UAE cuisine blends Emirati traditions with Middle Eastern, Indian, Persian, and Levant influences. From spiced rice and grilled meats to sweet dates and aromatic coffees, this guide shows where to eat, what to try in each region, and local etiquette for memorable meals.
Emirati food is coastal and desert-inspired: seafood along the Gulf, rice and meat in the interior, and sweets throughout. Key ingredients include dates, saffron, rose water, dried limes, and spices like cinnamon and cardamom. Breakfast often features balaleet (sweet vermicelli) or regag (thin bread), while lunch and dinner focus on rice, meat, and stews called harees or machboos.
Combine a protein (chicken, lamb, fish), a rice dish or bread, and a side of vegetables or salad. Include a sweet or dates to finish.
UAE cuisine uses nuts in desserts and rice dishes. Ask for no nuts if needed. For halal dietary needs, most restaurants already comply.
Street food includes shawarma, falafel, manakish, samboosa, and luqaimat. Choose busy vendors with high turnover and freshly cooked items. Carry hand sanitizer and small cash.
| Region | Signature Dishes | Why You’ll Love Them |
|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi & Interior | Machboos, Harees, Thareed | Hearty, aromatic, and deeply traditional |
| Dubai & Coast | Shawarma, grilled seafood, mezze platters | Fusion of Gulf, Levant, and Indian flavors |
| Sharjah & Ajman | Seafood rice, Samboosa, Luqaimat | Local coastal taste with sweet treats |
| Ras Al Khaimah & Fujairah | Grilled hammour, date desserts, balaleet | Fresh seafood and traditional Emirati breakfast |
Emirati sweets include luqaimat, baklava, khabeesa, and stuffed dates. Drinks range from karak tea, Arabic coffee, laban, and fresh juices. After meals, enjoy dates, dried fruits, or light herbal teas.
UAE is fully halal; vegetarian mezze and salads are widely available. Ask for nut-free if needed.
Opt for salads, hummus, falafel (check frying oil), grilled seafood, rice dishes, and date-based desserts.
Wash hands before meals. Use right hand if eating by hand. Accept offered food politely. Arabic coffee is often served as a gesture—take a sip and thank the host. Sharing mezze plates is common, but wait for cues in private homes. Compliment dishes; it is appreciated.
For authentic and verified information about Emirati cuisine, local regulations, and tourism updates, visit these official UAE websites:
Each Emirate has its own flavor. Here are must-try street foods per region:
Most traditional Emirati dishes are mildly spiced; you can ask for less spice. Street foods like shawarma can be spiced more.
Always prefer bottled or filtered water. Tap water is generally safe in hotels but avoid street sources.
Yes, mezze, salads, grilled vegetables, and vegetarian rice dishes are widely available.
Luqaimat, khabeesa, baklava, and stuffed dates are must-tries for first-time visitors.
Start with well-known busy vendors. Shawarma, falafel, and luqaimat are safe if freshly cooked.
Yes. Most restaurants offer vegetarian, vegan, or plant-based dishes. Indian, Lebanese, and Mediterranean eateries are particularly good.
Tap water in most cities is desalinated and safe, but many locals and visitors prefer bottled or filtered water.
Try Al Harees, Machboos, Luqaimat, Shawarma, and grilled Hammour fish. Sweets like Baklava, Kunafa, and dates are also iconic.
Emirati cuisine is generally mild. Spices are aromatic rather than hot. You can always request less chili in mixed cuisine restaurants.
Yes, the vast majority of restaurants follow halal practices. Non-halal options are rare and mostly found in international hotels.