Experiences

Work, Pleasure and a Full Stomach: Food and My Travels in the UAE

From client meetings in Dubai to sunset strolls in Abu Dhabi, my UAE trip was a rich blend of work, leisure, and incredible food—every bite adding depth to my travel memories.

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What began as a routine business trip to the United Arab Emirates quickly became a culinary adventure that stitched together late-night shawarmas, Emirati heritage, seaside fine dining, and bustling food markets. In the UAE, food isn’t just a meal—it’s a conversation, a culture, and an invitation. Whether in Dubai’s glittering towers or Abu Dhabi’s quieter corners, every meal had a story. Here's how I balanced deadlines, downtime, and delicious discoveries.

Dubai: Boardrooms by Day, Biryani by Night‍

Morning: Karak Chai and Commutes

Each morning began with a strong cup of karak chai—the UAE’s version of masala tea—and sometimes a flaky regag crepe stuffed with cheese and chips (yes, chips). This humble breakfast became a ritual before facing a full schedule of client presentations and strategy meetings.

Lunch Break: Global Flavors Within Reach

Workdays often ended with team lunches at nearby hotspots:

  • Zaroob (Sheikh Zayed Road) – Levantine street food in a hip setting
  • Ravi Restaurant (Satwa) – Pakistani biryani and kebabs with coworkers
  • Al Safadi (Downtown) – Lebanese mezze that disappeared as quickly as it arrived

Average meal cost: $8–$15 per person

Evenings: Exploring Food After Hours

After work, the real exploration began. Dubai’s food scene is as dynamic as its skyline:

  • Street eats in Al Rigga: Grabbed spicy Filipino skewers and fresh sugarcane juice
  • Dinner at Pierchic: Ate seafood while watching the Gulf shimmer under moonlight
  • Dessert at Home Bakery: Their gooey chocolate chip cookie became a guilty repeat

Favorite moment: A spontaneous walk through the Spice Souk, buying loomi (dried lime) and cardamom while sipping fresh coconut water.

Abu Dhabi: Slower Pace, Richer Bites

My trip extended to Abu Dhabi for a client workshop, but the slower vibe gave me time to savor each meal mindfully.

Traditional Dishes I Tried:

  • Harees – wheat and meat cooked overnight into a creamy delight
  • Machboos – spiced rice with lamb and saffron
  • Luqaimat – dumplings soaked in date syrup (an addictive dessert)

Where I Ate:

  • Al Fanar Restaurant & Café – Authentic Emirati ambience
  • Mezlai (Emirates Palace) – Fine dining with a royal flair

Traditional meals cost: $12–$60 depending on setting

Culinary Side Trips & Unique Experiences

Though time was limited, I squeezed in some memorable detours:

  • Desert Safari Dinner – Fire-roasted kebabs and belly dancing under the stars
  • Ripe Market in Dubai – Tried organic date smoothies and local cheeses
  • Cooking Class – Learned to make balaleet (sweet noodles with omelet) at Al Khayma

What Stood Out on the Plate

  • The UAE’s ability to blend cultures on one plate
  • The warmth of hosts—even in a café, they’ll offer seconds
  • The contrast between Michelin-starred luxury and roadside grills—and how both wowed equally

What started as a routine business trip quickly transformed into something far more memorable—a flavorful journey across boardrooms and bustling kitchens, rooftop restaurants and roadside grills. In the UAE, food isn’t just fuel—it’s storytelling, hospitality, and heritage served on a plate.

From sipping karak chai before morning meetings to sharing mezze with colleagues and savoring machboos in a palace setting, every bite offered a window into Emirati culture and its beautiful fusion of global influences.

If you’re planning a trip to the UAE—whether for business or leisure—don’t just stick to the conference room. Let your tastebuds explore the country’s vibrant food scene. And if you’re not sure where to start, Hi DMC can help you turn your itinerary into a culinary adventure. From street food tours and fine-dining reservations to immersive cooking classes, they’ll craft a seamless experience that blends flavor with unforgettable moments.

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