Authentic, warm and fresh key ingredients are what traditional Emirati food consists of.
Indulge in the UAE's local cuisine and traditional flavours at these Emirati restaurants for special occasions or deep dive into the Khaleeji region's culture.
What is the history of traditional Emirati cuisine?
Emirati cuisine originated from Bedouins native to the country, deriving food staples that are determined by what was available at the time. Consisting of aromatic foods rich in spice or herb including thyme, turmeric, ginger and saffron, Emirati food consists of meats, dairy and grains.
Dates, roast nuts and dried limes called Loomis make up a significant component of most emirate recipes. The main source of food was derived from chickens, pigeons, goats, and lambs as well as fish and seafood from the Arabian sea. Tea and coffee are the preferred beverages containing spices such as cardamom, saffron and mint.
Discover Emirati food in the UAE's 7 Emirates at these traditional Arabic restaurants spotted all over this amazing country. Yallah, let's go!
ABU DHABI
AL DHAFRA RESTAURANT
Al Dhafra Restaurant was established in 1993 in the heart of AbuDhabi on Mina Zayed. Where His highness the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan has guided the owner of the group Mr Abdulah Hareb Al Fallahi for the foundation of the restaurant.
Al Dhafra was named after the personal wish of His Highness the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan himself. Al Dhafra Restaurant is quite a translation of the meaning of ‘’Al Dhafra: where the sea meets the desert’’, Al Dhafra Region represents the western part of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, at 80% of the total area of the Emirate. Some of them are located in the heart of the desert, and some of them overlook the shore of the Arabian Gulf.
Al Dhafra Restaurant represents the authentic significant Emirati heritage. Serving both Emirati and International cuisines from seafood, Mediterranean & oriental dishes to international meals.
With an authentic Emirati character, and for 25 years from the heart of Mina Zayed, the restaurant has presented a rich inherited Emirati experience from the fresh fish market and varieties of genuine Emirati and exquisite international cuisines. While we moved to our new location in the Heritage Park on Corniche Road, we managed to maintain the same unique spirit, style and the same ideal service.
Banquets, buffets or classic superior lunches or dinners all are served and presented impeccably at Al Dhafra Restaurant where you have just quality time with families or friends in AbuDhabi. Make your day count, visit Al Dhafra Restaurant in AbuDhabi and treat your senses and refresh your mood.
AL MANDIA & AL MADHBI HOUSE
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Al Mandi & Al Madhbi house restaurant is an Arabian cuisine and is considered one of the leading Arabic restaurants in Abu Dhabi. Encompasses savoury tastes of Arab culture, grab your friends and explore traditional Emirati cuisine in Abu Dhabi. Furthermore, this Emirati food hotspot offers family-style traditional dishes such as Mandi chicken, grilled chicken, rice, desserts and classic salads.
BU TAFISH SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
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Bu Tafish became an instant crowd-puller in Abu Dhabi, when it started in 1968, as it was the first floating restaurant in the Emirate. Bu Tafish was the first Authentic Seafood Restaurant in UAE since 1968. Offering up freshly caught fish, grilled or fried using simple techniques to make delicious food and special spices. Indulge in traditional Emirati dishes like hummus, fatoush and lentil soup.
People could walk onto the floating abra and enjoy healthy, tasty seafood and cold appetisers. Today, the same customers who were children back then, return to have a good meal and relive fond memories with an amazing experience.
MEYLAS EMIRATI RESTAURANT
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Tucked away in the heart of Al Muneera Island, this food truck possesses a passion for their country and its Emirati food culture is clear for all to see. The Emirati chef in the on-view kitchen prepares and served a menu of authentic and satisfying Emirati dishes rich with traditional flavours please all palates
Location: Al Muneera, Al Raha
DUBAI
AL KHAYMA HERITAGE RESTAURANT
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On your next visit to Dubai, this one is a must-try! One of the most important characteristics of our Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant is generating authentic experiences that first and foremost reflect traditions and customs of Arabian hospitality and generosity.
