Beyond Shawarma: 5 Essential Middle Eastern Bites in Dubai
May 6, 2025
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Dubai's food scene is a dazzling kaleidoscope of flavors, a true reflection of the city's role as a global crossroads. While traditional Emirati cuisine offers its own unique delights, much of the everyday culinary landscape is vibrantly colored by dishes from the broader Middle East, particularly the Levant region 
[1]. These flavors have woven themselves into the fabric of Dubai life, enjoyed by locals, expats, and visitors alike 
[3]. Ready to explore beyond the usual tourist fare? Let's dive into five incredibly popular Middle Eastern dishes you absolutely have to try when exploring the Middle Eastern food Dubai has to offer: Shawarma, Manakish, Fattoush, Kousa Mahshi, and Fatteh 
[2]
[14]
[5]
[4]
[10].
Shawarma: The Undisputed Street Food King
You simply can't talk about popular Dubai dishes without mentioning Shawarma. Though its origins trace back to the Levantine region, likely evolving from the Turkish döner kebab during the Ottoman era, Shawarma has become an undeniable icon of Dubai's fast-casual and street food culture [2]. It's a staple enjoyed across the board, a true culinary ambassador embraced by the city's diverse population [3]. So, what makes it so special? It starts with the preparation: thin slices of marinated meat – most often chicken these days, but also lamb, beef, or veal – are stacked meticulously onto a large vertical spit [2].
This cone of meat rotates slowly in front of a heat source, cooking the outer layers to perfection [2]. As it cooks, the vendor skillfully shaves off thin, succulent strips of meat [2]. This method ensures every piece is juicy and packed with flavor from the marinade, which might include spices like cumin, coriander, paprika, and turmeric [2]. The magic continues with how it's served. Typically, the shaved meat is nestled into a warm pita or flatbread (khubz), then loaded with goodies [2]. Think creamy garlic sauce (toum), tangy tahini, crunchy pickles, fresh tomatoes, onions, and sometimes even a few French fries tucked inside for good measure [2]. The result is a savory, often garlicky, explosion of taste and texture. Its widespread availability – from bustling street-side stands to mall food courts – combined with its affordability and sheer deliciousness, makes Shawarma a convenient and satisfying choice anytime, cementing its place in the Dubai food scene [2][3].
Manakish: The Middle Eastern Flatbread Delight
Often lovingly compared to pizza, Manakish (or Manakeesh) is another Levantine treasure that has firmly planted its roots in the UAE's culinary soil [14][1]. Hailing from countries like Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, and Jordan, this delightful flatbread is a go-to for breakfast, a quick snack, or a light meal across Dubai [14]. The base is a simple round dough, often thinner than pizza dough, which acts as a canvas for various delicious toppings [14]. The most classic and arguably most famous is Manakish Za'atar [14].
Za'atar is a wonderfully aromatic blend of dried thyme, sumac, sesame seeds, and other herbs, mixed with olive oil to create a paste that's generously spread over the dough before baking [14]. It offers a unique earthy, tangy flavor that's instantly recognizable [14]. But the options don't stop there! Cheese (jibneh), like Akkawi or Kashkaval, is another hugely popular choice, resulting in a gooey, savory treat (Manakish bi Jibneh) [14]. For something heartier, Lahm bi Ajin features spiced minced lamb, often mixed with tomatoes and onions [14]. You might also find versions with kishk (fermented bulgur and yogurt) or spinach [14]. Baked quickly in a hot oven or on a traditional saj (a domed griddle), Manakish is often served folded or open-faced, perfect alongside fresh mint, olives, tomatoes, and maybe a dollop of labneh (strained yogurt) [14]. You'll find Manakish bakeries and specialized shops dotted all over Dubai, a testament to the strong Levantine influence and the city's love for this versatile flatbread [1][14].
Fattoush: A Refreshing Levantine Bread Salad
Looking for something fresh, vibrant, and full of texture? Meet Fattoush, a quintessential Levantine bread salad that's a staple mezze (appetizer) in Dubai's Middle Eastern restaurants [1][5]. Originating from the same region as Manakish, Fattoush is celebrated for its clever use of stale or leftover pita bread (khubz), transforming it into the star ingredient [5]. The defining feature is the crispy fried or toasted pita bread scattered throughout the salad, providing a satisfying crunch [5].
