National Food
”we ate coffee and dates for breakfast, dates and fish at midday, and coffee and dates in the evening. We didn’t eat bread, we sometimes had a little rice”
Statement by an elderly resident of Sha’am, a fishing village in the northern emirates of Ras Al Khaimah.
In the past there were a limited choice of food for the population of the emirates and as result meals were simple. The availability of some foods was very seasonal and there was certainly monotony in the diet of the local people.
Most people had an intimate association with the sources, production and preparation of food as well as its consumption. Food was relatively plentiful and the social structure ensured that no one lacked food for sustenance.
The quotation emphasizes the simplicity and repetition which were some of the characteristics of meals before economic development made the worlds diverse food resources available to the Emiratis
Only within the family will adult men and women eat together as the same meal. There is not a series of courses and at a large banquet there may be several ‘sittings’ to accommodate all the diners. As one might expect, there are no alcoholic beverages.
There is no lingering over the food, eating is a brisk activity and as soon as you have eaten your fill you rise and leave the food. The duration of a meal will often depend on the arrival time of the principal guest and his continuing presence, when he goes the meal will end. No food is wasted; any excess is gifted to someone.
The UAE kitchen is known for its delicious dishes and recipes passed from one generation to another. People are still fond of these dishes and prefer them to many other sorts of modern food served to them on certain occasions. The following are some the most popular dishes and recipes in the UAE.
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Bread
Bread is one of the main items of food in many parts of the world. In Ras Al Khaimah there are many types of breads, Khammer (Leavened) Bread, Mejassef, Chabab Bread, Mahalla, Regag (Wafer-thin) Bread, Mutammar (dates bread), blouch and Sifa’s are among the various kinds of bread in the area.
Rice is the main dish for many people in the UAE. It is widely served and highly consumed as an item. The types of rice are many such as Karda, Bu Kraisha, Al Zeerah, Basmati, Rishti, (Zanklooni). These varities were know since early days, usually differ in terms of cost and the best types are preferred by well off families at that time.
Other dishes
Among the other kinds of foods and dishes there re Al areseyah, (mainly rice and meat). Al mudhrobah (made of flour and salted fish), al harees (consists of wheat and meat or chicken), al fareed or Al thareed which is made of bread with meat and soup, or chicken and soup.
Sweet Dishes and Desserts
Many sweet popular desserts are served with food in many occasions. The varieties include very sweet dessert made with dates, sugar, oil and flour. Al Medabes which is a mixture of dates, dates honey, (dibbs) and sesame. This sweet dish is a preferred winter dessert which supplies the body with energy, vitality and warmth.
Other Cuisine
There is also a wide range of other cuisines available in Ras Al Khaimah, from pub grub to fine dining experiences. Check with the guest relations at your hotel if you have need to more about what is available near to where you are staying.
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