Hidden and Lesser-Known Culinary Delights in Dubai

Dubai’s culinary scene goes beyond the well-known and widely celebrated dishes, offering a treasure trove of hidden and lesser-known culinary delights.

For those willing to explore beyond the mainstream, here are some culinary gems that might be off the beaten path:

**1. Luqaimat:

• Often overshadowed by more popular desserts, Luqaimat are deep-fried sweet dumplings. These bite-sized delights are made from a simple batter of flour, sugar, and yeast, and then drizzled with date syrup or honey.

**2. Jareesh:

• Jareesh is a traditional dish made from crushed wheat, meat (usually chicken or lamb), and a blend of aromatic spices. This lesser-known dish provides a unique and hearty taste of Emirati cuisine.

**3. Al Harees:

• Al Harees is a slow-cooked dish made during special occasions like Ramadan or Eid. It combines meat (usually chicken or lamb) with wheat and a pinch of salt, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish with a unique cooking method.

**4. Sambousek:

• While Sambousek is relatively known, the less common variations filled with sweet or savory fillings, such as dates or cheese, offer a delightful twist on this popular Middle Eastern pastry.

**5. Chabab Bread:

• Chabab Bread is a traditional Emirati flatbread that’s less known to tourists. Made with a mix of flour, water, and yeast, this unleavened bread is typically enjoyed with honey or cheese.

**6. Balaleet:

• Balaleet is a sweet and savory Emirati breakfast dish that combines vermicelli noodles with eggs and a touch of sugar. It offers a unique fusion of flavors that might surprise those unfamiliar with Emirati breakfast traditions.

**7. Madrooba:

• Madrooba is a lesser-known savory dish featuring chicken cooked with a blend of spices, lentils, and flour. The result is a thick, porridge-like consistency with a rich and hearty flavor.

**8. Harees Lahem:

• Harees Lahem is a variation of the traditional Harees dish, but with a focus on using meat, especially lamb. The slow-cooked mixture of meat and wheat results in a comforting and hearty dish.

**9. Sikab: – Sikab is a unique dessert made from dates, sesame seeds, and ghee. The combination creates a sweet and nutty flavor, providing a delightful taste of Emirati sweets.

**10. Chami: – Chami is a traditional Emirati dish made with dried fish, rice, and aromatic spices. The fish is usually soaked, cleaned, and cooked with rice, creating a flavorful and fragrant seafood dish.

**11. Aseeda Bobbar: – Aseeda Bobbar is a sweet dish made from ground wheat and sweetened with molasses or date syrup. This lesser-known dessert showcases the diversity of traditional Emirati sweets.

**12. Ma’arood: – Ma’arood is a crunchy dessert made from a blend of dates, ghee, and flour. The mixture is shaped into bite-sized pieces and deep-fried, resulting in a delightful sweet treat.

Exploring these hidden culinary treasures allows visitors to delve into the rich tapestry of Emirati flavors, providing a unique and authentic experience beyond the more commonly known dishes.

Hidden and Lesser-Known Culinary Delights in Dubai