Famous Foods of Dubai: A Culinary Journey
Welcome to Dubai, full of luxury, futuristic skyscrapers, and high-class shopping.
However, it is also a haven for the foodies.
There is more to Dubai food than the luxury dining that emulates the city’s lavishness: It is a true multicultural section.
Whether you are a resident or just a Tourist traveling around the city, tasting the legendary food of Dubai is a journey in itself.
This food guide for Dubai begins with the native Emirati dishes and moves to the international cuisines that have become a part of Dubai’s food scene.
Now, it is time to dive into the world of Dubai food and find out what tastes should be called the essence of this city.
Traditional Emirati Cuisine: A Taste of Authenticity
It is mandatory to try traditional Emirati cuisine when in Dubai.
These are the dishes you’d find Emiratis eating, the recipes having been handed down over generations and covering the history of the UAE.
1. Al Harees
Al Harees is a very basic item, prepared with wheat, meat, and a little salt and cooked for hours.
Due to its creamy consistency and its delicious taste it is consumed mostly during the fasting period of Ramadan and other festivities.
This dish is very traditional for Emirati cuisine and popular during the fasting month of Ramadan and weddings.
It can be slow-cooked for hours in clay pots to give it such texture and smell. When served warm it goes extremely well with ghee or yogurt to make it a complete meal.
It is a dish that symbolizes the friendly nature of Emirati people.
Where to try: It is recommended to taste this traditional delicacy in Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe.
2. Machboos
A variant of what is sometimes called the ‘biryani’ of Yemen, it is a rice preparation that incorporates meat, onions, and spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom.
Dried lime makes it very different in taste because it has a sour taste.
It is identified by its distinctive flavoring with saffron, bay leaves, and dried limes, called loomi.
The dish is best when served on the side with spicy tomato sauce or yogurt to create layers of an interesting taste.
Where to try: Arabian Tea House is a place where you can taste true Machboos.
3. Luqaimat
For those who have an obsession for sweet foods and snacks, Luqaimat cannot be missed.
These balls of dough fried and filled with pine nuts and walnuts, coated with date syrup or honey, are as crunchy as the next man’s shoes and as tender as the next man’s heart.
Luqaimat is not just a dessert but an identity of Dubai. These dumplings are usually eaten during Ramadan and they are associated with giving and receiving.
The dough itself is enriched with cardamom and saffron, so the dish gives off a very delicious scent.
These are usually taken with a cup of Arabic coffee.
Where to try: Sikka Cafe is one of the best places to get Luqaimat in the entire city.
Dubai’s Iconic Street Foods
The foods sold on the streets of Dubai represent the diverse population of the emirate.
The landmarks are not only offering Indian-inspired snacks to Middle Eastern cuisine, the streets are alive with the taste.
Ultimate list of 20 Street Food Places in Dubai, Click here.
4. Shawarma
Every time you visit Dubai make it a point to try their Shawarma.
This Middle Eastern wrap is indeed the best comfort food anyone could think of as it is filled with meat, pickles, and tahini sauce.
Shawarma is one of the easiest foods to come across and the cheapest in Dubai.
Get the roasted chicken, lamb, or beef; the garlic sauce, pickles, and fresh pita bread, and you will be undone.
There are also vegan types with falafel quite often served across the globe.
Where to try: Zaroob and Al Mallah are two famous places where one can taste a tender Shawarma.
5. Samboosa
Like Indian samosas, Samboosa is a street food also famous in Dubai.
Triangular-shaped pastry filled with spiced meat, vegetables, or cheese and then deep fried to crispy, is a quick snack.
Traditional samboosas are even more consumed during the month of Ramadan as it is a time of breaking fast with family.
It can be stuffed with other wonderful ingredients such as spiced lentils, shrimp, or cream cheese to suit any tongue.
Where to try: You should try them at Ravi Restaurant for that kind of experience.
