Dubai is home to some of the best restaurants and food in the world. Whether that be famous international brands or homegrown Dubai eateries. However, what is rare and difficult to find is authentic Emirati food. There are probably a handful of Emirati restaurants where you can sample proper authentic Emirati food; food that is consumed in Emirati homes. At the top of that list and the first to probably really popularise the cuisine is Al Fanar. Walking into an Al Fanar restaurant is like walking into a museum or exhibition. You’ll see snippets of old Emirati life displayed in the form of art and sculptures. Elaborate, but an insightful experience, and that’s even before you’ve sat down to order. The menu and food likewise is reflective of authentic Emirati life. If this restaurant isn’t on your list of places to try in Dubai, then make sure you add it! Coincidentally, they’ve also opened a branch in London, which is good for those who want to try the cuisine, but I feel it takes away from the novelty. The Dubai restaurant doesn’t seem as special anymore. Nonetheless, read on for our experience at the Dubai branch.
Authentic Menu
They’ve got a beautiful menu with some really interesting options worth trying. The Emirati biryani and Emirati kebabs sound interesting. Then there’s the infamous baby shark dish Jasheed and the traditional Emirati breakfast. The vimto cheesecake for dessert sounds super intriguing too. However, we went for quite possibly the four most traditional Emirati dishes.
Check out their full menu here.
What we got:
Machboos
Machboos is one of the national dishes of the UAE. You cannot come to an Emirati restaurant and not try it. Essentially it’s a chicken with flavoured/spiced rice dish, but you can get meat, fish and shrimp versions too. This, if you like, is the UAE’s answer to Saudi’s Kabsa, Yemen’s Mandi and Jordan’s Mansaf.
Thareed
Thareed is a dish made up of bread soaked in a chicken and vegetables stew. It’s an all in one kind of dish. Traditionally, it was seen as a luxury dish that was eaten on special occasions. There’s even mention of it in Hadith (narration from the prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم).
Harees
Harees is a very traditional Emirati dish that is essentially a savoury meat porridge made out of wheat and meat. Traditionally, it was consumed in special occasions like weddings and iftar in Ramadan.
Luqaimaat
Luqaimaat are mini Emirati doughnuts. Simple as. Delicious one bites of joy and they go perfectly with a strong cup of coffee to end any meal.
A Museum
As mentioned in the introduction, the restaurant is like an Emirati museum and we loved that. You see art and sculptures and unique displays on show all around the restaurant. From outside, to the moment you enter to even when you sit and dine. Words will not do it justice, just check out the pictures.
Overall, a wonderful authentic Emirati experience that I feel is a must in Dubai. You have to check out at least one authentic Emirati place when you’re here, and there’s few better than this one to be honest.
Getting there:
Google Maps Location link: click here.
