Local Food

Dubai

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Local Food & Beverages

Local Food

Majboos

A traditional Emirati dish similar to biryani, with influences from Persian and Indian cuisines. It features spiced rice, often with lamb or chicken, and is slow-cooked to blend the flavours. The dish is typically served during special occasions and family gatherings. The spices used vary, but often include turmeric, cinnamon, and black lime.

Best Place To Try It:

You can find Majboos at many local Emirati restaurants. Some of the top-rated places include Al Fanar Restaurant, Aseelah, and Al Bait Al Qadeem Restaurant.

Ouzi

A grand, festive dish often served during weddings and special events in the UAE. It features lamb or goat meat, slow-cooked until tender, and served over spiced rice with nuts and raisins. The dish is known for its rich, aromatic flavours and is a favourite for large gatherings.

Best Place To Try It:

To savour Ouzi, visit restaurants that specialise in Emirati cuisine such as Logma, Al Mashowa, and Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe.

Regag

A thin, crispy Emirati bread, somewhat akin to a crepe, often enjoyed with fillings like cheese, eggs, or honey. It is a popular street food and breakfast item in Dubai, providing a quick yet satisfying snack. The bread is made on a hot griddle and can be rolled up for easy eating on the go.

Best Place To Try It:

Regag is widely available at street food stalls and local eateries. Try it at Arabian Tea House or Al Labeeb Grocery on Beach Road in Jumeirah.

Thareed

An Emirati stew made with meat (usually lamb or chicken) and vegetables, served over thin, crispy bread that soaks up the broth. Often compared to a Middle Eastern version of lasagna, Thareed is both hearty and flavourful. It is particularly popular during Ramadan.

Best Place To Try It:

Thareed is a common dish in traditional Emirati households, but you can also find it at Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe, and Aseelah at the Radisson Blu Hotel.

Harees

A simple yet hearty dish made from wheat and meat (typically chicken or lamb), slow-cooked to a porridge-like consistency. It is a staple during Ramadan and special occasions in the UAE, often served with ghee and sometimes sprinkled with cinnamon or sugar.