The best Gulf foods
Authentic flavors that combine heritage and modernity 🍽️
Gulf cuisine is considered one of the richest and most diverse of Arab cuisines, distinguished by its unique variety of dishes that use local and seasonal ingredients such as rice, meat, fish, and vegetables, along with a variety of distinctive spices that give food unique and unforgettable flavors.
Gulf cuisine reflects the traditions and customs of the people of the Gulf countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman, in addition to various influences from Persian and Indian cuisine. In this article, we'll take you on a comprehensive tour of the most delicious Gulf dishes you must try.
1. Gulf Majboos (Machboos) 🍚
Machboos is one of the most popular Gulf dishes, a staple on almost every Gulf table. Rice is a staple ingredient in Gulf cuisine. This dish is prepared with rice and meat, whether chicken or beef, along with a blend of spices that are characteristic of Gulf cuisine.
Preparation method:
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Prepare the meat: Fry the meat in oil with chopped onions until brown.
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Adding spices: Add cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, and saffron to the meat and stir together.
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Adding rice: Wash the rice well, then add it to the meat with the meat broth and leave it to boil until the rice absorbs the flavors.
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Cooking: Cover the pot and leave it on low heat until the rice is fully cooked.
the components:
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1 kg meat (chicken or lamb)
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3 cups basmati rice
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2 chopped onions
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3 minced garlic cloves
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1 teaspoon cumin
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1 teaspoon turmeric
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1 teaspoon cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon saffron
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3 cups meat broth
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vegetable oil
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Salt and black pepper to taste
Recipe summary:
Machboos is a rich dish made with rice, meat, and distinctive Gulf spices. It's an ideal choice for banquets and celebrations, as it's prepared in a single pot and reflects the authentic folk flavor of the Gulf countries.
2. Gulf Mansaf 🍖
Mansaf is a popular dish in many Gulf countries, especially Jordan and Palestine, but it is also considered part of Gulf cuisine. Mansaf consists of rice and minced meat and is topped with yogurt, which gives it a rich, distinctive flavor.
Preparation method:
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Preparing the meat: Boil the meat with onions and spices such as cinnamon and cardamom until fully cooked.
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Preparing yogurt: Dissolve the yogurt in hot water and add it to the meat to boil together.
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Cooking rice: Rice is cooked with meat broth and served in a deep dish.
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Dish decoration: Place the meat on top of the rice, then garnish with yogurt and fried nuts.
the components:
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1 kg meat (lamb or chicken)
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2 cups basmati rice
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4 cups of yogurt
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1 tablespoon cinnamon
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2 cardamom pods
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1 chopped onion
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1/4 cup nuts (almonds or pine nuts)
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Salt and pepper to taste
Recipe summary:
Mansaf is a rich meat and rice dish with yogurt, which gives it a distinctive flavor, and is garnished with fried nuts. It's ideal for large occasions and celebrations.
3. Gulf Harees 🍲
Harees is a traditional Gulf dish made with simple ingredients yet incredibly delicious. It is a popular dish in many Gulf countries, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. Harees consists primarily of crushed wheat and meat.
Preparation method:
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Preparing the meat: Boil the meat with onions and spices until fully cooked.
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Cooking the wheat: Boil the wheat with water and salt until it becomes soft, then add the meat and mix the mixture.
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Cooking: Leave the mash on low heat for a long time until the ingredients are well mixed and the consistency becomes like porridge.
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Serving: Serve the harees in a deep dish and garnish with ghee or oil.
the components:
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1 kg minced meat (lamb or chicken)
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2 cups crushed wheat
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1 chopped onion
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1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
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1/2 teaspoon cardamom
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Ghee or oil for serving
Recipe summary:
Harees is a dish made from crushed wheat and meat, characterized by its thick texture and rich flavor. It is a popular dish in the Gulf, especially during Ramadan.
4. Gulf Kabsa 🍚
Kabsa is one of the most famous Gulf dishes. It is a type of rice cooked with meat or chicken, and is prepared using a mixture of distinctive Gulf spices.
Preparation method:
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Prepare the meat: Brown the meat in oil with the onions and garlic.
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Add spices: Add turmeric, cumin, cardamom, and black pepper and stir.
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Add rice: Add rice and stir well, then add meat broth and let it boil.
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Cooking: Cover the pot and leave it on low heat until the rice is fully cooked.
the components:
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1 kg meat (chicken or beef)
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3 cups basmati rice
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1 chopped onion
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3 minced garlic cloves
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2 tablespoons Kabsa spices
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3 cups meat broth
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Salt and pepper to taste
Recipe summary:
Kabsa is a dish of rice mixed with meat and Gulf spices. It is a staple dish in every Gulf home, especially during feasts and celebrations.
5. Luqaimat 🍩
Luqaimat is a popular Gulf dessert made from flour and sugar, fried in oil, and then covered in syrup or honey. This dessert is light and delicious.
Preparation method:
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Prepare the dough: Mix the flour with the yeast, sugar and water to make a soft dough.
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Frying: The dough is formed into small balls and then fried in plenty of oil until golden brown.
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Serving: Dip the luqaimat in honey or syrup and garnish with nuts.
the components:
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2 cups of flour
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1 teaspoon yeast
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1 teaspoon sugar
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warm water for kneading
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frying oil
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Honey or syrup for serving
Recipe summary:
Luqaimat is a light and delicious Gulf dessert, considered one of the best desserts served at special occasions and celebrations.
conclusion
Gulf cuisine is a wonderful blend of local ingredients and traditional cooking, with the use of spices that give dishes a unique and unforgettable flavor. From machboos to kabsa, mansaf, and harees, there are many Gulf dishes that satisfy all tastes and showcase the richness of traditional Gulf cuisine. Don't miss the opportunity to try these delicious dishes the next time you're looking for new and delicious flavors!
