Flavors of the Emirates: Traditional Emirati Dishes You Must Try

Friday, 25 April 2025

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Table of Contents

• Chabab – Emirati-Style Pancakes for Breakfast
• Regag – Crispy Traditional Emirati Flatbread
• Thareed – A Hearty Emirati Stew
• Madrooba – A Hearty Emirati Fish Dish
• Machboos – A Fragrant Emirati Rice Dish
• Lugaymat – A Sweet Emirati Delight
• Yadoo’s House Restaurant & Cafe – A Taste of Emirati Tradition
• Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe – A Journey Through Emirati Flavours
• Al Mrzab Restaurant – A Fusion of Emirati and Kuwaiti Flavours
• Al Meylas – A Stylish Gathering Spot at Four Seasons Abu Dhabi
• Frequently asked questions

1.Chabab – Emirati-Style Pancakes for Breakfast

Start your day with Chabab, a beloved traditional Emirati breakfast dish. These thin and crispy pancakes are a staple in Emirati households and loved by locals and tourists alike. Infused with spices like cardamom and turmeric, and served with rich date syrup, Chabab offers a warm, flavorful start to your morning.

Highlights:

• Traditional Emirati breakfast dish
• Thin, crispy pancakes made with yeast
• Flavored with cardamom and turmeric
• Served with sweet date syrup
• Perfect blend of flavor and texture for a wholesome start to the day

2.Regag – Crispy Traditional Emirati Flatbread

Regag is a thin and crispy flatbread that holds a special place in Emirati cuisine. Commonly served during breakfast and dinner, this versatile bread is often enjoyed with eggs, cheese, or even as a base for other traditional dishes. Especially popular during Ramadan, Regag is a daily staple in many Emirati households.

Highlights:

• Traditional crispy Emirati flatbread
• Name derived from the Arabic word ‘raga’ meaning ‘thin’
• Made with a waterless dough
• Typically served with eggs, cheese, or meat
• A staple dish during Ramadan, especially with Thareed

3.Thareed – A Hearty Emirati Stew

Thareed is one of the most beloved comfort foods in Emirati cuisine. This flavorful stew features tender chunks of beef (or lamb), hearty vegetables, and soft bread soaked in a rich, spiced broth. Often enjoyed during gatherings and Ramadan, Thareed is both nourishing and deeply satisfying.

Highlights:

• Traditional Emirati stew with meat, potatoes, and vegetables
• Can be made with beef, lamb, or as a vegetarian version
• Bread soaked in broth adds a unique texture and flavor
• Popular during Ramadan and family gatherings
• Comforting, slow-cooked dish that warms the soul

4.Madrooba – A Hearty Emirati Fish Dish

A staple in coastal Emirati households, Madrooba is a rich, savory dish made with salted fish, fragrant spices, and a thick, porridge-like sauce. Loved for its comforting texture and bold flavor, it’s especially popular during the holy month of Ramadan.

Highlights:

• Traditional Emirati dish featuring salted fish
• Cooked with a thick, spiced sauce for a creamy texture
• Packed with coastal flavors and warming spices
• Often served for Iftar during Ramadan
• A true reflection of Emirati maritime heritage

5.Machboos – A Fragrant Emirati Rice Dish

Rich in flavor and tradition, Machboos is a beloved Emirati dish made with seasoned meat, rice, and vegetables, all simmered in a spiced broth. Infused with “loomi” (dried lime), this dish is a perfect balance of zest and warmth, making it a favorite for family gatherings and festive occasions.

Highlights:

• Made with chicken, lamb, or shrimp
• Flavored with traditional spices and dried lime (loomi)
• Cooked in aromatic stock for depth of flavor
• Served with rice, onions, tomatoes, and potatoes
• A staple for Emirati celebrations and home-cooked meals

5.Lugaymat – A Sweet Emirati Delight

Lugaymat is a classic Emirati dessert known for its crispy exterior and soft, airy center. These golden dough balls are deep-fried to perfection and traditionally drizzled with date syrup or honey, making them a festive favorite during Ramadan and other celebrations.

