Ruz al Bukhari

Ruz al Bukhari or Bukhari rice is a rice dish that is enjoyed throughout the Gulf States of the Arabian Peninsula. This Middle Eastern specialty is believed to derive its name from the city of Bukhara, a historically-important trading city situated on the Silk Road in Central Asia.

A variety of spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, star anise, fennel seeds, cumin, coriander seeds, nutmeg, and black pepper, which used to be traded on the Silk Road, are featured in this dish, imparting a distinctive flavor and aroma to it. Chicken, lamb, or mutton typically accompany this dish, and long-grain rice is usually cooked in the aromatic broth obtained from cooking the accompanying meat. The dish is often topped with nuts, dried fruits, fried onions, or coriander leaves, and it is usually served with a green salad and salata hara (a spicy tomato sauce) on the side.