What is the Most Popular Food in UAE?

Shawarma is one of the most popular foods in the UAE. It is a delicious dish with thinly sliced meat (lamb or chicken) wrapped in pita bread with vegetables, pickles, sauce, and garlic. Shawarma is a table street food in the UAE. Locals and foreigners living in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other UAE cities love Shawarma for its rich flavors. Machboos is another popular food in the UAE, consisting of spiced rice with fish or meat. It is similar to Biryani. Both Shawarma and Machboos reflect the diverse culinary influences of the UAE.

Ingredients and Preparation

The most popular foods in the UAE are Shawarma and Machboos. But how do you prepare it? What are the ingredients in these famous dishes? Let me first tell you about the typical ingredients of Shawarma.

Shawarma Ingredients

• Meat: Thinly sliced lamb, chicken, beef, or turkey.
• Marinade: A mix of spices such as cumin, turmeric, paprika, garlic, and lemon juice.
• Bread: Pita or flatbread.
• Vegetables: Tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and lettuce.
• Sauces: Tahini, garlic sauce, or hummus.
• Pickles: Pickled cucumbers and turnips.

Shawarma Preparation Process

Marinating the Meat: The meat is marinated in a blend of spices, garlic, and lemon juice for several hours to enhance the flavor.

Cooking: The marinated meat is stacked on a vertical rotisserie and slowly roasted. As the outer layer cooks, it is shaved off and served.

Assembling: The shaved meat is placed in pita or flatbread along with fresh vegetables, pickles, and sauces.

Serving: Shawarma is typically served as a wrap or sandwich, often accompanied by fries or a salad.

Regional Variations

In the UAE, shawarma might include additional spices like cardamom and cinnamon, reflecting local tastes. Some variations use different types of bread, such as saj or markook.

Machboos Ingredients

• Rice: Basmati rice.
• Meat or Fish: Chicken, lamb, or fish.
• Spices: A blend of spices including turmeric, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cloves, and black lime (loomi).
• Vegetables: Tomatoes, onions, and garlic.
• Broth: Chicken or fish broth.
• Garnishes: Fried onions, raisins, and nuts.

Machboos Preparation Process

Cooking the Meat/Fish: The meat or fish is seasoned and cooked until tender.

Preparing the Rice: The rice is washed and soaked, then cooked with a mix of spices, tomatoes, onions, and garlic.

Combining: The cooked meat or fish is added to the spiced rice, and the mixture is cooked together to meld allow the flavors.

Garnishing: The dish is garnished with fried onions, raisins, and nuts before serving.

Regional Variations

In the UAE, machboos often includes black lime (loomi) for a distinctive tangy flavor. Variations might use different types of meat or seafood, depending on regional preferences. So, this versatility makes Machboos one of the most popular foods in the UAE.

Where to Find the Best Shawarma and Machboos in the UAE?

The following spots are renowned for their exceptional shawarma and machboos, making them must-visit places for anyone looking to explore the most popular food in the UAE and its variations.

Best Shawarma Spots

Restaurant Name	Location	Highlights
My Shawarma	Barsha Emerald Court Building, Barsha 1, Dubai	Fresh and flavorful shawarma with a modern twist in a stylish setting.
Shawarma Houzz	Al Seedaf 1 Street, Dubai	Juicy and well-seasoned shawarma, a favorite among locals.
Pita & Shawarma	Wasl Hub Building, Block No.1, Karama, Dubai	Variety of shawarma options with a focus on quality and taste.
Kitchen Every Day Shawarma and Coffee	28 Al Seba St, Dubai	Combines delicious shawarma with excellent coffee.
Al Hallab	Multiple locations in Dubai	Luxurious shawarma offerings with freshly baked bread and high-quality ingredients.

Best Machboos Spots

Restaurant Name	Location	Highlights
Al Fanar Restaurant	Multiple locations in Dubai	Traditional Emirati dining experience with standout lamb machboos.
Logma	Boxpark, Al Wasl Road, Dubai	Authentic flavors with a must-try machboos.
Arabian Tea House Restaurant & Cafe	Al Fahidi, Dubai	Charming cafe offering delightful chicken machboos.
Biryani Pot	Multiple locations in Dubai	Flavorful machboos biryani, combining the best of both dishes.
Culinary Boutique	Jumeirah, Dubai	Cooking classes and delicious chicken machboos.

Final Words About the Most Popular Food in UAE

shawarma and machboos are deliciously popular foods throughout the United Arab Emirates. Their satisfying blend of flavors from the regions meats, spices and fresh ingredients have captivated both locals and visitors for years. Whether enjoyed as a quick snack or elegant meal, these dishes continue to bring people together with their taste of tradition and community.