Back to basics

Many would argue there is no better way to get back to basics and remember your roots than with food. Every country in the world has a particular dish, unique to them, which allows the natives to recall, replay and reminisce about days gone by.

UAE national Mariam says, she thinks food is the quickest way back to all the fun she had as a child.

Sat crossed-legged at Dubai's Heritage Village, as part of the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) celebrations, Mariam, 50, cooks batch after batch of lokma — a fried sweet dough covered in a simple syrup and served to passers by.

Careful

She said: "This was one of the things I remember watching my mother cook and I learnt to cook at a very early age. In a place like Dubai we must be careful not to forget our heritage and traditions. It's so easy to order take-away and not make our ancient Arabic dishes."

Heritage Village is the perfect place to go and learn about the strong traditions of the UAE and Middle East.

Ideal for both nationals and expats, there are helpful locals on hand to explain about the food being served in the rows upon rows of tents.

The atmosphere is lively and people of all nationalities are invited to witness the Arab way of life. With horses and camels wandering free, the aroma of the food tents and older local people selling incense and shawls, you could almost have been transported to another world — a much simpler time.

Impressed

Omani national Iman Abdullah, 23, said: "The food here is wonderful. It is the first thing you smell when you walk through the gates and it kind of draws you. We are visiting from Oman but we are very impressed with Heritage Village. It's so lovely to see these women cooking in the open air for everyone to see. They are passing on their knowledge to others and everyone should come and appreciate what they are doing for the country."

Mariam added: "I am privileged to be here today and I am very proud to be cooking for people from all over the world. I explained what I am making to a Chinese lady who even made me write down the recipe and explain how she can have a go at home.

"We sometimes take our traditions for granted and it's good to let others remind you that we are individual and unique because of the generations who have gone before us."

Abdul Rahman, 28, and his friend Salim Saeed, 23, said they were enjoying the food at Heritage Village.

Abdul said: "I have been back twice this week just to eat. I love the atmosphere here and it's really great to see everyone celebrating the fact we are Emiratis and the traditions which go with that.

"It's a good place for children to learn about the UAE."

Quatayef with cheese was also a favourite at Heritage Village. Quatayef is a special dessert, commonly served during Ramadan. Sometimes called Arabic pancakes, quatayef is filled with sweet cheese or nuts and then fried or baked.

How to make Lokma

Lokma is fried sweet dough, that is covered in a syrup. Served as a dessert, lokma is a popular coffee accompaniment and the best news is that the lokma recipe is foolproof.

Ingredients:
1 1/4 cup warm water
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon active dry yeast
2 cups all- purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
Vegetable oil

Method:
In a measuring cup, add yeast and sugar to warm water. Stir until dissolved. Allow to sit for 5-10 minutes.

In a medium bowl, combine flour and salt. Add yeast water and stir with oiled wooden spoon until a dough-like consistency.

Cover and place in warm area and allow to rise for 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled.

Dough balls are fried for a maximum of 12 minutes or until golden brown.