Luqaimat - sweet balls, a traditional UAE dessert you have to try

Luqaimat - what is this dessert made of small pieces of yeast dough?

Luqaimat are sweet balls from the Middle East that resemble mini doughnuts. They’re made from small pieces of yeast dough, which are then deep-fried until they turn golden and perfectly browned.
They’re most often referred to as Arabic luqaimat doughnuts. After frying, they’re generously drizzled with sweet syrup - usually date, sugar, or saffron syrup. It’s this sticky, aromatic topping that gives them their distinctive flavor. In addition, luqaimat have a crispy crust and a soft interior, making it hard to stop at just one.

Where do luqaimat come from?

Although their origin is disputed, Iraq is generally considered their birthplace; today, luqaimat are deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of the entire region.
Luqaimat are popular in the Gulf countries - from the United Arab Emirates, through Saudi Arabia, to Qatar and Bahrain. In various Gulf countries, you can find local variations of this dessert.

Interestingly, recipes today vary in detail depending on the region - in the dough’s consistency, the type of syrup, or additional spices. Sometimes the differences come down to minor details, such as slight variations in ingredients.

Luqaimat vs. Arab donuts - are they the same thing?

At first glance, they may resemble classic doughnuts, but they’re a completely different dessert.
Some even refer to them as “date doughnuts,” though traditionally dates aren’t included in the dough itself. Their sweetness comes instead from the topping - specifically, the fact that they’re drizzled with date syrup or another sweet topping.
Unlike Polish doughnuts, luqaimat:

• are smaller,
• have no filling,
• have a crispier crust,
• and are generously drizzled with date syrup.

When are luqaimat eaten?

In the United Arab Emirates, luqaimat are particularly common during religious celebrations.
They are most popular during Ramadan, when families gather for iftar after a full day of fasting. At that time, this sweet dessert provides a quick source of energy.
Equally important is Eid, the holiday marking the end of Ramadan. During this time, luqaimat can be found almost everywhere - in homes, restaurants, and hotels.

In cities like Abu Dhabi and Dubai, you’ll easily find them on the menus of well-known restaurants and cafes. Many establishments serve their own original versions.

How are luqaimat served?

Most often, luqaimat are served immediately after frying, while they’re still hot.
They’re coated in sugar syrup, often flavored with cardamom, rose, or saffron.
Roasted sesame seeds or pistachios are often sprinkled on top of the luqaimat. The sesame seeds not only enhance the flavor but also give the dessert a more appealing appearance.
Traditionally, luqaimat is served with Arabic coffee. The slightly bitter coffee perfectly balances the dessert’s sweetness.

Luqaimat recipe - how to make this emirati dessert at home?

If you want to make this treat yourself, the good news is that the recipe isn’t complicated.

Ingredients

The ingredients for the dough are wheat flour, yogurt, yeast, sugar, and cardamom.
You’ll need:

• 2 cups of wheat flour
• 1 cup of plain yogurt
• 1 teaspoon of instant yeast
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• ½ teaspoon of cardamom
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• oil for frying

For the glaze:

• date syrup
• honey (optional)
• pistachios or sesame seeds

Preparation

Pour the dry ingredients into a bowl. Then add the yogurt and mix thoroughly. You can use a whisk or a blender. Mix everything until a smooth batter forms. Then let the batter rest for 1 to 1.5 hours, until it rises slightly. Once it has risen, heat the oil. Fry the luqaimat at 160°C for 15-16 minutes. Scoop small portions of the batter and drop them into the oil. Fry the balls until they are golden, crispy, and browned.
Once fried, set them aside on a paper towel. Cook the sugar syrup over low heat for 5-7 minutes. Then pour the syrup over the balls, optionally adding rose water to the syrup.

Luqaimat and Other Arab Desserts

There are many similar sweets in the region. Luqaimat are often compared to Turkish lokma or Greek loukoumades.
It’s worth noting, however, that while both recipes are based on fried dough, they differ in their fillings and flavors. They look similar, but the Emirati version is usually fluffier.

Why should you try luqaimat?

Luqaimat are popular in the United Arab Emirates for good reason. This unassuming Emirati dessert perfectly captures the essence of local cuisine - simple ingredients meet intense flavor.
Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and generously drizzled with syrup - they’re hard to resist.
If you’re visiting the United Arab Emirates, be sure to try them at least once. And if you miss the flavors of the Middle East, this homemade recipe will let you recreate that taste in your own kitchen.
They may be small balls, but they’re a huge part of the region’s culinary tradition.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions About Luqaimat

1. Do luqaimat taste like Polish pączki?

Not exactly. Although both desserts are fried, luqaimat are smaller, lighter, and usually don’t have a filling.

2. Can you make luqaimat without date syrup?

Yes. You can use honey or classic sugar syrup, though date syrup gives the most authentic flavor.

3. Are luqaimat very sweet?

Yes, this is definitely a dessert for those with a sweet tooth, especially when generously drizzled with syrup.

4. Where can you find the best luqaimat in the UAE?

They’re easiest to find at local restaurants in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, especially during Ramadan.