What is the Most Popular Food in UAE [Test The Best 13 Dishes]

Food is one of the major and basic necessities to live in the world. It is the fundamental part of human beings. Food contains nutrient substances that keeps our body fit and gives us energy. However, there are 195 countries in the world. Most countries have their traditional food relying on their culture. By the way, Dubai is a developed country and part of the Arabic sub-continent. For this reason, there are different types of traditional and famous food in Dubai. You should know that Arabic peoples are food thirsty. They like to eat different types of food. In this section, we will discuss what is the most popular food in UAE. We have brought some of the best foods in Dubai That are so popular.

What Is The National Food Of The UAE?

All the countries have their national food. The United Arab Emirates has a national dish: Khuzi, or Ghuzi, which is a Dubai famous dish. It is an alluring dish consisting of roasted lamb or mutton served on the rice bed and with vegetables. If you see this dish once, then you cannot control yourself. Its attractive look and spicy fragrance will force you to take a test at least once.    

What Is The Most Popular Food In Dubai?

Still, Dubai is the ultimate cosmopolitan place. Many of its peoples are still connected to their traditional food. These are more popular among UAE civilians. However, we have brought here the best and most popular food in UAE. So, take a look at traditional food of UAE with names and decide which delicious food you want to get.

1. Emirati Dessert Lgeimat 

Lgeimat is a Middle Eastern sweet dish. This sweet item comes from Saudi Arabia and has gained much popularity among the Arabian people. This delicious dish consists of yeast-leavened dough that is deep-fried and drizzled with date syrup and sesame seeds. 

If you see this item you cannot take you away from it. You must take a test of it. However, people call this dish by many names and it can be found in many Middle East countries. Most Middle East peoples offer Lgeimat ancient delicious dishes to their guests, and it is their custom to entertain guests.

Ingredients

• White flour
• Dry yeast
• Sugar
• Saffron powder
• Saffron
• Ground cardamom powder
• Milk
• Egg

2. Balaleet

Balaleet is an Eastern Arabic breakfast or Gulf delicious dish. It is a traditional breakfast dish and offered for the guest also. It is an ancient breakfast food item of the Emirates. It is one of the common items to entertain the guests. 

It is incorporated with some component salty and sweet elements. However, Balaleet is made of some common ingredients that are available in the market. It consists of two common parts: vermicelli noodles and egg topping. But require more ingredients to prepare it from the start to the end.

Ingredients

• Water
• Oil
• Vermicelli sweetened with sugar
• Cardamom
• Rose water
• Saffron
• Overlying egg omelet
• Sugar
• Butter
• Salt

3. Manakish 

Manakish is a traditional Middle Eastern dish that originated in the Levant region, particularly in Lebanon and Syria. It is a type of flatbread that is typically topped with various flavorful ingredients and then baked to perfection. Manakish is usually made from a simple dough consisting of flour, water, yeast, and salt. 

The dough is rolled out into a thin round shape and then topped with a variety of toppings, which are what give the Manakish its distinct taste. Manakish is served as a breakfast or brunch dish and is enjoyed hot. It is often served with fresh vegetables, such as cucumbers and tomatoes, and can be eaten as is or rolled up and eaten like a wrap.

Ingredients

• Water
• Dry yeast
• Salt
• Flour
• Sugar
• Olive oil
• Lemon
• Zaatar

4. Majboos

Majboos is the most popular food in UAE, its known as Kabsa or Makbūs. It is a traditional Arabian rice dish that is widely enjoyed in the Arabian Gulf region, such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. It is a flavorful and aromatic dish that often includes meat, rice, and a variety of spices.

The main ingredient of Majboos is meat, with chicken and lamb being the most common choices. The meat is seasoned with a blend of spices, cardamom, cinnamon, black lime, turmeric, cloves, and black pepper. It is then browned in a pot or a large skillet to enhance the flavor. Majboos is served as a centerpiece dish.

It is common to find it garnished with fried onions, chopped parsley, and toasted nuts. This flavorful rice dish is a staple during special occasions and celebrations in the Arabian Gulf region. It is a popular choice for family meals and gatherings. The combination of aromatic spices, meat, and fragrant rice makes Majboos delicious. It is a satisfying dish that represents the rich culinary heritage of the Arabian Gulf.

