Simple, healthy and bursting with flavour thanks to a combination of aromatic spices such as cardamom, rose water and dried lemons, here are 4 must try traditional dishes when you are next in Abu Dhabi!

Harees

Harees is a traditional dish which makes an appearance at special occasions such as weddings. A mixture of ground wheat, chicken and salt is Cooked in a clay pot which is buried in the ground upon a bed of hot coals and left to simmer for a couple of hours. After it is baked, it is served with ghee and makes for a filling meal.

Machboos

Machboos is a dish consisting of meat and rice. The meat is first cooked with spices after which the vegetables and rice are added and left to bake in the oven. Unique takes on this dish can be tried out at many 5-star hotels in Abu Dhabi including the likes of Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara, serving authentic Arabian dishes.

Salona

A nutritional powerhouse of a bowl, salona is a basically a fragrant meat soup featuring local vegetables such as eggplants, okra and courgettes cooked in a fragrant spice broth.

Luqaimat

Basically, balls of dough which are fried and then drizzled generously with date syrup, Luqaimat are a delicate dessert to lighten up your palette. Oft times sesame seeds are added for texture as well.

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+