Emirati eatery sails into the past
Traditional spices such as saffron, cardamom and turmeric shine in dishes from Al Mashowa
Contrary to the perception that Emirati cuisine is limited to rice, fish and meat, the list of dishes from the country is actually a long one, comprising many basic components, including chicken, vegetables, flour, dates and many spices.
They are all tasty and most of them spicy, giving Emirati cuisine a special characteristic that makes it different from other Asian or Mediterranean cuisines.
Located in the heart of City Walk along with other dining places, Al Mashowa’s interiors give the customers a glimpse of what they should expect.
In traditional Arabic, Al Mashowa refers to the boats used in the olden days to ferry fishermen from the shores to the deep sea fishing boats.
Accordingly, an aquarium is located at the entrance. Next to it, there is a corner of fresh fish covered with ice to choose from.
Traditional Emirati lamps dangle from the ceiling, and the coir-made Qubah decorate part of the walls. The Qubah was traditionally used as a base for platters of food, allowing people to sit around it.
At the review, the table heaved with seafood treats. Naturally, no Emirati seafood meal is complete without the hamour. Also on offer was tuna fish, shrimps and crab delicacies. Some were grilled, some were cooked in a spicy stew or used to make seafood soup or a salad.
However, if customers are interested in tasting Emirati cuisine specialty, one must try Al Mashowa salad, a combination of different types of seafood — including mussels and calamari — that is cooked to perfection and prepared with peas, lettuce, onions, lemon, and a special dressing of vinegar and saffron.
We also recommend the shrimp stew, which is cooked in a thick tomato sauce, heaving with local spices to give it a a mouthwatering taste. It can be eaten with white rice or bread; do try the thin Emirati bread called marqouq, although Mediterranean loafs are also at hand.
For mains, we highly recommend the machboos, one of the most famous dishes in the UAE and popular in the whole region.
The hearty dish is usually made of fish or chicken, cooked with rice. We had one prepared with king fish and the spices used give it a unique taste and a distinctive appearance. You could literally taste the saffron, with hints of cinnamon, dried lemons, turmeric and cardamom.
If your appetite permits, do try the thareed laham (lamb), with layers of marqouq bread soaked in a special sauce that’s cooked with aromatic spices. The lamb is so tender that it literally melts in your mouth.
Do give it a try if you plan on sampling traditional Emirati fare. While the restaurant does not offer brunch or buffets, it does offer a special dish of the day that makes it worth the trip.