Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Al ‘Ayn, United Arab Emirates
1. Al Harees (Camel Meal), Al Boom Cafe
A traditional Emirati dish made from ground camel meat and wheat cooked slowly in a pot. Try this hearty meal at Al Boom Cafe, known for its authentic flavors.
- Authentic Flavor: Al Boom Cafe preserves the original taste of traditional Emirati dishes.
- Camel Meat: Experience the unique taste and texture of camel meat, a key ingredient in Al Harees.
- Slow-cooked: The slow-cooking process enhances the flavor and tenderness of the dish.
2. Kabsa (Mixed Rice), Al Dhafra Restaurant
A aromatic rice dish cooked with chicken, lamb or camel meat and vegetables. Visit Al Dhafra Restaurant for a generous serving of this popular Emirati meal.
- Versatile Ingredients: Kabsa can be made with various meats and vegetables, catering to different tastes.
- Spiced Aroma: The combination of spices creates a distinctive and inviting aroma.
- Generous Portions: Al Dhafra Restaurant offers generous servings that are perfect for sharing.
3. Shawarma (Grilled Meat Sandwich), Al Mazoon
A classic Middle Eastern sandwich filled with tender grilled meat, vegetables and sauce. Al Mazoon is a popular spot for delicious Shawarmas in Al ‘Ayn.
- Tender Grilled Meat: Al Mazoon uses high-quality meats that are cooked to perfection.
- Vegetable Variety: Shawarmas can be customized with a variety of fresh vegetables.
- Savory Sauce: The tangy sauce adds a burst of flavor to the sandwich.
4. Lughaimat (Deep-fried Dough Balls), Al Sultani Bakery
Golden deep-fried dough balls dipped in sugar syrup. These delicious treats can be found at Al Sultani Bakery.
- Traditional Bakery: Al Sultani Bakery is known for its traditional Emirati pastries.
- Golden and Crispy: Lughaimat are golden, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
- Sweet and Savory Options: Al Sultani Bakery offers both sweet and savory versions of Lughaimat.
5. Khaliyah (Emirati Coffee), Al Dhafra Restaurant
Strong, aromatic coffee prepared by simmering coffee beans and spices in a traditional pot. Enjoy a cup of Khaliyah at Al Dhafra Restaurant.
- Traditional Preparation: Khaliyah is prepared using the traditional method, enhancing its flavor.
- Aromatic Spices: The addition of cardamom and saffron gives Khaliyah its unique aroma.
- Strengthening Effect: Khaliyah is believed to have strengthening properties, making it a popular drink in the Emirati culture.
6. Majboos (Rice with Meat and Spices), Al Jaber Café
A flavorful rice dish cooked with meat (chicken, lamb or fish) and saffron, served with a side of salty Ramadan bread. Visit Al Jaber Café for an authentic Majboos experience.
- Versatile Meat Options: Al Jaber Café offers various meat options for Majboos, catering to different tastes.
- Saffron Aroma: The saffron adds a distinctive and inviting aroma to the dish.
- Salty Ramadan Bread: The side of salty Ramadan bread complements the flavorful Majboos perfectly.
7. Ful Medames (Fava Beans Stew), Al Mazoon
A popular Middle Eastern dish made from mashed fava beans cooked with garlic, onions, lemon juice, and olive oil. Visit Al Mazoon for a tasty Ful Medames.
- Traditional Dish: Ful Medames is a traditional Middle Eastern dish with a rich history.
- Lemony Flavor: The lemon juice adds a refreshing zest to the dish.
- Healthy Option: Ful Medames is a healthy and protein-rich dish.
8. Mahalabiya (Sweet Milk Pudding), Al Sultani Bakery
A creamy, sweet milk pudding flavored with rose water and cardamom. Try this traditional dessert at Al Sultani Bakery.
- Traditional Dessert: Mahalabiya is a traditional Emirati dessert with a long history.
- Creamy Texture: The creamy texture of Mahalabiya makes it a delightful dessert.
- Rosewater and Cardamom Flavor: The combination of rose water and cardamom gives Mahalabiya its distinctive flavor.
9. Salihah (Emirati Pancakes), Al Dhafra Restaurant
Thin, crispy pancakes served with a variety of sweet and savory toppings. Enjoy these tasty treats at Al Dhafra Restaurant.
- Crispy Texture: Salihah have a unique, crispy texture that sets them apart.
- Versatile Toppings: Salihah can be topped with various sweet and savory ingredients.
- Traditional Recipe: The recipe for Salihah has been passed down through generations.
10. Khanfaraj (Emirati Sweets), Al Sultani Bakery
Delicate, crunchy sweets made from sugar syrup, flour, and sesame seeds. Try these traditional Emirati sweets at Al Sultani Bakery.
- Crunchy Texture: Khanfaraj have a delightful crunch that melts in your mouth.
- Traditional Sweet: Khanfaraj are a traditional Emirati sweet, steeped in history and culture.
- Sesame Seeds Flavor: The subtle flavor of sesame seeds adds a unique touch to Khanfaraj.
11. Samosa (Spiced Pastry), Al Mazoon
A popular pastry filled with spiced potatoes and peas. Visit Al Mazoon for a tasty Samosa.
- Spicy Fillings: The filling of spiced potatoes and peas gives Samosas their unique flavor.
- Crispy Pastry: The crispy exterior of the pastry is a delight to bite into.
- Versatile Snack: Samosas can be enjoyed as a snack or appetizer.
12. Machboos (Rice with Fish), Al Jaber Café
Flavorful rice dish cooked with fish and a variety of spices. Visit Al Jaber Café for an authentic Machboos experience.
- Fresh Fish: Al Jaber Café uses fresh fish to ensure the best flavor.
- Spicy Flavor: The dish is flavored with a variety of spices, giving it a unique taste.
- Seafood Option: Machboos offers a seafood option for those who prefer fish over meat.
13. Kunafah (Cheese Pastry), Al Sultani Bakery
A Middle Eastern dessert made from layers of crispy pastry and soft cheese. Try this sweet treat at Al Sultani Bakery.
- Crispy Texture: The crispy exterior of Kunafah contrasts beautifully with the soft cheese filling.
- Traditional Dessert: Kunafah is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert, enjoyed across the region.
- Rich and Creamy: The rich and creamy cheese filling makes Kunafah a satisfying treat.
14. Shawarma Wrap (Grilled Meat Wrap), Al Mazoon
A convenient and tasty wrap filled with tender grilled meat, vegetables, and sauce. Visit Al Mazoon for a quick, delicious Shawarma Wrap.
- Tender Grilled Meat: Al Mazoon uses high-quality meats that are cooked to perfection.
- Wrap Convenience: The wrap format makes Shawarma Wraps easy to eat on the go.
- Vegetable Variety: Shawarma Wraps can be customized with a variety of fresh vegetables.
15. Madrooba (Emirati Salad), Al Dhafra Restaurant
A refreshing salad made from diced vegetables, herbs, and spices. Visit Al Dhafra Restaurant for a taste of this traditional Emirati side dish.
- Refreshing Side: Madrooba is a refreshing salad that pairs well with other dishes.
- Versatile Ingredients: The ingredients in Madrooba can vary, depending on seasonal availability.
- Traditional Recipe: Madrooba is a traditional Emirati dish, passed down through generations.