Ingredients

• Water
• Chicken
• Rice
• Clove
• Cinnamon
• Cardamom
• Oil
• Cumin
• Bay leaf
• Lemon
• Black pepper
• Turmeric
• Ginger garlic paste
• Red chili

5. Margoogah

Margoogah is a traditional and popular dish in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries. It is a savory stew made with meat (chicken or lamb), vegetables, and spices. The dish is often cooked in a large pot, and sometimes the ingredients are layered with thin bread or pieces of khubz (Arabic bread). Margoogah is known for its rich flavor and hearty texture. 

It is served as a hot dish and can be enjoyed with Arabic bread. It is a popular dish during special occasions and gatherings. It represents the culinary traditions of the Arabian Peninsula. Variations of Margoogah may exist in different regions, with some adding ingredients and modifying the spices.

Ingredients

• Water
• Meat (chicken or lamb)
• Onions
• Tomatoes
• Potatoes
• Carrots
• Cumin
• Turmeric
• Black lime
• Black pepper
• Onion
• Ginger
• Garlic

6. Shawarma

Shawarma is a Middle Eastern famous dish. It was invented by the Ottoman Empire in the 18^th or 19^th century. It consists of meat (lamb or mutton) with spice and cut into thin slices. It can be made with beef, chicken, and turkey. Basically, Shawarma is a famous kebab in Dubai that is roasted vertically. 

However, Most Middle peoples are habitual and like to eat this. It contains sodium, calcium, dietary fiber, iron, and other vitamins that promote body health and enhance energy levels.  That’s why people love it and enjoy the moment with grilled tests.

Ingredients

• Water
• Meat (chicken, lamb, mutton, beef)
• Coriander seeds
• Spice berries
• Cumin pods
• Sumac berries
• Turmeric
• Black pepper berries
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Ginger
• Cloves

7. Saloona

Saloona is a beautiful and best Arabic food in Dubai. Arabian people enjoy this food almost every day. Saloona is a mildly vegetable and spicy and meat combination recipe. It is a home cooked meal. Anyone can make this dish in their home by using some common ingredients: chicken or beef, or lamb with some spice. 

It can also be made with fish. However, Saloona is an Arabian Peninsula and UAE traditional food. If you think that I can make this dish in my room? Yes, of course you can but you have to know the ingredients that you must require to make it. Let’s see the ingredients to prepare this delicious food.

Ingredients

• Meat (Chicken, beef, lamb)
• Water
• Oil
• Onions
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Tomato Paste
• Chopped potatoes
• Tomatoes
• Dried lime
• Green chili
• Cinnamon
• Turmeric
• Garlic
• Coriander
• Cardamom
• Black pepper
• Coriander

8. Oman Chip Rolls

Omani Chip Rolls are a popular Arabian food snack that originated in Oman. They are a delicious combination of crispy spring rolls filled with a flavorful mixture of seasoned potato chips, vegetables, and spices. It is a famous chip roll that you can eat at all times. Basically, children like to eat most. It is very easy to make at home but needs some ingredients that are available in the market.

Ingredients

• Water
• Ground black pepper
• Salt
• Oil
• Spring roll wrappers
• Potato chips
• Onion
• Capsicum
• Carrot
• Cabbage
• Garlic
• Green chili
• Cilantro

9. Falafel

Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern food. It has gained worldwide popularity due to its test. It is a vegetarian or vegan dish made primarily from ground chickpeas or fava beans, mixed with herbs, spices, and other ingredients. The mixture is formed into small balls or patties and then deep-fried or baked until golden brown and crispy. 

Falafel is often served on flatbread, along with various toppings and sauces. Most Arabian people take it as their secondary meal in their daily routine. If you become no Arabic no worries, you may take a test. It can be your first choice whenever you take snacks.  

Ingredients

• Dried chickpeas
• water
• Fresh herbs
• Onion
• Garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cumin
• Coriander
• Baking powder
• Sesame seeds
• Oil

10. Knafeh

Knafeh is a desert. It is an Arabian desert. Knafeh is a Lebanese popular food as a special dessert. Knafeh is sometimes called Kanafa depending on the location. However, this dessert looks very nice but it is made with simple ingredients. 

It is made with a Shredded phyllo layer, sweet cheese, and some other ingredients. This special dish can be used for breakfast. This item is available in local restaurants and it can be made at home. So, let’s see which ingredients you should use to make it.     

