Celebrate Eid Al Etihad with these five Emirati dishes

What’s a party without the food?

This Eid Al Etihad, or Union Day, elevate your celebrations by treating your taste buds to the rich flavors of Emirati cuisine. Whether you're heading out to join the festivities or staying in to enjoy the long break, these five iconic dishes are a must-try.

Machboos

Machboos features rice cooked in flavorful stock, aromatic spices, and dried limes, along with meat or seafood.Shutterstock

This beloved dish features rice cooked in flavorful stock, aromatic spices, and dried limes. Typically served with red meat, chicken, or seafood, it's layered with tomatoes and potatoes for a rich, satisfying meal.

Regag

Regag is a traditional crispy flatbread, often served for breakfast or iftar during Ramadan.Website/visitabudhabi.ae

Often enjoyed for breakfast or dinner, regag is a traditional crispy flatbread, sometimes served with cheese or honey. Similar to a crepe, the dough is cooked on a griddle and is a Ramadan staple.

Chabab

Chabab, an Emirati pancake often served with date syrup.Website/visitabudhabi.ae

The UAE's take on pancakes, chabab is infused with cardamom or saffron for extra flavor. Often served with date syrup, it's a sweet and delicious way to start your day.

Madrooba

The Emirati dish madrooba consists of salted fish simmered in a thick, spiced sauce.Website/visitabudhabi.ae

Reflecting the UAE's coastal heritage, madrooba consists of salted fish simmered in a thick, spiced sauce. The name, meaning “beaten” or “smashed,” refers to the process of mashing the sauce to create its creamy texture.

Thareed

Thareed is a heart Emirati beef stew layered over pieces of bread.Shutterstock

A standout in Emirati slow-cooking traditions, thareed is a hearty beef stew layered over bread. The bread absorbs the rich, flavorful broth, creating a comforting bread soup that’s perfect for a cozy meal.

These dishes offer a taste of the UAE's rich culinary traditions, making them the perfect way to celebrate Eid Al Etihad.