When one thinks of Dubai, images of towering skyscrapers, luxury shopping, and futuristic marvels often come to mind. However, beneath this modern facade lies a deeply rich and aromatic culinary tradition, especially for those with a sweet tooth. The city's dessert scene is a beautiful tapestry of flavours, perfectly balancing sweetness with fragrant spices, each treat narrating a tale of celebration and warm Arabian hospitality. For vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike, Dubai offers a spectacular array of indulgences. Here is your essential guide to nine iconic Arabian desserts that are an absolute must-try on your next visit.
Iconic Pastries and Sweet Delights
No exploration of Middle Eastern sweets is complete without Baklava. This world-renowned dessert is a masterpiece of crunch and sweetness, crafted from impossibly thin layers of filo pastry. These layers are meticulously filled with finely chopped nuts, most commonly pistachios or walnuts, and then generously sweetened with a fragrant sugar syrup or honey. The result is a rich, flaky, and utterly irresistible treat.
Another staple found in homes across the region is Maamoul. These are delicate shortbread-like cookies, traditionally made using semolina or flour, bound with butter or ghee. The dough is often stuffed with a filling of sweet dates, then pressed into intricately carved wooden moulds before being baked to a perfect, crumbly finish. They are a symbol of festivity and are especially popular during celebrations.
Creamy Puddings and Fried Delicacies
For a comforting and creamy experience, Umm Ali is a quintessential choice. Translating to "Ali's Mother," this dessert is a luxurious Arabian version of bread and butter pudding. It layers puff pastry or pieces of croissant in a dish with pistachios, dried coconut flakes, and sultanas or dates. The ensemble is then drenched in a mixture of milk, cream, and sugar and baked until golden and bubbling, creating a warm, creamy, and texturally divine dessert.
If you prefer something lighter yet equally indulgent, seek out Luqaimat. These are delightful deep-fried dumplings, boasting a crispy, golden exterior that gives way to a soft, fluffy, and airy interior. The dough, made from flour and yeast, is subtly flavoured with cardamom and saffron, offering a distinctive taste. They are typically served drizzled with date syrup or honey, making them a perfect bite-sized sweet.
Another pudding that commands attention is Muhalabiya. This is a silky-smooth, creamy pudding made from a simple yet magical combination of rice, milk, and sugar. It is slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in a delicate flavour and texture, and is almost always garnished with a sprinkling of crushed pistachios for a nutty contrast.
Unique Cakes and Savoury-Sweet Pairings
Basbousa is a beloved semolina cake that is a common sight across the Arab world. The cake itself is moist and dense, often incorporating powdered coconut into the semolina base. After baking, it is soaked in a sweet, aromatic syrup, which keeps it incredibly moist, and is typically garnished with a blanched almond on each piece.
For a truly unique hot dessert, Kunafa (or Knafeh) is a showstopper. It features a thick layer of mild, stretchy white cheese as its base, which is then covered with a layer of crushed vermicelli-like noodles or shredded wheat pastry. Baked until the exterior is crisp and golden, it is served piping hot and drenched in sweet sugar syrup, creating a magnificent contrast between the salty cheese and the sweet syrup.
Moving to pancake-like treats, Chebab offers a delightful experience. These are not your ordinary pancakes; they are infused with mild spices like turmeric, cardamom, and saffron, giving them a beautiful colour and aroma. Made from a batter of flour, sugar, and eggs, they are best enjoyed warm with a generous drizzle of rich date syrup.
Lastly, Khameer presents a fascinating option. These are small, fermented dough balls made from wheat or barley, often enhanced with dates, saffron, and turmeric. They puff up during cooking, resembling soft buns, and are traditionally served with a combination of honey and cheese, offering a delightful savoury-sweet pairing.
For a rich and hearty conclusion, there is Asida. This dessert is made by cooking wheat flour into a soft, dense dough. It is then served warm, topped with a lavish helping of date syrup, melted butter, and aromatic spices like cardamom. It is a deeply traditional and satisfying treat that embodies the essence of Arabian generosity.
From the crisp layers of Baklava to the creamy comfort of Umm Ali, Dubai's dessert landscape is a journey for the senses. Each of these nine desserts provides a delicious window into the region's culture and traditions, proving that the city's true luxury might just lie on a sweet plate.
