Dubai Travel Guide for Food Lovers

Dubai is where the world’s cuisines meet in one dazzling city. Whether you're seeking authentic shawarma from a street cart, Michelin-starred tasting menus, or home-style Emirati fare, this city delivers it all. Dubai’s food scene mirrors its multicultural population—rich, diverse, and endlessly exciting. From old souks to skyscrapers, here’s the ultimate Dubai food travel guide for anyone who eats with passion.

Must-Try Local Emirati Dishes

You can't visit Dubai without tasting its traditional flavors. Look for these at heritage restaurants:

• Machboos – spiced rice with meat and dried lime
• Harees – wheat and meat porridge, slow-cooked
• Luqaimat – crispy sweet dumplings with date syrup
• Balaleet – sweet-salty vermicelli with egg omelet
• Regag – thin Emirati crepe, often served with egg or cheese

Try at: Al Fanar, Arabian Tea House, Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant
Cost: $6–$18

Best Street Food Spots

Dubai’s street food is influenced by South Asian, Middle Eastern, and Filipino cuisines.

Popular Street Eats:

• Shawarma & falafel – Try at Automatic Restaurant or Al Mallah (both in Al Satwa)
• Karak chai & paratha rolls – Famous at Karak House or Project Chaiwala
• Pakistani kebabs & biryani – Ravi Restaurant, Satwa
• Filipino grilled skewers – Available in Al Rigga or Deira food trucks

Explore via: Old Dubai Food Walk (Deira & Al Fahidi neighborhoods)
Street food budget: $2–$8 per item

Luxury Dining Experiences

Looking to splurge? Dubai has some of the world’s finest restaurants:

• Ossiano (Atlantis) – Underwater fine dining, seafood tasting menus
• Trèsind Studio – Progressive Indian with molecular gastronomy
• Zuma – Contemporary Japanese in DIFC
• 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant – Michelin-starred sushi in Downtown

‍Tip: Make reservations early. Most tasting menus start at $120–$300 per person.

Hidden Gems & Local Favorites

Under-the-Radar Places:

• Bu Qtair (Jumeirah) – Simple seafood shack with grilled hammour
• Al Ustad Special Kebab (Bur Dubai) – Iranian kebabs with charm
• Logma (Boxpark) – Modern Khaleeji bites
• Zaroob (Sheikh Zayed Road) – Levantine street food with flair

These are great for both food and Insta-worthy interiors!

Unique Dining Experiences

• Dine in the Desert: Enjoy a BBQ meal under the stars in the Al Marmoom desert. Cost: $60–$100
• Floating Breakfasts: At luxury resorts like Anantara The Palm
• Dinner in the Sky: Suspended 50 meters above the ground! ($150–$200)
• Underwater Dining: Ossiano at Atlantis the Palm

Food Markets & Culinary Tours

• Ripe Market: Weekend market with organic food, coffee carts, and international street eats
• Global Village (Nov–Apr): Massive food pavilions with dishes from 90+ countries
• Spice Souk & Deira Food Tour: Buy saffron, dates, and learn to cook Emirati dishes
• Cooking Classes: Offered by Al Khayma Heritage or Frying Pan Adventures

Cafés & Dessert Spots Not to Miss

• The Sum of Us (Trade Center) – Artisan coffee & sourdough
• Home Bakery (Galleria Mall) – Known for their chewy cookies
• Vibe Café (Jumeirah) – Instagram-friendly & healthy eats
• Ice Cream Lab (Dubai Mall) – Liquid nitrogen dessert theatrics

Suggested 3-Day Food Itinerary

Day 1:

• Breakfast: Arabian Tea House
• Lunch: Ravi Restaurant
• Dessert: Luqaimat in Al Seef
• Dinner: Al Khayma Heritage + Creek walk

Day 2:

• Breakfast: Project Chaiwala
• Lunch: Zaroob or Bu Qtair
• Evening: Desert safari with BBQ
• Late-night: Shawarma at Al Mallah

Day 3:

• Breakfast: Floating breakfast (hotel)
• Lunch: Zuma (reservation needed)
• Explore: Global Village or Ripe Market
• Dinner: Ossiano or Dinner in the Sky

Tips for Foodie Travelers

• Try a mix of local and global flavors—Dubai’s strength lies in variety.
• Don’t skip Deira & Bur Dubai—some of the best food hides in older districts.
• Check for food festivals—especially during Dubai Food Festival (Feb–Mar).
• Mind your budget—you can eat like royalty for $5 or $500 in this city.

Dubai isn’t just a destination—it’s a global dining room where every dish tells a story and every street corner holds a new flavor. From sizzling shawarma stands in Deira to underwater tasting menus in Atlantis, the city invites you to eat boldly, explore deeply, and savor it all. Whether you're a street food enthusiast, a fine dining connoisseur, or simply someone who loves discovering culture through cuisine, Dubai delivers an unforgettable food journey.

Want to skip the guesswork and dive straight into the best bites? Let Hi DMC craft your perfect Dubai food adventure—from local eats and hidden gems to curated culinary tours and luxury dining experiences.

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