United Arab Emirates

The UAE cuisine is mainly based on meat, fish, rice, bread, and dates. Meat dishes are usually prepared with lamb, chicken, or camel, and seasoned with spices such as cardamom, saffron, turmeric, and cinnamon. Fish dishes are often grilled or fried, and served with lemon or tahini sauce. Rice is a staple food in the UAE, and can be cooked with meat, vegetables, nuts, or dried fruits.

Bread is another essential element of the UAE cuisine, and can be made from wheat, corn, or millet flour. Some of the most popular types of bread are khameer (a leavened bread), rigag (a thin bread), and chebab (a pancake-like bread). Dates are a common dessert in the UAE, and can be eaten fresh or dried, or used to make date syrup, date jam, or date cake.

The UAE cuisine also incorporates dishes from other regions and countries, such as India, Iran, Lebanon, and Morocco. Some of the most famous examples are biryani (a rice dish with meat and spices), machboos (a rice dish with meat and dried lemon), saloona (a stew with meat and vegetables), harees (a porridge-like dish with wheat and meat), shawarma (a sandwich with sliced meat and salad), falafel (a fried ball of chickpeas and herbs), hummus (a dip made from chickpeas and sesame paste), tabbouleh (a salad with parsley, bulgur wheat, tomato, and lemon juice), and baklava (a pastry with nuts and honey).

The UAE cuisine is not only a feast for the taste buds, but also for the eyes. The dishes are often presented in colorful and elaborate ways, with garnishes such as nuts, raisins, parsley, mint leaves, or edible flowers. The tableware is also an important part of the dining experience in the UAE.

The dishes are usually served on large platters or trays that are shared among the guests. The guests eat with their right hand or use spoons or forks.

The drinks are served in glasses or cups that are decorated with patterns or motifs. The most common drinks in the UAE are water, tea, coffee, laban (a yogurt drink), and juice.

The UAE cuisine is a reflection of the country’s heritage, diversity, and hospitality. It offers a unique and satisfying way to explore the culture and traditions of the UAE.