Foodies worldwide agree that one can smell the taste of Dubai before one actually sees the irresistible treats on a plate, as the aromatic nature of Dubai’s own blend of Arabic food is fast becoming one of the country’s most popular attractions. With food stalls lining its streets, the bustling cityscape of Dubai has become a veritable treasure trove for Arabic food lovers who come to the Emirati nation to sample some of its signature dishes. Believed to be a combination of Moroccan, Yemeni, Egyptian, Turkish and Greek cuisine, Arabic cuisine is a regional cuisine that is found throughout the Middle East and beyond. Influenced by Indian, Iraqi and Afghan cuisine as well as those of the Balkans, Iran and the Berbers the Arabic food in Dubai finds its origins mostly steeped in the Lebanese methods of food preparation.

Incorporating chicken or lamb as meat staples, Arabic cuisine also uses white cheese, cream, yoghurt and butter in the making its main dishes. Herbs such as thyme (used in a combination popularly known as za’atar), mint and sun dried limes are used to give the delicacies its distinctive tangy flavor while spices that are used in Indian cuisine such as saffron, cinnamon, sesame, garlic, and turmeric are also frequently employed in the Arabic culinary school. With gracious helpings of walnuts, pine nuts, almonds and pistachios, the dressings and sauces in Arabic cuisine often consist of varying concoctions of olive oil, sesame paste, lemon juice, garlic and parsley while the skimmed yoghurt paste known as Labaneh is often used with garlic, onions or mint to accompany many conventional dishes.

The Mezza or Mezze is another special feature of the cuisine which sees a host of appetizers and main courses, the size of appetizers being served simultaneously instead of the typical three-course meal. Offered with many olives and flatbreads, this leisurely meal is a true treat for all Arabic food lovers. Must-try items when in Dubai include the classic chicken or lamb shawarma and the Arabic falafel which consists of squashed sesame seeds and chickpea balls deep fried to perfection. The chickpea and olive oil dip known as hummus is another highlight while the tabbouleh is another signature item on the menu that is a delight made of mint, parsley and pounded wheat.

Al Areesh Arabic Restaurant , Al Dahleez and Layali Tent Arabic Bar & Restaurant are some of the finest Arabic restaurants in Dubai while the Al Hadheerah Desert Restaurant is the perfect place to sample authentic Arabic delicacies prepared in traditional wood fuelled ovens and spit roasts in open-air cooking stations.

Those in search of luxury Dubai serviced apartments in the heart of the city’s financial and tourist district will be more than pleased with the elegant rest that is Ascott Park Place Dubai. Ideally located within close range of Wild Wadi Water Park and the Dubai International Airport, this stylish establishment offers the most conveniently located Dubai hotel apartments.