A 3-hour Vegetarian Emirati Cookalong in Dubai (Save this now!) Last Updated: September 26, 2023

Today, I want to take you on a culinary journey that’s close to my heart – the Emirati Cookalong in Dubai. It’s a unique adventure that I had the pleasure of experiencing personally, and I can’t wait to share it with you.

Discovering Emirati Cuisine

When I initially thought of Dubai, traditional Emirati cuisine wasn’t the first thing that crossed my mind. It all began with a warm welcome at the Al Khayma Heritage House, a place where history and flavours intertwine to create a magical experience.

As I stepped inside, the sweet scent of dates and the rich aroma of gahwa coffee caught my attention. 

The Menu

The menu offered a variety of options, and I chose to explore the world of Machboos, a fragrant rice dish adorned with tender meat. But, being a vegetarian, I opted for a special twist on this traditional delight.

For the cooking class, I had several enticing options to choose from:

Breakfast Class (1.5 hours)

The art of preparing a traditional Emirati breakfast. From fragrant Arabic coffee to delectable breakfast dishes, this class provides the perfect introduction to the world of Emirati flavours.

Machboos Class (2 hours)

Machboos, a fragrant rice dish adorned with tender meat, stood as a quintessential Emirati delight. In this class, I acquired the skills to craft this aromatic masterpiece, ensuring a burst of flavours with every bite but in a vegetarian way. 

Machboos, Regag Bread, and Luqaimat Class (3 hours)

For those seeking a comprehensive experience, this option covers it all. I not only learned the secrets behind the perfect machboos but also the art of making the renowned regag bread and the sweet Emirati delicacy, luqaimat. This class was a deep dive into Emirati culinary traditions.

The Emirati cooking experience in Dubai holds a really special place in my heart and that’s exactly why I am writing this article. 

Eco-Friendly and Responsible Tourism

What truly impressed me about Al Khayma Heritage House in Dubai was its unwavering commitment to eco-friendliness and responsible tourism. 

There were handmade and eco-friendly elements, all crafted by skilled artisans adorned at the venue. This dedication to sustainability added an extra layer of authenticity to the entire experience.

The experience worth sharing

My Emirati Cooking Experience at Al Khayma Heritage House in Dubai was an absolute delight from start to finish. It all began with the exciting process of learning how to make Regag Bread, a traditional Emirati delight.

After mastering the art of Regag Bread, I was led to a rooftop oasis at the restaurant, where an outdoor kitchen was set up against the backdrop of the Dubai skyline. It was the perfect setting for what was to come. 

There, I delved into creating the signature Emirati dish, Machboos, under the guidance of skilled chefs. The fragrant aromas filled the air as I carefully followed each step of this culinary masterpiece. 

Alongside the Machboos, I made a fresh salad that perfectly complemented the flavours of the main dish.

After all the hard work, it was time to savour the fruits of my labour. I was led back to a beautifully set table where the Regag Bread, Machboos, Salad, and Luqaimat were waiting for me. The table was adorned with these delicious dishes, and I couldn’t help but admire the vibrant colours and enticing aromas.

A refreshing mint cooler was served in order to quench my thirst and complement the meal. It was the perfect drink to balance the flavours and provide a cooling touch to the rich and flavorful Emirati dishes.

As I sat down to enjoy this feast, I couldn’t help but appreciate the hands-on experience, the stunning rooftop setting, and the delicious Emirati cuisine that had come together to create a truly memorable dining experience. It was a journey of flavours and culture that I would cherish forever.

Cultural Immersion

Beyond the food, this experience allowed me to immerse myself in the rich history and cultural traditions. The Al Khayma Heritage House in Dubai itself was a treasure trove of architectural beauty and historical significance. As I explored its hallowed halls, I felt a deep connection to the roots of this vibrant city.

Expert Guidance

The Emirati cooking class was led by master chef Lamin who was passionate about preserving Emirati culinary traditions. With expert guidance, I learned the art of crafting Machboos, ensuring that every bite would explode with flavour.

My Emirati Cooking Experience in Dubai was a journey filled with flavours, culture, and eco-friendly charm. It’s a story I’ll savour for a lifetime, and I hope it inspires you to explore the rich global cuisine and culture too!

Do you wish to enjoy a similar experience but aren’t really sure where to start? Drop me an email at theveggietravels@gmail.com to get a perfectly crafted itinerary curated just for you.