Dubai has a lot to boast about in the form of its modern skyline, luxury shopping and high end attractions although what lies behind this hi-tech architecture is a rich and delicious culinary culture that narrates the history of the place. Dubai traditional food tour can be defined as the best method to explore the true Emirati culture of the city and have a food journey that bridges the past, the present, and the future. In recipes that have been diverse over time, in bustling souks with spices and fragrances, this gastronomic adventure gets you to the core and essence of Dubai, beyond the bling of the city.
Through a Dubai street food heritage tour, you will learn the extent to which food is linked with the cultural identity of the city. Bedouin lifestyle, the Arabian Gulf, and trading routes that brought with them the flavours of India, Persia, and East Africa all affect Emirati cuisine. It could be the bite of freshly baked khubz bread, the bite of slowly cooked lamb, or the bite of traditional Arabic coffee: each bite has a story. The food adventure together with a Dubai traditional city tour is a trip that enables the visitors to have a glimpse of both sides of the city- the historic side and the food culture that still prevails. This is an experience that tourists must not miss during their visits as they consider visiting the common tourist sites.
Why should I take a Dubai Traditional Food Tour?
A Dubai food tour is a tour that is not only about eating, but also about the history and culture of the city. The food in Dubai is an extension of its history as a trading center in which traders brought together spices and recipes and cooking styles between India, Iran, and Africa. Most of the traditional dishes have been maintained today and they provide a different means through which the traveler can relate to the local way of life.
The best moments with this food tour are:
Tourism inside old districts of the city such as Al Fahidi and Deira.
Going to spice souks to purchase the traditional ingredients.
The experience of having the traditional Emirati food like Machboos, Harees, and Luqaimat.
Tasting Arabic coffee and dates, which are the Emirati signs of hospitality.
Knowing the history of recipes and how they and their presence in the Emirati culture are related.
Combining it with Dubai classic city tour improves the experience since you visit classic heritage spots such as Dubai creek, Al Fahidi Fort and traditional markets.
Emirati Cuisine.
The Emirati food is no-frills, but delicious, and based on such basic dishes as rice, fish, lamb, and spices. Now, we are going to discuss some of the classic foods you will see when visiting a Dubai street food heritage tour:
1. Machboos
Machboos is often compared to biryani and is a spiced rice dish prepared using lamb, chicken or fish. This is seasoned using saffron, cinnamon, cardamom, and dried limes which give the dish a certain taste.
2. Harees
Harees is a slow-cooked meal that is made of wheat and meat, and is widely used during Ramadan. It is comforting and hearty, as its texture is creamy.
3. Luqaimat
Sixty sweet golden dumplings with date syrup or honey. These miniature desserts are an ingredient of Emirati desserts.
4. Balaleet
Breakfast meal of a special combination of sweet vermicelli noodles and eggs that are prepared with cardamom and saffron.
5. Arabic Coffee & Dates
Gahwa (Arabic coffee) and fresh dates are a staple of any Emirati meal, as they are a sign of hospitality and tradition.
Going on a traditional food tour in Dubai will provide you with the opportunity to sample these foods in their original contexts, be it in a family restaurant, a cultural venue, or in a traditional souk.
Street Food in Dubai.
The culinary scene in Dubai is not only about fine dining, street food traditions are also very interesting. As you stroll along the busy streets of Deira or Satwa, food stalls offering shawarma, falafel, samosas and parathas will be found- all of which are the multicultural influences of Dubai.
Experience: A Dubai street food heritage tour will allow you to enjoy:
Shawarma cut in thin slices and packed in flatbread.
Falafel with a tahini and vegetables.
Karak chai is a milk and cardamom spiced tea.
Samboosa (samosas), a Ramadan delicacy made of meat or vegetables spiced up.
Local souks, dried fruits, dates, nuts that have been roasted.
The combination of the Emirati and the immigrant cuisines in the street food makes the experience both varied and unforgettable in Dubai.
Food and Culture Traditional City Tour.
To enjoy the culinary traditions in Dubai, it is advisable to include them with a Dubai traditional city tour. Most tours begin at the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood where the history of Dubai is displayed in restored wind-tower houses and museums. When walking along the Dubai Creek, visitors can also enjoy an abra (traditional boat) ride and then go to explore the spice and gold souks.
During this tour, you can:
Dubai Museum Visiting Al Fahidi Fort.
Visit textile markets and spice markets.
Get to know how food was preserved and cooked in desert climate.
Relate the taste of the flavors with the history of the people of Dubai.
This cultural fusion is what guarantees the food experience is not only a taste experience but also a context and tradition experience.
Better Time to go on a Dubai Traditional Food Tour.
Although Dubai has culinary experiences all year long, some seasons complement the experience:
Ramadan: Harees and Luqaimat are special dishes that are very common.
Winter (Nov-Feb): It is colder and outdoor food tours are even more pleasant.
Evenings: Evenings are the best time to do the traditional meals and street food tours as souks and streets are livelier after the sunset.
Suggestions to Have fun on the Food Tour.
Come hungry–you will taste a lot of dishes.
Bring up-to-date shoes because the tour is on foot.
Be willing to explore new tastes and sensations.
Being respectful to cultural traditions, in particular, when eating in Emirati families.
Get yourself booked to a reliable tour provider in Dubai like Gokite Travel when you want to experience traditional foods.
Conclusion
A traditional food tour in Dubai is not exactly a dining experience, but a trip to the cultural heart of the city. Any of the dishes, including Machboos, Luqaimat, embodies years of history and trade, geography, and hospitality. Combined with a tour of the traditional city of Dubai, tourists can observe how the two concepts of food and culture have integrated to provide a more insightful view of Dubai heritage. In case you want to see more than malls and skyscrapers, which is more than a luxury, this tour makes authenticity the center-stage.
Be it enjoying Emirati delicacies, wandering through the hustling spice markets or having Arabic coffee with the locals, an experience of Dubai street food heritage tour is a memorable experience. You still have to enjoy Dubai as it is, so book your food and cultural tour with Gokite Travel now. Gokite Travel provides the traveler with professional guides and specialized experiences to make sure that his or her visit is more than sightseeing: the cultural experience of all the senses.
