Dubai diners flock to eat camel burgers

A new fast food sensation has hit the Emirates' culinary scene. Dubai diners can't seem to get enough of the camel burger

A new fast food sensation has hit the Emirates' culinary scene. Dubai diners can't seem to get enough of the camel burger.

Loving it! Camel burgers are virtually cholesterol free. Pic/AFP

"It's a sensation," Ramesh, restaurant manager at Local House, the restaurant chain behind the burgers said.

"Everyone's bored of beef and chicken. So, as soon as the word got out, we had queues of customers eager to give it a try."

Not only are the exotic burgers a novelty, they are also a healthier alternative to their beefy American cousins, the restaurant claims. The $6 camel quarter-pounder is virtuallyu00a0 cholesterol free, according to Ramesh.u00a0

Instead of the familiar sesame bun, they serve the burgers with freshly-baked khameer, a popular and yeasty regional bread. "It also comes with melted cheddar cheese, our very own burger sauce and a portion of fries," Ramesh said.

The restaurant's novel burger has so far been a runaway success with inquisitive tourists and local Emirates alike.

In fact, so popular are their camel products that the restaurant has plans to open a new section -- provisionally called the Camel Corner. "We'll sell camel soup, camel salad, camel steak, camel kebab, camel biryani and a camel special," Ramesh said.

Secret receipe

Although camel meat is similar to beef in taste, it has a reputation for being extraordinarily tough. How the Local House transforms it into a soft and tender patty remains a closely guarded secret. "Khalib [camel-burger inventor and the restaurant's owner] spent over two months perfecting the recipe. I'm not permitted to tell you how it's done," Ramesh said.

Last year, the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum founded Al nassma, which produces exclusive camels' milk chocolate. The unusual chocolatiers aim to become the Godiva of the Middle East.

Camel chocolate

Last year, the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, founded Al nassma, which produces exclusive camels' milk chocolates. The unusual chocolatiers aim to become the Godiva of the Middle East.