If you’ve ever wondered what authentic Emirati food tastes like or what dishes locals love most in Dubai, you’re in the right place. Emirati cuisine is a delicious blend of Bedouin traditions, Arabian spices, and coastal influences — offering everything from savory rice dishes to sweet golden dumplings. In this guide, we’ll take you through the must-try Emirati foods for 2025, what locals eat for breakfast, and where travelers can enjoy a true taste of the UAE.
While shawarma and hummus often steal the spotlight, true Emirati cuisine tells a deeper story — one of desert life, hospitality, and age-old traditions.
Historically, Emirati food developed from the Bedouin way of life, relying on ingredients that could survive the desert heat: rice, dates, camel milk, fish, and lamb.
The flavors are mild yet aromatic — featuring spices like saffron, turmeric, cinnamon, and cardamom, often balanced with sweetness from dates or honey.
Modern Emirati cuisine celebrates this legacy while embracing the UAE’s cosmopolitan culture. Whether you dine in a luxury restaurant or a local home, each dish reflects the warmth and generosity that define Emirati hospitality.
Emirati cuisine isn’t just about ingredients — it’s about rhythm. Meals are enjoyed slowly, often shared among family and friends, and accompanied by Arabic coffee (gahwa). Let’s explore what a typical Emirati day looks like, from breakfast to dessert.
Breakfast in the UAE is a comforting affair. A traditional morning spread often includes Balaleet — a unique dish of sweet vermicelli noodles flavored with cardamom, saffron, and rosewater, served with a savory omelet on top.
It might sound unusual, but the combination of sweet and salty flavors makes it one of the most beloved Emirati breakfast dishes.
Alongside Balaleet, you’ll find Khameer bread, a soft, slightly sweet flatbread served warm with date syrup or cheese. Locals often enjoy it with Arabic coffee, making it the perfect start to a day in Dubai.
Lunch and dinner are when Emirati flavors truly shine — hearty, aromatic, and deeply satisfying. Here are the dishes you simply can’t miss:
Considered the national dish of the UAE, Al Machboos is a fragrant rice meal cooked with saffron, dried lime (loomi), and spiced meat (usually chicken, lamb, or seafood). The slow cooking allows all flavors to blend beautifully, making it both comforting and flavorful.
A Ramadan favorite, Al Harees is a wholesome porridge-like dish made with wheat and meat, cooked for hours until smooth. It’s mild, nutritious, and often enjoyed with ghee on top — a true symbol of Emirati home cooking.
Known as the Emirati version of a stew, Thereed combines vegetables, tender meat, and crispy bread soaked in flavorful broth. It’s filling and rich, often prepared during family gatherings or festive occasions.
Each of these dishes reflects a balance between simplicity and richness — a culinary heritage passed down through generations. Discover more popular Emirati dishes here.
No Emirati meal is complete without something sweet — and Luqaimat takes center stage.
These bite-sized golden dumplings are crispy on the outside, soft inside, and coated with date syrup and sesame seeds. Served warm, they’re the UAE’s most loved dessert, often enjoyed during Ramadan and at desert safari camps.
Another classic is Khabeesa, a sweet semolina pudding flavored with saffron and cardamom — perfect for travelers looking for a lighter dessert after a filling meal.
Coffee is more than a beverage in the UAE — it’s a tradition that represents respect and hospitality. Arabic coffee, or Gahwa, is brewed with cardamom and saffron and served in small cups known as finjans.
Visitors are often welcomed with a cup of Gahwa and dates, a gesture that signifies friendship and warmth. When visiting a local home or cultural experience in Dubai, never refuse a cup — it’s a cherished part of Emirati culture.
Not particularly. Emirati dishes are aromatic rather than hot, using spices like cinnamon, saffron, and cardamom for flavor instead of chili. This makes the cuisine suitable for all palates, including those who prefer milder tastes.
The national dish is Al Machboos, a spiced rice dish with meat or seafood, similar to biryani but with distinctive Gulf flavors like dried lime and saffron.
For a true local dining experience, visit Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe — one of Dubai’s most popular spots for traditional Emirati cuisine. It offers nostalgic decor and a wide range of classic dishes.
If you’re visiting Dubai for the first time, start with Al Machboos — the UAE’s national dish made with spiced rice and tender meat. It’s flavorful yet mild, making it perfect for beginners exploring Emirati flavors.
Luqaimat is the must-try sweet treat — crispy golden dumplings drizzled with date syrup and sesame seeds. Many desert safari camps in Dubai serve them fresh after dinner, so don’t miss this authentic Emirati dessert.
No trip to Dubai is complete without combining culture and adventure — and what better way than with a desert safari BBQ dinner?
After a thrilling evening of dune bashing, camel rides, and sunset photography, enjoy an authentic Emirati-inspired feast under the stars.
At Dubai Desert Soul, our tours include live BBQ buffets, Arabic coffee, Luqaimat desserts, and cultural performances — creating a complete Arabian experience.
Try our Evening Desert Safari for a full cultural and culinary experience, or upgrade to our VIP Desert Safari for a private, luxury setup with table service and exclusive performances.
Your taste of the UAE starts here — authentic, unforgettable, and filled with flavor.
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