If you’ve ever been to the United Arab Emirates, you’ll know it’s not just skyscrapers and luxury cars that steal the show; the snack scene here is equally jaw-dropping.
In this edition of TheTastyFind’s snack series, we look at the most exciting exotic snacks you can find in the United Arab Emirates, some made at home using traditional recipes, and others imported from around the world to satisfy diverse taste buds.
Fun Fact: In the UAE, offering dates and gahwa (Arabic coffee) to guests is a traditional and symbolic act of hospitality. The dates are often served on an ornate tray, and the coffee is poured from a dallah (traditional pot).
A Look at the Most Popular Exotic Snacks in the United Arab Emirates
- Best top-pick exotic snack: Oreo Maple Creme
- Best premium exotic snack: Nestle KitKat Chunky Lotus Biscoff
- Best chips snack: Chips Oman
18 Popular Exotic Snacks in the United Arab Emirates
Here are 18 exotic snacks that have found their way into the United Arab Emirates:
1. ZAD Emirati Date Cookies
ZAD Emirati Date Cookies, or “Kleicha,” are a buttery cookie that melts in the mouth and encases a sweet and aromatic date paste filling. Often spiced with cardamom and cinnamon, they offer a warm, comforting flavor that is deeply rooted in local tradition. These cookies are a staple during holidays and special occasions, and their popularity in the UAE reflects a love for authentic, traditional Emirati sweets.
2. Chips Oman
Chips Oman are a national icon in the Arabian Gulf. These potato chips are known for their distinctive, slightly spicy, and tangy flavor profile. They are a simple yet beloved snack, often used in creative ways, such as a topping for sandwiches and other dishes. Their bright red packaging and bold taste give a sense of nostalgia for many in the region, solidifying their place as one of the top snacks in the region.
3. Lays Ketchup Potato Chips
While a staple in Canada, Lays Ketchup Potato Chips offer a uniquely exotic flavor experience for many in the UAE. The chips are a tangy and sweet combination of tomato, sugar, and vinegar, creating a flavor that is both familiar and unconventional. For those who grew up without this specific flavor, it presents an intriguing taste that is different from more common savory chip flavors.
4. Pofak Oman
Pofak Oman are light and crunchy corn-based cheese puffs that are another nostalgic favorite. Each puff is coated generously in a savory, cheesy seasoning, providing a satisfying burst of flavor. Their airy texture and addictive taste make them a popular choice for a quick snack, enjoyed by generations of people in the region.
5. Oreo Maple Creme
Oreo Maple Creme is a flavor variation that originated in Canada and has found its way to the UAE. It takes the classic chocolate sandwich cookie and fills it with a rich, maple-flavored cream. This flavor offers a unique blend of the familiar Oreo biscuit with the distinct, sweet taste of maple, creating an indulgent and aromatic twist on a beloved cookie.
6. M&M’s Popcorn Flavor
This limited-edition M&M’s flavor from Brazil combines the classic milk chocolate shell with crispy rice and a hint of popcorn flavor. The result is a snack that offers a surprising and unique taste and texture. It’s a playful combination of two classic treats; chocolate and popcorn that makes for an interesting and memorable snacking experience.
7. Yumochi Mochi Cakes
Mochi cakes, a Japanese rice cake, have become popular in the UAE for their chewy, soft, and slightly sweet texture. Yumochi cakes, in particular, are made from glutinous rice pounded into a paste. They often come in various flavors and are a unique confectionery that offers a departure from the typical chocolate and biscuit snacks.
8. Hello Panda
Hello Panda biscuits are a well-known Japanese treat from Meiji Seika. Each biscuit is a small, hollow shortbread shell with a cream filling, and features a cute cartoon panda on the outside. The biscuits come in a variety of flavors like chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla, making them a fun and appealing snack for all ages.
9. Hi-Chew
Hi-Chew is a Japanese chewy fruit candy with a texture that is a cross between taffy and gum. Known for its intense, long-lasting fruit flavors, it is available in a huge variety of options, from classic strawberry and grape to more exotic flavors like dragon fruit and mango. Its soft, chewy consistency and authentic fruit taste make it a delightful and popular candy.
