If you’ve lived in Dubai or anywhere else in UAE for over a year, okay, fine, let’s extend it to 2, then you have no excuse for not trying at least ONE of these amazing traditional Emirati desserts. If you haven’t already, then now’s your chance to make that change. Here are the top 10 most recommended/popular traditional Emirati desserts that you must try while you’re in Dubai. Let’s explore these sweet treats together.
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1. Luqaimat
Golden, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. Small dough balls, fried to perfection. Drizzled with date syrup for a sweet touch. These are an absolute personal favourite of mine. And yes that is exactly why I put them first on the list. (However, this list is not ranked, I just love Luqaimat!)
2. Khabeesa
Smooth, creamy pudding made from ground wheat, saffron, and rose water. Mild, comforting flavours with a hint of saffron.
3. Balaleet
Vermicelli noodles coated in saffron-infused eggs. Topped with nuts and cardamom. A blend of sweet and mildly aromatic.
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4. Esh Asaraya
Layers of cream cheese and semolina cake. A simple, delightful dessert with a touch of richness.
5. Mihallabiya
Velvety milk-based pudding with a gentle rose water essence. Topped with crushed pistachios. Smooth and delicate.
6. Aseeda
Saffron-infused dessert made from flour. A bit like porridge in texture, with a subtle saffron taste.
7. Kunafa
made from thin strands of crispy pastry, often layered with a filling of sweetened cheese or cream. It’s baked until golden and drizzled with sugar syrup.
8. Sago And Date Pudding
Sago pearls suspended in a date-based pudding. A blend of textures with a sweet date flavour.
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9. Khabees Al-Qamar
Dates mixed with nuts, saffron, and cardamom. A mix of sweetness and nuttiness with a hint of spice.
10. Khameer Bread
Sweet bread often paired with ghee. A touch of sweetness in a bread, perfect for a snack or light dessert.
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