Dubai is one of the world’s great food cities. You can eat Japanese, Italian, Indian, Lebanese, or American cuisine at world-class restaurants within a short walk of each other. But amid all this international variety, the local Emirati cuisine is often overlooked — and it should not be. Emirati food is rich, aromatic, and deeply connected to the history of the Arabian Peninsula. This guide introduces you to the must-try dishes and where to find them.

The Flavours of Emirati Cuisine

Emirati cooking is built around rice, lamb and chicken, seafood, dates, saffron, cardamom, turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, and dried limes (loomi). The influence of centuries of maritime trade with India, Persia, and East Africa is evident in every dish — aromatic, warming, and deeply satisfying.

Must-Try Emirati Dishes

Al Machboos: Often considered the national dish of the UAE. A fragrant rice dish slow-cooked with meat, dried limes, saffron, and a blend of warming spices. Similar to biryani but distinctly Emirati. If you try only one Emirati dish, make it this one.

Al Harees: Wheat and meat slow-cooked together until they form a smooth, porridge-like consistency. Deeply savoury and comforting. Traditionally eaten during Ramadan and at celebrations.

Luqaimat: Small, fried sweet dumplings drizzled with date syrup and sesame seeds. Golden, crispy on the outside and soft inside — one of the most delicious Emirati snacks. Do not miss them.

Balaleet: Sweetened vermicelli noodles topped with a fried egg. Eaten for breakfast or as a sweet starter. The combination of sweet and savoury is unusual but very satisfying.

Esh Asaraya: A creamy dessert made from bread soaked in a sweet syrup and topped with thick cream and rose water. Rich and fragrant — a perfect Emirati sweet ending to a meal.

Arabic Coffee and Dates

No Emirati meal or social occasion is complete without Arabic coffee (Gahwa) and dates. Gahwa is made from lightly roasted coffee beans mixed with cardamom and sometimes saffron. It has a pale yellow-green colour and a gentle, aromatic flavour. Dates are offered to every guest as a sign of hospitality — buying a box of premium Emirati dates from a specialist shop like Bateel makes an excellent souvenir.

Where to Eat Emirati Food in Dubai

  • Al Fanar Restaurant and Cafe: One of the most popular restaurants for authentic Emirati cuisine. Very welcoming to tourists.
  • Logma (Box Park, Jumeirah): A modern Emirati cafe serving traditional breakfast dishes in a casual, contemporary setting.
  • Arabian Tea House (Al Fahidi): A beautiful heritage courtyard cafe with Emirati breakfast dishes and Arabic coffee.
  • Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding: Regular cultural breakfasts where you eat traditional Emirati food alongside Emirati hosts.

Tips for Exploring Emirati Food

  • Be open-minded — some Emirati dishes use flavour combinations that may be unfamiliar but are worth trying.
  • Ramadan is an excellent time to try Emirati food — special Iftar buffets feature traditional dishes.
  • Dates make a wonderful souvenir — Bateel shops are in most major malls.
  • Arabic coffee is served without sugar — accept it as intended for a true traditional experience.

Final Thoughts

Emirati food is one of Dubai’s best-kept secrets. Taking the time to seek out traditional dishes is one of the most rewarding things you can do in Dubai. Dubai Travel Club encourages every visitor to try at least one proper Emirati meal during their stay. Start with Al Machboos and finish with Luqaimat — and you will understand why Emiratis are so proud of their food culture.