Where to try camel milk ice cream in UAE?

Ready for a truly unique taste adventure that perfectly blends local heritage with a delightful frozen treat, offering a refreshing twist on traditional ice cream? Camel milk ice cream in the UAE is more than just a dessert; it’s a creamy, subtly distinct flavor experience that reflects the deep cultural significance of the camel in Emirati history, making it an absolute must-try for any visitor.

Where to Find Camel Milk Ice Cream in Dubai

Dubai, ever at the forefront of culinary innovation while honoring tradition, offers several prominent locations where you can indulge in the unique flavor of camel milk ice cream.

One of the most well-known places to find a wide array of camel milk products, including ice cream, is directly from Camelicious (camelicious.ae), the leading camel milk producer in the UAE. While their main farm and production facility are in Umm Nahad, Dubai, their products are widely distributed. You can often find Camelicious ice cream in various flavors like vanilla, chocolate, pistachio, and date in major supermarkets across Dubai, including Carrefour Hypermarkets at locations like Mall of the Emirates, Mirdiff City Centre, Ibn Battuta Mall, and Deira City Center, as well as Spinneys outlets. Buying from a supermarket gives you the flexibility to try multiple flavors at your leisure.

For a more specialized café experience, The Majlis is renowned for being one of the first and finest camel milk cafes in Dubai. Located near the iconic Burj Khalifa (specifically, in The Souq at Dubai Mall), The Majlis offers not only camel milk ice cream but also a variety of camel milk coffees, lattes, milkshakes, and pastries. It provides a luxurious yet traditional setting to savor these unique treats, making it a popular stop for tourists and locals alike.

You might also find camel milk ice cream at various high-end hotels and resorts, particularly those that emphasize local heritage and unique dining experiences. Some desert safari camps, especially those focusing on authentic Emirati culture, might also offer camel milk products, including ice cream, as part of their traditional refreshments. Additionally, look out for small, independent cafes or specialty dessert shops that might feature camel milk ice cream as a gourmet or unique offering, often alongside other local delicacies. Even some online grocery delivery services, such as Barakat Fresh (barakatfresh.ae), offer Camel Milk Belgian Chocolate Ice Cream for convenient home delivery across Dubai.

Camel Milk Ice Cream in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, the capital, also embraces the tradition of camel milk products, ensuring that visitors and residents can easily find and savor camel milk ice cream across the city.

One of the most convenient and well-known places to try camel milk ice cream in Abu Dhabi is The Majlis café, often found within key locations. While their primary establishment might be in Dubai, you can find their specialized camel milk creations, including ice cream, milkshakes, and hot beverages, at Zayed International Airport. This provides a perfect opportunity for travelers to experience this local treat right after arriving or before departing, offering a unique taste of Emirati hospitality.

Similar to Dubai, major supermarket chains in Abu Dhabi widely stock Camelicious brand camel milk ice cream. Look for it in various flavors at Carrefour Hypermarkets in places like Marina Mall and Yas Island Mall, and at Spinneys outlets across the city. These supermarkets make it easy to pick up a tub to enjoy at your leisure or even take back as a unique souvenir (provided you have proper cooling facilities for travel).

Cultural institutions and museum cafes in Abu Dhabi also occasionally feature camel milk ice cream as a special treat, particularly those that highlight Emirati heritage. For instance, the Museum Cafe at the Louvre Abu Dhabi has been known to include camel milk desserts, including ice cream, as part of their rotating menu. While not a permanent fixture, it’s worth checking if you’re visiting these cultural landmarks.

You might also find camel milk ice cream offered at luxury hotels and resorts in Abu Dhabi that aim to provide an authentic Emirati experience for their guests. Keep an eye out for dessert menus in high-end dining establishments, as they sometimes incorporate locally sourced ingredients like camel milk into their unique sweet offerings. The www.few.ae team consistently observes the growing availability of camel milk products, including ice cream, across various retail and hospitality sectors in Abu Dhabi, reflecting the city’s commitment to showcasing its rich cultural heritage through culinary experiences.

Exploring Camel Milk Delights in Other Emirates

Beyond Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the unique flavor of camel milk ice cream can still be discovered in the northern and eastern Emirates, offering a taste of local tradition in diverse settings.

In Sharjah, you can readily find Camelicious brand camel milk ice cream at major supermarkets, including Carrefour Hypermarkets in locations like Al Zahia. These supermarkets offer a convenient way to purchase various flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and cinnamon in small tubs, perfect for a personal indulgence. While dedicated camel milk cafes might be less common than in Dubai, the widespread availability of Camelicious products ensures that you can still enjoy this unique ice cream.

