There’s no doubt that the UAE has an incredibly diverse culture, and with that comes a wealth of delicious traditional foods. If you are a dessert lover, you will be spoilt for choice when sampling some of the Arab world’s most tantalizing sweet treats. From syrupy baklava to fragrant Arabic coffee, here are some of the best Arabic desserts to enjoy in the UAE. Head to your nearest Emirati restaurant and get indulging!
7 Delicious Arabic Desserts To Try In UAE
You will find them in every hotel, restaurant, and even street corner in the UAE, so there is no excuse not to try them all.
1. Baklava
Baklava is one of the most delicious Arabian desserts that every sweet-lover must indulge in UAE. It is made of layers of phyllo pastry, nuts, and syrup. The most popular nuts used in baklava are pistachios and walnuts; however, you can use any type of nuts you like. The sweetness of the syrup and the richness of the nuts make this dessert truly irresistible. If you have never tried baklava before, you are in for a real treat!
2. Kunafa
Kunafa is a delicious Arabic dessert that every sweet-lover must indulge in UAE. It is made with shredded phyllo dough, soaked in syrup, and filled with sweet cheese. The cheese filling makes the kunafa rich and creamy, while the phyllo dough gives it a light and flaky texture.
Kunafa is often served during special occasions, such as weddings and festivals. However, it can also be enjoyed anytime you crave something sweet. When hosting a gathering, kunafa makes an impressive dessert because it can be made ahead of time and reheated just before serving. So, if you are ever in the mood for something sweet, make sure to try kunafa. You won’t be disappointed!
3. Atayef
Atayef is a traditional Arabic dessert that is made with a pancake-like batter and filled with a variety of sweet fillings. The most common filling is ashta, which is made from boiled milk, sugar, and flour. Other popular fillings include cream cheese, nuts, and chocolate. Atayef can be served both hot and cold, and is often garnished with pistachios or almonds.
In the UAE, atayef is a popular dessert during Ramadan, and is often served after Iftar (the breaking of the fast). However, it is also a delicious treat to enjoy any time of year. If you are looking for something sweet and indulgent, atayef is a must-try!
4. Luqaimat
When it comes to sweet treats, Luqaimat definitely takes the cake (literally). This traditional Middle Eastern dish is made of fried balls of dough that are soaked in syrup or honey. It’s typically served as part of a larger dessert spread, but we think it’s definitely worthy of being enjoyed on its own.
So what exactly makes Luqaimat so special? Well, for starters, the fried dough balls are incredibly light and fluffy. They just melt in your mouth! And then there’s the sweet syrup or honey coating… it’s simply heavenly. Trust us, once you have tried Luqaimat, you’ll be hooked! So if you are ever in the UAE, be sure to Indulge in this delicious Arabic dessert. You won’t regret it!
5. Basbousa
Basbousa is a dessert that is popular in many Arab countries and is made with semolina flour, milk, butter, and sugar. The semolina flour gives the basbousa its characteristic dense and chewy texture, while the milk and butter help to keep it moist. The sugar syrup that is used to soak the basbousa before serving also helps to give it a delicious sweetness. Basbousa is best served warm, with a dollop of ice cream or whipped cream on top. It is also traditionally decorated with nuts or coconut flakes
6. Halawat El Jibn
A staple in many Arabic households, Halawat El Jibn is a dessert that is sure to please any sweet tooth. Gooey and cheesy, this dish is made with pastry rolled up with cream and custard. The delicacy is then topped up with nuts and cherries and served nice and cold.
While the dish may sound heavy, the combination of flavors is surprisingly light and refreshing. The creaminess of the cheese pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the pastry, making for a truly unique and delicious experience. The nuts and cherries add a lovely touch of sweetness and acidity, making this dessert truly irresistible. So if you’re ever in the UAE, make sure to try out Halawat El Jibn! You won’t regret it.
7 . Umm Ali
Umm Ali is a bread pudding made with phyllo dough, milk, cream, sugar, raisins, almonds, pistachios, and sometimes coconuts. It’s rich and decadent, and it’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth! Umm Ali is named after the Mamluk sultan’s wife who supposedly created the dish after he was assassinated.
Some Last Words
There you have it—seven delicious Arabic desserts that you need to try during your next trip to UAE! From flaky pastries to creamy puddings, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!