For years, Dubai's culinary scene has overlooked Emirati food. However, there's been a shift, with more Emirati eateries in the city. From bread and pastries to coffee and camel burgers, we've discovered some top local dishes and drinks to savour while exploring this Middle Eastern gastronomic hub. Food in Dubai is worth trying and savouring because of its blend of flavours.
Emirati cuisine blends Lebanese and Indian flavours, offering vegetarian and meat-based options. Infused with herbs, Dubai's culinary offerings are both nutritious and flavourful. While classics like hummus and falafel enjoy fame, we've curated a selection of local dishes that may be less well-known to most tourists. This compilation of must-try foods in Dubai serves as an introduction to Arabic fare.
Ready to experience the best of Dubai's culinary delights? Check out our hand-picked list of the 10 best food experiences in the city. Indulge in traditional Emirati dishes and international flavours that will leave you craving for more. Don't miss out on the gastronomic expedition of a lifetime!
Shawarma - Flavourful Wraps
Shawarma, a beloved Eastern street food, is a favourite dish among Dubai locals, even though it isn't traditional UAE cuisine. Originating from the Levant region rather than the Arabian Peninsula, shawarma has earned its spot as one of the most cherished grab-and-go snacks in the Emirates. Whether for lunch or a satisfying late-night bite at 2 a.m., there are great spots throughout town where you can find delicious shawarma.
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Harees stand out in Emirati cuisine. This hearty meal is commonly savoured during family gatherings like weddings and national and religious occasions, particularly during the Holy Month of Ramadan. To prepare Harees, wheat is simmered in salted water for hours. Subsequently, meat—lamb or chicken—is slow-cooked for an extended period (at least four hours). The dish is then garnished with ghee drizzled on top. Harees are recognised for their digestibility. It is cooked in a pot known as a "mash pan" and stirred using a wooden spoon called a "Masad Masr."
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Mezze, or meze, consists of dishes enjoyed as appetisers or light meals. The specific ingredients included may differ depending on the region, but the idea of savouring a selection of treats on a platter remains consistent. Common offerings often feature dips. Spreads like hummus, yoghurt and baba ganoush. Additionally, you might come across muhammara, a blend of pepper and walnut that offers a robust taste without overwhelming spiciness. Accompaniments like pita or lavash bread are typical alongside items such as olives, cheeses, tabbouleh salad, fresh and pickled vegetables, and fruits.
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Machboos is a rice dish in Kuwait but relished in Dubai too. It features rice combined with fish. Popular fish choices for this dish include Zubaidi ( pomfret) or substantial, meaty varieties. If you reside in Dubai, you're likely familiar with Majboos, Mandi or Kabsa. The locals loved all the rice dishes. You may notice similarities between this cuisine and Indian rice dishes. The critical distinction is that their food isn’t fiery hot; it boasts a medley of flavours derived from various spices and herbs.
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Al Machboos is a rice dish in Emirati Cuisine typically prepared with chicken, lamb or fish. The meat pieces are intentionally kept large in this dish. Besides onions and tomatoes, the essential seasoning for this dish includes Baharat, a Middle Eastern Spice Powder containing a blend of cumin, coriander, cinnamon, chilli powder, nutmeg, cloves, and black peppercorns mixed in varying proportions. This spice blend is commonly found in shops or can be made at home. Another critical ingredient is Loomy. Dried Black Lime is widely used in Eastern dishes to add a tangy flavour. If unavailable, lemon juice and zest can be used as substitutes. The dish can be prepared using ghee, olive oil or any vegetable oil you choose.
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Your culinary journey to Dubai is incomplete without a sweet dessert. Enjoy Luqaimat, a popular sweet treat in Arab countries. These sweet dumplings are deep-fried until golden in colour and then dunked in sweet syrup made from dates. With every bite, you will experience sweetness melting in your mouth.
