Delicious Arabic Food Recipes: Explore the Flavors of Dubai

Spices

Arabic cuisine is packed with vibrant flavors and exotic spices that bring their traditional dishes to life. Here are some of the standout spices from Arab cuisine and where you can find them to bring them into your own kitchen:

1. Turmeric:

   • Flavor: It has a warm, slightly bitter taste with an earthy undertone.

   • Usage: Used in many Arab dishes to add color and flavor, especially in rice, stews, and sauces.

   • Where to find: You can find turmeric in the spice section of most supermarkets or grocery stores, as well as in international food stores or online.

2. Cumin:

   • Flavor: It has an earthy, slightly bitter taste with warm and spicy notes.

   • Usage: A versatile spice used in a wide variety of Arab dishes, such as falafel, hummus, lamb stews, and sauces.

   • Where to find: Cumin is commonly found in the spice aisle of supermarkets and grocery stores.

3. Cinnamon:

   • Flavor: It has a sweet, warm flavor with earthy and spicy notes.

   • Usage: Used in both sweet and savory dishes, such as pilaf rice, desserts like baklava and honey cakes, as well as in some meats and stews.

   • Where to find: Cinnamon is readily available in the spice section of supermarkets and grocery stores.

4. Allspice:

   • Flavor: It tastes like a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

   • Usage: Used in a variety of Arab dishes, such as kibbeh, falafel, lamb stews, and sauces.

   • Where to find: Allspice is available in the spice section of most supermarkets and grocery stores.

5. Cardamom:

   • Flavor: It has a sweet, floral flavor with citrusy and spicy notes.

   • Usage: Used in desserts like rice pudding and ice cream, as well as in Arabic coffee and some savory dishes like pilaf rice.

   • Where to find: Cardamom can be found in the form of whole pods or ground seeds in the spice section of supermarkets and grocery stores.

6. Za'atar:

   • Flavor: It has an earthy, herby flavor with citrusy and slightly spicy notes.

   • Usage: Used as a seasoning in dishes like pita bread, salads, grilled meats, and yogurt sauces.

   • Where to find: Za'atar is commonly found in specialty food stores or spice shops online.

Sauces

Arabic cuisine is renowned for its rich and flavorful sauces that elevate dishes to new heights. Here are some classic sauces commonly found in Arabic cuisine:

1. Tahini Sauce:

   • Flavor: Creamy and nutty with a hint of garlic and lemon.

   • Ingredients: Tahini (sesame paste), garlic, lemon juice, water, salt.

   • Usage: Often served with falafel, grilled meats, or drizzled over salads and roasted vegetables.

2. Tzatziki:

   • Flavor: Refreshing and tangy with a hint of garlic and cucumber.

   • Ingredients: Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, fresh dill or mint, salt, olive oil.

   • Usage: Typically served as a dip for pita bread or as a condiment for grilled meats and kebabs.

3. Harissa:

   • Flavor: Spicy and smoky with a deep chili pepper flavor.

   • Ingredients: Chili peppers, garlic, olive oil, spices (such as cumin, coriander, and caraway), lemon juice, salt.

   • Usage: Used as a condiment or flavoring agent for couscous, tagines, grilled meats, and sandwiches.

4. Garlic Sauce (Toum):

   • Flavor: Intensely garlicky with a creamy texture.

   • Ingredients: Garlic, lemon juice, vegetable oil, salt.

   • Usage: Often paired with grilled meats, shawarma, falafel, or spread on sandwiches and wraps.

5. Muhammara:

   • Flavor: Sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy with a rich nuttiness.

   • Ingredients: Roasted red peppers, walnuts, breadcrumbs, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, spices (such as cumin and paprika), pomegranate molasses, salt.

   • Usage: Served as a dip with pita bread, crackers, or vegetable sticks, or used as a spread for sandwiches and wraps.

6. Sesame Sauce (Tarator):

   • Flavor: Creamy and nutty with a tangy undertone.

   • Ingredients: Tahini (sesame paste), lemon juice, garlic, water, salt.

   • Usage: Commonly served as a dipping sauce for grilled meats, fish, or falafel, or drizzled over salads and roasted vegetables.

7. Sumac Sauce:

   • Flavor: Tart and tangy with a hint of citrus and earthiness.

   • Ingredients: Sumac powder, olive oil, lemon juice, salt.

   • Usage: Used as a dressing for salads, grilled meats, or drizzled over rice dishes for added flavor.

Desserts

Arabic culture boasts a rich and diverse array of desserts that are beloved for their indulgent flavors and intricate textures. Here are some of the best desserts from Arabic culture:

1. Baklava:

   • Description: Layers of thin pastry filled with chopped nuts (often pistachios, walnuts, or almonds) and sweetened with syrup or honey.

   • Flavor: Sweet, nutty, and delicately spiced.

   • Region: Originating from the Ottoman Empire, baklava is popular across the Middle East and Mediterranean region.

2. Kunafa:

   • Description: A pastry made with thin noodle-like strands of dough (kataifi) layered with cheese or a sweet semolina filling, then soaked in sugar syrup.

   • Flavor: Sweet and rich, with a crunchy exterior and soft, gooey interior.

   • Region: Widely enjoyed in the Levant and North Africa, with variations found throughout the Middle East.

3. Qatayef:

   • Description: Small, pancake-like dumplings filled with sweetened ricotta cheese, nuts, or a sweet date paste, then folded and either fried or baked.

   • Flavor: Sweet, creamy, and often scented with orange blossom or rose water.

   • Region: Commonly served during Ramadan and other festive occasions across the Arab world.

4. Halawet el Jibn:

   • Description: Rolls of sweetened cheese dough filled with clotted cream or sweet cheese, then drizzled with sugar syrup and sprinkled with pistachios.

   • Flavor: Creamy, sweet, and slightly tangy, with a floral aroma from the sugar syrup.

   • Region: Popular in Levantine countries such as Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine.

5. Umm Ali:

   • Description: A rich and creamy bread pudding made with layers of pastry, nuts, and raisins soaked in sweetened milk or cream, then baked until golden and bubbly.

   • Flavor: Comforting and indulgent, with a warm blend of spices like cinnamon and cardamom.

   • Region: Originating from Egypt, Umm Ali is enjoyed throughout the Arab world, particularly during celebrations and family gatherings.

6. Ma'amoul:

   • Description: Shortbread-like cookies filled with a variety of sweet fillings such as dates, nuts (such as walnuts or pistachios), or sweetened semolina, then molded into intricate shapes and dusted with powdered sugar.

   • Flavor: Buttery, crumbly, and subtly sweet, with a burst of flavor from the filling.

   • Region: Popular across the Levant and North Africa, particularly during festive occasions such as Eid al-Fitr.

Dubai hosts some of the most prominent chefs in the culinary world, each leaving their mark on the city's dining scene. Among them:

1. Vineet Bhatia: Known for his modern approach to Indian cuisine, Bhatia is the first Indian chef to receive a Michelin star. His recipes blend creativity with tradition, offering a unique culinary experience.

2. Silvena Rowe: Dubbed the "Queen of Contemporary Arabic Cuisine," Rowe has elevated Arabic cuisine to new heights with her innovative approach. Her fusion of local ingredients with modern techniques creates exceptional dishes.

3. Greg Malouf: Recognized as the "Father of Modern Middle Eastern Cuisine," Malouf is known for his elegance and sophistication in cooking. His recipes reflect the rich diversity of the region in an accessible and modern way.

I would recommend purchasing these recipes to explore Dubai's culinary richness from home, enjoying the unique fusion of tradition and modernity offered by these internationally renowned chefs.