Sudanese Eats And Restaurants You Shouldn’t Miss

by Hayley Alexander

Sudanese Eats And Restaurants You Shouldn’t Miss

6 Sept 2024

Firstly, a huge shout-out to my Sudanese crew in Dubai. You’ve truly made my eight years in Dubai truly unforgettable with your welcoming, friendly nature and, of course, your incredible love for food. Many of my Sudanese friends grew up in the Emirates and neighbouring countries, and they know all the best spots you might not find on a quick Google search. So, when they say, “Let’s eat,” you can be sure it is going to be a feast.

If you are new to Sudanese food or just curious about what makes it so special, I’ve got you covered. While I often explore a variety of cuisines, I’ve spent years with my Sudanese friends, so I’m well-acquainted with the dishes and flavours. Whether you are a seasoned foodie or just looking to try something new, here is a guide to Sudanese cuisine and some must-visit spots in Dubai.

Sudanese cuisine is a wonderful blend of African and Middle Eastern influences, featuring hearty dishes packed with flavour. What I love most is its simplicity — you can taste the many ingredients without being overly complicated. I see it as comfort food that feels like a warm hug, perfect for sharing with friends and family. This is where I really learned the joy of sharing food.

Let’s get into the dishes

You will often hear about Goraasa, a staple in Sudanese cuisine. This soft, spongy flatbread or pancake, made from flour, water, salt and optionally baking powder, resembles a thick tortilla. It is incredibly versatile and enjoyed at any meal — breakfast, lunch, or dinner. In Sudan, Goraasa is commonly used to scoop up stews. It is placed under the dish, and pieces are torn off to eat, replacing the need for utensils. It also tastes great on its own.

Another popular flatbread is Kissra, which is found in Sudan, Chad, and South Sudan. Made from sorghum, wheat, or dukhun flour and cooked on a flat metal tray over direct heat. Kissra is made daily across Sudan and often paired with mullah, a rich meat stew flavoured with coriander, potatoes, black pepper, onions, garlic, peanut butter and tomatoes. It also complements various other stews from the region.

A Sudanese woman prepares kisra. Photo: Mohamed Elfatih Hamadien

If you are a meat lover, you will love Shaiyah. This beloved dish features pan-fried beef, lamb, or goat, typically using bony and fatty cuts for extra flavour. Though traditionally prepared for special occasions, it is so popular that many enjoy it daily. Shaiyah is usually served with shata, a homemade Sudanese hot sauce, along with onions, lemon, Sudanese tomato salad, and bread.

Agashe is another standout. It features thinly sliced beef, chicken, or fish, butterflied and skewered, then coated with a dry blend of crushed peanuts, hot pepper, and spices. The skewers are grilled over hardwood charcoal, with the meat laid side by side and slightly overlapping to ensure even cooking and avoid burning.

There are many other dishes worth exploring — just go and give a few a try! Molokhia, a delightful side made from jute leaves, and Fattah, a hearty lamb dish, are particularly worth tasting. Also, don’t miss out on traditional Aseeda with Weka, a dish often served during Ramadan and Eid in Sudanese households.

Where to go

While some Sudanese dishes overlap with Egyptian and other Arab cuisines, these spots are a great starting point for an authentic Sudanese experience. All roads lead to Deira for some authentic Sudanese dishes.

Rukun Alsalat

Here, you will find dishes perfect for those who are vegetarian and vegan — and super hearty.

Al-Fananeen

This place offers all the recommended dishes for those under AED 50, so you can have a feast for AED 50.

Al Kandaka Fooul & Falafel (Al Qusais Industrial Area)

This restaurant serves a mixture of Arabic and Sudanese dishes worth trying, on the very reasonably priced side and uber welcoming. Remember, most Sudanese foods are enjoyed with your hands, so roll up your sleeves and embrace the experience.

Next time you are in the mood for something different, try Sudanese food — you won’t be disappointed.

by Hayley Alexander