Are you planning a getaway to Dubai and worried about what food to try ? Famous food of Dubai reflects the city’s vibrant cultural mix and rich traditions. Juicy grilled meats and shavarma paired rice never dissapoints when it comes to satisfying your hunger.
Dubai offers unique experiences and traditional cultures when it comes to visiting the older parts of the city, and gives amazimg dining services when it comes to exploring the luxury side of the city. If you feel like loosing yourself in different flavours and styles when it comes to food, then Dubai is the answer. The best time to go to Dubai is from November to April, which increases the flavor of the food.
Must-Try Street Famous Food in Dubai
Shawarma
Shawarma is the most popular food in Dubai. Cooks make Shawarma from tender meat wrapped in soft pita and serve it with garlic sauce, pickles, and veggies. Shawarma is easily available at all street corners, making it a tasty, affordable, and quick option to grab while on the go.
Samboosa
Samboosa is Dubai’s take on the Indian samosa. Consisting of spicy meat and cheese stuffed inside a crispy and deep fried exterior, Samboosa is a popular snack, especially during Ramadan. You’ll find these delicacies at market stalls as well as street stalls.
Regag Bread
Regag Bread is an Emirati snack traditionally served with a filling of honey, cheese, or eggs. It is a crispy and thin delicacy that can be enjoyed at breakfast or during festivals. Regag bread can be tried during Dubai Shopping Festival. Regag bread is often enjoyed with the locals’ favorite flavors and dishes.
Hummus with Pita
Served with warm pita bread, the creaminess of the chickpeas and tahini is a heavenly match. This classic food of Dubai found everywhere across its streets, never disappoints. A tasty pick during the walk, this dish satisfies its consumer quickly and feels less heavy which is perfect while walking around. Hummus with pita is an ideal dish for a vegetarian meal as its plant-based.
Kebabs
Dubai’s street vendors serve Kebabs marinated in spices and then grilled to juicy perfection. This meal is available at any food truck or restaurant. Kebabs are guaranteed to impress meat enthusiasts while breathing in the numerous rich flavors. A bite of this during your Dubai city tour will surely elevate your food experience.
Famous Non-Veg Food in Dubai
Al Harees
Arabians eat harees during Ramadan as it reflects their culinary heritage. Arabs wish for it wherever they travel, especially during special occasions, because of its unique preparation. Cooks prepare it using wheat and the softest meat, which they bake at a very low temperature in a clay oven for a long time. This slow cooking process creates a unique porridge-like taste with a beautiful aroma. People often claim it as one of the most popular foods in Dubai, alongside several other international cuisines.
Machboos
Machboos is another one of the famous food of Dubai which is chicken, lamb, or shrimp infused with spiced rice cooked with dried lemon, cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom. It is one of those meals that are frequently provided in Dubai owing to its versatility as well as its deliciousness. You can, without a doubt, savor culture through each and every bite of this evocative rice meal. Despite the ingredient being modest, it captivates all with its fragrance and hearty flavors.
Stuffed Camel
Stuffed Camel is the Bravest dish tried by many travelers who frequently wonder what is the famous food in Dubai Camel filled lamb, chicken, and rice along with spices and everything one can imagine placed inside the camel’s stomach while they decorate it for the dinner. Reserved to celebrate special events like weddings, this extravagant delicacy is not only gracious but also showcases the cuisine’s refreshing innovation.
Chicken Mandi
It’s a Dubai favorite and has Yemeni origins; Chicken Mandi is made of spiced rice and a beautifully marinated chicken on top. Packed with flavor, the rice is often served alongside yogurt or chutney. This dish is particularly juicy so both tourists and locals cannot resist it! You will almost always spot this dish being served during the Dubai shopping festival festivities.
Grilled Hammour
You simply cannot visit Dubai and not enjoy the traditional Grilled Hammour. This spiced and grilled native fish is beautifully served with rice or salad and has a mild spicy kick to it. While the taste is primarily clean, it will surely make you grab a second plate. Visit the beach and you will spot this fish in every restaurant around the area.
Vegetarian Dubai Famous Food
Falafel Wraps
Preferring the vegetarian option? Refrain no more! Falafel wraps are a common go to for those wishing to eat plant based meals. These fried chickpeas are sandwiched in a soft pita, topped with tangy pickles, fresh vegetables, and tahini all while being cheap, quick to make, packed with protein, and available at most places! With such a nutritious value, falafel wraps are a perfect option for vegans.
