Local Food to Try When in Sharjah: A Culinary Tour of the Emirate

Sharjah, known as the cultural capital of the United Arab Emirates, offers more than just historic architecture and art galleries—it’s a haven for food lovers who want to explore the heart and soul of Emirati cuisine. While Dubai may dazzle with global fusion, Sharjah holds tight to authentic, homegrown flavors that reflect its Bedouin heritage, maritime history, and multicultural influences from across the Arabian Peninsula.

Whether you’re a food adventurer or a curious traveler, here’s your ultimate guide to local food to try when in Sharjah.

1. Machboos (Majboos): The King of Emirati Cuisine

Let’s start with the national comfort dish: Machboos. Think of it as the Gulf’s answer to biryani—spiced basmati rice cooked with meat (usually lamb, chicken, or fish), onions, tomatoes, and dried limes (loomi). Each bite carries a hint of warmth from the spices and a citrusy tang from the loomi. Making it one of the local food to try when in Sharjah.

Where to Try:

• Al Fanar Restaurant & Café (Al Majaz Waterfront)
  
• Arabian Tea House (Sharjah Arts Area)
  

2. Harees: Simple, Hearty, and Soulful

A traditional dish often served during Ramadan and festive occasions, Harees is made by slow-cooking wheat and meat (usually chicken or lamb) into a thick, porridge-like consistency. It’s rich, smooth, and incredibly comforting—a favorite among Emiratis and locals alike. Making it one of the local food to try when in Sharjah.

Where to Try:

• Fen Café & Restaurant
  
• Cultural festivals or during Ramadan nights
  

3. Thareed: Bread Meets Stew

A deeply satisfying meal, Thareed is made by layering crispy or soft regag bread at the bottom of a bowl and soaking it in a spiced meat and vegetable stew. This dish traces its roots back to the Bedouin desert lifestyle—filling, flavorful, and designed to feed a crowd. Making it one of the local food to try when in Sharjah.

Where to Try:

• Traditional restaurants in Al Qasba or Souq Al Shanasiyah
  
• Cultural exhibitions in Sharjah Heritage Area
  

4. Khameer and Chebab: Breakfast Emirati-Style

Sharjah mornings start best with Khameer—a slightly sweet, fluffy bread often filled or served with cheese, date syrup, or honey. Pair it with Chebab, a local pancake made with saffron and cardamom, and you’ve got a breakfast that’s both traditional and Instagram-worthy. Making it one of the local food to try when in Sharjah.

Where to Try:

• Arabian Tea House
  
• Al Rawi Café, Flag Island
  

5. Grilled Hammour: A Taste of the Gulf Sea

Seafood is essential to Sharjah’s cuisine, and Hammour (grouper) is the local favorite. Usually served grilled or fried, this fish is firm yet flaky, and marinated in aromatic Gulf spices. It’s often accompanied by saffron rice or flatbread. Making it one of the local food to try when in Sharjah.

Where to Try:

• Sammach Seafood Restaurant
  
• Marasea at Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort
  

6. Shawarma and Falafel: Ubiquitous but Unmissable

Though not originally Emirati, shawarma and falafel have been embraced into everyday local dining. In Sharjah, you’ll find authentic Levantine versions—juicy, flavorful, and wrapped in fresh Arabic bread with tahini, pickles, and garlic sauce. Making it one of the local food to try when in Sharjah.

Where to Try:

• Al Mallah (for shawarma)
  
• Al Reem Al Zahabi or Falafel Al Zaad (for falafel)
  

7. Luqaimat: Sweet Emirati Dumplings

No meal in Sharjah is complete without Luqaimat—crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside dough balls drizzled with date syrup and sesame seeds. Served especially during Ramadan and Eid, they’re the UAE’s favorite dessert for a reason. Making it one of the local food to try when in Sharjah.

Where to Try:

• Sharjah Food Truck Park (seasonal)
  
• Al Majaz Waterfront cafés
  

8. Balaleet: Sweet Noodles, Savory Egg

Balaleet is one of the most unique Emirati dishes. It’s a breakfast dish made with sweet vermicelli flavored with rose water, cardamom, and saffron, topped with a paper-thin egg omelet. Making it one of the local food to try when in Sharjah. The contrast of sweet and savory may surprise you—but it’s a must-try!

Where to Try:

• Local Emirati breakfast cafés
  
• Sharjah Cultural Area eateries
  

9. Arabic Coffee & Dates: More Than a Drink, It’s a Ritual

It’s not just about caffeine. In Sharjah, Gahwa (Arabic coffee) is served as a symbol of hospitality. Brewed with cardamom and poured from a traditional dallah into small cups, it’s often accompanied by fresh dates—soft, sweet, and locally grown. Making it one of the local food to try when in Sharjah.

Where to Try:

• Souq Al Arsah
  
• Emirati heritage restaurants and cafés
  

10. Regag Bread: Street Food with Emirati Soul

This thin, crispy bread is often made fresh on a hot griddle and topped with cheese, eggs, fish sauce, or Nutella. A favorite street food snack that hits the spot any time of day. A local food to try when in Sharjah.

Where to Try:

• Street food stalls near Sharjah Corniche
  
• Local food festivals and souqs
  

Experience It All in the Sharjah Heritage Area

For a full immersive experience, head to the Sharjah Heritage Area, especially during events like Sharjah Heritage Days or the Sharjah Light Festival. You’ll find stalls offering many of these dishes in a vibrant, traditional setting, complete with performances and local crafts.

Final Thoughts: Tasting the Heart of Sharjah

Sharjah’s local food tells the story of its people—humble, hospitable, and rooted in tradition. From centuries-old Bedouin recipes to coastal seafood dishes and Middle Eastern street food, the emirate offers an honest, hearty cuisine that’s best enjoyed slowly and socially.

So next time you’re wandering through Sharjah’s old souqs or gazing over its calm lagoons, treat your taste buds to a true cultural experience—one bite at a time.