We all know how Dubai is known for being a global city. With luxury oozing from every corner of this Emirati city, it has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. In addition to its dizzying skyscrapers, beautiful beaches, luxurious malls and tax-free shopping, there is one more thing that Dubai is popular for. Yes, that’s right - the food. Dubai’s cuisine is a combination of Iranian, Lebanese and Arabic food. And the choices are not just limited to these, you can find a variety of American, Indian and Italian delicacies here, as well. If you’re planning a trip to this magnificent city of dreams and are confused about how to plan your food itinerary, we have it all figured out, here for you. Given below is a list of the 14 yummiest dishes that you must try, irrespective of whether you are a foodie or not. Ready for a flavour awakening? Read on.
1. Mutton Achar Handi
As lip-smacking as it looks, the Mutton Achari Handi will also win your heart. Mutton cooked with fresh green chilis and assorted spices, this main course has a tangy, pickled aftertaste. With its roots originating in Pakistan, Mutton Achar Handi is one of the most popular dishes to try in Dubai.
Where Do I Get the Best?
Where: Ravi Restaurant
Address: Shop 245, Opposite Union Cooperative Society, Near Satwa Roundabout, Satwa, Dubai
Price: 13 USD approx.
Opening Hours: 5 am - 2:30 am
2. Shawarma
Just like typical chicken rolls, shawarmas make an appetizing dish. They feature minced chicken or mutton, wrapped in a tortilla along with some spicy sauces and freshly chopped vegetables. You will find numerous versions of shawarma in Dubai. Chicken, mutton and paneer shawarmas can’t be missed.
Where Do I Get the Best?
Where: Jedoudna
Address: The Walk, JBR, Rimal Building, Opp Hilton Hotel - Dubai
Price: 3 USD approx.
Opening Hours: 8 am - 1 am
Website: Jedoudna
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Dubai Local Tour Guide
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3. Baklava
Do you have a sweet tooth? Well, then try Baklava! This special dessert is basically a pastry, made from layers of filo dough and filled with chopped and sweetened nuts. The pastry is drizzled with a sugar syrup or honey to give the dessert its signature taste. Baklava is a must have, while you are in Dubai.
Where Do I Get the Best?
Where: Café Bateel
Address: Near The Waterfall, Lower Ground Level, The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
Price: 60 USD approx.
Opening Hours: 8 am - 12 am
Website: Bateel
4. Nihari
Dubai is undoubtedly a paradise for meat lovers and Nihari is a favorite dish that features meat. This slow-cooked stew consists of mainly beef or lamb, cooked with some of the most exotic Arabian spices and served with bread. Lemon and chilies are served on the side.
Where Do I Get the Best?
Where: Delhi Restaurant
Address: Opposite Talal Supermarket, Frij Al Murar, Naif, Dubai
Price: 15 USD approx.
Opening Hours: 11 am - 12:30 am
5. Egyptian Koshari and Feteer
Being a global city, Dubai has a variety of cuisine to satiate your food-lust. Egyptian food is one such popular cuisine that you must sink your teeth into, at least once. Egyptian koshari is a comfort food that has baked noodles or even rice sometimes, drizzled with exotic condiments, lentils, white chickpeas, fried onions and vinegar. It is often served with feteer, which is a pie made from flour and sugar and is topped with different toppings.
Where Do I Get the Best?
Where: Al Amoor Express
Address: Next to Al Ansari Exchange, Near Mall of the Emirates, Barsha 1, Dubai
Price: 15 USD approx.
Opening Hours: 7:30 am - 2 am
6. Bihari Kebabs
A forkful of Bihari kebabs will automatically send you to food heaven. With its roots in the Indian state of Bihar, this famous dish has been winning hearts in Dubai. Infused with exotic spices, yoghurt and tenderised papaya, Bihari kebabs will melt in your mouth. You’ll instantly fall in love with these Indian kebabs and the way they are served in Dubai, is just outstanding.
Where Do I Get the Best?
Where: Jaffer Bhai’s
Address: Opposite Karama Civil Defence City, Near Karama Post Office, Zabeel Road, Al Karama, Dubai
Price: 35 USD approx.
Opening Hours: 12 pm - 4 am, 7 pm - 12:30 am
7. Manousheh
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Manousheh is a delicious breakfast option to try in Dubai. This Lebanese dish is actually a pizza made from stretched dough and is stuffed with toppings like zaatar herbs, olive oil, Akkawi cheese and more. It is an appetising dish that will help you start your day.
Where Do I Get the Best?
Where: Man'oushe Street
Address: Icon Towers, Next to Byblos Hotel, Barsha Heights, Dubai
Price: 30 USD approx.
