Experience the Flavors of the UAE: A Guide to Food Culture in the Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a country located in the Middle East that is known for its rich and diverse culinary tradition. The UAE is home to a large expat community, and this is reflected in the wide range of cuisines available in the country, including Indian, Pakistani, Chinese, and Thai. In this blog, we'll take a closer look at the flavors of the UAE and explore some of the delicious and unique dishes that are an integral part of UAE cuisine.

From aromatic and spicy Shawarma to sweet Luqaimat, the flavors of the UAE are sure to delight and satisfy the palate. So join us on a culinary journey as we explore the rich and diverse food culture of the UAE.

Flavors of the UAE

The use of aromatic spices and herbs is a key element of UAE cuisine and helps to give dishes their unique and flavorful character. Cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cardamom are just a few of the spices that are commonly used in UAE cooking, and they are used to add warmth, depth, and fragrance to dishes.

Cumin is often used in dishes like Shawarma and Kebabs. Coriander and Turmeric are used in dishes like Machboos and Maqluba. Cardamom is often used in desserts like Baklava and Luqaimat. 

In addition to spices, herbs like Parsley, Mint, and Cilantro are also commonly used in UAE cooking. These herbs add freshness and flavor to dishes and are often used as a garnish or as a component of sauces and dressings.

Garlic and onions are also common ingredients in many UAE recipes and are often used to add depth and flavor to stews, braises, and other dishes. These ingredients are often sautéed or caramelized to bring out their sweet, mellow flavors.

Overall, the use of aromatic spices and herbs is a defining characteristic of the flavors of the UAE and helps to give dishes their unique character. Whether you're enjoying a spicy and aromatic stew or a sweet and fragrant dessert, the flavors of the UAE are sure to delight and satisfy the palate.

Influence of the Expat Community

The UAE has a large expat community, and this is reflected in the diverse range of cuisines available in the country.

One of the ways in which the expat diaspora has influenced UAE cuisine is by introducing new ingredients and flavors. Many of the spices and herbs used in UAE cooking, such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric, are commonly used in Indian, Pakistani, and other South Asian cuisines. The UAE's large South Asian expat community has brought these flavors and ingredients to the country, and they have become an integral part of UAE cuisine.

The expat diaspora has also influenced the types of dishes that are available in the UAE. Dishes like biryani, tandoori chicken, and kebabs, which are popular in South Asian countries, are now commonly found at restaurants in the UAE. 

Similarly, Chinese and Thai dishes like stir-fried noodles and green curry are also popular in the UAE, thanks to the country's large Chinese and Thai expat communities.

In addition to introducing new flavors and ingredients, the expat diaspora has also influenced the way that food is prepared and served in the UAE. Many of the restaurants and food stalls in the UAE are owned and operated by expats, and they have introduced new cooking techniques and styles of service to the country.

Overall, the expat diaspora has had a significant influence on UAE cuisine, introducing new flavors, ingredients, and dishes to the country and shaping the way that food is prepared and served. The UAE's rich and diverse culinary tradition is a reflection of the country's multicultural and cosmopolitan society, and it is one of the things that makes the UAE such a unique and exciting place to visit and explore.

Staple Food

Grains, such as rice and couscous, are an important element of UAE cuisine and are often served as the base for a meal. Rice is a staple food in the UAE, and it is often served with a variety of dishes, including stews, curries, and kebabs. Couscous, which is made from small, granulated pieces of semolina wheat, is also commonly used in UAE cooking and is often served with meat or vegetables.

These grains are often accompanied by a variety of vegetables, legumes, and meats, and they provide a nutritious and satisfying base for a meal. Vegetables like tomatoes, onions, and peppers are commonly used in UAE cooking, and they provide flavor, nutrients, and fiber. Legumes like lentils, chickpeas, and beans are also commonly used in UAE dishes, and they provide protein and other nutrients. Meats like lamb, chicken, and beef are commonly used in UAE cooking, and they provide protein and other important nutrients. Seafood is also an integral part of UAE cuisine, and it is often used in a variety of dishes. Fish, shrimp, and other seafood are commonly used in UAE cooking, and they provide a rich source of protein and other nutrients.

Bread is also a staple food in the UAE, and flatbreads like Pita and Lavash are commonly served with meals. These breads are often used to scoop up stews, dips, and other dishes, and they provide a convenient and tasty way to enjoy a meal.

Overall, the use of grains, vegetables, legumes, and meats is an important element of UAE cuisine, and they provide a nutritious and satisfying base for a meal. Whether you're enjoying a bowl of aromatic rice or a warm and savory stew, the flavors of the UAE are sure to delight and satisfy the palate.

Local Specialties

Here are some local UAE dishes that you should definitely try if you have the opportunity:

Shawarma: Shawarma is a dish made of thinly sliced meat that is cooked on a spit and served in a pita with vegetables and sauce. Shawarma is a popular street food in the UAE and can be found at many restaurants and food stalls throughout the country. 

Kebabs: Kebabs are small pieces of meat that are grilled and often served with rice or vegetables. Kebabs can be made with a variety of meats, including lamb, chicken, beef, and seafood, and are often flavored with aromatic spices like cumin and coriander.

Al Machboos: Al Machboos is a hearty and flavorful dish made with chicken or lamb, rice, and a variety of spices like cumin and cardamom. It can also be made with fish or shrimp. It is often slow-cooked in a pot until the meat is tender and the flavors are well-developed.

Maqluba: Maqluba is a dish made with layers of rice, meat, and vegetables that are cooked together in a pot and then flipped upside down to serve. The name of the dish means "upside down" in Arabic.

Luqaimat: Luqaimat are small, deep-fried dumplings that are drizzled with sweet syrup and served as a dessert. They are often made with a mixture of flour, yeast, and coconut milk and are a popular treat during special occasions. 

Tharid: Tharid is a traditional Emirati dish made with layers of bread and meat that is served with a side of broth. It is often eaten for breakfast or as a light evening meal.

Harees: Harees is a dish made with ground wheat and meat that is slow-cooked until it is soft and porridge-like in consistency. It is often served as a main course during special occasions.

Ghuzi: Ghuzi is a dish made with a whole roasted lamb that is served with rice and vegetables. It is a popular dish at weddings and other special occasions in the UAE.

Balaleet: Balaleet is a traditional Emirati breakfast dish made with thin vermicelli noodles that are sweetened with sugar and served with an Omelette. It is often served with a side of spicy tomato sauce.

Ragag bread: Ragag bread is a traditional Emirati bread that is made with a mixture of flour, water, and yeast and cooked in a tandoor, or clay oven. It is often served with dips or used to scoop up stews and other dishes.

Seafood dishes: The UAE is home to a rich and diverse seafood industry, and seafood is an important part of the flavors of the UAE cuisine. From aromatic and spicy seafood stews to grilled and barbecued fish, the seafood of the UAE is sure to delight and satisfy the palate. 

The UAE has a thriving food culture that is influenced by the diverse cuisines of the large expat community that resides there. This is reflected in the wide range of dishes that are available, from aromatic and spicy Shawarma to sweet and satisfying Luqaimat. Grains, vegetables, and a variety of meats, including seafood, are all integral parts of UAE cuisine.

No matter what you're in the mood for, the UAE has a dish that will appeal to your taste buds. So if you want to experience the unique and delicious flavors of the UAE, be sure to try some of these local dishes.