Food In Hajar Mountains

Food History of Hajar Mountains, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates

The Hajar Mountains have a history steeped in the traditional Bedouin lifestyle, with a diet that has historically been based on the resources available in the arid landscape. The food culture is a rich blend of Middle Eastern and Asian influences, having been shaped by the trade routes that passed through the region. The indigenous people of this area traditionally relied on a variety of grains, dairy products, and meats other than cow meat due to cultural practices and available resources in the region. As such, many dishes include lamb, goat, poultry, and seafood, along with an abundant use of spices such as saffron, cardamom, and cinnamon, all of which reflect the area's trade history. Dates, an important staple, have been grown here for centuries, often used to sweeten dishes.

Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes in Hajar Mountains, Ras Al Khaimah

1. Shawarma - Usually made with chicken or lamb, this is a popular non-veg dish wrapped in pita bread with garlic sauce, pickles, and fries.
2. Hummus - A classic Middle Eastern veg dish, hummus is a creamy dip made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, often accompanied by warm pita bread.
3. Tabbouleh - This refreshing veg salad is made with bulgur wheat, finely chopped parsley, mint, tomato, and onion, and dressed with olive oil and lemon juice.
4. Fattoush - A veg Levantine bread salad that typically includes mixed greens, fresh vegetables, and pieces of crispy pita bread.
5. Falafel - Deep-fried veg balls or patties made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, served in a pita or wrapped in a flatbread.
6. Kofta - Typically a non-veg dish of spiced ground meat mixed with herbs, formed into balls or patties, and often grilled over charcoal.
7. Grilled Seafood - The coastal proximity means a variety of non-veg seafood dishes like grilled fish, prawns, and lobsters are fresh and flavorful.
8. Umm Ali - A warm veg dessert made with puff pastry, milk, sugar, and a mix of nuts and raisins.
9. Kunafeh - A sweet cheese veg pastry soaked in a sugar-based syrup, often sprinkled with pistachios. It is a favorite throughout the Middle East.
10. Baba Ganoush - A veg dip similar to hummus, made from roasted eggplants mixed with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and various seasonings.

Top Restaurants in Hajar Mountains, Ras Al Khaimah

• Al Maeda Restaurant
  Address: DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island
  Famous Food: Mixed Grill (non-veg)
• Lexington Grill
  Address: Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah, Vienna Street
  Famous Food: Sea Bass (non-veg)
• Arabesque Restaurant
  Address: Al Hamra Village - Ras Al Khaimah
  Famous Food: Arabian Mixed Meze (veg and non-veg options)
• Belgian Beer Cafe
  Address: Ras Al Khaimah Al Hamra Golf Club
  Famous Food: Moules-frites (non-veg)
• Thunder Road Pizza & Grill
  Address: Al Riffa Area - Ras Al Kamiah
  Famous Food: Thunder Road Pizza (veg and non-veg options)
• Farmhouse
  Address: The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert
  Famous Food: Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb (non-veg)
• Sho Fee Rooftop Bar
  Address: Ras Al Khaimah Hotel
  Famous Food: Hummus with Grilled Chicken (non-veg)
• Pura Vida Restaurant
  Address: Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa
  Famous Food: Vegetarian Paella (veg)
• Marjan
  Address: Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah, Vienna Street
  Famous Food: Mediterranean Seafood (non-veg)
• Meze
  Address: DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island
  Famous Food: Turkish Kebab (non-veg)