How to Make Al Machboos – UAE Food Recipes

Al Machboos is a traditional Emirati dish that crosses between risotto and biryani. Households in the UAE cook the rice in a spiced broth of chicken, beef, or lamb. At the same time, they meld the ingredients and spices to make delicious Al Machboos. Here are the ingredients and instructions to make Al Machboos.

Ingredients

  • Six tablespoons of plain yogurt
  • Two tablespoons of spice mix
  • 5 kilograms of chicken
  • 500 grams of basmati rice
  • 80ml of vegetable oil
  • Five cardamom pods
  • Ten black peppercorns
  • One cinnamon stick
  • Two whole cracked Lumi
  • 450 grams of chopped onions
  • One tablespoon of crushed ginger
  • One tablespoon of crushed garlic
  • Four green chilies
  • One teaspoon of turmeric
  • One teaspoon of cumin
  • One teaspoon of coriander powder
  • 285 grams of potatoes
  • Fresh coriander

For garnishing, you will need the following ingredients:

  • Three tablespoons of cooking oil
  • Two thinly sliced onions
  • 85 grams of raw cashews
  • 55 grams of raisins
  • Fresh coriander

Instructions

  1. Combine four tablespoons of yogurt with one tablespoon of mixed spices in a large bowl
  2. Apply the mixture to the chicken and marinade for 60 minutes
  3. Rinse the rice and soak it in water, and cover for 60 minutes
  4. Heat the oil in the oven over medium-high heat
  5. Add cinnamon stick, peppercorns, Lumi, and cardamom pods
  6. Stir for two to five minutes
  7. Now add onions and cook until they are golden brown
  8. Next, add garlic, ginger, and green chilies and continue stirring for two minutes
  9. Add the chicken and cook for a few minutes
  10. Sprinkle some cumin, spice mix, coriander powder, and turmeric
  11. Add salt, two cups of water, and tomatoes
  12. Now bring to a boil, cover, and heat for 45 minutes on a lower heat
  13. Transfer the cooked chicken to a roasting pan
  14. Remove the Lumi and cinnamon stick from the stock
  15. Add fresh coriander and potatoes, and boil until potatoes are tender
  16. Adjust the stock with the rice and stir in some yogurt
  17. Seal the oven with aluminum foil and cook for 30 minutes
  18. Turn on the oven broiler and brush the chicken with oil and broil until it is golden
  19. Serve the rice on a plate with the chicken pieces
  20. Garnish with cashews, raisins, onions, and fresh coriander

How to Make Al Harees

Al Harees is a famous dish in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. It is a traditional Arabic recipe with chicken, whole wheat, ghee, and spices. The best thing about Al Harees is that you don’t need to soak the wheat overnight. Today’s article will list ingredients and instructions to help you make Al Harees. Read on!

Ingredients

  • One pound of boneless and skinless chicken pieces
  • One cup of Harees whole wheat
  • Two cups of water
  • A half cup of ghee
  • ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon powder
  • One teaspoon of roasted cumin powder
  • One tablespoon of coriander seeds
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Place the Harees, chicken, and water in a pan
  2. Cook for two hours on a low heat
  3. Stir from time to time to skim the froth
  4. Now blend the mixture with your hand
  5. You can also use a food processor
  6. The purpose is to achieve a smooth paste
  7. Transfer to a serving bowl
  8. Now, melt ghee and add cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper to taste
  9. Pour the mixture on the beaten porridge
  10. Use coriander seeds for garnishing

Note: Instead of boneless chicken, you can use lamb or beef to make Al Harees. We recommend using one pound of boneless beef or lamb chunks and cooking appropriately to make it tenderer. In that case, you also need to soak the wheat overnight.

Top 5 Candy Stores in Dubai [Updated]

What are the best candy stores in Dubai? Do they offer tart and sweet candies of local and international brands? Here is what you need to know!


