Tag Archive for: Food

How to Make Madrouba – UAE Food Recipes

Madrouba is a unique dish prepared and consumed throughout the Middle East. Madrouba means beaten rice because people mash the rice after cooking it. So, let us give you the list of ingredients and step-by-step instructions to make Madrouba. You will enjoy the experience. Read on!

Ingredients

  • Two cups of long-grain rice
  • Four dried limes
  • Three minced red onions
  • ¼ cup of ghee
  • ¼ cup of ghee for garnishing
  • Four cloves of minced garlic
  • Four plums of tomatoes
  • One to two teaspoons of ground turmeric
  • One teaspoon of ground cumin
  • One teaspoon of ground coriander
  • A half teaspoon of ground ginger
  • A half teaspoon of cardamom for garnishing
  • ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon of ground cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon of cardamom
  • 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne
  • One or two pounds of boneless chicken
  • Pinch of nutmeg
  • Two tablespoons of kosher salt
  • A half cup of vegetable oil
  • Two small red onions

Instructions

  1. Add water and rice to the bowl
  2. Stir the rice around in the water and rinse
  3. Cover the rice with water and soak for 30 minutes
  4. Crack the lime and remove the flesh
  5. Cook the minced onions in ¼ cup of ghee in an oven
  6. Cook for 10-15 minutes on a medium-high heat
  7. Add tomatoes and garlic, and cook for a few minutes
  8. Now add cinnamon, black pepper, ginger, dried lime, and turmeric
  9. Next, add coriander, cumin, cloves, cardamom, cayenne, chicken, and nutmeg
  10. Stir to mix well, and add eight cups of water and the salt
  11. Boil until you cook the chicken for about ten to fifteen minutes
  12. Put the rice in the pot and bring to the boil
  13. Reduce the heat and cook for two hours
  14. Continue stirring to prevent sticking
  15. Heat the oil in a skillet and fry the onions for 5-8 minutes
  16. Once the chicken has broken down and the rice has cooked, mash the mixture with a spoon
  17. The purpose is to make the mixture smooth, like porridge
  18. Melt the ¼ cup of ghee in a skillet over low-medium heat
  19. Stir the remaining half teaspoon of cardamom
  20. Infuse for two to three minutes and remove from heat
  21. Use friend onions, ghee, and cardamom for garnishing
  22. Serve with bread, and enjoy

How to Make Karak – Middle Eastern Milk Tea

Karak, also known as Middle Eastern Milk Tea, can soothe your mind and tranquil your heart because the ingredients used in Karak contain loads of antioxidants. Drinking Karak can reduce stress, promote healthy weight management, and elevate energy levels. Here are the ingredients and steps to make Karak. Read on!

Ingredients

  • One or two cups of water
  • A fat pinch of cardamom powder
  • You can also use three crushed cardamoms
  • Three to four stands of crushed saffron
  • Two teaspoons of tea powder
  • 170 milliliters of evaporated milk
  • Sugar to taste

Instructions

  1. Add cardamom, saffron, and water to a saucepan
  2. Bring the saucepan to heat and add tea powder once it boils
  3. Pour in the evaporated milk and bring the saucepan to the rolling boil
  4. Simmer until you achieve the desired color
  5. Add into cups and sweeten with sugar
  6. Enjoy the delicious cup of Karak milk tea

Note: You can skip the spices when making Karak. However, if you want to achieve a better flavor, we recommend adding spices.

How to Make Qamardeen – UAE Dessert Recipes

Qamardeen is a traditional Middle Easter dish made with apricot fruit leathers. However, you can also use apricot puree or juice to make the dish. Thanks to the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, it is a healthy smoothie that improves your overall physical and mental health. Here are the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to make Qamardeen. Read on!

Ingredients

  • 70 milliliters of apricot juice
  • 30 milliliters of apricot puree
  • 20 milliliters of green apple juice
  • Ten milliliters of lemon juice
  • 20 milliliters of sugar syrup
  • Three dashes of orange blossom water
  • Four to five ice cubes
  • Dried orange
  • Dried apricots
  • Pine nuts
  • Brown sugar

Instructions

  1. Add the apricot puree and apricot juice to a shaker
  2. Now add green apple juice, lemon juice, and sugar syrup to the shaker
  3. Next, add three dashes of orange blossom water
  4. Mix the ingredients after adding ice cubes
  5. Garnish with crushed ice and nuts or as you prefer
  6. Enjoy the healthy and delicious Qamardeen

How to Make Shirin Polo – UAE Food Recipes

Arabic cuisine has a wide range of dishes, but nothing matches Shirin Polo’s taste, a dish prepared for special occasions and festivals like Ramadan and Eid. Here are the ingredients and instructions to make Shirin Polo. Read on!

