Camels, also known as the “ships of the desert” in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), are peculiar animals. They have benefited humans for centuries, from being a source of transport to being a source of food.
For centuries, camels have been an important part of the Bedouin life. They not only transported them across deserts but also became a source of milk, hides, and even fuel from their excrement (which is nearly odorless). Camels have padded feet – they can walk in the desert for weeks without water.
Camel meat was never just food. These animals have always been cherished for their companionship, work, and sustenance of life.
In the UAE and the rest of the Emirati culture, camels have a historic role. That is why their meal is considered precious, even sacred, and is reserved only for celebrations or to be eaten with respect and admiration.
Here is a complete breakdown of camel meat’s history in Emirati cuisine.
Camel Meat Enrooted in Emirati Cuisine
Camels were vital to survival in Emirati history, which means that they have also been eaten for centuries. Camel meat wasn’t popular just in Emirati history. Ancient Greek writers used to describe roasted camels as a part of Persian banquets. Heliogabalus, the Roman emperor, preferred camel’s heel. And not only in these regions, but throughout Eritrea, Somalia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Libya, camel meat has always been a delicacy in cuisine and food festivals.
In the UAE, camel meat was never an ordinary, everyday meat. Slaughtering a camel was considered a big deal and was only done when the meat was to be consumed during weddings, Ramadan, or to cook dishes for honored guests.
The Famous Whole Stuffed Camel or Camalambakicken
The famous whole stuffed camel is the most famous as well as rarest camel dish in Emirati cuisine. It is not just a myth or folklore. However, you cannot find this dish in a restaurant.
The stuffed camel is only prepared at wedding banquets, or for some very important guests. Afterall, it is a traditional Bedouin dish. And it is also the ‘largest item on any menu in the world,’ as you can find in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Even if you don’t see stuffed camels anywhere in Dubai or the rest of the UAE, it doesn’t mean that the Loch Ness Monster doesn’t exist.
It is not just a dish, but a spectacle reserved for special guests. So basically, a stuffed camel is eggs layered inside a fish, which is inside a chicken, which is inside a lamb, which is inside a camel.
But does it really exist? Yes, it does. However, the dish is proof of how Emiratis do not joke around when it comes to grandeur and hospitality.
Camel Meat Recipes and Cooking Traditions
Traditional Emirati recipes for camel meat are very much similar to how you cook lamb or goat, but camel meat requires longer cooking times, because the tough cuts need to become tender.
Camel meat is featured in dishes like kabsah, which is a spiced rice dish. Harees looks like porridge, and is made with camel meat and wheat. Camel meat becomes even more delicious when you season it with spices like cardamom, cloves, dried lime, and cinnamon.
If you want to cook camel meat at home, follow the traditional Bedouin recipes and tips, as they will give that distinctive Gulf flavor to your dishes. Many Emiratis believe that camels are cooked like lamb, but only slower. And if you have special cuts beneath the hump, the meat will be much tender due to the fat. Skip the tongue and tougher cuts of camel, as they are not favored due to their texture.
Is Camel Meat Famous Beyond the Middle East?
Yes, camel meat is also famous outside the Arab world.
Australia has a large number of feral camels, which has created a niche market space for the exporters. Hence, camel meat is exported to other countries such as the Middle East and Europe. In Australia, you can find Australian varieties of camel meat dishes, such as camel lasagna, which is found in towns like Alice Springs. East African immigrants in Australia particularly hold camel meat in the highest regard due to its cultural aspect.
Conclusion
Camel meat has always been associated with luxury and celebration in the Emirates. However, today, the dishes have become popular enough so that everyone can taste camel meat, from burgers and kebabs to mandi as well as hashi cuts.
Here are some more questions, answers by our travel and food experts, that you might have regarding camel meat.
FAQs
What role did camels play in UAE history?
A lot of roles. Camels were used for transport, their milk was used for nutrients, and their meat was consumed as it provided high protein content.
Is camel meat eaten in the UAE?
Of course. It is served at weddings, feasts, and cultural events, and is also available at restaurants as camel burgers, kebabs, and mandi.
What is the most famous camel dish in the UAE?
The legendary stuffed camel is famous among all locals and tourists. However, camel burgers and kebabs (like chapli kebab) are the most famous versions of camel meat in the UAE.
Why was camel meat reserved for special occasions?
Because camels are very valuable. They are used for transport and milk. The Arabs only slaughtered camels when they wanted to feed several people in big celebrations.
How is camel meat cooked in Emirati cuisine?
Camel meat is tougher than beef and lamb, so it is usually slow-cooked with rice and spices.
Where can you try camel meat in Dubai and Abu Dhabi?
Restaurants such as The Local House and Najd Palace Restaurant & Kitchen serve camel burgers and Hashi Madghoot.
