How to Make Authentic Emirati Balaleet: A Sweet & Savory Breakfast Classic (2025)

Discover the enchanting world of Emirati cuisine with Balaleet – a unique breakfast dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors. This traditional delicacy from the United Arab Emirates combines vermicelli noodles sautéed in butter with aromatic spices like saffron, cardamom, and cinnamon, all topped with a perfectly cooked omelet.

At the crossroads of Middle Eastern and Western Asian cuisine, Balaleet has earned its place as a beloved breakfast staple and is especially cherished during Eid celebrations and Ramadan’s iftar meals. You’ll be surprised how these seemingly contrasting flavors create a harmonious blend that’s both comforting and exotic.

What Is Emirati Balaleet

Balaleet is a traditional breakfast dish from the United Arab Emirates that masterfully combines sweet and savory flavors. At its core, the dish features vermicelli noodles cooked until golden then seasoned with a fragrant blend of spices.

The base consists of thin vermicelli noodles sautéed in butter until they achieve a delicate golden color. These noodles are then sweetened with sugar and flavored with an aromatic mixture of:

• Cardamom
• Saffron
• Cinnamon
• Rose water

What makes balaleet unique is its distinctive layering. The spiced sweet noodles serve as a base topped with a perfectly cooked omelet creating an unexpected yet harmonious combination of textures and tastes.

This beloved Emirati dish holds special significance during:

• Traditional breakfast meals
• Eid celebrations
• Ramadan iftar gatherings

When served during Ramadan the dish often includes additional ingredients like:

• Boiled garbanzo beans
• Black-eyed peas

The versatility of balaleet allows it to be enjoyed either hot or cold making it a convenient option for various dining occasions. While predominantly a breakfast item its sweet-savory profile has made it a popular choice throughout the day in Emirati households.

Serving Temperature	Best Time to Serve	Common Additions
Hot or Cold	Breakfast/Iftar	Eggs Omelet
Room Temperature	Eid Celebrations	Garbanzo Beans
Chilled	Special Occasions	Black-eyed Peas

This treasured dish exemplifies the rich culinary heritage of the UAE where traditional flavors and cooking techniques come together to create a uniquely satisfying meal.

Equipment Needed

To prepare authentic Emirati Balaleet you need several essential kitchen tools and utensils:

Main Cookware

• Large skillet or pan for noodles
• Separate skillet for omelet making
• Strainer or colander
• Heat resistant spatula or wooden spoon

Measuring Tools

• Standard measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Mixing bowls for beating eggs
• Small bowl for saffron mixture

Preparation Equipment

• Mortar and pestle (if using whole spices)
• Sharp knife for garnishes
• Cutting board
• Serving plates
• Kitchen timer
• Instant-read thermometer
• Food scale
• Heat diffuser

Each piece of equipment serves a specific purpose in creating the perfect Balaleet:

The large skillet allows proper toasting of vermicelli noodles while preventing clumping. Your dedicated omelet pan ensures the egg portion cooks evenly with the right texture. The strainer helps achieve the ideal noodle consistency through proper draining.

Measuring tools are crucial for balancing the sweet and savory flavors characteristic of Balaleet. The mortar and pestle helps release essential oils from saffron threads maximizing their flavor and aroma.

Keep your tools clean and readily available before starting the cooking process. This organization ensures smooth preparation of this traditional Emirati dish.

Ingredients

For this traditional Emirati breakfast dish you will need two sets of ingredients to create the signature sweet vermicelli base and savory omelet topping.

For The Vermicelli

• 250g vermicelli noodles or angel hair pasta broken into 1-inch pieces
• 2-3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 pinch saffron threads
• 2 tablespoons rose water
• 2 tablespoons ghee or butter
• 2-3 cardamom pods lightly crushed
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cups water for boiling
• 4 large eggs
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon fennel seeds (optional)
• 1 tablespoon butter or ghee for frying
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• Pinch of saffron threads (for garnish)

Note: You can adjust the sugar quantity based on your preferred sweetness level. The vermicelli should have a balanced sweet taste that complements the savory omelet topping.

Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to create authentic Emirati Balaleet in three main stages. Each stage requires attention to timing and technique to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.

