UAE Delight
October 21, 2020// FW Gourmet// by Sana Shabbeer Moosavi
When we think about middle eastern cuisine the only food that pops into our minds are shawarma, kebabs, or more kebabs! Some of the most delicious treats are from the UAE, also famously known for its emirate city Dubai.
The United Arab Emirates is quite famous for its grand architecture and beautiful buildings such as the Burj al Arab, Burj al khalifa also the tallest tower in the world. However, the world is really missing out on the authentic Emirati cuisine.
It is a cuisine not so popular across the city and the globe, an array of food packed with history, flavors, and spices. UAE is a diverse country with 75% of immigrants and just 25% of locals that actually make up the country. Therefore, it makes sense that a variety of international cuisines are offered in the country but that too is the reason why the local authentic cuisine remains unknown.
Being an Emirati kid, I was fortunate enough to experience as well as learn about the delicacies of traditional Emirati food. Get ready for a special Emirati journey to discover this amazing cuisine hidden from the not so hidden Middle Eastern cosmopolitan country.
1. Chicken Machboos
One of the most popular and a staple dish in Emirati homes. It looks like a version of the Indian dish, biryani but trust me it is not! This dish is also cooked with lamb and fish but chicken is the most preferred option by the locals. The chicken is cooked to perfection with a series of spices, combined with basmati rice, dried lemon, and nuts like cashew, raisins, and almonds. The chicken is served on the bed of flavor full rice and garnished with dried lemon, onions, and freshly chopped coriander.
2. Harees
Harees is a dish that can be described as an inspiration from Haleem. Simple, nourishing, and rich blend flavor also traditionally served in the month of Ramadan in UAE. This dish mainly consists of meat, wheat, ghee, and limited spices. Harees has a porridge-like consistency. It is one of those dishes that is time-consuming which takes up to 3 hours of cooking time but worth it. The meat is slow-cooked until soft with spices, added in the pre-cooked wheat, and garnished with ghee and onions.
3. Balaleet
A sweet and salty breakfast staple in a local household consists of omelet and sweetened vermicelli cooked with saffron and cardamom. The omelet is served on the bed of cooked vermicelli. This dish is so versatile, it can be eaten as breakfast, dessert, or even dinner.
4. Luqaimat
An immensely popular, traditional desert of the UAE, served, especially in Ramadan. This dessert is fried pastry/dumpling, drizzled with honey, or sugar/saffron syrup. A favorite among the Emirati locals because of the crispy texture yet light and airy interior. A doughnut would seem bland after you have tried Luqaimat!
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