Exploring Emirati food in Abu Dhabi is one of the best ways to understand the city’s culture, history, and hospitality.
Rooted in traditions and coastal influences, Emirati cuisine focuses on slow cooking, warming spices, and dishes made for sharing. These traditional dishes are essential to taste when living in or visiting the capital.
Traditional Emirati Dishes You Must Try in Abu Dhabi
Machboos Traditional Emirati Rice Dish
Machboos is one of the most popular dishes in Emirati food in Abu Dhabi, deeply rooted in local culture and tradition. This fragrant rice dish is cooked with lamb, chicken, or fish and seasoned with spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, and dried black lime, giving it a distinctive aroma and depth of flavour.
The rice absorbs the stock during cooking, making it rich and comforting.
To try Machboos in Abu Dhabi, Al Mrzab Traditional Restaurant is a firm local favourite based in the city.
Harees A Classic Emirati Comfort Food
Harees is a dish closely associated with Ramadan and special occasions. Made by slow-cooking cracked wheat with meat until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency, it’s lightly seasoned and often finished with ghee. Simple yet filling, Harees represents the heart of Emirati food in Abu Dhabi.
You’ll find authentic Harees at Al Khayma heritage restaurant, located at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Jasheed A Traditional Emirati Fish Dish
Jasheed highlights the UAE’s fishing heritage. The dish uses flaked fish cooked with onions, spices, and dried lime.
Typically served with plain rice, it’s one of the more traditional options in Abu Dhabi and less commonly found on modern menus.
Al Fanar Restaurant & Café at Yas Mall is one of the best places to try Jasheed.
Lamb Khuzi The UAE’s Signature Celebration Dish
Lamb Khuzi is slow-roasted and placed over spiced rice and garnished with nuts, making it a show-stopping centerpiece. Designed for a refined yet authentic experience when dining in Abu Dhabi.
Lamb Khuzi is a staple dish and is served in most Emirati restaurants in the city.
Luqaimat Traditional Emirati Dessert
Luqaimat are crispy fried dough balls drizzled with date syrup or honey and often enjoyed with Arabic coffee. A renowned dessert, they’re especially popular during festivals and Ramadan.
For some of the best luqaimat in the city, visit Luqaimat & Chebab at Al Falah Central Mall.
These iconic dishes offer an authentic taste of the UAE’s culinary heritage and are best enjoyed across Abu Dhabi’s traditional restaurants and cultural dining spots.
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