Food History of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
The culinary history of Sharjah, and the United Arab Emirates as a whole, is deeply intertwined with its culture, history, and the geographical landscape. Traditional Emirati cuisine is a reflection of the Arabian Peninsula's environment where the Bedouins adapted to a nomadic lifestyle. The harsh desert conditions influenced the simplicity of the original fare, primarily consisting of meat from goats and camels, dates, and a few grains, such as rice and wheat. The spice trade routes that passed through the region brought a variety of spices, enriching the local cuisine with flavors such as saffron, cinnamon, cardamom, and turmeric.
As Sharjah developed and modernized, it turned into a melting pot of cultures, bringing in diverse and rich culinary influences from other Arab countries, Asia, and beyond. Today, the food scene in Sharjah includes a mix of traditional Emirati dishes, Middle Eastern cuisine, and international flavors.
Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes in Sharjah
- Shawarma (Non-Veg) - This street food staple consists of thinly sliced chicken or lamb wrapped in a pita bread with vegetables and sauce.
- Al Harees (Non-Veg) - A traditional feast dish made with wheat and tender meat, usually cooked for a long time until they blend into a smooth concoction.
- Stuffed Camel (Non-Veg) - Recognized as one of the most luxurious and traditionally Bedouin of all Emirati dishes, though it's a rare delicacy more than an everyday meal.
- Falafel (Veg) - Deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, typically served in a bread roll with salad and tahini sauce.
- Al Machboos (Non-Veg) - A flavorful dish of rice and meat, seasoned with a special blend of spices.
- Fatteh (Veg/Non-Veg options) - A Levantine dish consisting of layers of flatbread and chickpeas, topped with yogurt and pine nuts.
- Tabbouleh (Veg) - A refreshing parsley and bulgur wheat salad, often flavored with mint, tomatoes, and lemon juice.
- Manakish (Veg) - A type of flatbread often topped with za'atar and olive oil, sometimes cheese or ground meat.
- Kousa Mahshi (Veg/Non-Veg options) - Stuffed zucchini filled with either rice and herbs or a mixture of meat and spices.
- Umm Ali (Veg) - A delightful bread pudding dessert, made with pastry, nuts, and a sweet milk mixture.
Top Famous Restaurants in Sharjah
- Al Qubtan Restaurant
- Address: Al Khan Area, Sharjah
- Famous for: Grilled Seafood (Non-Veg)
- Al Bait Sharjah
- Address: Heart of Sharjah, Corniche Street, Sharjah
- Famous for: Authentic Emirati Cuisine (Veg/Non-Veg options)
- Sanjeev Kapoor's Khazana
- Address: Al Qasba, Sharjah
- Famous for: Indian Cuisine (Veg/Non-Veg options)
- El Manza Restaurant
- Address: Mareija, Corniche Rd, Sharjah
- Famous for: Moroccan Cuisine (Veg/Non-Veg options)
- Aroos Damascus
- Address: Al Zahra'a Street, Sharjah
- Famous for: Middle Eastern Cuisine (Veg/Non-Veg options)
- Gazebo Restaurant
- Address: King Faisal Street, Al Majaz, Sharjah
- Famous for: Dum Biryanis (Non-Veg)
- Zahrat Lebanon
- Address: Al Taawun Street, Sharjah
- Famous for: Lebanese Foods (Veg/Non-Veg options)
- Shababeek Lebanese Restaurant
- Address: Al Qasba Canal, Sharjah
- Famous for: Lebanese Cuisine (Veg/Non-Veg options)
- Yoko Sizzlers
- Address: Al Khalediya, Sharjah
- Famous for: Sizzlers and Steaks (Veg/Non-Veg options)
- Maharaja Bhog
- Address: Hamsah Building, Zabeel Road, Al Karama, Sharjah
- Famous for: Vegetarian Thali (Veg)