Emirati food
BBQ in the desert with Bedouin friends, Abu Dhabi
Most of my friends are from "seaside" of the country and enjoys jet skiing and fishing etc. But on the weekends, I love to go with my Bedouin friends who often are out in the desert for BBQ-ing and just chilling. Last weekend, we hang out in the desert until 5am and the temperature dropped to 12 degrees at night.
Most of my friends are from "seaside" of the country and enjoys jet skiing and fishing etc. But on the weekends, I love to go with my Bedouin friends who often are out in the desert for BBQ-ing and just chilling. Last weekend, we hang out in the desert until 5am and the temperature dropped to 12 degrees at night.
Trying to get the fire started.
Making Arabic coffee and chai karak (tea).
My favorite dish "mechboos djaj" with yoghurt.
Nothing makes me happier than when friends invite me over for "just some lunch" and I get to enjoy the family atmosphere of an Emirati home. Today was such a day.
Zayed bin Mohammed Family Gathering Village, Dubai
Last night, my friends and I went to a large Emirati-styled family area where you can eat local food, buy traditional things including clothes, and hire an Emirati house for a day (for 100-200 dirhams/day). They also have a huge play area for children.
The place was opened a few years ago. They are closed during the summer months (when it is too hot to be outside). Opening hours: 5pm-10pm.
The "village" was established to focus on Emirati heritage and national tourism. The majority
of families visiting the area is Emiratis.
Cooking "legemat"...
... and crêpe-looking "Chbab" with chocolate.
Legemat
Traditional Emirati house to rent for a day (afternoon-evening).
Weekday 3pm-10pm (100 dirhams/day)
Weekends 3pm-10pm (200 dirhams/day)
Walking inside the "Family Gathering Village"
Traditional stands selling candy amongst other things.
The bags with the small grains in the center of the photo
are dried hummus called "Nakhaay".
Emirati dinner
"Mechboos djaj" (djaj = chicken) at my friend's house.
I arrive in a second to my friend's house if she calls and tells me her mom is cooking..
A month of local food and designs
My friend is testing the newsly baked "legemat"
(Emirati fried dough with date syrup and sesame seeds)
Traditional tea and coffee pots
I'm testing the traditional ornaments
Pretty jar (of fat)
Always the best time when BBQ-ing with friends...
Al Fanar Restaurant
Al Fanar Restaurant offers local Emirati cuisine and the restaurant's atmosphere is designed to capture the feeling of traditional local culture. The name "Al Fanar" means "lantern" (often of the color blue). There are two Al Fanar restaurant in Dubai and one in Abu Dhabi. Many of the dishes are delicious and many of my local friends enjoy a lunch or dinner here on weekends.
