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Dubai (United Arab Emirates)
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Main course
Fish & Seafood
Food Flavour DNA
Nutritional Values
450kcal
50gProtein
5gCarbs
25gFat
2gFibre
300 gServing
* Per serving · 300 g. May vary.
Allergens
🐟 Fish
Grilled Fish with Spices
How to order / say it
Say it
سمك مشوي — [sa-mak mash-wee]
Order
I'd like the samak mashwi, please.
Locally
أريد السمك المشوي من فضلك
Say locally
Traditional Emirati spiced grilled fish dish
Why try it?
Samak Mashwi showcases the UAE's coastal bounty, emphasizing the country's relationship with the sea. Spices enrich the fish’s natural flavor, offering a cultural taste experience.
How it tastes
Grilled to perfection, the fish has a smoky aroma with a crispy exterior. The spices create a deep, savory flavor, accompanied by the natural tenderness of the fish.
Origin & History — first documented: 1850
Fishing has been vital in Arabian Peninsula’s history, with Samak Mashwi emerging as an iconic way to preserve and flavor fish from the mid-19th century onwards.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 🐟 600 g fish
- 🧂 1 tsp cumin
- 🧂 1 tsp coriander
- 🧂 1 tsp turmeric
- 🍋 1 lemon
- 🫒 50 ml olive oil
Method
- 1 Clean and dry the fish.
- 2 Mix spices and lemon juice, then marinate the fish.
- 3 Preheat grill and brush with olive oil.
- 4 Grill fish until cooked through, basting occasionally.
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