dining venue that offers a contemporary twist on traditional flavours. Immerse yourself in a setting adorned with colours inspired by sand and a centrepiece featuring a jute-draped ghaf tree, creating a subtle yet captivating aesthetic. Indulge in classic dishes like samak (fish in gravy with spiced rice) and explore a delightful menu that presents imaginative culinary creations. These dishes combine indigenous ingredients with European cooking techniques and presentation styles. Additionally, the venue includes a separate lounge area for your relaxation.

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Quick Deets
Location: Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek – Dubai
Timings: Friday Dinner Friday 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm | Saturday Brunch 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Contact: 04 205 7033

2. Logma

Start your day with breakfast specialties such as chebab (Emirati pancakes) and khameer (flatbreads served with date syrup and cheese), or enjoy heartier dishes like Emirati-style chicken and rice. If you prefer lighter options, Logma also offers salads and signature sandwiches. Don’t miss the opportunity to try their popular saffron milk cake for dessert. One of their recommended dishes is Balaleet, featuring sweet vermicelli with a saffron-spiced omelette.

Quick Deets
Location: Unit TF – 004 – Financial Center Rd – Downtown Dubai – Dubai
Timings: Open daily from 10 AM–12 AM
Contact: 800 56462

3. Sheikh Mohammed Centre For Cultural Understanding

Situated in the historic Al Fahidi neighborhood, the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) provides an excellent opportunity to sample authentic Emirati cuisine while immersing yourself in the local culture. Through their regular tours and lectures, visitors can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner feasts. Relax on the cushioned floor in the courtyard of the former merchant house as age-old recipes are used to prepare the dishes, which are then laid out to share, preserving the traditions and customs of a Bedouin meal. One of the highlights is the traditional Arabic coffee, served in small finjaan cups from the traditional dallah pot.

Quick Deets
Location: Al Mussallah Rd – Al Fahidi – Dubai
Timings: Open daily from 8 AM–4 PM | Closed on Fridays
Contact: 04 353 6666

4. Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe

A popular establishment with multiple outlets across the UAE, offers a faithful recreation of old-world Arabian ambiance. The rustic-style decor, traditional wind tower designs, vintage lanterns, and life-size Bedouin statues create an immersive dining experience. Their menu features Emirati classics such as maleh nashef (salted fish in tomato sauce) and jesheed (baby shark with Arabic spices), providing guests with an authentic Arabian culinary journey.

Quick Deets
Location: Ground Floor, Dubai Festival City Mall, Near P.F.Chang’s, Canal Walk – Dubai
Timings: Open daily from 9 AM–10 PM
Contact: 04 232 9966

5. Siraj

An Arabian Nights-style atmosphere with its imposing arches, Arabic calligraphy, and equestrian-themed sculptures. The food at Siraj combines Emirati and Levantine flavors in a modern reinterpretation. Indulge in dishes like warm date and kale salad, lobster kibbeh (stuffed dough balls), chicken biryani served in a flatbread parcel, or mouhalabiya (Lebanese milk pudding) with indulgent 24-karat gold honey.

Quick Deets
Location: Souk Al Bahar – Downtown Dubai – Dubai
Timings: Open daily from 12 PM–1 AM
Contact: +971 52 267 3840

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6. Saba’a

Saba’a, meaning “seven” in Arabic, is a dining spot open seven days a week. The tasteful decor, made with local materials and featuring wind towers, transports you to a traditional setting. Saba’a serves stalwart breakfast dishes like foul medames, mezze, and strong Arabic coffee. In the evenings, the focus shifts to meshawi or grills, featuring generous portions of seafood and meat. During the cooler winter season, you can enjoy an alfresco table by the creek, creating a magical ambience. One of their recommended dishes is Meshwy, which offers a variety of mixed meat or seafood platters to satisfy your cravings.

Quick Deets
Location: Al Seef St – Umm Hurair 1 – Dubai
Timings: Open daily from 7–11 AM | 1–4 PM | 6:30–10 PM
Contact: 04 707 7077

7. Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant

From the courtyard setting to the lanterns adorning the walls and thatched-palm placemats, the restaurant embodies a nostalgic ambiance. As a newer addition to Dubai’s growing list of Emirati eateries, Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant focuses on handpicked farm-fresh ingredients. Their wide-ranging menu includes local favorites like chebab (Emirati pancakes), hearty meat dishes, and sizzling seafood platters.

Quick Deets
Location: Historical Neighbourhood – 79 Al Mussallah Rd – Al Fahidi – Dubai
Timings: Open daily from 8 AM–11 PM
Contact: +971 55 180 2080

8. SMAT Resto-Cafe

Nestled within Dubai Design District (d3), SMAT is a beloved Emirati restaurant that captures the essence of home-cooked meals. The name “SMAT” translates to “dining table” in Khaleeji Arabic, setting the expectation for a warm and homely dining experience. Visitors often return for the authentic Emirati breakfast dishes, including the regag—a thin, crispy bread generously filled with cheese, egg, honey, or mahyawa, a salty and spicy fish sauce packed with flavour. Every dish on the menu is elevated with carefully selected Arabic coffee, specialty herbs, and spices, showcasing the rich versatility of Emirati cuisine.

Quick Deets
Location: Dubai Design District Building No. 10 – Dubai
Timings: Open daily from 7:30 AM–11:30 PM
Contact: 04 580 2429

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