What’s Dubai famous for? Deserts, luxury shopping malls and the one and only Burj Khalifa? Well…you probably have forgotten something. Haven’t you? What about the amazing dishes in Dubai that will make every foodie go crazy over? Here’s a list of such dishes for you to explore.
1) Luqaimat
If you are someone who loves doughnuts, this Emirati dish is for you. Luqaimats are very similar to doughnuts, and in Dubai, almost every cafe has them readily available. These are often topped with sesame seeds, and if you order this dish for yourself when in Dubai, it will be served with date sauce, which is a little sticky.
Best tip? Try it with some coffee (very hot coffee!).
2) Knafeh
This decadent dessert is an exquisite symphony of textures and temperatures, built upon a base of shredded phyllo dough (kataifi) or semolina pastry that bakes to a golden, crisp perfection. This is layered with a core of uniquely stretchy, mild nabusi or akkawi cheese, which offers a subtle salty tang that perfectly balances the dessert’s sweetness. Once baked, the pastry is drenched in a fragrant, rosewater or orange blossom-scented sugar syrup. The true magic of Knafeh is experienced when it is served immediately—the contrast between the scorching, melted cheese, the crisp, buttery pastry, and the cool, floral syrup is nothing short of sublime.
If you are staying at Oaks Liwa Executive Suites or any other premier suite in Dubai during the Ramadan season, Knafeh can be ordered as an iftar dish, as it has become a common practice now.
3) Samboosa
A beloved staple in Dubai’s culinary scene, the samboosa (or samosa) is a delicious testament to the city’s rich cultural exchanges. While its origins as a hot pastry appetiser can be traced to the savoury triangles of Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent, it has been wholeheartedly adopted and adapted in the Emirates. Today, the Emirati version often features a distinctly thin, crisp pastry shell that shatters with each bite. The fillings are a fragrant celebration of local taste, commonly featuring spiced minced lamb or chicken, finely chopped vegetables, and a warm, aromatic blend of seasonings like turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Deep-fried to a perfect golden brown, these triangular parcels are a ubiquitous and much-anticipated treat, especially during Ramadan, symbolising the fusion of imported traditions with local flavour.
4) Margoogat
If you love stew dishes, then this one is for you. It’s a meaty, tomato-based stew which is ideally eaten when it’s very hot. In Dubai itself, you may find different varieties of Margoogat, and according to the locals, the difference comes with the spice mixture they use. Most often, Margoogat is prepared with lamb or chicken. For a vegetarian option, try out this same dish prepared with potatoes.
5) Chebab
A staple of a traditional Emirati breakfast, Chebab are often described as the region’s answer to pancakes, but with a uniquely fragrant character. These light, fluffy crumpets are made from a fermented batter that incorporates saffron and cardamom, giving them a beautiful golden hue and an aromatic warmth. Unlike Western pancakes, Chebab are typically served folded and are delightfully paired with sweet and tangy accompaniments. A generous drizzle of date syrup (dibs) and a dollop of thick, creamy yoghurt create a perfect balance of flavours, making them a beloved and comforting morning dish.
