Fujairah Heritage Village, nestled in the emirate of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, offers a glimpse into the traditional way of life of the Emirati people before the oil boom and modernisation that transformed the country. When talking about food, the history in this region is deeply intertwined with the geography and culture of Fujairah. The harsh, arid climate and the bountiful Arabian Sea have shaped the food habits and culinary traditions in this area. Traditional Emirati cuisine here is a blend of rich spices, flavors of the Indian Ocean trade, and the bedouin lifestyle, making use of available resources like dates, grains, and seafood.
Must-Try Top 10 Foods in Fujairah Heritage Village:
1. Harees (Non-Veg) - A wheat and meat porridge seasoned with local spices.
2. Mashuai (Non-Veg) - Roasted kingfish with rice, often served with a tangy lemon sauce.
3. Shawarma (Non-Veg) - Thinly sliced marinated chicken or lamb, wrapped in a pita with garlic sauce and pickles.
4. Tabbouleh (Veg) - A refreshing salad made from tomatoes, fresh mint, parsley, and bulgur.
5. Baba Ganoush (Veg) - Smoky grilled eggplant dip blended with tahini, garlic, and lemon.
6. Falafel (Veg) - Deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas, served with hummus or tahini.
7. Al Harees (Non-Veg) - A simple, yet rich and hearty dish of slow-cooked wheat and tender meat.
8. Khubz (Veg) - Traditional Arab bread, sometimes served with various dips like hummus.
9. Madrooba (Non-Veg) - A salted fish dish with a thick porridge-like consistency, seasoned with spices.
10. Luqaimat (Veg) - Sweet dumplings that are crispy on the outside and soft inside, drizzled with date syrup.
Top Famous Restaurants in Fujairah Heritage Village and Their Specialties:
1. Al Meshwar Restaurant
Address: Fujairah City, near Fujairah Mall
Famous Dish: Mixed Grill Platter (Non-Veg) - A variety of grilled meats, often including chicken and lamb, served with sides of bread and salad.
2. Sardinia Restaurant
Address: Al Faseel Rd, Fujairah
Famous Dish: Samak Bil Meleh (Non-Veg) - Whole salt-crusted fish, a unique take incorporating local flavors.
3. Gonu Bar & Grill
Address: Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, Dibba Road, Fujairah
Famous Dish: Grilled Prawns (Non-Veg) - Fresh prawns seasoned and grilled to perfection, showcasing the seafood heritage of Fujairah.
4. Sadaf Restaurant
Address: Fujairah International Marine Club
Famous Dish: Vegetarian Meze (Veg) - An assorted platter of vegetarian Middle Eastern appetizers like hummus, baba ganoush, and stuffed grape leaves.
5. Nour Arjaan by Rotana - Murjan Cafe
Address: Hamad Bin Abdulla St, Fujairah
Famous Dish: Moussaka (Non-Veg) - A layered eggplant and minced lamb casserole with béchamel sauce, combining Greek and Middle Eastern influences.
These dining spots each offer their unique take on traditional and contemporary cuisine, whether you are looking for a sumptuous seafood feast, a hearty grill platter, or a range of vegetarian options to savour the local flavors of Fujairah.