country Essentials · 10 foods
United Arab Emirates Essentials
A considered first route through United Arab Emirates: the foods that carry its everyday habits, celebrations, ingredients, and memory.
Explore all United Arab Emirates foods →THE
ESSENTIALS
The complete shortlist
10 foods to know.
Each selection includes the reason it belongs here—so this is a guide, not just a pile of names.
United Arab Emirates
Machboos
مجبوس
Loomi-scented rice with meat or fish is the UAE’s central shared-platter dish.
United Arab Emirates
Harees
هريس
Wheat and meat are cooked slowly into the smooth savoury porridge Harees.
United Arab Emirates
Thareed
ثريد
Bread soaked in a spiced meat-and-vegetable broth makes Tharid a festive Emirati meal.
United Arab Emirates
Madrooba
مدروبة
Salted fish or meat is pounded into a thick, spice-rich Emirati porridge called Madrooba.
United Arab Emirates
Saloona
سلونة
A tomato-based meat and vegetable stew, Saloona is an everyday Emirati pot.
United Arab Emirates
Balaleet
بلاليط
Sweet saffron noodles topped with savoury egg make Balaleet a distinctive Emirati breakfast.
United Arab Emirates
Luqaimat
لقيمات
Crisp fried dough dumplings glazed with date syrup are a familiar Emirati sweet.
United Arab Emirates
Mishkak
مشكاك
Spiced meat skewers grilled over coals are sold as Emirati street food.
United Arab Emirates
Chabab
شباب
Thin cardamom-scented Emirati pancakes are served hot with syrup or cheese.
United Arab Emirates
Khameer Bread
خبز الخمير
Yeasted Emirati bread is baked puffy and fragrant with date syrup or saffron.