Enriched with regional delicacies and an amazing national dish filled with herbs and spices, finely blended with Dubai's richness makes their Emirati dishes most appealing to the local community but also to international individuals who seek out culinary experiences to broaden their understanding of Emirati culture and lifestyle.
ASEELA MIDDLE EASTERN AND ARABIC RESTAURANT
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Indulge in the traditional food of the Emirates and the richness of Middle Eastern cuisine, while taking in the local culture with Arabesque performances. Visit Dubai and check out the award-winning Emirati restaurant that features a blend of culture, heritage, and hospitality with a modern twist. From intimate dinners to private events, Aseelah’s stylish interiors, as well as its equally beautiful glass-walled terrace, are a great venue for ty local cuisine.
ARABIAN TEA HOUSE
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A journey into Dubai’s past could well begin through the door of a quaint tea house in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, once known as Al Bastakiya. As you step into the Arabian Tea House (although old-timers would still prefer to call it the Basta Art Café), you are transported into the old times with unique flavours, authentic style with turquoise benches, white rattan chairs, lace curtains, and beautiful flowers, enjoying your cup of gahwa (traditional Arabic coffee) in the shade of an old tree and the languid air swoons around you, dreamlike, as if it were always afternoon.
AL IJAZA CAFETERIA
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Al Ijaza Cafeteria is a timeless classic serving a selection of cafeteria favourites such as sandwiches, soft beverages and other popular dishes that deliver across Al Bada'a, Al Barsha 1, Al Barsha 2, Al Barsha 3 and Al Manara. Their best-selling food dishes are Zinger Club, Chicken Zinger Combo, Special Chicken Burger and Watermelon Fresh Juice, although they have a variety of dishes and other cuisines.
SIRAJ DUBAI
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Located in the heart of Downtown Dubai, Siraj served the best in Emirati Levantine cuisine and is known to be one of the finest restaurants in Dubai offering authentic Emirati food in Dubai with a contemporary twist. The must-try food dishes are the ouzi rice served and cooked with meat and cooked to perfection along with delicious vegetables.
SMAT DUBAI
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Serving up contemporary Emirati cuisine in the heart of Dubai Design District, this Khaleeji restaurant serves up breakfast dishes such as regag and chebab along with more contemporary twists of traditional Emirati dishes. The daily traditional dessert selection is always on display, tempting you with sweet treats that are as delicious as they are beautiful.
SHARJAH
AL JUBAIL 1441 RESTAURANT
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Located on the picturesque coast of Sharjah’s creek, Al Jubail 1441 is home to the finest fusion of exquisite local, Mediterranean and other cuisines, serving sensational seafood before a view to remember.
Dining in an authentically traditional Emirati ambience, travels back in the sands of time and experience the distinctive identity of the Emirates. Taking from the various architectural and cultural elements, the atmosphere is enriched with modern sophistication, elevating the culinary adventure.
With our seafood fresh off the hook, Al Jubail 1441 served the UAE’s traditional food and diverse Emirati cuisine flavours cooked with the freshest ingredients, bringing to the table culinary creations that are sophisticated, sumptuous and rich with the finest local flavours.
AJMAN
AL-MUKHTAR BAKERY
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The pioneers of Arabic bread making, this Ajman bakery has perfected delicious bread and breakfast options served in true Middle East flair.
Location: Ajman One Towers, Al Rashidiya 3, Ajman.
RAS AL KHAIMAH
AL FANAR RESTAURANT & CAFE
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Al Fanar Restaurant Cafe revives the Emirati ambience of the 1960s, with the taste of Authentic Emirati Cuisine. Al Fanar is here to introduce Emirati cuisine to the local and international markets. The classic eatery wasn’t established for the sole purpose of introducing and cooking Emirati cuisine, but also to act as a mini-museum where tourists of the world and the new generation visit to learn about Emirati traditions.
UMM AL QUWAIN
EMIRATES SEA RESTAURANT
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Emirates Sea Restaurant is known for its authentic fish dishes and seafood blended with the true taste and spices of Arabia with no compromise with quality or freshness. Famous for its quality and family-friendly atmosphere, this UAE restaurant also served international cuisine to meet all taste buds.