Sweet delicacies that boost kinship and friendship in UAE
dubai — Eid celebrations vary around the world but the common features are generosity and hospitality. Food, of course, is at the centre of the festivities and a special Eid meal is not complete without the traditional sweets.
For centuries, Muslims around the world enjoy special desserts during Eid — from traditional delights like the delectable Katayef (or Qatayef) that is believed to have originated from the Fatimid Caliphate (dynasty from 909 to 1171), to the simple, economical and ubiquitous Umm Ali, which dates back to the Ayyubid dynasty that ruled much of the Middle East during the 12th and 13th centuries.
There is also the melt-in-yourmouth Kunafa and the very tasty Luqaimat, crunchy on the outside but soft and airy in the inside dumplings sprinkled with date molasses (known as dibs) and regarded as the official sweets of the UAE.
Another date-based baked dessert is Ranjina as well as the savoury Assidat Al Boubar, which is served traditionally during Eid, and the pistachio-laden Esh Al Bulbul (Nightingale’s nest).There is also an Emirati version of pancake called Chebab, which is made of cardamom, saffron and dates; Khabees, sweet flour concoction with a dash of rosewater and infused with saffron; and Balaleet, sweetened vermicelli, eggs, and spiced with cardamom and saffron.
Of course not to be missed are the dates, especially the peeled ones whose pits are replaced with crushed pistachios, almonds, walnuts, chocolates or cinnamon. And another local favourite is the Turkish Baklava, which needs no description as it is simply divine. But what are stars of Eid desserts? “Katayef and kunafa,” says Mohamed Abu Ardat, production manager at Al Samadi Sweets. “We serve the best Katayef and Kunafa,” he tells Khaleej Times, while supervising a team of 20 staff preparing the sweet stuff at their production area in Al Qusais.
“Every day during Ramadan we produce at least 300kg of Katayef. People from all over Dubai come to our shop and buy them. This Eid, we have to produce more.” For Mohamed, “desserts are always part of Eid and being served with traditional sweets is part of Arabian hospitality. Families and friends sharing sweets develop the strong bonds of kinship and friendship.”