You know you are in Dubai when you see camel on the menu.
In fact, camel is a popular dish in many restaurants in Dubai. They marinate it with saffron, turmeric, salt, and water and cook it till it turns a beautiful golden-orange color. If that doesn’t sound like the best camel meat in Dubai, we don’t know what else does.
But if you have never tasted camel meal before, aren’t you curious about it?
For the first-timers, here is a little about what camel meat tastes like, how to eat it, what you need to know before eating it, and where to find camel meat in Dubai.
What Does Camel Taste Like?
No, camel don’t taste like beef. Nor does it taste like lamb.
It is darker, smoother and richer than beef, and tastes and smells somewhat like smoked meat.
Camel meat is a traditional delicacy in Dubai and the rest of UAE, and we would recommend all the travelers to try it at least once in their lifetime.
Camel is a gamey meat, but it is quite tender when you cook it properly. Emiratis prefer it to the beef and lambs for its stronger taste and smell. Many people who taste camel meat for the first time call it “a leaner version of beef,” and also say that it is a subtly sweeter meat than beef or lamb.
Keep in mind that the taste of camel varies between younger camel (which is tender and juicy) and older camel meat (which is a little tougher). They often use the younger meat in burgers and the older, tougher meat in slow-cooked stews.
That is why if you are going to taste camel meat in Dubai, it is best to do it somewhere where you know that the chefs have prepared it really well!
What Should I Know Before Trying Camel Meat in Dubai?
There are a few things that you should know before eating camel for the first time in Dubai.
- Always try camel in Dubai from reputable restaurants as only they know how to cook camel meat properly.
- Camel hump is the most aromatic and flavorful part of a camel – don’t forget to try that.
- Camel meat is extremely heavy and filling – it feels just like eating lamb fat, except that camel is more delicious.
- Camel meat is not cheap, however, there are some restaurants in Dubai that serve camel kebabs and burgers at reasonable prices.
Is Camel Meat Healthy And Nutritious?
Camel meat is incredibly nutritious!
It is often higher in protein than beef or lamb due to low intramuscular fat levels, and has a high quantity of potassium, iron, and magnesium. Camel is also a very lean meat.
It is due to its high protein and low fat and cholesterol content that camel meat is a popular choice among Emiratis who are conscious of the calories they put inside their bodies.
Some visitors say camel tastes just like while others find it richer, with a subtle sweetness.
Popular Camel Dishes You’ll Find in Dubai
Camel is a fantastic addition to any Emirati gathering. It is served in restaurants, festivals, weddings, as well as important business meetings. It can be shaped into burger patties, served hot on a bed of aromatic rice, or shaped into meatballs. That being said, there are many must-try camel meat dishes in Dubai, some of them are;
- Camel Burger – It is served in both trendy and casual restaurants in Dubai. Camel burger is the best form of camel meat for first-timers who want to know what camel tastes like. It is lean, juicy, and marinated with Middle Eastern spices.
- Camel Chapli Kabab – Camel Chapli Kabab is a Pakistani delicacy made from minced camel meat patty, which is mixed with spices and shallow fried until the exterior is charred.
- Slow-Cooked Camel Stew – Classic Emirati-style camel dish in which the meat is cooked slowly with saffron, cardamom, and other spices.
- Camel Biryani – Tender camel meat, rich spices, and fluffy basmati rice are cooked together to prepare this hearty and delicious dish.
- Camel Mandi – Camel mandi is different from biryani, because mandi is cooked in a special mixture of spices, called hawaij (cumin, turmeric, black pepper, and cardamom), and the meat is cooked in tannour (a wood-fired clay oven).
- Baby Camel Platter – Yes, some restaurants in Dubai even serve a whole roasted baby camel, and it costs more than $1000! It is one of the most expensive forms of camel meats in Dubai.
Can I Cook Camel Meat at Home?
Absolutely! Cooking camel meat at home is possible, but it is a delicate process. That said, it is a fantastic center dish in any gathering. But if you are not in a mood to cook, and wonder where to eat camel meat in Dubai, keep in mind that there are many restaurants in the city, from modern to moderately-priced, that serve this tasty dish every day of the week.
So, Should You Try It?
If you are an adventurous foodie, definitely try camel meat on your next trip to Dubai. You wont be able to eat it everyday like you eat beef or chicken, but it is definitely something that you must try once in your life.
