Just like the multicultural people of Dubai, their food scenes too are diverse and dynamic. Dubai’s one-of-a-kind culinary scene is a mix of Lebanese, Iranian, and Arabic food. Its impressive traditional dishes and international flavors is a feast for your senses. From Lebanese shawarma to Italian pasta, from Japanese sushi to Indian biryani, there is an extensive choice of food in Dubai. So the next time you are here don’t just get blown away by the modern attractions, luxury and grandeur, you can explore the city through its unique culinary tour too.
Table of Contents
Best Savory Food In Dubai To Try
Each local Emirati cuisine represents Dubai’s culture. Here’s a list of some of the must-try savory foods of Dubai that’s sure to awaken your taste buds.
1. Shawarma
Shawarma is a popular street food of Turkey that has become a beloved global cuisine. However one must try the shawarma’s made in Dubai as nothing can beat its taste. It is a very popular street food in Dubai as one can grab and have it on the go. This convenient and delicious food is made by stacking thin slices of marinated meat like chicken, beef and lamb. The slowly roasted meat is then shaved off and mixed with veggies, spices, hummus, tahini sauce and served inside a rolled pita bread. It is generally served with yogurt dip, tabasco sauce and a fattoush salad.
Where To Try: Al Mallah, Shawarma Grill House, Allo Beirut, Zaroob, Laffah Restaurant, Al Safadi, Motaqa Al Akawi
2. Machboos
This one-pot wonder is the national dish of the UAE. Machboos, also known as Kabsa is a rich dish served during special occasions and festive celebrations. It is a rice and meat dish that’s similar to a biryani. Meat such as chicken or lamb is marinated in a blend of spices, onions, tomatoes, and vegetables. When the meat is half cooked, basmati rice along with water or chicken broth is added over it and cooked until it is fully cooked. The intensive combination of rice, meat and fried onions brings about a rich and aromatic flavor which is hard to resist.
Where To Try: Al Fanar Restaurant, Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant, Arabian Tea House, Logma, Seven Sands
3. Falafel
Falafel is a vegetarian delight made of ground chickpeas or fava beans. Just like Shawarma, Falafel is another popular food in Dubai that is famous on the streets. The chickpea-based dough infused with spices is deep fried in oil until golden brown. When done it is served as a snack or appetizer or can also be served by filling inside pita bread with hummus, vegetables and an array of dressing. The combination of all the ingredients makes for a culinary delight that should not be missed.
Where To Try: Operation Falafel, Zaroob, Falafel Farm, Just Falafel, Falafel Factory, Al Mallah, Foul w Hummus, Manoushe Street
4. Mandi
This traditional Yemeni dish made of rice and meat/chicken is a must-try when in Dubai. Usually the meat is marinated with a blend of spices and cooked for hours in a tandoor oven. Mandi is a combination of meat and rice where the rice too is seasoned with spices and saffron. Since Mandi is a hearty and filling meal, the locals love this dish. It is generally served with a tomato salad which helps in enhancing the taste of the Mandi. This traditional flavorful food in Dubai is easily available at restaurants, food trucks and even at the Dubai food festival.
Where To Try: Al Khaleej Mandi, Bait Al Mandi, Al Yemen Mandi, Mandi House, Maraheb, Al Jood Mandi, Fakher Al Mandi, Al Tawasol Mandi
5. Thareed
Thareed, a rich stew is one of the most preferred dishes during the holy month of Ramadan as it is high in vitamins and protein. This special dish is made of potatoes, seasonal vegetables and meat components. Once cooked, the hot veggies along with the tasty broth is poured over crumbled flatbread. There’s a burst of flavors in the very first bite as the bread soaks up all the flavors. Eating this healthy Dubai food during the fasting month is quite comforting and fulfilling. Do try this dish while in Dubai.
Where To Try: Al Fanar Restaurant, Logma, Aseelah, Al Barza Restaurant, Seven Sands, Siraj, Al Mashowa, Mama Tani Café
6. Manousheh
If you love pizzas, then this version of the Lebanese pizza is a must have while in Dubai. Manousheh is not just a popular breakfast food in Dubai but can also be eaten at any time of the day. Just like the pizza, the base of the Manousheh is made of dough and topped with a variety of sweet and savory ingredients. For the savory version, toppings used are Akkawi cheese, meat, olives, vegetables, zaatar herbs and eggs. For the sweet version the base is topped with sweet jam or chocolate sauce. This amazing Arabian pizza is popular with both tourists and locals alike.
Where To Try: Zaroob, Al Reef Lebanese Bakery, Operation Falafel, On the Wood
7. Al Harees
Don’t go by its looks, this porridge-like dish is a staple dish that can be found on any Emirati dinner table. This traditionally cooked food in Dubai is a symbol of unity and community, hence its authentic recipe continues to pass from one generation to another. It is made with a mixture of wheat and meat cooked for hours in a clay pot or underground oven until it gets the porridge-like texture. When ready it is served by topping some ghee, cinnamon, pistachio, and raisins. As the dish is packed with nutrition, Harees is a boon during the fasting months.
Where To Try: Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe, Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, Khaneen Restaurant, Seven Sands, Aseelah
Also Read: 15 Of The Most Exciting Places To Visit In Dubai City
8. Balaleet
Balaleet is a dish that is both sweet and savory, so you can have it for breakfast or can have it as a dessert. This beloved dish of the Emirati cuisine is a pudding that is made of vermicelli, eggs, cardamom, saffron, rose water and sugar. The fusion of these ingredients brings about great flavors making it a dish to indulge at any time. This unique combination makes it a mandatory food to try in Dubai. Balaleet is generally served with an omelet or scrambled eggs on the side.
