Dubai is famous for its towering skyscrapers, luxury shopping, and breathtaking desert landscapes. But if you scratch beneath the surface, you’ll find an extraordinary food scene that is just as captivating. Exploring the typical food in Dubai isn’t just about indulging in delicious dishes; it’s an immersive journey into the city’s rich culture, history, and vibrant blend of traditions inspired by its multicultural population.
Curious about what sets Dubai’s food apart? This guide dives deep into the typical food in Dubai, answers the question ‘Is Food Expensive in Dubai,’ highlights must-try dishes, and the best spots to experience the city’s culinary essence.
A Taste of Dubai’s Culinary Heritage
The Melting Pot of Cultures
Dubai’s location as a historical trade hub makes its food culture a vibrant fusion of global influences. Indian spices, Persian aromas, Levantine flavors, and traces of East Asian culinary traditions mix seamlessly with traditional Emirati dishes. This blend means that the typical food in Dubai offers a one-of-a-kind culinary adventure, with every bite bringing something new and exciting.
Traditional Emirati Roots
At the heart of the typical food in Dubai lies Emirati cuisine, rooted in hospitality and tradition. Staples like dates, camel meat, rice, saffron, and cardamom hold a significant place in local dishes. Food here isn’t just fuel; it’s a way to connect, share, and celebrate. Large feasts are often prepared to honor guests, exemplifying the warm and generous spirit of Emirati hospitality.
Must-Try Dishes in Dubai
Wondering what to eat to experience the typical food in Dubai truly? Here’s a list of iconic dishes that you can’t miss during your culinary exploration.
Appetizers and Light Bites
Harees
Harees is a comforting dish made by slow-cooking meat, wheat, and spices to create a rich, porridge-like texture. This dish is particularly popular during Ramadan and festive celebrations, offering a delicious taste of Dubai’s heritage.
Samboosa
A favorite among locals, Samboosa is inspired by the Indian samosa. These crispy pastries are stuffed with spiced meat, cheese, or vegetables, making them the perfect light bite or snack.
Stuffed Vine Leaves (Warak Enab)
These delicate vine leaves are rolled around a blend of rice, herbs, and spices. They’re a must-have appetizer that reflects the influence of Levantine cuisine on the typical food in Dubai.
Main Courses
Al Machboos
One of the most iconic examples of typical food in Dubai, Al Machboos features spiced rice mixed with chicken, lamb, or fish. Flavored with saffron, cinnamon, and turmeric, it’s hearty, aromatic, and utterly satisfying.
Shawarma
Shawarma is a quintessential Dubai street food that has also become a global favorite. Made with tender roasted chicken or lamb, this wrap is topped with garlic sauce, pickles, and veggies. It’s a quick and tasty option you’ll find just about everywhere.
Majboos Laham (Lamb Majboos)
A variation of Al Machboos, Majboos Laham places tender lamb atop spiced rice. This dish embodies the warmth and comfort of traditional Emirati cooking, making it a go-to choice for both locals and tourists.
Seafood Delights
Rasheed
Highlighting Dubai’s coastal history, Jasheed is made from spiced baby shark or fish served with aromatic rice. It’s a delightful example of how seafood is incorporated into the typical food in Dubai.
Grilled Hammour
Hammour, a prized local fish, is seasoned with traditional Middle Eastern spices and grilled to perfection. This is one of the freshest and most indulgent dishes among Dubai’s seafood lovers.
Desserts
Luqaimat
Luqaimat are deep-fried dumplings drizzled with sweet date syrup and served crispy on the outside and soft within. These little bites are a beloved street food dessert in Dubai.
Knafeh
Indulgent and rich, Knafeh is made with shredded pastry soaked in syrup and layered with creamy cheese or custard. This dessert is a true taste of Middle Eastern culinary artistry.
Dates
Dates are not just a snack in Dubai; they’re an iconic part of the culture. Available in various textures and flavors, they symbolize Emirati hospitality and are often served with Arabic coffee.
Beverages
Arabic Coffee (Gahwa)
No exploration of the typical food in Dubai is complete without trying Gahwa. Infused with exotic spices like cardamom, this aromatic coffee is often served with dates as a symbol of welcome.
Karak Chai
Inspired by Indian chai, Karak is a strong, milky tea mixed with fragrant spices. Affordable and full of flavor, it’s a daily favorite among locals.
Where to Try Dubai’s Best Dishes
Knowing what to eat is only part of the adventure. To get the best experience, you need to know where to find the finest typical food in Dubai. Here are some top-rated spots to add to your list.
Traditional Restaurants
Al Fanar Restaurant
With authentic flavors and nostalgic decor, Al Fanar offers you a glimpse into old Dubai while serving up delicious Emirati dishes.
Arabian Tea House
This charming eatery is perfect for indulging in traditional Emirati food while soaking in a serene atmosphere.
Street Food Scenes
For a casual and lively dining experience, head to street food hotspots like Al Rigga, Meena Bazaar, or City Walk. You’ll find a variety of typical food in Dubai here, such as shawarma, samoosa, and maqamat, all freshly prepared and bursting with flavor.
