6 GCC Countries 6 Signature Foods You Have to Try

The GCC region boasts a rich heritage of diet and tradition influenced by trade, sea life and desert living for centuries. Whether it’s the fragrant rice dishes, or slow cooked meat feeds, each of these six GCC feasts brings unique flavours from its history and hospitality. These are six classic GCC dishes to taste.

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1. UAE Machboos

Rice cooked with chicken, lamb or fish, aromatic spices and dried limes is a favourite Emirati dish called Machboos. It has a unique taste from the traditional spice mix of Bezar used to add heat and flavor. Machboos is a community dish that symbolizes UAE culture of hospitality and sharing.

2. Saudi Arabia Kabsa

Kabsa is a popular traditional Saudi food. The mix is made from fragrant rice, sweet and juicy meat, and whole spices, sometimes served with toasted nuts and raisins. Often served with daqous, a hot tomato sauce, Kabsa is a popular dish at family reunions and special days, as well as a staple in Saudi Arabia’s abundant culinary traditions.

3. Kuwait Mutabbaq Samak

Mutabbaq Samak is a traditional Kuwaiti fish and rice dish, highlighting the country’s maritime heritage. This is a type of fresh fish, which is marinated in aromatic spices and fanned in a special pan before serving, topped with spiced rice and caramelised onions. This seafood specialty honors the long-standing tradition of fishing, pearl diving and the Arabian Gulf in Kuwait.

4. Qatar Thareed

Thareed is a warm Qatari stew composed of meat such as lamb or chicken, vegetables and thin flatbread called raga, which resembles a tortilla. The rich and flavorful broths swirl in and become complimentary with the softness of the bread, offering a satisfying taste and texture. Thareed is still a very popular way to be hospitable, especially during the time of Ramadan, and continues to hold significant importance in traditional hospitality of the Gulf.

5. Bahrain Muhammar

This Muhammar is an interesting sweet/salty experience. Rice, flavored with date molasses, sugar, saffron and cardamom is cooked in traditional ways in Bahrain. This is usually served with fried fish, particularly Safi fish. The pharmaceutical mixture mirrors Bahrain’s island history and its historic ties with the locals trade using the region.

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6. Oman Omani Shuwa

Omani Shuwa is one of the most popular festive dishes which is marinated with rich blend of spices, garlic and all other spices. The meat is caulked in a ground oven and slowly cooked for hours until it is extremely tender. Shuwa, a traditional dish prepared for Eid and other special occasions, celebrates the communal traditions and the patient attitude of Oman.

The following are six signature dishes that span the GCC, and will be a tasty introduction to the region’s rich food history, from Machboos in the UAE to Shuwa in Oman. Each dish reinforces a story in terms of culture, environment and community.