7 Authentic Dishes You Must Try in the Gulf (That Aren’t Shawarma or Mandi)

In the eyes of many, shawarma and mandi are the main attractions when it comes to Middle Eastern cuisine. But both are good here’s but a small sampling of the incredibly varied cuisine of the Gulf. Over the centuries, marine traffic, desert living habits and cultural influences from India, Persia and East-Africa have all influenced traditional Khaleeji cuisine.

Dishes from the Gulf are unique because of the rich spices used, such as saffron, cardamom, cinnamon, dried black lime (loomi) and the popular Bezar blend. If you’re looking to taste the authentic local flavors like they do, don’t overlook these seven traditional dishes on your must-taste list.

1. Machboos – The Heart of Gulf Cuisine

The Machboos is considered one of the dishes from the Gulf. It looks very similar to biryani, but it is prepared in a different way. The chicken, lamb or fish is cooked in a spicy broth made of black lime, cloves, cinnamon and cardamom, and then the rice is cooked in the same broth.

This will create very flavorful rice which soaks up all the spices and aromatics. The Hash is a garnish of sweet onions, raisins and channa that is very commonly added to make Machboos.

2. Harees – A Timeless Ramadan Favorite

Harees have been served all around the Gulf for centuries, especially during Ramadan, marriage ceremonies and family get-togethers. It is made by simmering cracked wheat with chicken or lamb over a long period of time, until the food is quite tender and flaky.

The main ingredients are then beaten till smooth and creamy and covered copiously with clarified butter. Harees is a traditional dish popular in the region for its rich and comforting flavor.

3. Salona – The Everyday Family Stew

Salona is a comforting stew of tomatoes that’s eaten in the homes of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman. It features succulent chicken or lamb and vegetables like potatoes, carrots, zucchini and eggplant.

The broth gets the signature tangy flavor from fresh garlic, ginger and dried black lime. In its original form of this classic recipe, Salona is a staple of everyday Gulf cooking and is served with steamed rice or fresh bread.

4. Thareed – Bread Meets Slow-Cooked Stew

Thareed is one of the oldest and most loved dishes of the Gulf. A few crunchy slices of Regag bread are placed on the bottom of a serving dish and then covered with hot Salona.

As the bread absorbs the rich broth, it softens, tastes great and isn’t too chewy. It’s a bread and stew mix that’s been for generations.

5. Madrouba – Creamy Rice with a Tangy Twist

Madrouba translates to mean “beaten rice”, which, indeed, is the way in which it is prepared. Rice, chicken, onions, tomatoes, yogurt and aromatic spices are cooked until rice is soft enough to be mashed into a creamy consistency.

Instead of Harees, Madrouba is flavored by the addition of dried black lime and occasionally tamarind which gives it more flavor. It’s a satisfying meal and a very welcome finish that is tangy.

6. Mutabbaq Samak – A Coastal Seafood Classic

Seafood is always a staple in the Gulf and Mutabbaq Samak is a beautiful embodiment of that tradition. Fish is fresh and is usually given a few spices, herbs, onions and garlic and then fried until crisp as some cracker skin.

Aromatic saffron rice is cooked to accompany caramelised onion and provides an ideal balance, bringing out the maritime influence of the area.

7. Balaleet – Sweet Meets Savory

The sweet, savory taste of Balaleet is one of the most unique dishes for breakfast in the Gulf. The vermicelli noodles are dry toasted then cooked in water using saffron, sugar, cardamom and rose water until they are light on their sweet sides.

Next comes a thin salted omelette, and a very interesting contrast is created with the noodles, with the result being a very tasty breakfast that has become a favourite breakfast in the UAE and neighbouring Gulf countries.

Why Is Gulf Cuisine So Unique?

Over the years, khaleeji cuisine has undergone years of cultural confluence and adaptation. Spices from India and Persia were brought by ancient trade roads and seafood became available from the coasts of the Gulf to local kitchens. These factors blended with the flavor of the deserts and traditional techniques have resulted in a cuisine rich in flavor and with strong historical ties to the region.

Whether it is Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Doha, or Kuwait City, attempting these traditional dishes will give you much more insight into Gulf culture than the typical tourist would have, who stuck with the tried and tested tourist food.

FAQs

Which is the most commonly made traditional meal from the Gulf region?

One of the most popular dishes of the Gulf cuisine is widely recognized as Machboos. It’s served with chicken, lamb, or fish and is flavored with a very spiced broth and fragrant rice.

What is the difference between Machboos and biryani?

Both dishes are rice and spice based, but the difference is that the dish of Machboos is prepared by cooking the meat for some time and then cooking the rice in the rich and aromatic broths.

Is Harees a part of solid or fluid?

Traditionally, harees is made with chicken or lamb that is slow cooked and then mixed with cracked wheat followed by finishing with ghee.

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