Welcome to the Sallet Al Sayad blog, a foodie blog where we share our passion for food and culture with you. This post will take you on a culinary journey through the diverse cuisine of Palestine and how it has influenced Emirati food culture. We will also introduce you to some of our signature dishes, inspired by Palestinian recipes, and share the stories behind them. Whether you are a local or a visitor, we hope you will enjoy exploring the delicious world of Palestinian and Emirati cuisine with us.
Palestinian cuisine
Palestinian cuisine is a fascinating blend of flavors, colors, and textures that have been shaped by centuries of cultural exchange and culinary traditions. The use of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients is a hallmark of Palestinian cooking, with herbs and spices playing a prominent role in many dishes. Olive oil, another important ingredient, is not only a staple of the Palestinian diet but also a symbol of Palestinian identity and resistance, as the olive tree has long been a symbol of ancient Palestinian culture.
The influence of neighboring cuisines is also evident in Palestinian cuisine, with dishes such as hummus, baba ghanoush, and tabbouleh having roots in Lebanon and Syria. The use of spices such as sumac, za’atar, and cumin, for example, is also a testament to the cultural intermingling that has taken place in the region over the centuries.
Some of the most popular Palestinian dishes include musakhan (a dish made with roasted chicken and caramelized onions), maqluba (a rice dish with vegetables, meat, and spices), and falafel (deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas and spices, often served in pita bread with hummus and tahini sauce). Whether you are a fan of hearty stews or flavorful salads, there is something for everyone in Palestinian cuisine, and it is definitely worth exploring if you haven’t already.
Emirati Food
Emirati cuisine shares many similarities with Palestinian cuisine, as both are part of the Levantine culinary tradition. Many of the dishes that we enjoy today in the UAE have their roots in Palestine, such as hummus, tabbouleh, fattoush, falafel, shawarma, and kibbeh. These dishes are delicious and nutritious, as they provide a balanced diet of protein, carbohydrates, fiber, and healthy fats.
Sallet Al Sayad: Introducing the best of Palestinian and Emirati cuisine
At Sallet Al Sayad, we are proud to offer you a taste of Palestine with our own twist and flair. Here are some of our signature dishes that you should not miss:
Soups
- Lentil Soup (شوربة العدس): This is a simple and hearty soup made with red lentils, onion, garlic, cumin, salt, pepper, and water. The lentils are cooked until soft and then blended or mashed to create a thick and creamy texture. The soup is usually served with lemon wedges, bread, and fresh herbs.
Salads
- Palestinian Salad (سلطة فلسطينية): This is a refreshing and colorful salad that consists of chopped calamari, shrimp, lettuce, arugula, onion, and tomato, dressed with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. It is a common appetizer or side dish in Palestinian cuisine and can be enjoyed with bread or rice.
- Gazawi Salad (سلطة غزاوي): This is a spicy and tangy salad that originates from the Gaza Strip, a coastal region of Palestine. It is made with chopped tomato, parsley, onion, chili, and lemon juice, and seasoned with salt and pepper. It is often served as a dip for bread or as a condiment for grilled meats or fish.
- Rocca Salad (سلطة جرجير): This is a simple and healthy salad that features arugula, a peppery green leafy vegetable that is widely grown and consumed in Palestine. The arugula is tossed with sliced onion and tomato, and drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice. It is a light and refreshing salad that can be eaten as a snack or as a side dish.
- Fatoush (فتوش): This is a popular and traditional salad that is made with toasted or fried pieces of pita bread, cucumber, tomato, parsley, mint, and onion. The salad is dressed with olive oil, lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, salt, and pepper, and garnished with sumac, a sour and fruity spice that adds a distinctive flavor and color. Fatoush is a filling and satisfying salad that can be served as a main course or as a part of a mezze platter.
- Taboulah (تبولة): This is a classic and iconic salad that is widely known and loved in Palestinian cuisine and beyond. It is made with finely chopped parsley, tomato, onion, and bulgur, a type of cracked wheat that is soaked in water or broth. The salad is seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, and sometimes mint or other herbs. Taboulah is a refreshing and nutritious salad that can be eaten as a snack, a side dish, or a main course.
We hope you enjoyed this blog post and learned something new about Palestinian cuisine and its influence on Emirati food culture. We invite you to try our signature dishes at Sallet Al Sayad and experience the authentic flavors of Palestine. We would love to hear your feedback and suggestions, so please leave us a comment on Google reviews sharing your experience at our restaurant. Thank you for reading, and stay tuned for more updates from Sallet Al Sayad.