Where To Try: Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant, SMAT, Arabian Tea House, Siraj, Saba’a
Best Sweet Food In Dubai To Try
Our pick of some of the most mouthwatering sweet dishes that have stood the test of time. Be it then or now, these sweet treats are a must for any occasions and celebrations.
9. Kunafa
Kunafa is an incredibly delicious dessert that can be seen in countries like Lebanon, Egypt, Turkey and Greece. It is a traditional made pastry soaked in sugar-based syrup and covered with sweet cheese. Other ingredients like almonds, raisins, pistachios, rose water, cinnamon and lemon juice goes into the making of this delicious treat. When in Dubai make sure you do not miss this crispy pastry as it is one of the must-try desserts in the UAE.
Where To Try: Firas Sweets, Al Samadi Sweets, Al Baba Sweets, Al Reef Lebanese Bakery, Wafi Gourmet
10. Luqaimat
Luqaimat are bite-sized sweet treats that are a favorite food in Dubai and the UAE. This sweet is made of simple ingredients like flour, sugar, milk, saffron and cardamom. A soft dough is made and then deep fried until the outside is crispy and golden brown. Once done they are showered with saffron, cardamom and a generous amount of date syrup or honey. It’s a perfect treat to be enjoyed just after a great meal or during special occasions like Ramadan and Eid.
Where To Try: Loqmato, The Tent Jumeirah, Arabian Tea House, Al Fanar
11. Umm Ali
Umm Ali is a famous Egyptian dessert that is made with bread, sweet milk, honey, almonds, pistachios, coconut flakes, and raisins. There is a famous story behind this classic dessert. It is believed that the desert was named after Sultan Ezz El Din Aybak’s first wife, Om Ali. The dessert was prepared to celebrate the death of her husband. It tasted so good that everyone started calling it Om Ali’s dish. Since Umm Ali is quite similar to North America’s bread pudding, people have started eating it with a scoop of French vanilla ice cream.
Where To Try: Al Hallab, Logma, Arabian Tea House, Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe, Leen’s Casual to Gourmet
12. Chebab
Chebab is an Emirati-style spiced pancake made with sour cheese and sweet date syrup. This popular breakfast dish is made by heating the sour cheese and date syrup together to get a flavor similar to that of a cheesy Swiss fondue. It is also the first dish that people eat before a daylong of fasting. The combination of sweet and sour elements give out flavors that pairs well with Arabic coffee, hence it is served more as a breakfast dish with coffee. Today these pancakes are served with butter, honey, jam or sugar. These thin and crispy pancakes are some of the best food in Dubai to try while here.
Where To Try: Logma, Al Fanar, Al Jawareh, Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant, Arabian Tea House
Best Drinks In Dubai To Try
A popular drink right after a grand feast is a great way to end your culinary tour. Listed below are some of the top traditional beverages, each with a distinctive flavor.
13. Gahwa
Gahwa is a traditional Arabic Coffee that is strong and bitter. A cup of Gahwa is always served at the end of a meal along with dates and other desserts. It is always had with something sweet to balance out its pungent taste. Preparation of the coffee is steeped in tradition and hence considered as a symbol of unity and charity. Gahwa is so popular that it has become a central part of Arab culture and it was also awarded the Intangible Cultural Heritage status by UNESCO.
Where To Try: Arabian Tea House, Al Fanar Restaurant & Café, Bait Al Banafsaj, SMCCU, Logma
14. Karak Tea
This humble cup of tea is something that everyone needs to get for a freshest start to their mornings. Made with milk, black tea leaves, sugar and spices, a cup of Karak is ideal for any weather. The word ‘karak’ means ‘strong’ and ‘chai’ means tea, so this strong tea has an intoxicating aroma and strong taste to boost and double one’s energy. For the people of Dubai, Karak is more than just tea. So make sure you enjoy this comforting drink the next time you are in Dubai.
Where To Try: Arabian Tea House & Café, Filli Café, Chai Wala, Karak House, Karak Inc Eatery, Karak Zone Cafeteria, Karak Time, Chotu Chai Wala
15. Nabidh
Nabīth, a traditional drink made of dates, is said to have multiple health benefits. Dates are steeped in water for a certain period of time until it is fermented. This drink is usually non-intoxicating but if kept for a longer time can turn intoxicating. Since alcohol is considered haram by many Muslims the drink is fermented only for a certain amount of time. This drink can also be made with raisins. It is a mildly sweet and refreshing drink served during Ramadan and easily available in most of the Emirati homes and local restaurants.
Where To Try: Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, Sheikh Mohammed Centre
Suggested Reads: Where To Get The Best Ramadan Food In India
Final Thoughts
Emirati cuisine is very special, so to make your Dubai trip even more memorable, savor all of them. Let us know your thoughts about the food in Dubai and which was your favorite in the comments below.
FAQ’s
A traditional Emirati cuisine consists of rice, meat (lamb, mutton) and dates. The delightful fusion of Middle Eastern, African, and Asian flavors brings about great flavors and textures. One can feel the warmth and hospitality when you taste many of the Emirati dishes.
Cost of a meal for one person can be anywhere between 50 to 200 AED in mid-range restaurants. However for people looking for fine dining and high-end restaurants, a meal for two can cost between AED 500 and AED 800. Street food is even lesser compared to the above two options.
Shawarma is one of the best foods that is not only less priced but also tasty and filling. Avoiding pricey restaurants and eating like a local is the best way to save money. Look out for happy hours and discounts at restaurants that offer great deals.