Tabbouleh
Tabbouleh is an herby salad made from finely chopped parsley, tomatoes, mint, bulgur, and served with olive oil and lemon juice. This dish can be served as a side to a more complex dish or enjoyed solo for an on-the-go meal. It’s refreshing on warm days while still satisfying light appetites.
Fattoush
Fattoush is a crunchy pita salad made from mixed green leafy vegetables, radish, cucumber, tomato, and pita chips and combines them with a unique pungent dressing made of sumac. This is a very refreshing dish that has both taste and good nutrients. It’s great for those trying to spice up their salads.
Stuffed Vine Leaves
Stuffed Vine Leaves (Warak Enab), is a Middle Eastern dish made out of grape leaves rolled rice, herbs, and spices. This dish known for its zesty herby flavor can be served cold and works great as a snack or appetizer. Aside from being low in calories and healthy, this dish is loved for its unique taste.
Mujaddara
A dish of the Middle Eastern cuisine lands here – Mujadara is from the region of Levant. Travelers who are visiting UAE never miss out on trying Mujadra – a fulfilling meal of rice and lentils served with caramelized onions, especially known for its gratifying essence. This dish brings richness in proteins and fibers to diet. Consequently, we can say that charm has its price: Being a vegetarian makes it considerably easier to find mighty and comforting meals, but for a non-veg eater – it’s a struggle.
Popular Desserts and Sweets in Dubai
Luqaimat
For some sweet treats on a colder day, we have a native dish of Asiab – Luqaimat is served to melt joys of those who have sweet tooth. It’s a treat made of succulent, soft vanilla dumplings and have rich flavors of breakfast and deserts. Traditionally served with honey and sesame seeds, you wont’ miss them if you travel to Dubai.
Knafeh
A Lebanese cut of Knafeh (An Arabic dish) stays close to the heart of tourists with its harmonious spice cakes. Different flavors of Knafeh wrapped in poppy seeds pastry give it an addional crumbly texture, baked along with a fine layer of rich syrup makes it a distinctive literal dish that no food lover should refuse to indulge if they are visiting North Africa.
Baklava
Baklava pastries have a signature taste. Thin layers of filo pastry, chunked nuts like pistachios or walnuts, and honey or sugar syrup make them. Each bit is crispy, nutty and sweet at he same time. This well known food of Dubai originated from Ottoman Cuisine and is widely popular there. Also, it goes very well with Arabic tea and coffee.
Chebab
Chebab is a type of pancake that is frosted in tomato paste and filled with flour. It is unique because it also has saffron and turmeric in it, resulting in a one of a kind taste and color. When served it is always warm and paired with cheese and date syrup. This relished food is ideal for breakfast and can be enjoyed as a dessert Chebab is a delight to discover while on a Dubai city tour and represents the city’s culture.
Dates and Stuffed Figs
Dates and stuffed figs are wholesome, natural delicacies that are easy to find in Dubai. They also make for a healthy snack or decadent dessert. Dates themselves are filled with cream cheese, almonds and walnuts. They are full of flavors and energy. In Dubai, you can find them during the Dubai Shopping Festival, along with other exciting foods and culture.
Where to Eat Local Food in Dubai
In case you’re hunting for places that serve delicious food, here are some spots to check out:
- Al Fanar Restaurant: Best traditional Emirati dishes.
- Ravi Restaurant: Very convenient priced Pakistani and Indian food favorites among locals.
- Logma: Famous for providing modern takes on classic Emirati dishes.
- Aseelah: Lavish dining experience exclusively to UAE dishes. Preferred for fine dining.
- Local Cafes Deira and Al Karama: Very low priced cafes with great cuisine.
All the listed names will surely help you savor the taste of Dubai. Most importantly, you don’t have spend a lot of money.
Also Read: Best Places to Visit in Dubai
Conclusion
From delightful traditional meals to desserts that satiate the sweet tooth, best of Dubai offers every type of meal that food lovers dream about. Getting food from a food stand, or dining at a fancy restaurant, the experience of Dubai is unmatched. With food also comes culture: trying local food exhibits roman cuisine and in Dubai, it’s a feast indeed
Don’t forget to visit our website for more Dubai tour packages and food updates!
FAQ
What is the most popular food in Dubai?
Shawarma is the most popular food in Dubai. It is delicious, cheap, and good.
What food is local to Dubai?
Some of the local foods are Al Harees, Machboos, Margoogat, and Luqaimat, which are also traditional Emirati cuisine.
Is food expensive in Dubai?
Vendors and restaurants that specialize in local food offer reasonably priced meals, though fine dining establishments charge inflated prices.