Best Candy Stores in Dubai

Top 5 Candy Stores In Dubai Which Has Great Taste For You

Dubai, the largest and most populous city in the United Arab Emirates, is home to top candy stores that offer top-notch quality candies to its citizens, tourists, and visitors. Everyone wants to satisfy their sweet tooth by eating scrumptious, tasty, and luscious candies to soothe their mind and improve their mood. If you want to eat sweet or tart candies, you can visit many candy stores in Dubai. However, not all provide you with lusciously mouthwatering candies.

That’s why we are writing this article to give you a list of the top five candy stores in Dubai. You can find local, regional, and international sweet and tart treats in these candy stores in Dubai. So, without further ado, let us give you the details of each shop to ensure you grasp the essential information. Read on!

1.    Candylicious

Candylicious is the most popular candy store in Dubai. It is located at the Dubai Mall and is one of the largest candy stores in the world, offering multiple color candies with varying shapes and sizes. It offers a wide range of candy options, including jelly beans, gummy bears, candy sticks, and more. The store also has various artworks created with candies to give you a unique and delightful experience.

In addition to candies, you can buy sweets, lollipops, and chocolates. The interior design is as sweet and attractive as its candies. You will remember the delectable candies and sweets for years to come.

The candy store spans a large area of 1,000 square meters and offers a wide range of candies. So, you can find candies and sweets of different origins without any problems. The extensive collection of candy, chocolate, and sweet brands from other countries makes people, including locals, from all over UAE visit the shop.

Address: The Dubai Mall – Unit GF – 171 [level G – Unit LG – 196 – Financial Center Rd – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

Phone: +971 4 330 8700

2.    Atayeb Chocolate

Atayeb Chocolate is a famous place in Dubai to buy a wide range of chocolates, candies, and sweets. It is one of the oldest shops in Dubai, established in 1995. Mr. Khalifa Al Harazi is the founder and owner of this great establishment. It specializes in top-notch quality chocolates from renowned international brands that are hard to find in the UAE. You can find top-notch quality chocolates and candies from famous brands like Lindt, Ghirardelli, and many more.

The store is operated by Atayeb Chocolates LLC, a top-notch firm that offers top-notch chocolates, candies, and other sweets. Besides, the shop imports luxury candies and chocolates from different countries, including the UK, Italy, Belgium, France, Switzerland, and Australia. Chocolates of different varieties, such as dark chocolates, milk chocolates, and white chocolates, are available in this shop. So, if you are a chocolate or candy lover, visiting Atayeb is worth your time and money.

In addition to Dubai, Atayeb also has shops all over the UAE, including Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Al Ain. The company has made substantial efforts to expand to other Arab world cities, including Doha, Muscat, and Manama.

Moreover, the bestselling dishes and items are pistachio chocolate, Italian candies, and cupcakes flavored with Nutella. So, visiting the place with your family or friends will create memories. You will feel the sweetness for years to come!

Address: Head Office, Mezzanine Floor, Sea Shell Refreshment Building, Zayed 1st Street (Electra Road), Al Khalidiya, Abu Dhabi

Phone number: +971 2 6650300

3.    VIVEL

VIVEL is another candy shop in Dubai, offering an extensive collection of candies, sweets, chocolates, and pastries. It is located at the Mall Of the Emirates and offers a wide range of delicious and mouth-watering candies. The store offers several unique flavors, including bubblegum, blueberry, blackcurrant, and strawberry. The products range from jelly beans to gummy bears, chocolate-covered marshmallows, lollipops, and more. The store also offers special varieties of flavored chocolates, such as dark chocolate and white chocolate.

VIVEL Candy Shop is a paradise for kids and adults alike. You can find your favorite candies and chocolates in one place! And the best part is that the store offers the best quality products at great prices. The shop has a wide variety of candies that are individually packaged with colorful and attractive designs. The store also offers a variety of gift packs and baskets, making it a great choice for gifts.

The best thing about VIVEL is that all products are produced and shaped by hand. The staff uses high-quality and fresh ingredients to ensure unique and exotic flavors. You will also find candies imported from Europe and North America.

