A holiday in Sharjah is incomplete without trying out their local cuisine.
Arabic cuisine has a vast option of both veg and nonveg variety. An ideal diet in the Emirates consists of grilled meat or fish, rice, and bread. Dates have been a staple for over a thousand years, usually served along with Gahwa (Arabic coffee). Here is a list of few dishes you must try while in Sharjah.
1. Harees
This traditional Arabic dish is cooked during special occasions. The meat of choice and boiled cracked wheat are the key ingredients. It has a porridge-like consistency. This dish is served during special occasions, such as Eid, family functions, and feasts.
2. Mandi
Traditionally cooked in a pit underground called taboon, Mandi consists of meat and rice blended with special spices called Hawaii. It has a smoky aroma and flavour from the use of coal. The word “mandi” comes from the Arabic word nada, meaning “dew”.
3. Falafel
Falafel is a deep-fried ball, made from ground chickpeas, fava beans, or both. Herbs, spices, and onion relatives are commonly added to the dough. It is usually served as a side dish. It tastes best when served with hummus or tahini.
4. Fatayer
Fatayer is a pocket-like pie filled with a variety of fillings, from meat to cheese or spinach. Fatayers can easily be found at local bakeries, they are also served in restaurants as part of a mezze spread. Fatayers are made in different shapes and sizes.
5. Hummus
Hummus is a popular dish of the middle east region that is served along with a variety of dishes. It is made with chickpeas, olive oil, garlic, tahini, lemon juice, and salt. It is creamy, light, and flavourful! It can be used as a dip or spread.
6. Mezze
A mezze platter consists of a variety of dishes served with Arabic bread as an appetizer. Items usually served in a mezze are hummus, tahini, baba ghannouj, salads such as tabouleh, kebabs, cheese, nuts, and pickles
7. Shawarma
You must have tried or at least heard of Shawarma irrespective of where you live. Sliced meat rolled in pita bread and traditionally served with pickled salad and tahini. This is a must-try dish in everyone's list who visits an Arab country.
8. Tabouleh
Tabouleh is a treat for vegetarians in the Arab region. A refreshing salad made with cracked wheat, parsley, onions, tomatoes and seasoned well with olive oil and lemon juice. Perfect for a hot summer day.
- Umm Ali
Any meal is incomplete without dessert. This few ingredient sweet dish, made with milk, puff pastry and dry fruits is like a local version of the bread pudding. The name Umm Ali is literally translated into 'the mother of Ali'.