The Al Fanar blog
Stories from the Emirati table
Read about the dishes we cook, the traditions behind them, and where to find them.
Gahwa and Dates: A Guide to Emirati Arabic CoffeeLight, golden and scented with cardamom, gahwa is the UAE's welcome in a cup. Here is how it is made, served and drunk.Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe · 0 views
A Guide to Gulf Fish: Hamour, Safi, Shaari, Kingfish and MoreHamour or safi? Shaari or kanad? A short guide to the fish on an Emirati menu, and how each one is best cooked.Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe · 0 views
Harees and Thareed: The Emirati Dishes of RamadanTwo humble dishes, one of wheat and one of bread, that bring Emirati families together at iftar. Here is the story of harees and thareed.Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe · 0 views
What Is Machboos? The Emirati Rice Dish ExplainedAsk an Emirati to name one national dish and most will say machboos. Here is what it is, how it is cooked and how to order it.Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe · 0 views
An Al Ain Day Trip: The Oasis, the Forts, Jebel Hafeet and Where to EatDate palms, mud-brick forts and a mountain road: how to spend a day in Al Ain, ending with an Emirati meal in Al Jimi.Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe · 0 views
A Family Day at Yas Mall and Yas Island: What to Do and Where to EatTheme parks, shopping and a long family meal: how to plan a day on Yas Island, with an Emirati restaurant inside Yas Mall.Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe · 0 views
Al Seef Dubai: What to See and Where to Eat on Dubai CreekOld wind towers, abras crossing the Creek and dinner by the water: how to spend an afternoon and evening at Al Seef.Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe · 0 views
UAE National Day: Emirati Dishes to Celebrate 2 DecemberOn 2 December the UAE celebrates its union. Here are the Emirati dishes that belong on a celebration table, and how to share them.Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe · 0 views
Emirati Breakfast in Dubai: What to Order at Al FanarSweet next to savoury, warm bread, small bowls to share and a glass of karak: here is how to order an Emirati breakfast.Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe · 0 views
The Al Fanar Story: From Festival City in 2011 to the MICHELIN GuideIn 2011, Emirati food was mostly something you ate at home. This is how Al Fanar set out to change that, one branch at a time.Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe · 0 views
What Is Karak Tea? The UAE's Everyday Cup ExplainedKarak is the UAE's everyday tea — strong, sweet and made with evaporated milk and cardamom. Here is how it arrived, and how it differs from masala chai.Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe · 78 views
What Is Luqaimat? Dubai's Iconic Emirati DessertLuqaimat are the UAE's best-loved Emirati dessert — crisp fried dough balls soaked in date syrup. Here is the history behind them and where to try them.Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe · 62 views
Authentic Shrimp Machboos in Dubai: A Guide to Al Fanar’s Al Barsha Pond Park RestaurantSome dishes carry a place’s whole story on a single plate. In the United Arab Emirates, shrimp machboos is one of them — golden, spice-fragrant rice cooked slowly with prawns from the Arabian Gulf, finished with the unmistakable tang of dried lime. It is comfort food, celebration food, and Emirati heritage on a fork. If you’re looking for the most authentic place in Dubai to try it, head to a quieter, greener corner of the city: Al Fanar Al Barsha — the seafood-specialty branch of Al Fanar...Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe · 71 views
Where to Eat Authentic Emirati Food in Abu DhabiWhen visitors think of authentic Emirati dining, Dubai tends to come to mind first. But Abu Dhabi — the UAE's capital and cultural heartland — carries an equally rich culinary heritage, rooted in Bedouin traditions, pearl-diving communities, and centuries of spice-route trading. If you're in the capital for work or leisure and want to sit down to a genuinely traditional meal, this guide is for you. Below, we walk through what sets Emirati cuisine apart, the dishes worth trying, and where to...Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe · 229 views
A Traditional Emirati Meal: What’s Usually Ordered at the TableEmirati meals are not about ordering individual plates — they are about sharing, gathering, and enjoying food together. Traditionally, a meal is served at the center of the table, with everyone helping themselves and taking part in the experience. For visitors and first-time diners, understanding what a traditional Emirati meal usually includes makes the experience more enjoyable and less intimidating. This guide walks through what is typically ordered at the table when Emirati families and...Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe · 52 views
Traditional Emirati Dishes to Enjoy During Winter in the UAEWinter in the UAE is the perfect time to experience traditional Emirati food. Cooler evenings naturally call for hearty rice dishes, slow-cooked stews, and warm flavors that are meant to be shared with family and friends. Emirati cuisine has always been rooted in comfort, generosity, and seasonal eating. During winter, these qualities come together in dishes that feel satisfying and nostalgic, making it the ideal season to enjoy authentic Emirati flavors. Why Winter Is the Best Time to Try...Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe · 24 views
What to Expect at an Emirati Restaurant: Food, Culture & HospitalityTrying Emirati food is a must for anyone visiting the UAE — but if it’s your first time, it’s normal to have questions. What kind of food will you get? Is it spicy? How do people eat? Is it family-friendly? This FAQ-style guide answers the most common questions visitors ask before dining at an authentic Emirati restaurant in Dubai, so you can arrive confident and enjoy the experience fully. Is Emirati Food Spicy? No — Emirati food is not spicy . Emirati cuisine is best described as aromatic...Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe · 76 views
Where to Eat Authentic Emirati Food in Dubai (Tourist & Family Guide)Dubai is famous for its international dining scene, but to truly understand the city, you need to experience authentic Emirati food. Traditional Emirati cuisine reflects the UAE’s heritage, hospitality, and way of life and for visitors, choosing the right place to try it makes all the difference. If you’re wondering where to eat authentic Emirati food in Dubai, this guide will help you know what to look for, what to order, and where to go for a genuine cultural dining experience. What Makes a...Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe · 139 viewsA Food Lover’s Guide to Emirati Cuisine: History, Flavors & Where to Experience ItEmirati cuisine is a beautiful expression of the UAE’s history shaped by the desert, the sea, Bedouin traditions, and centuries of global trade. At Al Fanar Restaurant & Café, these traditions come together in authentic dishes that preserve the flavors and stories of Emirati heritage. Whether you’re visiting the UAE for the first time or rediscovering local flavors, this guide will help you understand the history, ingredients, and dishes that make Emirati cuisine so special. The Origins of...Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe · 34 views
Authentic Emirati Food in Dubai: What First-Time Visitors Should TryDubai is known for its modern skyline and global cuisine but the heart of the city lies in its traditional Emirati food. For travelers visiting the UAE for the first time, tasting local dishes is one of the most meaningful ways to understand the culture, hospitality, and heritage of the Emirates. Whether you’re staying near Dubai Festival City, exploring Al Seef, or shopping around Al Barsha, this guide will help you discover the must-try Emirati dishes and where to enjoy them in an authentic...Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe · 178 views