In addition, VIVEL is a perfect place for tourists to taste Middle Eastern delicacies and candies of Persian origin. Moreover, you can order pastries for special events, such as birthdays, engagements, weddings, and other occasions, to create memories.

Address: Unit LG – 083 – Financial Center Rd – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

Phone: +971 4 325 3163

Top 5 Candy Stores in Dubai

4.    Papabubbles

Papabubbles is a perfect place to explore a wide range of candies in Dubai. The shop offers an extensive selection of different kinds of chocolates, sweets, and pastries. The store is popular for its handmade sweets that are made with fresh ingredients, traditional recipes, and natural flavors. The products are made in small batches from all-natural ingredients, such as cane sugar, cocoa butter, and fresh fruits.

Although Papabubbles has multiple branches in different cities worldwide, including Amsterdam, Barcelona, Seoul, New York, Tokyo, and Taipei, its store in Dubai is second to none when it comes to quality, fresh, and delicious candies.

The best thing about Papabubbles is that you can watch the chef making the candies. You can even taste the free samples before purchasing the company’s products. So this creates mesmerizing experiences for locals and tourists.

Moreover, if you want to explore and taste the wacky Middle Eastern candy design, shapes, and sizes, make sure you visit this shop. In addition to candies, you can buy caramels and other sweet dishes at Papabubbles.

Fortunately, The shop also offers special classes to learn how to make chocolates and other sweets. The classes are also suitable for children and adults, as they offer an opportunity to learn the techniques of making chocolates and sweets in an enjoyable and creative way.

Address: Mercato Mall Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Phone: +971 4 343 6989

5.    Al Baba Sweets

Al Baba Sweets has many branches in Dubai and other cities in the UAE. It is one of the most popular places for sweets and candies, including classic and sugar-free Arabic sweets. In addition to Baklava, sugar-coated candies, Maamoul, and cookies, you can find and buy imported candies from Europe. The shop is also known for its traditional Arabic sweet dishes, such as the famous Kunafa. It also offers several types of Turkish delight and other specialties from around the Middle East.

The shop is dedicated to providing the highest quality products that meet international standards of excellence. All of their products are made from natural and fresh ingredients such as nuts, honey, dried fruits, sugar, and other flavors. Wide range of unique flavors, with combinations such as rosewater and dates, pistachio and orange blossom, or cardamom and almonds also available in this store.

Moreover, Al Baba Sweets also offers French and Italian cuisine cakes, croissants, and pastries. Don’t forget to eat ice cream sandwiches at Al Baba Sweets to satisfy your taste buds. The place is perfect for people of all ages, including children, to purchase fresh/quality candies and chocolates.

Address: Ground Floor, Auris Boutique Hotel Apartments Bldg، Next to Emirates Mall, Al Barsha – Dubai – United Arab Emirates.

Phone: +971 4 399 0624


Final Words

Dubai is home to some of the world’s best candy stores, offering a large selection of tart and sweet candies. You can also find a wide range of chocolates and sweet dishes to satisfy your taste buds. All of the shops mentioned in this guide offer handmade products with fresh ingredients and imported candies from Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Asia. However, nothing matches the quality, sweetness, and deliciousness of candies and customer service of these shops in Dubai. Until Next Time!


FAQs

What is the most famous chocolate in Dubai?

Patchi, one of the most well-known chocolate brands in Dubai, is renowned for both its delicious flavor and attractive packaging. An exceptional experience and unique chocolate gift concept are offered by Patchi UAE.

Why is Patchi chocolate famous?

Patchi, who invented the idea of the chocolate gift in 1974, has earned the title of “the world’s greatest chocolate host” due to the way the company makes every day exceptional and turns holidays into memorable occasions that can be shared with others.

What is the most expensive chocolate in Dubai?

To’ak chocolate is the most expensive chocolate in Dubai because it has 81% cacao. Michelin-starred chefs have utilized the chocolate, which can be bought online in the UAE and in a few specialized retailers throughout the globe.


  • Article based on personal opinion, experience and research.
  • Photos from Unsplash & canva.