TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Like any other major city, Dubai's lively atmosphere is enhanced by its bustling markets, lively street food scene, and relaxed cafes. Dubai's street food, in particular, has seen its influence spread widely across various countries.
For culinary enthusiasts, it is time to experience Dubai's distinctive flavors. From tender chicken shawarma and warm, cheese-filled kunafa to trendy cold matcha lattes, here are tailored recommendations for Dubai's street food, specifically curated for the Indonesian palate.
1. Shawarma
This classic street food has long been a favorite of Dubai residents and is now commonly found in Indonesia. It is made from tenderly marinated chicken pieces, seasoned with a special blend of spices and slow-grilled on a spit.
Once cooked, the chicken is wrapped in warm pita bread along with crispy lettuce, French fries, tahini sauce, and creamy garlic paste. For an authentic shawarma experience, try it at Zarob, with prices ranging from Rp57,000 to Rp195,000.
2. Kunafa
Dubai residents enjoy various sweet and rich dessert dishes, such as Kunafa. This dessert is a perfect combination of sweetness, savoriness, and a tantalizingly soft texture. Made from layers of crispy pastry (kataifi) drenched in sweet syrup and filled with warm, soft cheese, this dessert provides a unique flavor that truly indulges the palate.
It is no wonder that kunafa has inspired various other sweet creations. If you want to try traditional kunafa, you can visit Nablus, Alseef (with prices ranging from Rp110,000 to Rp175,000), and explore an area rich in historical and cultural nuances.
3. Luqaimat
Similar to donuts, but mini-sized, this sweet Emirati dish consists of a mixture of flour and yeast seasoned with cardamom and saffron. Once fried to a golden brown, these delightful balls are drizzled with date syrup (known as dibs) and sprinkled with sesame seeds. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside and are typically seen during Ramadan or other traditional celebrations.
4. Falafel
This Middle Eastern street food is made from ground fava beans, flavored with aromatic spices, then fried to a crispy golden brown. It can be enjoyed directly with smooth tahini sauce or wrapped in pita bread with fresh vegetables, making it a delicious and convenient choice. One excellent place to try it is Operation Falafel, with prices starting from Rp44,000 to Rp111,000.
5. Matcha
Just like in Indonesia, matcha is increasingly popular in various cafes across Dubai. From traditional Japanese ceremonial-grade tea shops to modern establishments offering innovative matcha creations, Dubai enthusiastically embraces this traditional Japanese green tea culinary trend, even though it is not a local dish. The choices are varied, from classic lattes to inventive iced matcha creations.
Whether you seek a healthy lifestyle with antioxidant-rich beverages or are a culinary enthusiast who enjoys exploring new flavors, this city offers many interesting ways to enjoy this refreshing green drink. Some places to enjoy matcha in Dubai include Dopa in Alserkal Avenue, The Matcha Tokyo in Jumeirah Beach Residence, and Kurasu in Dar Wasl Mall.
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