Luxury Dining
Dubai’s upscale dining options bring a modern twist to traditional dishes. Try Pierchic for elegant seafood, or visit LPM Restaurant for fine dining inspired by Middle Eastern flavors.
Savor Dubai’s Culinary Adventure
Typical food in Dubai is far more than delicious; it’s a reflection of the city’s rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, and flavors. Whether you’re savoring family-style Emirati feasts or indulging in street food, every meal tells a story.
If you’re planning a trip to Dubai, make a food tour part of your itinerary. Whether visiting bustling food markets or dining at hidden traditional gems, the typical food in Dubai will undoubtedly become one of the highlights of your adventure. Don’t just explore the sights and sounds of this magical city—dive into its essence by tasting its remarkable cuisine.
Exploring Dubai’s Global Food Influence
Dubai’s food scene is not only an exploration of traditional Emirati flavors but also a celebration of its diverse population. With people from all over the world calling Dubai home, it’s no surprise that international cuisine has seamlessly integrated into the city’s culinary landscape. From Indian and Persian to African and Mediterranean influences, the variety of food available in Dubai is a reflection of the global melting pot.
Indian Cuisine in Dubai
Due to Dubai’s proximity to India and its large Indian community, Indian cuisine plays a significant role in the typical food offerings. Street food such as chaat, vada pav, and pani puri can be found throughout the city, offering bursts of flavor and heat. Indian curries, biryanis, and kebabs are also prominent in restaurants, combining spices that awaken the senses and create a culinary experience that’s both exotic and familiar.
Persian Flavors
Dubai’s historical ties with Iran also mean that Persian food is well-represented. Dishes like kebabs, stews, and rice dishes like chow, served with grilled meat or fish, are popular. The use of saffron, yogurt, and citrus in Persian cooking gives the food a distinctive flavor profile that can be found in both upscale restaurants and casual eateries.
Arabian Hospitality and Sharing a Meal
One of the most unique aspects of dining in Dubai is the experience of sharing meals. The act of breaking bread together is deeply embedded in Emirati culture, and large platters of food are often shared among family and friends. Traditional dishes like Al Harees and Al Majboos are served in a communal style, bringing people together to enjoy hearty, flavorful food. Dining in Dubai, whether in a bustling food court or a fine dining establishment, often carries the spirit of hospitality and generosity, making every meal a memorable occasion.
In essence, Dubai’s food scene is as much about connecting with others as it is about savoring bold, exciting flavors. The city’s culinary diversity offers an endless array of options, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers from every corner of the globe. Whether you’re enjoying an Emirati feast, savoring Lebanese Food in Dubai, or discovering the best shawarma in the city, Dubai’s food culture is sure to leave you craving more.
FAQs
What do Muslims have for breakfast?
Muslims eat a variety of breakfasts depending on their culture. Common foods include bread (like pita or naan), cheese, eggs, olives, yogurt, full medames (mashed fava beans), and tea or coffee.
What do UAE people eat for lunch?
Lunch in the UAE is typically the main meal of the day. It often includes rice-based dishes like Machboos (spiced rice with meat or seafood), Mandi, grilled meats, stews, salads, and bread-like khubz.
What are the three types of breakfast?
Continental Breakfast (light meal with pastries, bread, butter, jam, and coffee/tea)
English Breakfast (full meal with eggs, sausage, bacon, beans, toast, and tea)
Arabic Breakfast (flatbread, hummus, labneh, olives, foul medames, and tea)
What is Dubai's national drink?
Dubai’s traditional drink is Gahwa (Arabic Coffee), which is spiced with cardamom and saffron and often served with dates.
Is Dubai cheap or expensive?
Dubai is generally expensive, especially for tourists. However, budget-friendly options exist for food, transport, and accommodation.
What is Dubai's special food?
Some of Dubai’s special foods include Al Harees (wheat and meat slow-cooked to a porridge-like texture), Machboos, Luqaimat (sweet dumplings), and Shawarma.
What is the name of the roti in Dubai?
In Dubai, roti is commonly called “Khubz” (Arabic bread) or “Regag,” a thin, crispy Emirati bread.
What is the national fruit of the UAE?
The national fruit of the UAE is the Date.
What is the most eaten food in the UAE?
The most commonly eaten foods in the UAE include Shawarma, Kabsa, Mandi, Machboos, Harees, and Dates.
What should I eat in Dubai?
Must-try foods in Dubai include Shawarma, Al Harees, Al Majboos, Luqaimat, Samboosa, and Arabic Coffee with dates.
Can you wear shorts in Dubai?
Yes, you can wear shorts in Dubai, but they should be modest (not too short or tight). Avoid wearing them in religious places like mosques.
What are 5 UAE traditional foods?
Al Harees
Machboos
Luqaimat
Mandi
Balaleet
What is the most popular food in Dubai?
Shawarma is one of the most popular foods in Dubai, along with Mandi, Luqaimat, and Arabic grilled meats.
