Emirati and Gulf Cuisine

Beneath the glitz, the Emirates has a traditional Gulf cuisine of fragrant spiced rice and slow-cooked meats, shaped by Bedouin, Persian and Indian influence. Dishes like machboos, a spiced rice with meat, and harees are shared from communal platters, sweetened by dates and washed down with cardamom-scented Arabic coffee. Alongside, the cities offer one of the world's most cosmopolitan food scenes, from street shawarma to global fine dining.

Highlights

• Machboos and harees - the traditional spiced rice and slow-cooked dishes.
• Dates and Arabic coffee - the traditional welcome of dates and cardamom coffee.
• Shawarma and street food - the beloved wraps and Levantine street food.
• The global dining scene - the world cuisines of the cosmopolitan cities.

When to go

Year-round; traditional Emirati food is best sought at dedicated heritage restaurants, as much dining is international. During Ramadan, the nightly iftar feasts are a special experience, though daytime eating is limited out of respect.

What to expect

Genuine Emirati food can be surprisingly hard to find amid the international restaurants, so seek out dedicated heritage eateries. During the holy month of Ramadan, eating and drinking in public in daylight is restricted out of respect. Alcohol is served only in licensed venues. Dining out can be expensive.

Nearby

Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer both heritage Emirati restaurants and the full range of world cuisines.