SHAWARMA IS FROM TURKEY!

 

As the deserts started to be occupied with tall landscapes, Emirati Cuisine went through a lot of changes. Being a hub of global culture, the United Arab Emirates is home to hundreds of cuisines from across the world that often confuses a diner to choose from all the available varieties. Most of the United Arab Emirates residents have not eaten traditional Emirati foods, especially people living in the cosmopolitan parts of the country like Dubai.

One thing that confuses most diners out there is the actual origin of a dish. Every corner of the United Arab Emirates is filled with a Shawarma joint. So it's only common for anyone to think that it is an Emirati dish. But Oh Boy you’re wrong! Shawarmas and Hummus are some of the must-try dishes of anyone visiting Dubai. Wrapped in Saj bread, and adorned with juicy roasted chicken pieces, garlic sauce, and pickles, Shawarma is a treat for anyone who is hungry and wants to be happy with their wallet as well. You will find amazing Shawarmas for as low as AED 5. 

Similarly, Hummus, a counterpart of every Arabic dinner, is actually of Egyptian origin. Kuboos, a favorite pairing with Hummus, is of Iranian origin, closely replicating another Iranian bread. When restaurants say they serve Arabic food, they mean they serve food from the Middle East region. Not necessarily from the Emirati culture. So what exactly are the dishes from the Emirati culture? The dishes of the Emiratis consist mainly of one-pot dishes as back in the day, the main priority was to reduce the number of dishes to be washed to save water. Hence, most ingredients are put together and cooked for a certain time. At the same time, Luqaimat, which are sweet fried dumplings made of milk, sugar, butter, and flour, covered in date syrup, one of the most popular Emirati dishes, is a favorite of everyone who has visited Global Village. 

The roots of Emirati cuisine date back to the mid-third millennium BC. The Umm-Al-Nar period gave birth to the date cultivation that has now led to the ‘fruit of togetherness’, present at every Iftar table, spreading joy. Fishing, which has been a significant economic activity for the Emiratis, led to fish being a major dish at the dinner table. Back in the day, camel and goat meat were widely used in dining. The use of chicken meat at the dinner table is a relatively new addition.

The United Arab Emirates undoubtedly is home to multi-national cuisines but the Emirati cuisines are something that one must look forward to while visiting the U.A.E. Listed down below are some exclusive Emirati dishes that are a must try for anyone who is in search of ‘something different’.

1. Balaleet 

A traditional dish of vermicelli pasta, seasoned with cardamom, cinnamon, and saffron.

Where to find it: Arabian Tea House Restaurant & Cafe, Mercato Shopping Mall, Jumeirah

2. Bajella

Broad beans, cooked in water and salt, served with hot chili powder and bread.

Where to find it: Al Fanar Restaurant, Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi

3. Al Harees

A porridge-like dish prepared by mixing meat and wheat in a pot, along with water, and cooked for a long time.

Where to find it: Al Jawareh Traditional Restaurant, Al Qusais, Dubai

4. Rigag

An unleavened, wafer-thin traditional Emirati flatbread made using flour, water, and salt. It can be eaten alone or used as a complement to various soup dishes.

Where to find it : Karak and Rigag Cafe, Al Khaleej Street, Al Mamzar, Dubai

5. Dango

Soft-boiled chickpeas, soaked overnight with salt and spices.

Where to find it: Arabian Tea House Restaurant & Cafe, Mercato Shopping Mall, Jumeirah

Many residents of the United Arab Emirates and foreigners alike mistake dishes such as Shawarma and Falafel for Emirati dishes. On the contrary, these dishes are of Levantine, Turkish and Palestinian origin. Unlike Emirati cuisine, Levantine and Palestinian cuisines indulge in a lot of vegetables and use olive oil, which can be used as a major difference indication between the two varieties. 

The Emirati cuisine which lies hidden in the crystal cities of the United Arab Emirates, is yet to be discovered and ventured into. Every cuisine has a story to tell. This Emirati cuisine tells tales of a time long gone, of the bedouins who ventured into the deserts and the hardships they bore for the fruit of a beautiful country that they dreamed of - the United Arab Emirates.

                                                                                                                     Photo credits:https://www.pexels.com/