Is your sweet tooth acting up? Need your monthly dose of sweet indulgences? Some of the most popular desserts come from the Arab world, and we’ve put together a tasty list of some of the best places that serve them. The Arab world is massive and rightly, the desserts are plenty too. From deep-fried Logma, (brown dumplings), to the warm cheesy Kunafa, here are some delicious Arabic delicacies you must try when in UAE.
Delicious Arabic Desserts In UAE
1. Kunafa
Also known as Kanafeh, this dessert finds its origins in many different countries around the Arab world. Orange and yellow in colour, this sweet is made with semolina strands. It is then dipped and soaked in sweet sugar syrup, and a cheesy filling is added inside. Depending on the restaurant, the kunafa can contain cream cheese or mozzarella cheese.
When you reach in for the first bite, the stretchy cheese seeps out and sizzles on the hot plate. This mouthwatering delicacy is one of the world’s most popular Arab/Turkish desserts. The dessert can also be topped with nuts of your choice. If you’re craving this, you can find it at places like Al Samadi Sweets and Graffiti Kunafa.
Also Read: Black Salt Just Gave A Delicious Makeover To The Otherwise Humble Kunafa!
2. Lugaimat (Logma)
These delicious brown dumplings are deep-fried and smothered in date syrup and sesame seeds. A local favourite, these sweet balls are crunchy, crispy and soft all at the same time. The fried exterior is slightly hard, but when you break through, soft mush fills your mouth. This delicacy is normally made by Bedouin women in round deep pans. Lugaimat is often topped with sugar, Nutella, or honey syrup. You can find this dessert at Logma, which is a popular eatery in Dubai.
Also Read: Indulge In Nine Different Flavours Of Lugaimat At This Place In Dubai
3. Umm Ali
A dessert we often see at weddings, this Egyptian delicacy has an interesting story in history. Called the mother of Ali, Umm Ali was a rival of the ruler’s wife. The ruler’s wife ordered Umm Ali’s death, and to celebrate, she ordered that this dessert be made and spread all over Egypt. That is how this delicious sweet came to be. A beautifully crafted milky dessert, it consists of pastry, milk, cream, and nuts. In. short- goodness in a bowl! This dessert can be relished in Al Seef!
4. Rice Pudding
Rice pudding also known as Roz Bel Laban, finds itself in many cuisines. This dessert has long been used as a medical remedy for upset stomachs and digestion problems. It is a simple sweet consisting of rice, milk, cream, sugar, and nuts. All the ingredients are cooked together and served either hot or cold. The dessert can sometimes be garnished with saffron, cinnamon, nuts, honey, and cream. It’s worth mentioning that more recent variations involve a nice cold scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of the pudding. This sweet treat can be found in several restaurants across the UAE.
5. Halawat El Jibn
Gooey and cheesy, this is a great dish for all cheese lovers. A traditional Lebanese dish, this sweet is made of pastry rolled up with cream and custard. Similar to the Kunafa, the dessert is made with either cream cheese or mozzarella cheese. The delicacy is then topped up with nuts and cherries and served nice and cold. You can relish this decadent dish at shops like Habib Bakery and Le Pattisserie LLC.
6. Basbousa
These tasty bites are made in Egypt, Turkey, Lebanon, and even the United Arab Emirates. Basbousa is small square chunks covered in semolina and pastry. They have flavours of coconut and sometimes saffron. Served alongside different types of baklava, this is another popular sweet served at weddings.
Did you know they are also known as Hereessa in different parts of Egypt? Yes, the taste and texture of the sweet are very similar to vanilla cakes. As they are spongy on the outside and crusty inside. You can relish this decadent treat at Basbousa, a pretty popular place for this delight
Also Read: 6 Traditional Dishes In Jordan That Will Appeal To The Foodie In You!
7. Baklava
This dish was developed during the Ottoman Empire. It can also be found in several parts of Europe like Albania, Greece, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. And as we all know, it is also found in countries in the Levant and Middle East. This international Arabian dessert has sweetness in every bite. Baklava is a small bite-size sweets garnished with nuts. They are then spread out in an array on a dish or tray. When in Dubai, you can try this delicacy at Qwaider Al Nabulsi or at Al Dar Sweets & Sweet Palace when in Abu Dhabi.
8. Aish El-Saraya
Another quite popular Araba Dessert, these are particularly eaten regularly in the Levant and Egypt. However, you can also find them in some stores across the UAE. The sweet delight comprises syrup-soaked breadcrumbs that are topped with clotted cream and pistachios. Did you know it contains no eggs or butter? So, don’t forget to indulge in this yummy at shops, like Craftsy Cake and Le Patisserie.
Also Read: Y Bar Finally Reopens At Rotana In Yas Island, So Make Plans With Your Squad Right Away!
9. Qatayef
A highly popular Arab dessert, these are served during Ramadan. This rolled pancake, which boasts a sweet filling of cream and nuts. As a result, when you bite into this light and airy delight, you’re going to be stunned by the sheer simplicity of the dessert that makes it a top choice amongst foodies. You can find this sumptuous treat at shops like Knafati Sweets & Cafe and Al Thabiah Sweets & Pastries.
10. Ma’amoul
These are famous cookies that are relished in the Middle Eastern region. They’re usually prepared during festivals, like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. The best part about these crumbly desserts has to be the gooey fillings that come in a variety of options. And of course, the most popular and beloved filling happens to be made with date. So, when you’re in the UAE you’ve got to try this sweet treat, which can be found at shops like Al Samadi Sweets, which has outlets in Dubai and Sharjah!
So, go ahead and treat yourself to these delightful Arabic desserts in the UAE, and we’re sure you will love them!
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva
Written by Angel Merchant & Anupriya Mishra
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First Published: September 03, 2020 8:00 AM