Dubai, a city known for its luxury and opulence, offers a vibrant culinary scene that caters to all tastes and preferences. From traditional Emirati dishes to international cuisines, Dubai’s food culture is diverse and exciting. When it comes to the main dish of Dubai, there are several options that stand out.
1. Machbous:
Machbous is often considered the national dish of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and is widely enjoyed in Dubai.
This flavorful rice dish is made with fragrant basmati rice, tender meat (usually lamb or chicken), a blend of aromatic spices such as saffron, turmeric, and cinnamon, and various vegetables like onions, tomatoes, and bell peppers. The combination of spices gives Machbous its distinctive taste.
2. Al Harees:
Al Harees is another popular main dish in Dubai, especially during special occasions like Ramadan or weddings.
This traditional Emirati dish consists of wheat grains cooked with meat (typically chicken or lamb), butter, milk, and a touch of salt. The mixture is slow-cooked until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. Al Harees has a comforting taste that is both rich and filling.
3. Majboos:
Majboos shares some similarities with Machbous but has its unique flavor profile.
This spiced rice dish typically features meat (chicken or fish) cooked with fragrant spices like cardamom, cloves, black lime powder, and dried lemon. The rice is then cooked separately with tomato paste and mixed with the spiced meat before serving.
4. Shawarma:
While Shawarma might not be originally from Dubai or the UAE, it has become an immensely popular street food in the city.
Shawarma consists of succulent strips of marinated meat (usually chicken or lamb) that are slowly roasted on a vertical spit. The meat is then thinly sliced and served in a warm pita bread, accompanied by various condiments like tahini sauce, garlic sauce, pickles, and vegetables.
5. Arabic Mezze:
Although not a single dish, Arabic Mezze is a collection of small dishes that are typically served as appetizers but can also be enjoyed as a main course.
It includes a variety of flavorful bites such as hummus (a chickpea dip), baba ganoush (smoky eggplant dip), falafel (deep-fried chickpea balls), tabbouleh (parsley salad), and many more. Arabic Mezze offers a wide array of flavors and textures to tantalize your taste buds.
In conclusion, Dubai’s main dishes showcase the rich culinary heritage of the UAE while also embracing international flavors. Whether you’re looking for traditional Emirati delights like Machbous and Al Harees or craving street food like Shawarma, Dubai has something to satisfy every palate.