Best Halal Food In Dubai

Are you looking for the best halal food in Dubai? Look no further! Dubai is a melting pot of cultures, and with that comes a plethora of halal food options that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. From traditional Emirati cuisine to international delicacies, Dubai has it all. Here are some of the best halal food options you must try in Dubai.

1. Shawarma: Delicious Middle Eastern fast food 🌯

Shawarma is a quintessential fast food in the Middle East and is a must-try in Dubai. It is made by stacking marinated meat, usually chicken or beef, on a rotating spit and then shaved off as it cooks. The shavings are then wrapped in a pita bread with vegetables and sauces. Some of the best shawarmas in Dubai can be found at Al Mallah, Al Ustad Special Kabab, and Al Farooj Fresh.

How is shawarma different from a kebab?

While both shawarma and kebab are made with marinated meat, the cooking method is different. Shawarma is cooked on a rotating spit, while kebab is usually grilled on skewers. Additionally, shawarma is served in a wrap, while kebab is usually served on a plate with sides.

2. Machboos: Aromatic rice dish 🍚

Machboos is a traditional Emirati rice dish that is often served with meat or fish. The rice is cooked with a blend of spices that gives it a distinct flavor and aroma. The dish is typically served with a side of salad or yogurt. Some of the best places to try machboos in Dubai are Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe and Seven Sands.

What are the spices used in machboos?

The spices used in machboos vary but typically include cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cinnamon.

3. Biryani: Aromatic rice dish with Indian spices 🍲

Biryani is another rice dish that is popular in Dubai. It is a fragrant rice dish that is cooked with Indian spices, such as saffron and cardamom. The dish is typically served with meat or vegetables and is often garnished with fried onions and cilantro. Some of the best biryanis in Dubai can be found at Ravi Restaurant and Bombay Chowpatty.

What is the difference between biryani and pulao?

Both biryani and pulao are rice dishes that are cooked with spices, but the cooking method is different. Biryani is cooked in layers with meat or vegetables, while pulao is cooked in a single pot with meat or vegetables.

4. Kunafa: A sweet and cheesy dessert 🧀

Kunafa is a popular Middle Eastern dessert made with shredded phyllo dough, cheese, and syrup. It is a sweet and cheesy treat that is often served warm and is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Some of the best kunafas in Dubai can be found at Feras Aldiyafa Sweets and Al Samadi Sweets.

What type of cheese is used in kunafa?

Traditionally, kunafa is made with akawi cheese, a Middle Eastern cheese with a salty taste. However, some variations may use other types of cheese, such as ricotta or mozzarella.

5. Falafel: A crispy vegetarian snack 🧆

Falafel is a popular vegetarian snack made with ground chickpeas and spices. The mixture is formed into balls or patties and then fried until crispy. Falafel can be enjoyed on its own or as a sandwich with vegetables and sauces. Some of the best falafels in Dubai can be found at Al Mallah and Automatic Restaurant.

What is the origin of falafel?

Falafel is believed to have originated in Egypt but is now popular throughout the Middle East and beyond.

6. Luqaimat: A sweet and fluffy dessert 🍡

Luqaimat is a traditional Emirati dessert made with dough that is fried until it becomes fluffy and golden brown. The dough balls are then drizzled with syrup and served warm. It is a sweet and indulgent dessert that is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Some of the best luqaimats in Dubai can be found at Al Reef Lebanese Bakery and Sweet Factory.

What is the texture of luqaimat?

Luqaimat has a fluffy and soft texture on the inside with a crispy exterior.

7. Mandi: A flavorful rice and meat dish 🍛

Mandi is a traditional Yemeni dish that is popular in Dubai. It is made with fragrant rice that is cooked with meat, usually chicken or lamb, in a tandoor oven. The dish is often served with a side of salad or yogurt. Some of the best mandis in Dubai can be found at Hadramout Restaurant and Al Yemen Mandi Restaurant.

What is a tandoor oven?

A tandoor oven is a traditional clay oven that is used for cooking in many parts of the world, including the Middle East and India.

8. Shawafel: A fusion of shawarma and falafel 🥙

Shawafel is a fusion dish that combines the flavors of shawarma and falafel. It is made by wrapping falafel balls and shawarma meat in a pita bread with vegetables and sauces. It is a unique and delicious dish that is perfect for those who can’t decide between shawarma and falafel. Some of the best shawafels in Dubai can be found at Waffa Gourmet.

How is shawafel different from a regular shawarma?

Shawafel is a fusion dish that combines the flavors of shawarma and falafel, while a regular shawarma is made with only meat and vegetables.

9. Al Harees: A savory porridge dish 🥣

Al harees is a traditional Emirati dish that is made with wheat and meat. The wheat is cooked with meat until it becomes a smooth and creamy porridge. The dish is often served during special occasions, such as Ramadan and weddings. Some of the best al harees in Dubai can be found at Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe and Seven Sands.

What is the origin of al harees?

Al harees is believed to have originated in the Arabian Peninsula and is now a popular dish throughout the Middle East.

10. Machboos La Ham: A flavorful lamb and rice dish 🍛

Machboos la ham is a variation of machboos that is made with lamb instead of chicken or fish. It is a flavorful and aromatic dish that is perfect for meat lovers. Some of the best machboos la hams in Dubai can be found at Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe and Seven Sands.

What is the difference between machboos and machboos la ham?

Machboos la ham is a variation of machboos that is made with lamb instead of chicken or fish.

11. Taboulleh: A refreshing salad 🥗

Taboulleh is a refreshing salad made with parsley, tomatoes, onions, and bulgur wheat. It is dressed with lemon juice and olive oil and is often served as a side dish. Some of the best taboullehs in Dubai can be found at Operation Falafel and Zaroob.

What is bulgur wheat?

Bulgur wheat is a whole wheat grain that has been cracked and partially pre-cooked. It is a popular ingredient in Middle Eastern cuisine.

12. Manousheh: A Lebanese flatbread 🍞

Manousheh is a Lebanese flatbread that is often enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack. It is made with dough that is topped with za’atar, a spice blend of thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds, or cheese. Some of the best manoushehs in Dubai can be found at Zaatar W Zeit and Al Reef Bakery.

What is za’atar?

Za’atar is a spice blend made from thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds. It is commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine.

13. Umm Ali: A sweet and creamy bread pudding 🍮

Umm Ali is a traditional Egyptian dessert that is often served during special occasions. It is a sweet and creamy bread pudding made with puff pastry, milk, cream, and nuts. Some of the best umm ali in Dubai can be found at Al Hallab and Haji Ali Juice Center.

What does umm ali mean?

Umm ali means Ali’s mother in Arabic and is named after a queen who ruled Egypt in the 13th century.