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Another classic dessert that you must try when visiting Dubai is camel milk ice cream. Yes, you heard it right. This frozen dessert is made using camel milk. It is a delightful creation with a smooth texture. You may notice a slightly nutty flavour, but all in all, this is a must-have dessert in Dubai.
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Manakish or Manakeesh, a type of Eastern flatbread resembling pizza, is adorned with za'atar and grated cheese. The bread has a texture! These make for breakfast or brunch treats alongside a steaming cup of tea! Manakish comes in variations. You can opt for the za'atar manakish, which features a sprinkling of za'atar seasoning and olive oil paste as toppings. Alternatively, there's the cheese manakish option. Typically topped with cheese, the bread is baked until it turns golden and the cheese melts to perfection. We adore Manakish, topped with both za'atar and cheese.
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Are you fond of freshly-baked breads? If yes, you will surely love enjoying Khubz available in all bakeries in Dubai. Steer clear of store-bought editions of this bread and opt to sample it at a bakery or eatery where it is prepared freshly. It pairs wonderfully with homemade hummus and mutabal (eggplant dip).
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Falafel are crispy balls or patties that are fried and crafted from a blend of chickpeas or fava beans, often mixed with herbs and flavourful spices. This beloved Eastern delicacy is commonly found in bustling streets and casual eateries across nations like Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey, and Israel. In the latter, it is celebrated as a staple.
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Ingredients. Fava beans, chickpeas, flavourful spices, herbs.
As you explore the best food in Dubai, remember that food is not merely sustenance; it's a gateway to culture, a reflection of tradition, and a celebration of life. Let the flavours of Dubai transport you to a world where culinary delights intertwine with vibrant traditions, leaving an indelible mark on your taste buds and heart. Embark on this epicurean adventure, and let the magic of Dubai's cuisine capture your imagination.
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Q1. Which is the must-have food in Dubai?
Q2. Can you give an overview of the traditional Emirati dishes in Dubai?
A. Traditional Emirati dishes in Dubai include Al Harees (a wheat and meat dish), Al Machboos (a flavorful rice dish with marinated meat), Luqaimat (sweet dumplings), and Shawarma (marinated meat wrapped in flatbread).
Q3. Where can I find authentic Arabic restaurants serving local cuisine in Dubai?
A. Al Fahidi neighbourhood in Dubai is the best place to look for traditional Dubai food. This area has several restaurants that offer local Dubai cuisines. Al Barsha and Al Fahidi are other neighbourhoods where you can experience typical Emirati flavours.
Q4. Is food quite expensive in Dubai?
A. In Dubai, the price of a meal varies depending on where and what you choose to eat. On average, dining out in Dubai can cost between AED 50 and AED 150 per person at a Restaurant, equivalent to approximately INR 1,132 to 3,398.
Q5. Which is the national dish of Dubai?
A. Khuzi, also called Ghuzi, is regarded as the UAE dish alongside Al Machboos. It consists of succulent roasted lamb or mutton placed atop rice accompanied by a medley of vegetables and nuts for a meal.
Q6. Where can I find fine dining or Michelin-starred restaurants in Dubai?
A. Pierchic, Zuma, and Nobu are some of Dubai's fine dining and Michelin-starred restaurants. These restaurants offer exquisite cuisines and exceptional dining experiences.
Q7. What are the popular street food dishes or local snacks in Dubai?
A. The popular street food dishes and local snacks in Dubai are
Q8. Is vegetarian food available in Dubai?
A. Yes, vegetarian food is available in Dubai. Many Indian restaurants serve a variety of vegetarian delicacies.
Q9. Where can I find budget-friendly restaurants or affordable eateries in Dubai?
A. Find budget-friendly restaurants or affordable eateries in Dubai in areas like Al Karama, Satwa, or Deira. These neighbourhoods offer a variety of local cafeterias and small eateries with wallet-friendly prices.
Q.10. What are the online ordering options available in Dubai?
A. Talabat, Zomato, and Deliveroo are some of the online ordering options in Dubai.
--- Published By Arpita Mathur
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