Food in Dubai: A Traveler's Guide

Dubai isn’t just luxury malls and desert safaris—it’s a global food destination. As a city shaped by trade, migration, and ambition, Dubai’s cuisine is just as dynamic. From traditional Emirati dishes to Lebanese grills, Indian street food, Japanese omakase, and Michelin-starred artistry, this city offers something for every kind of foodie traveler.

Start with the Local: Emirati Cuisine

Get a taste of the UAE’s culture through these traditional dishes:

• Machboos: Fragrant rice with meat and dried lime
• Harees: Wheat and meat slow-cooked to porridge consistency
• Luqaimat: Fried dumplings with date syrup
• Balaleet: Sweet vermicelli with egg
• Thereed: Stew with vegetables and flatbread

Where to Try:

• Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant – Al Fahidi
• Al Fanar – Dubai Festival City
• Arabian Tea House – Bastakiya
• ‍Price Range: $6–$18

Street Food: Flavor on a Budget

Dubai’s street food reflects its South Asian, Levantine, and Filipino influences.

Must-Try Items:

• Shawarma from Al Mallah (Satwa)
• Karak chai & paratha from Project Chaiwala (Alserkal Avenue)
• Kebab rolls at Ravi Restaurant (Satwa)
• Manakish at Zaroob (Sheikh Zayed Road)

Budget: $2–$8
Best Areas: Deira, Satwa, Al Rigga, Al Karama

Dining with a View: Upscale & Unique Experiences

If you're in the mood to splurge:

• Ossiano (Atlantis): Underwater dining
• Dinner in the Sky: Suspended 50m above the city
• Trèsind Studio: Experimental Indian tasting menus
• Ce La Vi: Sky-high dining at Address Sky View

Cost: $100–$300 per person
Reservations recommended

Markets & Food Souks

Explore Dubai’s flavors beyond the plate:

• Spice Souk (Deira): Buy saffron, loomi (dried lime), and local herbs
• Ripe Market: Organic food, food trucks, and local brands
• Global Village (Seasonal): Street food from over 80 countries

‍Cooking Classes & Food Tours

Want to take a piece of Dubai’s cuisine home?

• Al Khayma Cooking Class: Learn how to cook Emirati dishes
• Frying Pan Adventures: Guided food tours through Old Dubai
• Radisson Blu Cooking Studio: Modern Emirati and global recipes

Duration: 2–4 hours
Cost: $50–$100

3-Day Foodie Itinerary in Dubai

Day 1: Old Dubai Food Trail

• Breakfast: Arabian Tea House
• Lunch: Al Ustad Special Kebab
• Explore: Spice Souk, take a food tour
• Dinner: Creekside BBQ dinner

Day 2: Modern Dubai Flavors

• Brunch: The Sum of Us or Comptoir 102
• Lunch: Zuma or Nusr-Et
• Sunset: High Tea at Burj Al Arab
• Dinner: Ossiano or Pierchic

Day 3: Street Eats & Hidden Gems

• Breakfast: Karak chai & regag (local crepe)
• Lunch: Ravi Restaurant
• Desert Safari: Traditional dinner under stars
• Late-night snack: Falafel or shawarma from Al Mallah

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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