10 Chips Oman dishes to try in the UAE – and where to find them

Whether you love these crisps inside a classic parotta, blended into laban or in the form of sushi, there's something for everyone

If you've lived in the UAE long enough, you're bound to come across what many regard as its "unofficial National Dish": the humble Chips Oman sandwich. Created by placing cheese, a sausage and crushed pieces of Chips Oman within a Kerala-style parotta, this classic dish can be found in cafeterias across the country.

While Chips Oman is from the Sultanate of Oman, there's no doubt that restaurants in the UAE have given these delectable chilli-flavoured crisps their own spicy twist.

From blended drinks to sushi, here's a look at some of the best – and quirkiest – dishes featuring Chips Oman that you can find across Abu Dhabi and Dubai. How many have you tried?

Chips Oman sandwiches (nakanak) from Abdulla Omar Cafeteria

Abdulla Omar Cafeteria serves a variety of sandwiches with Chips Oman. Reem Mohammed / The National

Located at an Eppco petrol station by the Dubai-Al Ain highway, this quaint eatery may not look like much, but it's a favourite among students and passers-by, and serves a variety of Chips Oman dishes for every taste . From cheese potato Oman Chips (Dh4) to hotdog omelette Oman Chips (Dh5), there are a variety of filling options, all stuffed within a piping-hot, fluffy parotta. Pair it with a karak tea and you have yourself an ideal evening meal.

Open daily, 24 hours; prices starting at Dh3 onwards; Eppco Station, Dubai-Al Ain highway, Dubai Silicon Oasis; 055 314 8773

Doughnuts from Donuts Time

Even though Donuts Time is more famous for its sweet creations – from Kinder chocolate to Lotus – but these mini chips and cheese doughnuts pack quite the flavourful punch, too. The doughnuts are made fresh and served hot, and the fact they're oozing with cheese only helps make them even more delicious.

Open daily; Dh16 for four pieces; several locations across Abu Dhabi and Dubai; www.donutstime.ae

The Francisco parotta from Rashid Ali Hassan Cafeteria

Chips Oman parotta from Rashid Ali Hassan Cafeteria in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Ask Abu Dhabi residents about their go-to place for a Chips Oman sandwich and they'll probably list this venue. The food is served quickly, tastes delicious, and the service is as friendly as it can get. A delicious Francisco parotta – with chunks of chicken in a hot parotta – will only set you back Dh6.

Open daily; Dh6; Al Khaleej Street, Abu Dhabi; 02 445 5020

Chips Oman popcorn from Reel Cinemas

The cinema chain, found in locations like The Dubai Mall and Dubai Marina Mall, launched its Chips Oman popcorn this month. The movie-time snack combines spicy, crunchy pieces of Chips Oman with the salty, buttery goodness of popcorn – a treat we never knew we needed.

Open daily; Dh27; several branches across Dubai; www.reelcinemas.ae

Cheesy Chips Oman Maki Rolls from Moshi

Cheesy Chips Oman sushi from Moshi. Courtesy Moshi

Founded in 2015 by two Dubai-born residents, Moshi is a momo and sushi joint where one can expect a lot of Middle East-inspired fusion dishes. Both traditional sushi lovers and non-sushi eaters should try their cheesy Chips Oman maki rolls, studded with crushed chips. The dish gives sushi an unusual spin, and there's also a chicken version available.

Open daily; Dh32; Al Barsha, Oud Metha, Business Bay; 800 66744; www.moshi.ae

Chips Oman sandwich from Logma

This Emirati restaurant is known for giving Khaleeji cuisine a modern spin and has several branches across Dubai, with another in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia opening soon. Those who want a more upscale version of the Chips Oman sandwich, can try this wrap from this joint, as it comes with cream cheese, hot sauce and the crisps.

Open daily; Dh32; Boxpark, Al Wasl; The Dubai Mall; City Centre Mirdif; www.logma.ae

The nakanak fareej from Burger28

The home-grown burger brand first launched in Abu Dhabi before expanding to Dubai, and it truly loves its Chips Oman. You can find the crisps in a number of dishes, from the arbab mozzarella sticks (with hot sauce and Chips Oman) to a variety of its burgers. But their bestseller is the nakanak fareej or hot dog fareej, intriguingly served within a Chips Oman packet. It's a good one for the 'Gram – and the taste buds.

Open daily; Dh15 for the nakanak fareej; located in MBZ City and Al Mushrif in Abu Dhabi, and Nad Al Hamar in Dubai; www.burger28.com

The Laban Chips Oman from Tent Jumeirah Restaurant

Located on the beach, this restaurant boasts a variety of local dishes with a side of water views. And it also serves a laban and Chips Oman-blended drink that is savoury, with just a hint of spice. It's perfect to quench your thirst and satiate that Chips Oman craving at the same time.

Open daily; 24 hours; Dh12; Umm Suqeim; www.tentjumeirahresturant.com

Chips Oman Regag from Al Labeeb Grocery

Guests can order regag from Al Labeeb Grocery, with different filling options available. Janice Rodrigues / The National

Within this quaint grocery store, a vendor makes fresh traditional Emirati regag. This spot is a favourite among students and widely considered a hidden gem. There are several fillings to choose from and a crepe with all the works – cheese, Chips Oman and egg – makes for a surprisingly filling snack.

Open daily; 5pm to 2am; Dh6 for the regag with Chips Oman, cheese and egg; Jumeirah 3; 04 395 6455

Chabab and regag from HumYum

HumYum restaurant is located in several locations across the UAE, and serves classic Emirati food. On the menu are numerous dishes that incorporate Chips Oman, such as the Chips Oman chabab – a sweet Emirati pancake – with cheese. Also on the menu is regag with Chips Oman.

Open daily; Dh11 onwards; branches across Abu Dhabi and Dubai; 04 388 3332