Highlights:

• Deep-fried dough balls with a crispy shell and soft interior
• Typically drizzled with date syrup or honey
• Popular during Ramadan and special occasions
• Symbolizes hospitality and cultural generosity
• Best enjoyed warm with Arabic coffee or tea

Must-Try Emirati Dining Destinations

1. Yadoo’s House Restaurant & Cafe – A Taste of Emirati Tradition

Step into the warmth of Emirati heritage at Yadoo’s House, a cozy restaurant inspired by the comfort of a grandmother’s home. With a charming blend of nostalgia and modern style, this inviting eatery serves traditional Emirati favorites in a setting that feels just like family.

Highlights:

• Inspired by traditional Emirati family values and Arabian hospitality
• Located behind Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi, near ADNEC
• Warm, intimate setting ideal for families and friends
• Menu features classic dishes like majboos, salona, kofta, and more
• Offers seafood options like lobster and sea bass
• Includes international items like pasta, sandwiches, and a kids’ menu
• Don’t miss the kunafa – a sweet Emirati dessert favorite

2. Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe – A Journey Through Emirati Flavours

For a true taste of Emirati culture, head to Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe, located next to Ferrari World at Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi. This charming eatery offers a nostalgic experience with its traditional Emirati cuisine, served in an ambiance that transports you to the UAE’s past.

Highlights:

• Located adjacent to Ferrari World at Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi
• Nostalgic Emirati-themed setting for an authentic experience
• Traditional Arabic breakfast options to start your day
• Signature dishes like laham nashef (mutton in rich gravy), machboos samak (fish with yellow rice), and biryani deyay (chicken with rice and lentils)
• Appetizers include grilled jumbo shrimp, squid, deep-fried fish roe, and ali wallam
• Fresh salads, seafood, and meats available
• Multiple branches across the UAE

3. Al Mrzab Restaurant – A Fusion of Emirati and Kuwaiti Flavours

Located along Airport Road in Abu Dhabi, Al Mrzab Restaurant offers a delicious fusion of Emirati and Kuwaiti cuisine, perfect for those craving authentic, flavorful meals. With its cozy setting and exceptional service, this popular spot is ideal for enjoying traditional dishes in a relaxed atmosphere.

Highlights:

• Located on Airport Road, Abu Dhabi
• A perfect blend of Emirati and Kuwaiti cuisine
• Dine at tables or on floor cushions for a cozy, authentic experience
• Signature dishes include majbous (mixed rice with meat or fish), harees (boiled wheat porridge with meat), and mixed mutaban (spicy potato wedges with spiced meat)
• Enjoy a selection of Kuwaiti dishes like murabyan (rice and shrimp) and mutabbaq (bread with egg and spicy meat filling)
• Known for its flavorful and spicy meals, served with exceptional service

4. Al Meylas – A Stylish Gathering Spot at Four Seasons Abu Dhabi

Located in the heart of Four Seasons Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island, Al Meylas is a bright and sophisticated lobby lounge that blends modern Middle Eastern cuisine with a welcoming atmosphere. With its comfortable seating and stunning waterfront terrace, this lounge offers a relaxed yet elegant environment for social and business gatherings.

Highlights:

• Located at Four Seasons Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island
• Known as ‘the living room of Abu Dhabi’, with a majlis-style seating arrangement
• Serves modern Middle Eastern cuisine in small plates for sharing
• Offers afternoon tea, creative sweets, hand-selected teas, artful coffees, and non-alcoholic cocktails
• Open from morning until late at night, ideal for both business and social gatherings
• Pays homage to Arabic culture with warm hospitality and a relaxed atmosphere

Emirati cuisine offers a delightful journey through rich flavors and traditions. From the crispy Chabab pancakes to the fragrant Machboos, every dish is a reflection of the UAE’s diverse cultural heritage. Exploring these iconic dishes and dining at traditional restaurants will give you a deeper appreciation of Emirati hospitality and the country’s culinary history. Be sure to indulge in these must-try flavors on your next visit to the UAE!