From east to west, Dubai has everything best! Dubai is well known for its majestic deserts, towering skyscrapers and marvellous architecture. However, surpassing all this exoticness, there are some traditional sweets that will leave you drooling. Is your sweet tooth acting up? Are you looking for some sweet dose(s)? Well, we’ve put together a list of devouring UAE traditional sweets that you should try if you haven’t yet. Even a single bite of them will have you craving more. Take a look!
Luqaimat
Source: Pixabay
Luqaimat translates to ‘bite-sized’ in Arabic and traces back to the streets of Qatar. These delicious, brown and deep-fried vegan-friendly dumplings taste out of this world. Luqaimat is made up of flour, sugar, milk, butter, dry yeast, wrapped in date syrup and garnished with date molasses & sesame seeds. The dish is a part of the traditional Iftar table and a must-have during Ramadan. The best part about Luqaimat as Dubai sweets is it’s perfect for vegans as it can be prepared without the usage of eggs or dairy.
Baklava
Source: Pixabay
How do you feel the taste of honey strands melting in your mouth just like butter? Heavenly right! Baklava is a crispy and tender sweet treat that rings a party in your mouth. This popular dish is said to have originated during the Ottoman Empire and is widely consumed in several parts of Europe. However, most traditional baklava recipes aren’t suitable for vegans with honey being the key ingredients. It is undoubtedly the most famous and preferred Dubai sweets, best served with chopped nuts, raisins and syrup.
Kunafa
Source: Pixabay
Also known as Kanafeh, Knafeh, Kanafa or Konafi, Kunafa is a deliciously-rich cheesy pastry where the prime ingredient is vermicelli. It comes all soaked in sugar syrup and is a treat for those with sweet teeth. Moreover, Kunafa is considered no less than a royal dessert and is best enjoyed primarily during Ramadan. There are various famous online sweet shops that deliver this famous Arabic sweet in Dubai anytime, anywhere.
P.S: Kunafa is among the highly popular UAE desserts that has various vegan versions too that use non-dairy cheese or cream alternatives.
Umm Ali
Source: Pixabay
Translated to ‘Ali’s Mother’, Umm Ali is a lip-smacking creamy pudding that comes from the heart of Arabia. The sweet and creamy treat is a common sight during the holidays, especially after Iftar meals. This sweet indulgence is best enjoyed warmly – not in a vegan-friendly manner due to potential milk and dairy products. Furthermore, some people best enjoy it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. All in all, Umm Ali is a dish that should be on your list of UAE traditional sweets.
Maamoul
Source: Pixabay
While the people residing in the UK have cookies, the locals of the UAE relish Maamoul; Dubai famous sweet. It is counted among the most delicious Arabic sweets every sweet lover must try. Maamoul is a little piece of shortbread prepared with dates, figs, pistachios, walnuts and many such dried fruits. The dish is relatively easy to prepare as well as easy to consume since it is bite-sized. This utterly butterly delicious treat is commonly served with tea and coffee.
Though everyone loves the classic Maamoul recipe, those with dietary restrictions, can bake a vegan, egg-free, gluten-free version. Use whole dates in the filling for a delicious treat and natural sweetness.
Chebab
Source: Pixabay
Chebab is an Emirati pancake that is served with cheese and honey. It is among the delicious Arabic sweets every sweet lover must try. This sweet version of pancake is one of the popular UAE sweets that is quite a hit among people of all age groups. The preparatory method involves combining the batter of a classic pancake (flour, sugar and eggs) with a generous amount of turmeric, saffron and cardamom. Just a few flips (until reddish brown texture) and you can enjoy these fluffy, crispy and golden delights sweets from Dubai.
Rice Pudding
Source: Pixabay
Our list of traditional sweets of Dubai is not just limited to the country but we also have an amazing sweet from India that the Arabs are crazy for. One such dish is Rice Pudding. Also known as Roz Bel Laban, Rice pudding is a traditional Indian sweet in Dubai that finds itself sitting on every occasion. This luscious porridge consists of rice, cream, sugar, milk & nuts and is served both hot and cold – offering a comforting and familiar taste for those with a fondness for Indian cuisine. A true vegetarian delight!
Sahlab
Source: Google
Made from hot milk, nuts, and sugar, Sahlab is an iconic winter drink or pudding (as per the cornstarch is used). This creamy drink is enhanced with chopped almonds, coconut flakes, raisins, and a sprinkle of fragrant cinnamon. It is definitely a must-try for those seeking a warm and comforting delight during the chilly winter months.
Altogether, all these UAE Traditional Sweets are too good to resist. These delicious bites of heaven can easily overwhelm anyone’s palette. Once you get a hang of them, there is no turning back. Try them out today!