Ras Al Khaimah also features Camelicious camel milk ice cream in its major supermarkets, such as Carrefour UAE outlets. Here, you’ll often find popular flavors like chocolate and strawberry, reflecting the brand’s broad distribution across the Emirates. Visitors to Ras Al Khaimah can easily pick up a tub to enjoy while exploring the Emirate’s natural beauty.

For a unique twist, Rumailah Farm in Fujairah (rumailahfarms.com) is known for its fresh dairy products from Jersey cows, but they also contribute to the local dairy scene, and sometimes, local cafes or specialized stores in Fujairah might source camel milk ice cream from broader UAE suppliers. While Rumailah Farm primarily focuses on cow’s milk products, the growing interest in camel milk means it’s increasingly available through various retail channels in Fujairah.

In Ajman, much like Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah, your best bet for finding camel milk ice cream will be at larger supermarkets like Carrefour UAE or Spinneys, which stock the widely distributed Camelicious brand. These stores make it accessible for residents and visitors to try different flavors of this unique dessert. Even in smaller Emirates like Umm Al Quwain, while dedicated shops might be scarce, major hypermarkets are likely to carry Camelicious products in their frozen dessert sections, reflecting the brand’s pervasive presence across the UAE.

It’s worth noting that the camel milk industry in the UAE is significant, with Camelicious being a major player. They operate a state-of-the-art camel farm and production facility in Dubai and are crucial to making camel milk products accessible across the country. This strong supply chain ensures that even if you don’t find a specialty café, a trip to a large grocery store will likely yield the camel milk ice cream you’re looking for, allowing you to taste this authentic piece of Emirati heritage.

The Unique Appeal of Camel Milk Ice Cream

Beyond its novelty, camel milk ice cream holds a distinctive appeal rooted in its unique nutritional profile, traditional significance, and a flavor that sets it apart from conventional dairy ice creams.

One of the primary reasons for the growing popularity of camel milk products is their purported health benefits. Camel milk is naturally lower in fat compared to cow’s milk, making it a lighter alternative for many. It is also notably rich in Vitamin C, iron, and calcium, contributing to its “superfood” status. Furthermore, camel milk contains unique immunoglobulins that can be beneficial for the immune system. Interestingly, it’s also often better tolerated by individuals with lactose intolerance or cow’s milk allergies due to its different protein structure and lower lactose content, making it an excellent option for those with dietary sensitivities looking for a creamy dessert alternative.

From a flavor perspective, camel milk ice cream offers a subtly distinct taste profile. It’s often described as having a slightly saltier, perhaps nuttier, or even subtly tangy flavor compared to cow’s milk ice cream, which tends to be sweeter and creamier. This nuanced taste makes it a fascinating culinary experience. The texture is usually incredibly smooth and creamy, providing a luxurious mouthfeel. When combined with popular flavors like vanilla, chocolate, pistachio, or date, the unique notes of the camel milk are beautifully complemented, creating a harmonious and memorable dessert. The date flavor, in particular, often resonates deeply with the local culinary traditions of the UAE.

The cultural significance of camel milk in the UAE cannot be overstated. For centuries, it has been a staple in the Bedouin diet, cherished for its nutritional value and its ability to sustain life in the harsh desert environment. Camels themselves are deeply revered in Emirati culture, symbolizing resilience, endurance, and a connection to the land’s heritage. Therefore, enjoying camel milk ice cream is not just about tasting a novel dessert; it’s about connecting with a rich tradition and appreciating a fundamental part of Emirati identity.

The camel milk industry in the UAE has seen significant investment and innovation. Companies like Camelicious have pioneered modern, hygienic production methods, ensuring high-quality camel milk products are available for consumption locally and for export. This commitment to quality and accessibility has played a crucial role in bringing traditional camel milk from desert tents to supermarket shelves and gourmet cafes, transforming it into a contemporary culinary delight while preserving its historical essence. So, when you savor a scoop of camel milk ice cream, you’re not just enjoying a sweet treat; you’re tasting a piece of the UAE’s vibrant past and its innovative present.

The www.few.ae team hopes that armed with this guide, you’ll embark on a delicious journey to discover the unique and culturally rich taste of camel milk ice cream in the UAE. Which flavor are you most eager to try first?