6. Manakish
Also known as Middle Eastern pizza, Manakish is a type of flatbread that can be garnished with cheese, za’atar, or mince.
This is a perfect dish for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even snacks.
Originally prepared in a stone oven, Manakish is usually taken in the morning as a breakfast meal.
Some types such as za’atar Manakish are herby and sour while the cheesy ones are quite hearty.
Where to try: Companies such as Al Reef Lebanese Bakery have fresh and tasty Manakish.
Let’s Walk through the recipe for Eastern pizza, Manakish.
Modern Takes on Dubai’s Cuisine
Dubai today is the epitome of innovation, and this is true for the food industry as well.
Most places are incorporating the traditional type of cooking with the new age style of preparing the food.
7. Camel Meat Burgers
Camel is a popular meat in the UAE and local chefs in Dubai have taken the opportunity to come up with camel meat burgers.
These burgers are full-flavored and slightly gamy, but still perfect for diners who like their burgers adventurous.
Camel meat is more nutritional than beef because it is a source of protein that contains low fat.
As expected, the burgers are served with local spices and other fancy toppings to complement the relatively muscular taste.
Where to try: Camel meat burgers are what Switch Restaurant is best known for.
8. Gold-Covered Desserts
As is expected of any place in Dubai, desserts here come with some sort of luxury.
These are as rich as the city itself, right from gold-covered chocolates to ice creams.
Both of these delicious treats are a perfect example of the fact that Dubai is all about luxury.
The edible gold used is tasteless but is used for the aesthetic aspect. Such desserts as Black Diamond ice cream are served with such exotic additions as Madagascar vanilla or Iranian saffron.
Where to try: One of the most popular items in Scoopi Cafe is a 24K gold ice cream which is as yummy as it looks good.
Interesting Read: List of Gold Food Items in Dubai.
Seafood Delights in Dubai
As a coastal city, Dubai provides an incredible number of seafood dishes which are very appetizing for the senses.
9. Al Madrooba
Fisherman’s catch, dried and salted fish, spices and a copious gravy is what make up this authentic Emirati seafood dish.
This makes it a popular local dish due to the strong intense flavors.
This dish is one of the dishes that represents the fishing culture of Dubai. Al Madrooba is cooked using a combination of normal spices and fish which is preserved in salt to provide a rich taste.
It is commonly accompanied by a pour of ghee, which is clarified butter.
Where to try: Al Barza Restaurant has its specialty in real Al Madrooba.
10. Grilled Hammour
Hammour, a type of grouper fish, is also among the most widely demanded kinds of fish for barbecuing seafood. Due to its flaky texture and relatively bland taste, it is a very flexible dish.
Hammour is the fish most preferred in Dubai. It is normally soaked with lemon, garlic and herbs and then roasted over the grill.
Accompanied by side dishes such as mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables it is a meal that celebrates the seafood found in the Gulf waters.
Where to try: Pierchic has good food, and nicely grilled Hammour serves good food at a fine dining restaurant.
Global Influences: A Melting Pot of Flavors
The population of Dubai is a cosmopolitan one and the people have brought their food cultures with them, making Dubai a food city.
11. Persian Kebabs
Tender, tasty, and fragrant, Persian kebabs are always loved by the fans of barbecued meat. They are a heavy meal when served with saffron rice.
These kebabs are tenderized by marinating in yogurt, saffron, and lime.
Served with freshly baked flatbread and a portion of grilled tomatoes they are a simple, hearty meal with an air of elegance that will appeal to all meat eaters.
Where to try: Shabestan in Radisson Blu has one of the tastiest Persian kebabs in the city.
Suggested Read: Enjoy Persian Kebabs at your Place with this Delicious Recipe.
12. Indian Curries
When it comes to food, Dubai has experienced a true revolution with variants of butter chicken, biryanis, and much more.
The colors are very warm and bold and the food is just as spicy and flavorful.
India is the neighbor country of Dubai and due to this, the large number of Indians living in the city has introduced true spices.
