Must-Try Foods In Sharjah (United Arab Emirates) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

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

1. Shawarma (Non-Veg) - This street food staple consists of thinly sliced chicken or lamb wrapped in a pita bread with vegetables and sauce.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Falafel (Veg) - Deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, typically served in a bread roll with salad and tahini sauce.
5. Al Machboos (Non-Veg) - A flavorful dish of rice and meat, seasoned with a special blend of spices.
6. Fatteh (Veg/Non-Veg options) - A Levantine dish consisting of layers of flatbread and chickpeas, topped with yogurt and pine nuts.
7. Tabbouleh (Veg) - A refreshing parsley and bulgur wheat salad, often flavored with mint, tomatoes, and lemon juice.
8. Manakish (Veg) - A type of flatbread often topped with za'atar and olive oil, sometimes cheese or ground meat.
9. Kousa Mahshi (Veg/Non-Veg options) - Stuffed zucchini filled with either rice and herbs or a mixture of meat and spices.
10. 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)