Food History of Sharjah National Park, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Sharjah National Park, being a family-friendly leisure destination, may not have a specific food history of its own. However, it resides within the cultural tapestry of Sharjah, which has a rich culinary heritage influenced by Arabian, Persian, Indian, and Levantine cuisines. Traditional Emirati dishes often feature spices, herbs, and meats, although particular preferences may vary in a park setting where picnics and family gatherings dictate food choices more than local culinary history.
Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Sharjah National Park for Tourists
- Shawarma (Non-Veg): A Middle Eastern wrap filled with grilled chicken or lamb, vegetables, and sauces.
- Falafel (Veg): Deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, often served in a pita or with salads.
- Hummus (Veg): A creamy dip made from cooked, mashed chickpeas blended with tahini, lemon juice, and garlic.
- Fattoush (Veg): A Levantine bread salad made from toasted or fried pieces of pita bread combined with mixed greens and other vegetables.
- Tabbouleh (Veg): A vegetarian salad made of tomatoes, finely chopped parsley, mint, bulgur, and onion, and seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt.
- Grilled Halloumi (Veg): A semi-hard, unripened, brined cheese made from a mixture of goat's and sheep's milk, and sometimes also cow's milk.
- Manakish (Veg): Dough topped with thyme, cheese, or ground meat, similar to a pizza. The vegetarian option is typically topped with za'atar.
- Umm Ali (Veg): A traditional Egyptian dessert that is a bread pudding with milk and nuts.
- Lentil Soup (Veg): A hearty soup made from lentils and a blend of Middle Eastern spices, commonly served with lemon juice.
- Knafeh (Veg): A sweet cheese pastry soaked in sweet, sugar-based syrup, typical of the regions belonging to the former Ottoman Empire.
Top Famous Restaurants in Sharjah National Park with Address and Famous Food
- Al Afadhil Restaurant
- Address: University City Rd, University City, Sharjah
- Famous Food: Shawarma (Non-Veg)
- Zahr El-Laymoun
- Address: Al Qasba Canal, Al Khan, Sharjah
- Famous Food: Grilled Halloumi (Veg), Fattoush (Veg)
- Santos Restaurant & Café
- Address: Sharjah National Park, Near Sharjah Zoo
- Famous Food: Manakish (Veg/Non-Veg depending on the topping)
- Al Bait Al Qadeem
- Address: Heritage Area, Corniche Roadd, Sharjah
- Famous Food: Tabouleh Salad (Veg), Mixed Grill Platter (Non-Veg without cow meat)
- El Manza Restaurant
- Address: Inside Marbella Resort, Buhairah Corniche Rd, Sharjah
- Famous Food: Moroccan Tagine (Non-Veg), Couscous (Veg options available)
Please note that while visiting Sharjah National Park, tourists often bring their own food for picnics, or they may choose to visit surrounding restaurants that offer a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, excluding dishes made from cow meat, as per your request.