10. Milka Strawberry Cheesecake
Milka Strawberry Cheesecake is a luxurious chocolate bar from Europe. It combines the creamy, smooth Milka Alpine milk chocolate with a fruity strawberry filling and crunchy biscuit pieces. This bar successfully captures the essence of a strawberry cheesecake in chocolate form, offering a complex and satisfying treat for those seeking an indulgent dessert-like experience.
11. Hobby Chocolate Bar
Hobby Chocolate Bar is a popular Turkish snack that features a crunchy hazelnut core surrounded by milk chocolate. It is known for its generous hazelnut content and satisfying texture. The combination of creamy chocolate and the distinct crunch of hazelnuts makes it a simple yet highly enjoyable and popular candy bar.
12. Pocky
Pocky is a famous Japanese snack that consists of a thin biscuit stick partially coated in a layer of chocolate or other sweet cream. The “handle” of the uncoated biscuit allows for a clean and easy-to-eat experience. Pocky’s appeal lies in its simplicity, satisfying crunch, and variety of flavors, making it a fun and shareable snack.
13. Tim Tams
Tim Tams are an Australian chocolate biscuit that has gained a global following. The snack consists of two malted biscuits separated by a light chocolate cream filling and covered in a thick layer of chocolate. Tim Tams are renowned for the “Tim Tam Slam,” where one bites off the ends of the biscuit and uses it as a straw to drink a hot beverage, a unique and fun way to enjoy the snack.
14. Choki Choki
Choki Choki is a sweet chocolate paste packaged in a convenient tube. Originating in Indonesia, this snack is a favorite among children for its fun and mess-free delivery. The rich chocolate and hazelnut flavor can be enjoyed directly from the tube or squeezed onto bread, making it a versatile and delicious treat.
15. Stroopwafels
Stroopwafels are a traditional Dutch treat consisting of two thin, crispy waffle wafers with a sweet caramel-like syrup filling in between. A common way to enjoy them is to place the waffle over a hot cup of coffee or tea, allowing the steam to soften the caramel and warm the wafer. This unique preparation method and their sweet, comforting flavor have made them a beloved international snack.
16. Lay’s Maxx Chicago Hot Wings
Lay’s Maxx Chicago Hot Wings potato chips offer a bold and spicy flavor experience. These chips are thick-cut and have a ridged texture, providing an extra crunch. The intense seasoning is designed to mimic the flavor of a classic hot wings sauce, making it a thrilling and fiery snack for those who enjoy a little heat.
17. Al Nassma Camel Milk Chocolate Bars
Al Nassma Camel Milk Chocolate Bars are a unique and luxurious product from the UAE. As the name suggests, they are made with camel milk, which gives the chocolate a distinct flavor profile that is subtly sweet and smooth. This artisan chocolate brand offers a truly exotic and regional taste experience, making it a popular gift and a point of culinary pride.
18. Nestle KitKat Chunky Lotus Biscoff
This collaboration between two iconic brands brings together the classic KitKat Chunky wafer with the beloved flavor of Lotus Biscoff cookies. Instead of a crunchy cookie, this bar features a creamy cookie butter filling, offering a new dimension of texture and taste. The warm, spiced, and caramel-like flavor of the Biscoff spread complements the familiar KitKat chocolate and wafer, creating a highly anticipated and popular fusion snack.
Wrapping It Up!
From crispy bites that melt in your mouth to chewy treats packed with flavors, the UAE offers a diverse snack experience. Whether you’re a foodie on holiday, an expat hunting for a taste of home, or someone who loves discovering something new, the UAE’s snack market is full of indulgence.
For more updates, insider tips, and fascinating discoveries on snacks from every corner of the globe, stay connected with TheTastyFinds.
FAQs
1. Are there healthy snack options in the UAE?
Yes, options like lentil chips, nut-stuffed dates, and fresh fruit are widely available.
2. Are UAE snacks expensive?
Prices can vary widely. While some mainstream imported brands are reasonably priced, very rare or specialty items can be quite expensive due to import and shipping costs.
3. Can I find vegan or gluten-free exotic snacks in the UAE?
Yes, with the growing health-conscious population, many supermarkets now have dedicated sections for vegan, gluten-free, and organic products, including snacks.
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