Food & Drink
Restaurants, bars, markets and what to eat.
A Guide to Gulf Honey: Sidr, Sumr and Sweet Traditions
From dark sidr honey drizzled over fresh bread to a spoonful stirred into Arabic coffee, honey is woven into Gulf food culture. Discover the main varieties and how locals enjoy them.
Ferni: A Guide to the Gulf's Creamy Rice Pudding
Discover ferni, the silky rice pudding scented with rosewater and cardamom that is a beloved dessert across Gulf homes and Ramadan tables.
Mandi: A Guide to the Gulf's Smoky Rice Dish
Mandi is a beloved Gulf rice dish known for its tender meat and gentle smokiness. Here is what makes it special and how to enjoy it like a local.
Madrooba: A Guide to the Gulf's Creamy Beaten Dish
Madrooba is a comforting Gulf dish of slow-cooked meat or fish blended with spiced wheat or rice into a smooth, creamy texture. Here's what to know and how to enjoy it.
A Guide to Gulf Rose Water and Orange Blossom Water
Rose water and orange blossom water are the floral backbone of Gulf sweets and drinks. Here is how to use them in your own kitchen.
Eating with Your Hands in the Gulf: A Friendly Guide to Dining Etiquette
From communal platters to proper technique, here's how to enjoy traditional meals the Gulf way.
Muhammar: The Gulf's Sweet Saffron Rice That Loves Fish
Sweet, sticky and gently aromatic, muhammar is the Gulf's caramelised rice of choice with fried fish, grilled meat and festive spreads.
Margoog: A Guide to the Gulf's Comforting Vegetable and Dough Stew
Discover Margoog, the hearty Gulf stew made with thin dough pieces, vegetables and tender meat — a beloved dish for family meals and Ramadan iftars.
Daqqus and Shatta: The Gulf's Essential Table Sauces
From fresh tomato daqqus to fiery shatta, these two sauces are the unsung heroes of a Gulf dining table. Here's how to make and enjoy them at home.
A Home Cook's Guide to Karak Chai: The Gulf's Spiced Milky Tea
Strong, sweet and fragrant with cardamom, karak is the Gulf's favourite tea. Here is what goes into it, how to make it at home and how to order it well.
Luqaimat Explained: The Gulf's Golden Dumplings and How to Enjoy Them
Crisp outside, soft inside and glossy with date syrup, luqaimat are among the Gulf's best-loved sweets. Here's what they are, when to find them and how to make them at home.
Machboos and Kabsa: A Friendly Guide to the Gulf's Favourite Spiced Rice
From Kuwait to Muscat, a fragrant platter of spiced rice and meat sits at the heart of family meals. Here is what goes into machboos and kabsa, and how to enjoy them.
A Beginner's Guide to Gulf Dates: Varieties, Ripening Stages and How to Enjoy Them
From buttery Sukkari to dark, chewy Ajwa, here is how to tell the Gulf's favourite dates apart and get the most out of every box you buy.
How to Drink Arabic Coffee: A Friendly Guide to Gahwa Etiquette in the Gulf
Small cups, cardamom and a quiet set of customs: here is what to expect when you are offered gahwa in the Gulf, and how to accept it gracefully.