The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a diverse country, with a wide range of cultural influences. The cuisine of the UAE reflects this diversity, and features dishes from around the world. However, there are some dishes that have become iconic in the country, and are known both within and outside of the UAE.
The most iconic dish in the UAE is shawarma.
This is a Middle Eastern dish that consists of spiced meat, such as lamb or chicken, cooked on a vertical rotisserie. The meat is then thinly sliced and served in flatbread with vegetables, sauces, and pickles. Shawarma is very popular in the UAE, and can be found at many restaurants and street stalls around the country.
Another popular dish in the UAE is machboos, which is also known as ‘UAE rice’. This dish consists of spiced rice cooked with meat or seafood, such as lamb or shrimp.
It is often served with yoghurt or raita (a yoghurt-based sauce) and pickles. Machboos can be found at most restaurants in the UAE.
Falafel is another traditional dish from the region that has become popular in the UAE. It consists of deep-fried balls made from chickpeas or fava beans, which are then served in pita bread with vegetables and sauces. Falafel can be found at most street stalls around the country.
Finally, loubiya bharazi, or ‘Lebanese Red Beans’ is also popular in the UAE. This dish consists of red beans cooked with garlic and spices, served over rice or couscous. Loubiya bharazi can be found at many restaurants throughout the country.
In conclusion, food from all over the world can be found in UAE – however certain dishes have become iconic to this region over time. Popular dishes include shawarma, machboos, falafel and loubiya bharazi – all of which are widely available throughout the country.