Opening Hours: 24 Hours
Website: Man'oushe Street
8. Tabbouleh
Light and delicious, tabbouleh is a tangy salad that is made from green onions, tomatoes and cucumber and is often seasoned with mint leaves and lime juice. Nowadays, you will find several variants of this salad, in Dubai. Don’t forget to try the version flavoured with corn and blueberry.
Where Do I Get the Best?
Where: Farzi Cafe
Address: CITY WALK, Al Safa & Al Wasl Road Intersection, Al Safa, Dubai
Price: 50 USD approx.
Opening Hours: 10 am - 3:30 pm, 7 pm - 11 pm
9. Falafel
Falafel is a respite for vegetarians in Dubai. This dish is comprised of deep-fried balls or patties that are made from finely ground fava beans or chickpeas. They are often combined with hummus, salad and other Israeli dippings.
Where Do I Get the Best?
Where: Operation Falafel
Address: The Beach, Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), Dubai
Price: 25 USD approx.
Opening Hours: 24 Hours
Website: Operation Falafel
10. Fattoush
If you are on a diet and still want to test the waters of tempting Dubai cuisine, Fattoush is for you. This is basically a Levantine bread salad where the fried pieces of pita bread are tossed in several sauces along with freshly cut veggies. A true delight for weight-watchers.
Where Do I Get the Best?
Where: Mama'esh
Address: Bayswater Tower, Business Bay, Dubai
Price: 25 USD approx.
Opening Hours: 8 am to 12 am
11. Shish Tawook
Shish tawook is a traditional kebab that is served with a twist, in Dubai. You can find it in almost every small and swanky restaurant in the city. It tastes best when eaten with bread, garlic dip, fries and pickles.
Where Do I Get the Best?
Where: Zaroob
Address: Shop 1, Jumeirah Tower Building, Sheikh Zayad Road, Trade Centre Area, Dubai
Price: 25 USD approx.
Opening Hours: 24 Hours
Website: Zaroob
12. Chelo Kebab
Chelo kebab is certainly the thing for you if you love the combination of rice and kebabs. These delicious kebabs are hot favourites, in Dubai. Team them up with aromatic basmati rice and some pickles to finish off this dreamy delicacy.
Where Do I Get the Best?
Where: Al Ustad Special Kabab
Address: Near Musalla Tower, Al Musalla Road, Meena Bazaar, Dubai
Price: 35 USD approx.
Opening Hours: 12 pm - 4 pm, 6:30 pm - 1 am
13. Stuffed Camel
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Stuffed camel is a traditional dish in UAE that is only served to the rich and wealthy families and Sheikhs. It’s a dish that is often served only during special occasions but today, it’s gained some attention when it made it to the Guinness Book of Records as the biggest dish to be found on any menu. However, don’t expect to order this specific dish in any restaurant as it is quite a handful to prepare. Stuffed camel is not exactly for the common eater, a dish for adventurous eaters. Stuffing eggs and rice inside a chicken is the first step then stuffed inside a lamb and finally into the camel which is then broiled and decorated with rice, eggs, and nuts.
14. Al Harees
Al Harees is another traditional delicacy in UAE and is usually prepared during ceremonial festivities or religious holidays like Ramadan, Eid, weddings, and birthdays. This dish is simply made up of lamb or chicken, wheat, and salt and is cooked in a pot that is left to simmer for many hours until it’s completely dissolved into the wheat then cooked over burning coal to make a thick wheat and meat soup. The gelatinous dish is then finished with local ghee then served on flat plates usually a popular dinner dish in many Middle Eastern countries. Al Fanar Restaurant at the Dubai Festival City Mall is a place to try the Shorbat Harees at just 5.72 USD and is best paired with their Salalat Jarjeer salad.
Al Fanar Restaurant and Cafe
Address: Dubai Festival City Mall, Festival City, Dubai, UAE
Opening hours: 8:30 AM to 11:30 PM, Sundays to Saturdays
Contact: 600524646, 04 2329966
Price: an estimate of 69.43 USD for 2
Regag bread, karak tea, samosa, and panipuri
Contributed by Tour Guide, Claudia Antunes
Source: Claudia Antunes
My top four recommendations for food to try in Dubai are:
Regag bread: Crunch into tradition! Explore the irresistible regag bread, a true culinary masterpiece that encapsulates the essence of tradition. With its crispy texture and unparalleled flavor, it ensures that each bite is a journey through authentic culinary heritage.
Samosa and panipuri: Samosa and panipuri are crunchy on the outside, spicy and flavorful on the inside. Every bite is a passport to a world of spices and delicious memories.
Karak Tea: Cheers to the simple joy of a perfect cup of karak. This flavourful and aromatic tea has become a favorite in many parts of the world, known for its robust taste and warming spices.
Drooling?
Has this list got you drooling? Make sure you treat yourself with these delicious delicacies, while in Dubai. The city is an explosion of flavour, which a foodie traveler shouldn’t miss. And don’t forget to share photos of your favourite dishes, with us.
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