Luqaimat – the most popular dessert of the UAE

Luqaimat, often called fried mini donuts, is a dessert that perfectly encapsulates the UAE’s love for sweetness and warmth. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and drizzled with date syrup or honey, luqaimat is a treat everyone loves. As we just celebrated the UAE’s 53rd National Day on December 2nd (yes, I might be a tad late, but expressing gratitude is never out of season), I wanted to take a moment to reflect on this incredible journey and share a piece of the UAE’s culinary heritage with you all.

The UAE’s food culture is as diverse as its population. Rooted in Bedouin traditions, Emirati cuisine is a reflection of the region’s history, geography, and multicultural influences. The nation’s cosmopolitan nature has also become a global culinary hub. Walking through Dubai or Abu Dhabi, you’re just as likely to stumble upon world-class French patisseries as you are traditional falafel joints or Asian street food stalls. This seamless blend of tradition and modernity is what makes the UAE’s food scene so special.

I wasn’t always a food stylist. My love for food blossomed when I moved to the UAE. The smells wafting from bustling souks, the vibrant colors of spices, and the sheer artistry of plated dishes in restaurants here inspired me to see food as more than sustenance—it became art.

Starting was not easy. Building a career in a competitive industry like food styling felt like climbing a steep dune in the middle of the desert. But the UAE’s dynamic energy pushes you to dream big. With a portfolio of passion projects, I began to work my way through collaborations with prestigious brands and renowned hotel chains. Slowly but surely, I carved a niche for myself, creating stunning visuals that brought out the beauty of food.

Today, I’m proud to call this country my home. It’s here that I not only built a fulfilling career but also raised my children in an environment that values culture, creativity, and community.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Serves: 3-4

Ingredients

All-purpose flour 125 gms
Cornstarch/ cornflour 1 tbsp
Sugar 1 tbsp
Dry yeast 1 tsp
Saffron threads 1/4 tsp
Ground cardamom 1/4 tsp
Luke-warm water 1 and 1/4 cups
Pinch of salt
Vegetable oil for frying
Date syrup or honey for drizzling
Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Method

In a large bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, sugar, yeast, saffron, cardamom, and salt. Gradually add lukewarm water and stir until you achieve a smooth, slightly thick cake-like batter.
Cover and let it rest in a warm place for about an hour until it doubles in size.
In a deep frying pan, heat the oil over medium heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
Use a small spoon or an ice cream scoop to drop small portions of the batter into the oil. I poured the batter into a piping bag and let it drop into the hot oil.
Fry in batches, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy.
Remove the luqaimat with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Drizzle with date syrup or honey and garnish with sesame seeds if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!