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Emirati cuisine for a very special day

Celebrate UAE's National Day by sampling some delicious traditional dishes

Get into the spirit of UAE National Day and sample authentic Emirati meals to celebrate the auspicious day. If you have never sampled Emirati dishes before, here is our round up of the must-visit restaurants in Dubai that are sure to whet your appetite.

Local Bites
Dubai-based Emirati restaurant Local Bites cafe was recently revamped and has opened its doors just in time for the National Day. Highlights from their menu are breakfast options such as Baith at Tamait (scrambled eggs with tomatoes and parsley). Don't forget to bite into their luscious lugaimat, a traditional sweet fried dumpling and the Jumeirah khameer sandwich, which is among some of their many specialities.

Located near Kite Beach, Jumeirah Beach Road, 8am to 12.30am, +971-4-3883659

Seven Sands
For a more formal dining experience, make your way to Seven Sands to taste wholesome Emirati dishes. The restaurant takes diners on a cultural journey through the seven emirates. For the occasion of UAE National Day, diners will be treated to complimentary lugaimat along with traditional Arabic coffee. Also till December 15, they are celebrating the 'Taste of the Emirates' festival and will be serving dishes such as chicken thareed, harees and more authentic flavours.

The Beach, Dubai Marina, +971-4-551 6652

Logma
Situated in the vibrant Box Park, the restaurant serves up delicious Emirati sweet and savoury treats. Their must-try dishes include balaleet, sweet vermicelli topped with saffron omelette; muhalla, sweetened local crepe served with cream cheese and date syrup; samboosa cheese that has an indulgent filling of cream cheese and spicy chips Oman; and the decadent chebab katayef, a crisp pancake, served with date, mascarpone, saffron cardamom syrup, and vanilla ice cream, among others.

Boxpark, Al Wasl Road, +971-800-56462

Local House
Located in Bastakiya, the restaurant is situated in a district filled with traditional courtyard houses and classic wind towers, which offer a pleasant glimpse of how Dubai once looked. This is definitely one of the to-do things in the city on National Day, as the area will be buzzing with activities on the day. The restaurant is world-renowned for its signature dish, Camel Burgers. Their camel milkshake with chocolate is also popular and makes for a great sweet ending.

51, Al Bastakiya, Near Al Fahidi roundabout, +971 4 354 0705

Mama Tani
The name of the restaurant translates into second mother and it offers an array of wholesome home-cooked meals. This posh café is known for serving tasty Emirati khameer that can be enjoyed in a variety of fillings infused with regional herbs and spices. Their specialities include the kunafa roll, lamb couscous biryani and the rose cheesecake. It is a great place to head to with friends and family after taking part in the various National Day activities planned across the city.

Town Centre, Dubai, +971 4 385 4437