Soups such as Keralan fish curry or Biryani, and Hyderabadi exemplifies the possibilities of Indian spices.
Where to try: The Indian dishes from Tresind and Calicut Paragon have been in the spotlight for their quality and taste.
Dubai’s Café Culture
The cafe business in Dubai is also on the rise, providing its consumers with Arabic coffee and global coffee brands.
Suggested Visit: Best cafes in Dubai, which you should Never miss.
13. Arabic Coffee and Dates
Arabic coffee accompanied by dates is a cultural drink in Dubai. The coffee which has cardamom added to it is something that any visitor should take a shot at.
Arabic coffee is not simply a drink, but it is a tradition. It’s prepared from freshly ground beans and has a touch of cardamom. It is served in small cups which are referred to as finjaan.
Together with dates, it is a perfect reflection of Emirati hospitality.
Where to try: Arabic coffee can be enjoyed and learned about at the Coffee Museum in Al Fahidi Historical District.
Suggested read: 7 Facts about Arabica Coffee Beans we bet you didn’t know
14. International Cafés
There are several great spots around the city that are perfect for the gram and offer great eats and beverages too.
Cafes in Dubai are centers of innovation and provide plant-based products and trends around the world such as activated charcoal latte or dragon fruit smoothie bowl.
These cafes also function as concept stores or an art gallery in most cases.
Where to try: For locals and tourists now visiting Dubai, both the Comptoir 102 and Wild & The Moon are recommended spots.
A Fusion of Luxury and Flavor
Dubai is one of the most popular international cities in the world and its food culture proves this. Luxury and flavor are in harmony even in simple dishes be it a Michelin-starred restaurant or some fast food outlet.
15. Desert Dining Experiences
Eating in the desert is quite an adventure. These meals include barbecued meat, Arabic dishes, and other meals and the cultural dances include belly dancing and Tanoura dancing.
Such experiences are usually the meals but go beyond these activities including camel rides and henna painting.
Food is grilled on charcoal and this gives the food an organic feel throughout the cooking process.
Where to try: Choose a dinner package when you book your desert safari to get the whole experience.
16. High-End Brunches
Brunching is a phenomenon that is particularly famous in Dubai. From sushi to chocolates, these elaborate buffets are any food lover’s fantasy come true.
Brunch in Dubai is a luxury affair, it will offer live cooking stations, seafood towers, and dessert rooms.
At some locations, managers take it a notch higher by providing champagne that flows freely.
Where to try: Atlantis The Palm and Burj Al Arab are famous for their over-the-top brunches.
Suggested Read: Best Brunch Restaurants in Dumai, Everyone Visit.
Planning Your Next Vacation to Dubai, Explore our Stay Options here.
FAQ
For real Emirati food try Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe or Arabian Tea House restaurants where traditional food is served and interiors remind you of local culture.
These restaurants are taking you back to the past with their interiors and they have their meals prepared from traditional recipes.
Living in a coastal city, Dubai has the best seafood meals. Pierchic is an exquisite restaurant located over the water, which offers a great seafood menu, among which the delicious grilled Hammour.
If you have a traditional Emirati seafood experience palate, then Al Barza Restaurant will offer you dishes like Al Madrooba – a fish marinated in salt and spices.
It is indisputable that Shawarma is the ruler of street food in Dubai.
This wrap full of delicious meat, and fresh vegetables and served with tahini sauce is enjoyed by people as a snack both locals and tourists.
If you want to try some tasty Shawarma, then you can check Zaroob or Al Mallah, where you will be offered delicious Shawarma very quickly.
Dubai has many other famous dishes that are so special due to their cultural and diverse origin. Al Harees (a wheat and meat dish), Machboos (a spiced rice dish), and Luqaimat are some of the traditional dishes you should not miss out on.
Internationally, Shawarma, Manakish, and Persian Kebabs are favorites and they represent the ethnic food culture of Dubai.
