RARE Baby Camel Platter in Dubai!!

Key Concepts

Camel meat, baby camel, whole roasted camel, camel kebab, Dubai cuisine, Middle Eastern cuisine, Pakistani cuisine, Afghani bread, expensive vs. cheap food experiences, cooking methods (roasting, deep frying), flavor profiles, cultural significance of food.

The $1,000+ Roasted Baby Camel

Introduction

The video documents an exploration of camel cuisine in Dubai, contrasting a very expensive whole roasted baby camel dish with a much cheaper camel kebab. The focus is on the unique preparation methods, flavors, and cultural significance of these dishes.

The Expensive Option: Whole Roasted Baby Camel

• Cost and Availability: The whole roasted baby camel costs over $1,000 and is typically reserved for grand gatherings or special occasions in Dubai.
• Camel Selection: Baby camel meat is preferred because it is believed to have more protein, less fat, and a more tender texture than adult camel meat. The specific camel in the video weighs over 120 lbs.
• Preparation:
  1. Initial Preparation: The head and neck are discarded due to traditional serving customs (higher-level people get the body, lower-level people get the head, neck, and legs). The legs are chopped off to fit the camel into the oven.
  2. Marination: The camel is rubbed with a secret blend of dry Arabian spices, followed by a marinade made from saffron, salt, turmeric, and water, giving it a vibrant orange hue. The marinade is also injected into the camel's cavity, and the camel is stabbed to ensure even cooking and deep flavor penetration. The hump is also stabbed, revealing it to be pure fat inside.
  3. Oven Preparation: The marinated camel is placed on a giant tray, covered with parchment paper and aluminum foil to create a sealed package.
  4. Roasting: The camel is slow-roasted in a giant convection oven for approximately 4 hours. Water, seasoned and spiced, is added to the bottom of the oven to create steam and infuse more flavor.
• Post-Roasting:
  1. Unveiling: After roasting, the camel is removed from the oven, and the foil and parchment paper are removed.
  2. Plating: The camel is carefully transferred onto a large platter of biryani rice.
  3. Garnishing: The platter is garnished with tomatoes, bell peppers, red onions, fried onions, cashews, and raisins.
• Tasting and Flavor Profile:
  • The meat is described as tasting like roast beef from a crock pot.
  • Different parts of the camel have different textures and fat ratios.
  • The camel hump is considered the most prized part, with crispy skin and a fatty, melt-in-your-mouth interior, described as "Dubai chicharron."
  • The biryani rice, vegetables, and nuts complement the rich meat.
  • A yogurt, chili, and parsley sauce adds a spicy and refreshing element.

The Cheap Option: Camel Kebab

• Location and Cost: The cheaper camel kebab is found in a Pakistani restaurant and costs $6.81.
• Preparation:
  1. Meat Mixture: Camel meat is mixed with mint and spices.
  2. Kebab Formation: A ball of the camel meat mixture is formed, and beef marrow is inserted into the center.
  3. Deep Frying: The meatball is flattened into a pancake shape and deep-fried in a cauldron of oil until crispy and brown. This is identified as a "Pishawi kebab".
• Serving: The kebab is served with a slice of egg, tomatoes, and hot green chilies.
• Accompaniment: The kebab is paired with Afghani bread (roti), which is made fresh in a tandoor oven.
• Tasting and Flavor Profile:
  • The camel meat is described as heavy, but the spices make it feel lighter.
  • The bone marrow is buttery and rich.
  • The dish is paired with a milky dairy lassi to balance the flavors.

Comparison and Conclusion

• Bang for Buck: Despite the high cost, the whole roasted baby camel is ultimately chosen as providing the most "bang for buck" due to its unique flavors, the experience of eating an entire animal, and the potential to share it with a large group.
• Keani's Recommendation: Keani, the local food expert, also prefers the whole baby camel for its unique dish and flavor.
• Final Thoughts: The video concludes with a recommendation to try the whole baby camel when visiting Dubai, suggesting that it is a worthwhile culinary experience to share with friends.