Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in ‘Ajmān, ‘Ajmān, United Arab Emirates
1. Machboos Ajmani
A fragrant blend of rice, chicken or fish, and a variety of aromatic spices, locally sourced from the region.
- Regional Spices: Uses traditional spice blends unique to Ajman.
- Fresh Ingredients: Uses fresh seafood and locally-grown rice.
- Family Recipes: Prepared using recipes passed down through generations.
2. Lughaimat Ajman
A popular Emirati dessert made from deep-fried dough balls served with date syrup or honey.
- Local Ingredients: Uses locally produced dates and honey.
- Traditional Preparation: Prepared using traditional methods passed down through generations.
- Street Food Favorite: A favorite snack at local markets and street food stalls.
3. Al Harees Ajmani
A traditional dish made from cooked wheat and meat, typically served during special occasions and festivals.
- Cultural Significance: Traditionally prepared for special occasions and festivals.
- Simple Ingredients: Made from simple, locally-sourced ingredients: wheat and meat.
- Slow Cooking Method: Cooked slowly over several hours to allow flavors to develop.
4. Khuzi Ajman
A rich stew made from goat meat, served with rice and a variety of vegetables.
- Authentic Goat Meat: Prepared using authentic Ajmani goat meat.
- Local Vegetables: Uses locally-grown vegetables.
- Family Gatherings: Traditionally served during family gatherings and celebrations.
5. Balaleet
A sweet Emirati dish made from vermicelli noodles, eggs, and a generous amount of date syrup.
- Sweet & Savory Blend: Combines sweet and savory flavors in one dish.
- Date Syrup: Uses locally produced date syrup.
- Breakfast Dish: Traditionally served for breakfast or as a sweet snack.
6. Kabsa Ajmani
A flavorful rice dish prepared with a variety of meats such as chicken, lamb, or fish, served with vegetables.
- Versatile Meat Options: Available in different meat options: chicken, lamb, or fish.
- Spice Blend: Seasoned with a unique blend of local spices.
- Special Occasions: Traditionally served during special occasions and celebrations.
7. Madrouba
A hearty Emirati dish made from slow-cooked chicken in a flavorful broth served with rice.
- Slow Cooking Method: Cooked slowly for several hours to allow flavors to develop.
- Local Spices: Seasoned with a blend of traditional Ajmani spices.
- Cooked in Broth: Chicken is slow-cooked in a flavorful broth until tender.
8. Thareed Ajmani
A dish made from rice, meat, and yogurt, served over bread or vermicelli noodles.
- Versatile Presentation: Served over either bread or vermicelli noodles.
- Traditional Ingredients: Uses locally-sourced meat and yogurt.
- Rich & Creamy: The creamy yogurt sauce gives the dish a rich, satisfying flavor.
9. Salooq Ajmani
A traditional Emirati drink made from dried lime and salt, served cold.
- Refreshing Beverage: A refreshing beverage perfect for hot weather.
- Local Ingredients: Made using locally sourced dried limes and salt.
- Historical Significance: Traditionally enjoyed in the desert, where it helped quench thirst and replace lost salts.
10. Kunafa Ajman
A Middle Eastern pastry made from thin layers of crispy kataifi dough, soaked in sweet sugar syrup, and topped with creamy white cheese.
- Crispy Layers: Made using crispy kataifi dough layers.
- Sweet Syrup: Soaked in sweet sugar syrup for added flavor.
- Rich & Sweet: Topped with creamy white cheese, creating a rich and sweet dessert.
11. Ma'amoul Ajman
A traditional Middle Eastern cookie filled with dates or nuts.
- Date Filled: Filled with sweet, sticky dates.
- Traditional Shape: Typically molded into a distinctive, intricate shape.
- Celebratory Snack: Traditionally served during Eid celebrations and other special occasions.
12. Jew's Harp Fish Soup
A traditional Emirati fish soup made with a unique instrument called a 'jew's harp', which is used to produce a vibrating sound that tenderizes the fish.
- Unusual Cooking Method: Prepared using a jew's harp to tenderize the fish.
- Fresh Fish: Made with fresh, locally-caught fish.
- Flavorful Broth: Serves a flavorful broth perfect for sipping.
13. Fish Barbecue at Al Zorah
Experience the fresh flavors of grilled fish at Al Zorah, a beautiful eco-friendly resort located near Ajman.
- Eco-Friendly Venue: Set in an eco-friendly resort.
- Fresh Seafood: Uses fresh, locally-sourced seafood for grilling.
- Beautiful Views: Enjoy your meal while taking in stunning views of the surrounding nature.
14. Traditional Emirati Coffee at Al Zahiyah Souq
Sip on a cup of rich, aromatic traditional Emirati coffee while exploring the bustling Al Zahiyah Souq.
- Authentic Coffee: Made using traditional methods and spices.
- Bustling Marketplace: Enjoy your coffee while exploring the vibrant marketplace.
- Cultural Experience: A great way to immerse yourself in local culture.
15. Camel Milk Ice Cream at Ajman Dairy Farm
Try something truly unique: camel milk ice cream, available at the Ajman Dairy Farm.
- Exotic Ingredient: Made using camel milk.
- Farm Fresh: Made fresh on the farm.
- Unique Experience: A one-of-a-kind experience not to be missed!