Ingredients

• Water
• Sugar
• Rose water
• Lemon juice
• Dough
• Melted butter
• Sweet cheese
• Kunafa powdered pastry coloring

11. Khuzi

Khuzi food is a traditional Arabian dish. It is a popular and flavorful dish commonly found in Middle East countries. Khuzi consists of a whole roasted lamb or goat, stuffed with a mixture of fragrant rice, aromatic spices, nuts, and dried fruits. 

The dish is often served on a bed of fragrant rice, accompanied by a variety of side dishes, roasted vegetables, grilled meats, yogurt sauce, and traditional Arabic bread. This dish is commonly arranged during festive occasions, family gatherings, and special events.

Ingredients

• Water
• Rice
• Meat lamb (lamb, goat, beef)
• Fresh salt
• Ginger
• Garlic
• Saffron threads
• Olive oil
• Onions
• Cloves
• Cardamom pods
• Cinnamon sticks
• Black pepper
• Melted ghee
• Tomato

12. Machboos

Machboos is a traditional and popular dish in the Arabian Gulf region. It is a flavorful rice-based dish that is typically made with meat (chicken, lamb), aromatic spices, and a blend of vegetables. 

Basically, Machboos are known as Majboos or Kabsa. It is a traditional dish that is popular in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and other Middle Eastern countries. It is a flavorful rice dish that is often made with a combination of spices, meat, and vegetables.

Ingredients

• Water
• Rice
• Meat
• Onion
• Garlic
• Tomatoes
• Cumin
• Coriander
• Turmeric
• Cinnamon
• Cardamom
• Black pepper
• Oil
• Salt
• Raisins

13. Thareed

Thareed is a Middle Eastern red meat dish. It contains many healthy ingredients, such as vegetables, tomato, sauce, and potato. This dish is served over flatbread. It is a very delicious meal that can be cooked at home. It is one kind of Arabian traditional food. 

There are many restaurants in Dubai that serve this food. It has taken a place in people’s hearts due to its healthy recipe. Indeed, Thareed becomes very popular during the month of Ramadan. Most Arabic people considered this food the healthiest food. However, you may have a question: how many ingredients do I require to prepare this dish? Okay, let’s check out.  

Ingredients

• Water
• Meat (lamb, chicken, goat, veal, or beef)
• Onion
• Butternut Squash
• Coriander
• Cinnamon
• Cumin
• Vegetables (tomato, cabbage, brinjal, potato, etc.)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cardamom
• Bay leaf
• Oil

Final Thought

In general, most people like their country's food. Most human beings like food variation and special things. Arabian peoples are fancy about their food. However, there are many food items in the UAE. We have discussed some of the tasty foods that are very famous to the Arabian peoples. We also have included ingredients of a specific item. If someone wishes to make a beautiful and tasty dish at their home then they can easily do that with those ingredients. So, take a look and take a test of your popular meals.   

FAQ

What are the most popular foods in UAE?

Dubai is a part of the Middle East and the adjacent country of Saudi Arabia. For this reason, there are more similarities between UAE and Saudi Arabia. They also have similarities with food items. However, there are many popular foods in Dubai but these are also popular in the Middle East countries, such as Falafel, Manakish, Machboos, Khuzi, Knafeh, and many more.

What Are 4 Famous Emirati Dishes?

We have been told before that all the countries have their famous and traditional food. There are many famous foods in the Middle East countries that we have given above. But let’s see some of Dubai famous food names.

• Margoogah
• Machboos
• Khuzi
• Maq'louba

What is the best region in UAE for food?

The UAE is known for its diverse culinary scene. Various cultural people come here from around the world. But it is a bit challenging to pinpoint the best region for food in the UAE. However, we have given here a few notable areas that offer exceptional dining experiences.

• Dubai
• Abu Dhabi
• Sharjah

What is the best time to go to the UAE for food?

There is a suitable time to go to the UAE to get traditional food or pass a glorious moment. People come to Dubai from November to February. But why November to February but why not other months? People also come to Dubai in some other months but people’s entry rate becomes higher in November to February than in other months. 

However, November to February is considered the best time to visit Dubai according to the UAE weather condition, and some other events, such as Food festivals also hold this time, and other tourist spots become ready for the people. For this reason, November to February is considered the best time to go to Dubai.