Preparing The Vermicelli

1. Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat
2. Add half the vermicelli noodles and toast until golden brown stirring frequently
3. Add remaining untoasted vermicelli
4. Pour boiling water to cover noodles completely
5. Cook for 3-4 minutes until al dente
6. Drain noodles in a colander
7. Return skillet to heat with butter and 1 tablespoon oil
8. Add drained vermicelli sugar turmeric cardamom and black pepper
9. Pour in the saffron-rosewater mixture
10. Stir continuously until sugar dissolves and noodles are slightly dry

Making The Omelet

1. Crack eggs into a bowl
2. Whisk eggs with salt and black pepper until well combined
3. Heat 1 tablespoon ghee in a non-stick pan over medium-low heat
4. Pour half the egg mixture to form a thin layer
5. Cook undisturbed until bottom sets
6. Flip carefully cook other side briefly
7. Remove from heat
8. Repeat process with remaining egg mixture and ghee
9. Season with cardamom powder if desired
10. Divide spiced vermicelli between serving plates
11. Place omelet on top of vermicelli
12. Garnish with optional toppings:

• Crushed pistachios
• Dried rose petals
• Extra saffron threads

13. Serve immediately while warm

14. Can also be enjoyed at room temperature

15. For traditional presentation arrange on a flat wide platter

16. Place egg rounds decoratively on top

17. Serve with Arabic coffee or tea for authentic Emirati breakfast experience

Storage And Make-Ahead Tips

Refrigeration Storage

Store your leftover balaleet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the vermicelli noodles separate from the eggs to maintain optimal texture. This separation prevents the noodles from becoming soggy and preserves the distinct textures of both components.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat the vermicelli add a small pat of butter to your skillet over medium heat. Warm the noodles while stirring gently to restore their original texture. For the eggs heat them separately in a microwave or skillet until just warmed through. Avoid overheating to prevent rubbery texture.

Make-Ahead Components

Saffron-Rose Water Mixture

• Prepare the saffron and rose water mixture up to 1 week ahead
• Store in an airtight container in the freezer
• Thaw completely before using

Omelet Preparation

• Cook eggs in thin delicate batches
• Store cooked omelets in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours
• Layer between parchment paper to prevent sticking

Component	Storage Method	Maximum Storage Time
Vermicelli	Refrigerated	2 days
Omelet	Refrigerated	24 hours
Saffron Mix	Frozen	1 week

Best results come from consuming balaleet fresh but these storage methods help maintain the authentic taste of this traditional Emirati dish when needed. Always check for any changes in aroma or appearance before consuming stored portions.

Serving Suggestions

Temperature Options

Serve your Emirati Balaleet either warm or cold based on the occasion. For a traditional breakfast experience serve it warm. When presenting as a dessert option serve it cold to enhance its sweet notes.

Plating Presentation

Present your Balaleet on a large flat platter following these steps:

• Layer the spiced vermicelli noodles as the base
• Place the thin egg omelet carefully on top
• Garnish with crushed pistachios
• Sprinkle dried rose petals for an elegant touch

Traditional Accompaniments

Enhance your Balaleet experience with these classic pairings:

• Hot Beverages:

• Arabic coffee (gahwa)
• Mint tea
• Karak chai (a must-have pairing)

• Festival Additions:

• Boiled chickpeas
• Black-eyed peas (especially during Eid al-Fitr)

Optional Toppings

Offer these additional toppings in separate bowls:

• Golden raisins
• Toasted almonds
• Crushed pistachios
• Dried rose petals
• Saffron threads

Service Style

For a complete dining experience:

• Place the main platter in the center
• Arrange accompaniments around the dish
• Set out small bowls with extra toppings
• Provide serving spoons for each component
• Keep beverages warm in traditional serving vessels

Allow guests to customize their portions with preferred toppings and accompaniments. The versatility of temperature options makes Balaleet suitable for various dining occasions from breakfast gatherings to dessert services.

Conclusion

Emirati Balaleet stands as a testament to the UAE’s rich culinary heritage blending sweet and savory elements into a versatile dish. Whether you’re enjoying it at a festive celebration warm breakfast or as a cold dessert you’ll appreciate its unique combination of spiced vermicelli and perfectly cooked omelet.

With proper preparation techniques and storage methods you can create this beloved Middle Eastern dish in your own kitchen. The beauty of Balaleet lies in its adaptability – customize it to your taste preferences and serve it with your favorite traditional accompaniments for an authentic Emirati dining experience.