Dubai is definitely a destination for food lovers, however, it is feared its plethora of five-star bistros, chain restaurants and fast food outlets is threatening the emirate’s own culinary culture.

While it is easy to find good Arabic cuisine in Dubai, UAE national dishes are rarely on offer and many locals say expats and foreign visitors are missing out on a tasty opportunity.

“I guess it is probably like Lebanese food - humus, baklava…” replied one Dubai resident when asked to explain Emirati food. “It’s not obvious I have to say.”

In fact, chebab, balaleet, hares and el’gaymat are the names of some of the UAE’s most popular dishes.

Chef Ali Salem was the first Emirati restaurateur in the UAE to serve them to the public.

Today, his restaurant Melzai at Emirates Palace is one of only three Emirati restaurants in the country.

Chef Ali is trying to encourage more UAE nationals to choose cooking as a profession to help carry on the nation’s culinary heritage.

“We need local chefs to take care of the kitchen. A team in the kitchen will help us reach high standards,” he said.

Chef Ali says he personally aims to serve meals in a homely way, the way his mother taught him and the only way, he argues, Emirati food should be served.

Sandy Dang is a food blogger who has been living in Dubai for four years. She says the lack of traditional food available forced her to research local dishes on her own.

“I’m quite passionate about food and experimenting with recipes, she said. “I’ve been trying to cook through as many of them as possible and learn about the different spices and the technique and the flavours of the cuisine. It’s been a very enjoyable project so far.”

Sandy went on to admit that most people she meets mistake Lebanese cuisine as Emirati food and says many residents are eager to try UAE.

“There is definitely interest,” she says. “People ask me (about Emirati food) all the time and the Emiratis themselves feel they want to share their cooking to the world.”

LOCAL NEWS

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