Potatoes are the quiet workhorse of most UAE kitchens, showing up in everything from a simple weekday curry to a weekend roast. Their neutral, earthy flavour and starchy texture mean they take on whatever spices or fats they're cooked with, which is why they slot so easily into so many cuisines represented across the country, from a Gulf-style spiced potato side to a Western mash or fries. Boiling, roasting, frying and mashing all bring out slightly different qualities: boiling keeps them firm enough for salads, roasting crisps the outside while keeping the centre fluffy, and mashing works best with a starchy variety. For curries, cutting potatoes into even chunks helps them cook at the same rate as the rest of the dish, while whole baby potatoes are ideal for a quick pan roast with garlic and herbs.

When choosing potatoes, look for ones that feel firm and heavy for their size, with smooth skin free of soft spots, sprouting eyes or a greenish tinge, which can indicate exposure to light. Store them in a cool, dark, well-ventilated spot rather than the fridge, since cold temperatures convert their starch to sugar and affect both taste and texture when cooked. Keeping them away from onions also helps, as the two release gases that speed up spoilage in each other.

QuicKart delivers potatoes fresh with free delivery across the UAE, so your kitchen staples are always topped up.