Must-Try Foods In Sharjah Aquarium (Sharjah) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Sharjah Aquarium, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Sharjah Aquarium itself is not known for a unique food history, as it's a place that showcases marine life and aquatic creatures. However, the city of Sharjah is part of the United Arab Emirates, which has a rich culinary tradition influenced by Arabian, Persian, Indian, and other cuisines due to its history as a trading center. Traditional dishes often include an array of spices, herbs, rice, and meat. Seafood is also significant and comes from the Arabian Gulf, which makes it a staple in local diets. However, due to Sharjah's strict Islamic laws, alcohol and pork products are not served in the Emirate, and this influences the food options available.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Sharjah

1. Shawarma (Non-Veg): A Middle Eastern staple, shawarma is a wrap filled with sliced marinated chicken or lamb, fresh vegetables, and often served with tahini or garlic sauce. 2. Hummus (Veg): A smooth spread made from mashed chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and garlic, hummus is a popular appetizer in the region. 3. Falafel (Veg): Deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, falafel is usually served in a pita with salad, pickled vegetables, hot sauce, and tahini-based sauces. 4. Tabbouleh (Veg): A refreshing salad comprised of finely chopped parsley, mint, tomato, and onion, and seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. 5. Fattoush (Veg): A mixed greens salad that includes pieces of toasted or fried pita bread and is often dressed with olive oil, lemon juice, and sumac. 6. Grilled Hammour (Non-Veg): A popular local fish, hammour, is commonly grilled or served in a spicy sauce. 7. Machboos (Non-Veg): A flavorful rice dish that's similar to biryani and can be made with chicken, lamb or fish, blended with spices and dried lime. 8. Samosas (Veg/Non-Veg): These are fried or baked pastries with a savory filling, such as spiced potatoes, onions, peas, and lentils for vegetarians or minced chicken or lamb for non-vegetarians. 9. Manakish (Veg/Non-Veg): Often called the pizza of the Arab world, it's a flatbread topped with various ingredients like zaatar, cheese, or minced meats. 10. Umm Ali (Veg): A warm traditional dessert that includes puff pastry, milk, sugar, and a variety of mixed nuts and raisins.

Top Famous Restaurants in Sharjah Near the Aquarium

- Sanobar Restaurant - Address: Al Meena Street, Al Khan - Sharjah - Famous for their grilled seafood platters (Non-Veg). - Al Bait Al Qadeem Restaurant - Address: Heritage Area, Near Sharjah Corniche Post Office - Sharjah - Famous for their traditional Emirati dishes like Kabsa (a spiced rice dish often with chicken or fish) (Non-Veg). - Gazebo Restaurant - Address: Al Durrah Tower, Al Corniche St - Sharjah - Famous for their Biryani and other Indian delicacies (Available in Veg and Non-Veg options). - El Manza Restaurant - Address: Marbella Resort, Buhaira Corniche St - Sharjah - Famous for their Moroccan cuisine and seafood tajines (Non-Veg). - Zahr El Laymoun - Address: Sharjah - Corniche St - Sharjah - Famous for their Lebanese dishes and mezze platters, which include a variety of Veg and Non-Veg options. Please note that while these restaurants offer a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, it is advisable for tourists to check individual restaurant menus for the most current offerings and confirm the dish specifications according to their dietary preferences.