My following post is direct towards expats who are still lost in Mcd's and KFC world. I was like that for the first few months, but then I started trying foods I never had before and fell in love with them.
Lets begin...
Mandi: My number one choice if I am seriously hungry. It is a generous serving of rice with your choice of either meat or chicken. Fantastic stuff. Unfortunately, many restaurants are not doing them right. Best place to start is in Sharjah. They have some decent ones.
(20 AED+)
Hummous+Mutabbal: This combo is best with some bread. It is like a meal itself. These are mainly used for dipping or addons. Hummous is made of chickpeas, while mutabbal is made of eggplants. Some of you may know Mutabbal as Baba Ganoush. Can be easily found in cafeterias. When not in mood of a big meal, these two serve just right.
(12 AED)
Butter Chicken+biryani: I'm not much into Indian food, but this combo is the bomb. Best butter chicken is made by a restuarant called Ritzi Palm in Al Qusais area close to the hospital. I suggest trying it out.
(25 AED)
Kebbe: I fell heads over heals for this appetizer. Unfortunately, many places don't have the ones I like. The quest to find the best in Dubai continues.
(3-4 AED each)
Kashari: I'm sure I didn't spell and say it right. Its actually a dish you can find it in Iraqi restaurants. Its a mixture of rice, pasta, lentil, and bunch of other things. Very delicious. Best places are in Deira.
(10 AED plate)
Mansaf: This Jordanian dish is a delight. Though similar concept as Mandi, but it is far from it. It's rice with a piece of lamb. Comes with a sauce which is to die for. Find it in any Jordanian joint. The meat is so tender, it falls apart on first contact.
(20 AED+)
Falafel: There is this one small restaurant in Sharjah that sells the best falafel sandwiches. I can't remember the name of it, but if anyone knows anything about it please post. I live in Marina and I would drive there gladly to have some anytime.
(5 AED)
Fowl: It has a taste you need some time to get used to if your new here. It eventually grows on you though. Its a chickpea mesh. Best place to try is a place called Commodore (Corniche, Sharjah) open 24 hours
(5 AED)
Shorba Adas: Best type of soup. Available in pretty much all middle eastern joints. Request as appetizer. Its lentil.
(5 AED)
Persian Food: They are all about minced meat kabab and rice. I don't know their names. But man they are good. Head down to one and check it out.
(25 AED starting)
Chapli Kabab: Staying on Kababs, this is a specialty of Afghani restaurants, and only few selected ones. Ask for them if you do find yourself in one of those. You wont be disappointed. Utterly delicious.
(15 AED)
Tea (chai): The best tea in UAE is served by one cafeteria on Itehad road (highway 11) going towards Dubai right before Al Mamzar. If you want to check it out, take Shaikh Zayed all the way down to Sharjah, cross Al Mullah plaza and then take one of the bridges and head back towards Dubai. There is a small "TEA" sign right before the Al Mamzar exit. Pull in and enjoy the best tea 75 fills can buy. I'm sure a lot of people know what place I am talking about.
(0.75 AED)
There are bunch more worth listing, but I have already passed my typing quota. Will fill in some more.
Happy eating
Its near The fire brigade ( matafi ) r/a just next to Zulekha hospital. the hots ones just out of the frying pan are even more awesome.
I love you!!!