Ingredients

  • One cup of water
  • One orange
  • One medium yellow onion
  • Five ounces of carrot
  • A half cup of slivered almonds
  • Three cups of basmati rice
  • Two tangerines
  • Five tablespoons of butter
  • A half cup of chopped pistachios
  • A half cup of raisins
  • Powdered saffron

Instructions

  1. Peel the orange and tangerine’s outer zest using a peeler or sharp knife
  2. Add water to the saucepan and put in the orange and tangerine strips
  3. Boil for five to seven minutes and set aside once done
  4. Mix sugar and water and bring to a boil to prepare a syrup
  5. Add the strips to the syrup
  6. Continue stirring the mixture and remove the caramelized zest strips
  7. Reserve some syrup for later use
  8. Melt three tablespoons of butter and cook the onions over medium heat
  9. Keep the onions aside once golden brown
  10. Follow the same procedure for carrots with two tablespoons of butter
  11. Use a pressure cooker to steam three cups of rice
  12. Add saffron powder for aroma and color
  13. Add some butter to the frying pan and pile up the carrots, pistachios, caramelized zest strips, raisins, and almonds in the corner
  14. Drizzle the syrup over these ingredients and heat over a low heat
  15. Transfer the cooked rice to the serving platter
  16. Now add some zest, carrots, and nuts
  17. Put some rice over them
  18. Add the remaining carrots, zest, and rice to form a pyramid shape
  19. Sprinkle with almonds, pistachios, and raisins
  20. Add syrup to the dish and serve to your family and friends

How to Make Thereed – UAE Food Recipes

Thereed is one of the most delicious traditional dishes in the Arab region with satisfying lamb and vegetable stew. Although you can find Thereed in various restaurants across the Middle East, we recommend making it home to create a memorable experience and relish the delectable lamb. Here are the ingredients and instructions to make Thereed. Read on!

Instructions

  • One cup of canola oil
  • Three pounds of lamb
  • Two tablespoons of mixed spices
  • Five whole cloves
  • Two chilies
  • One large yellow onion
  • Six cloves of minced garlic
  • One four-inch minced ginger
  • One tablespoon of ground cumin
  • One teaspoon of ground black pepper
  • One teaspoon of ground cardamom
  • Four plum tomatoes
  • Two bay leaves
  • Fifteen baby Yukon potatoes
  • Two medium carrots
  • Two small zucchinis
  • Two frying peppers
  • Four 12-inch flatbread
  • Kosher salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in your Dutch oven over high or medium heat
  2. Season the lamb with mixed spices
  3. Add lamb to the pot and cook for six minutes
  4. Transfer the lamb to the plate and set aside
  5. Add chilies, cloves, and onion to the pot
  6. Cook until onion is soft for two minutes
  7. Now add pepper, cumin, cardamom, tomatoes, and bay leaves
  8. Continue stirring for two minutes to make the tomatoes soft
  9. Return the lamb to the pot
  10. Add potatoes, zucchini, carrots, peppers, and twelve cups of water
  11. Bring the boil and reduce the heat to medium-low
  12. Simmer for one or two hours
  13. Season with salt and pepper
  14. Line a serving dish with flatbread
  15. Arrange the veggies and meat over the flatbread using a slotted spoon
  16. Pour liquid is a serving bowl
  17. Enjoy the delicious Thereed

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.

How to Make Manakish – UAE Food Recipes

Manakish is one of the most flavorful and aromatic flatbreads eaten throughout the Middle East, particularly in the UAE. It contains dry yeast, flour, olive oil, and Za’atar. So, considering the number of ingredients, Manakish is a simple-to-make dish. If you want to make Manakish at your home, follow the list of ingredients and instructions in this post. Read on!

Ingredients

  • One teaspoon of active dry yeast
  • 150 milliliters of warm water
  • 250 grams of flour
  • One teaspoon of salt
  • One teaspoon of sugar
  • Six tablespoons of olive oil
  • Three tablespoons of za’atar
  • 150 grams of halloumi
  • Lemon for serving

Instructions

  1. Use lukewarm water to dissolve yeast
  2. Add flour, sugar, and salt to a bowl
  3. Now add the yeast mixture and one-third olive oil
  4. Use your hands to knead and make dough for five minutes
  5. Now, make a ball from the dough and place it in a large bowl
  6. Use oil for topping and plastic wrap for covering
  7. Set aside for at least 60 minutes
  8. Create a log after the dough has risen
  9. Divide the log into four equal parts or pieces
  10. Use a parchment-lined sheet to place the divided logs
  11. Press gently to form flatbreads
  12. Cover with a kitchen towel for some time
  13. Mix za’atar with olive oil and grate halloumi
  14. Now, add the za’atar mixture and combine the ingredients
  15. Heat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
  16. Stretch out the flatbreads and top each with halloumi mixture and za’atar
  17. You can also drizzle some olive oil
  18. Once prepared, transfer the flatbreads to the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes
  19. Serve with lemon wedges to your family or friends

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.