Pancakes come in all shapes and sizes, and in the UAE, they take the form of chebab. Typically larger than your average pancakes, these delicious creations are soft, fluffy, and covered with holes on the surface, perfect for soaking up toppings like rich date syrup. Stack them, roll them, and top them however you like, chebab is easy to make and endlessly adaptable, which is why it’s been served in Emirati homes for generations.
A nod to its smooth, flowable batter that’s thicker than a crêpe but lighter than a traditional pancake. Made with yeast, sugar, eggs, and a blend of saffron and cardamom, it has a warm, subtly sweet, and slightly spiced flavor that makes it unmistakably Emirati. For a final indulgent flourish, it’s brushed with butter or ghee just before serving.
Infused with saffron and cardamom, these pancakes are a wholesome, delicious way to start your day. Families across the Emirates also enjoy them during Eid Al Fitr or for Suhoor during Ramadan, providing a hearty meal that nourishes the body for a day of fasting. As for toppings, some of the most popular include date syrup, honey and cheese.
Historically speaking, chebab is believed to have originated over 500 years ago in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. During the pearl diving era, it was a staple for divers and sailors, made from simple ingredients like wheat flour, water, and salt. This hearty bread provided essential nourishment during long sea voyages and has remained a beloved part of Emirati culinary tradition ever since.
Today, chebab is still as popular as ever, enjoyed in both UAE households and MICHELIN-recommended restaurants.
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Located in Al Qana, ťazal offers a delectable spread of authentic Arabic dishes with an international twist, creating a unique culinary experience where every bite tells a story. Although the concept is rooted in the simple spirit of connection and warm hospitality, the restaurant doesn’t shy away from experimentation. Serving the perfect blend of tradition and innovation, diners can tuck into unexpected flavor pairings such as the delicate zaatar sea bream, and tanja short ribs.
This beloved Bib Gourmand restaurant has also become a favored local spot for its perfectly brewed coffee and hearty weekend breakfast options. As one of its standout breakfast creations, ťazal’s chebab comes drenched in date molasses and crowned by colorful edible flowers.
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Another eatery keeping Emirati culinary traditions alive is MICHELIN-selected Meylas, tucked among the apartment blocks of Al Muneera neighborhood in Al Raha Beach. Originally a food truck started by two sisters, the restaurant is now a local hotspot, and the founder’s passion for her country and its food culture shines through in every dish.
Despite its modern, Instagram-worthy interiors, featuring exposed ironwork and shelves lined with pantry essentials, the casual all-day menu is built around local ingredients and hand-me-down recipes. “Meylas is my passion project, and I have been deeply involved since its inception in 2011,” says founder Shaikha Al Kaabi. “Our goal has always been to bring authentic Emirati cuisine to a wider audience while maintaining its traditional essence.”
Alongside favorites like machboos, a meaty rice dish, and salonat bedu, a tomato-based stew, Meylas serves its own take on chebab, paired with rich date syrup, local honey, and cheese. “We keep it traditional, but sometimes we add a touch of rose water for a floral note or serve it with infused ghee for extra richness,” Al Kaabi explains. For a true taste of tradition, she recommends pairing it with a spiced milk tea or an Arabic coffee.
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“My first memory of chebab is in my grandmother’s kitchen, watching her prepare it with so much care, The smell of saffron and cardamom filling the house is something I’ll never forget.”
Another spot to enjoy this iconic dish is Bib Gourmand Al Mrzab. Situated on Abu Dhabi’s prominent Airport Road, this traditional restaurant is almost always a full house, renowned for its flavorful and spicy homemade meals. From the outside, the diner is hard to miss, thanks to its glowing neon sign, while inside, it has a home-like feel, offering an array of private cabins, majlis, and conventional tables surrounded by frames of old Abu Dhabi.
Standout dishes include harees, comprising ground wheat porridge, mixed with meat and spices. On the sweeter side, the restaurant’s traditional chebab is a must-try along with the crispy, golden khanfaroush, deep-fried dough disks drizzled with local honey.
Illustration image: Yadoo's House