The salad itself is a colorful mix of coarsely chopped fresh vegetables and herbs [5]. Think crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, cool cucumbers, sharp radishes, crunchy bell peppers, and green onions [5]. Generous amounts of fresh mint and parsley are essential, adding bright, aromatic notes [5]. But what truly makes Fattoush sing is its zesty dressing. The key player here is sumac, a deep red spice with a delightful lemony tang, blended with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper [5]. Sometimes, a drizzle of pomegranate molasses adds a touch of sweet-tart complexity [5]. To keep that crucial crunch, the crispy bread is tossed in right at the end, just before serving [5]. Fattoush is incredibly popular in the UAE, its refreshing qualities making it perfect for the warm climate and a fantastic start to any Middle Eastern meal [1][5].
Kousa Mahshi: Comforting Stuffed Zucchini
For a taste of Middle Eastern home cooking, look no further than Kousa Mahshi, or stuffed zucchini [4]
[6]
[7]
[8]. This beloved comfort food is enjoyed across the region, from the Levant to Egypt and the Gulf, and holds a special place in many UAE households [4][6][7][8][1]. While potentially tracing its lineage back to Ottoman times, it's a dish that speaks to shared culinary traditions [4]. The preparation involves carefully hollowing out small zucchini, creating vessels ready for a delicious filling [7][8].
The stuffing, known as 'hashweh', typically features a mix of short-grain rice and minced meat (often lamb or beef) [4][6][7]
[9]. This mixture is seasoned with aromatic spices like cinnamon, paprika, or a classic 7 spice blend, along with fresh herbs such as parsley, dill, or mint [4][6][7][9]. Finely chopped onions and tomatoes often join the party, adding moisture and flavor [4][7][9]. Don't worry if you're vegetarian; delicious meat-free versions focus on rice, herbs, and sometimes nuts [8]. Once filled, the zucchini are neatly arranged in a pot and gently simmered in a flavorful liquid, usually a tomato-based sauce brightened with garlic and perhaps dried mint or lemon juice [4][6][7][9]. Cooked until perfectly tender, Kousa Mahshi is often served simply with a side of cool yogurt [4]. Trying it in Dubai offers a comforting glimpse into the home-style cooking cherished across the Middle East [1][7].
Fatteh: Layers of Texture and Taste
Get ready for a dish that’s all about exciting layers and contrasts: Fatteh [5][10]
[11]
[12]. With roots in both the Levant and Egypt, Fatteh is incredibly popular in Dubai, loved for its complex interplay of textures and savory flavors [5][10][11][12]. The name itself comes from the Arabic word for "crumbs," hinting at its essential base layer: crispy, toasted, or fried pieces of pita bread [5]. This versatile dish can be anything from breakfast to a main course, cleverly using up day-old bread [5].
Building a Fatteh involves distinct layers [5][10]
[13]. After the crunchy bread base comes the middle layer, which varies widely [5][10][12][13]. Hummus Fatteh, featuring warm chickpeas, is perhaps the most famous version [12]. Other delicious variations might include tender chicken, savory lamb, or silky fried eggplant [5][10][12][13]. Tying it all together is a luscious, tangy sauce, almost always yogurt-based and frequently blended with tahini, garlic, and lemon juice for a creamy, refreshing finish [5][10][12][13]. The final flourish comes from the garnishes: toasted pine nuts or almonds for crunch, fresh parsley for color, a sprinkle of paprika or cumin for warmth, and maybe a drizzle of glistening olive oil or melted butter [5][10][12]. Sometimes, ruby-red pomegranate seeds add jewel-like pops of sweetness [10]. Often enjoyed during Ramadan or for special celebrations, Fatteh is readily available in Dubai's Levantine restaurants, offering a truly satisfying experience with every spoonful [5][10][11]. Exploring these five dishes provides a delicious window into the rich and diverse Middle Eastern food scene thriving in Dubai [1][3].
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