FOODS IN DUBAI

Dubai must be famous for its traditional shawarma and kebabs which is just the tip of the iceberg. From old-school classics to delicacies created by Michelin restaurants, exploring foods in Dubai is a one-of-its-kind experience. Dubai cuisine has been captivating tastebuds for decades now with its olive oil, cardamom and saffron-infused food. Dishes like the soul-filling Al Harees and the scrumptious Ghuzi, Dubai cuisine is the epitome of crowd-pleasing comfort food. Therefore, the “City Of Superlatives” is heaven for vacationers who are centred on exploring Arabic colours and flavours. 

The Emirates have been applying the same precision to their food as they’ve been doing to their architecture. There are no rules for using herbs and dry fruits as long as it results in something rich and flavoursome. Traditional Dubai foods are more about fresh ingredients – kneaded, shaped, cooked and decorated to excellence with love and dedication. The variety is vast! So, let’s really get into the city’s gastronomy and know what to try first on your trip to Dubai. 

List Of Dubai Famous Foods

1. Shawrama – The Middle Eastern Sandwich 

• An Arabic pita wrap that is packed with juicy and flavorful chicken or lamb, Shawarma in Dubai is exceptionally delicious. And how it couldn’t be? It is slowly grilled on a vertical barbeque for more than 12 hours a day which enhances the flavour and fragrance. The meat in the tempting shawarma is usually marinated with garlic, onion, cumin, paprika, herbs, cinnamon, coriander and olive oil. While serving, it is accompanied by salad and a creamy yoghurt dip which tastes incredible. 
• Places To Try: Al Mallah, Al Ijaza Cafeteria, Al Safadi, Belad Al Sham, Mr Shawarma, Hallab, Istanbul Flower, Allo Beirut, Al Hallab, Jabal Al Noor
• Average Price: INR 150 – INR 240

2. Al Harees – The City’s Best Emirati Eats

• Double your trip’s happiness with the scrumptious Al Harees which is the most traditional and popular food in Dubai. This typical Dubai special food takes hours to prepare and is cooked to a comfortable porridge-like consistency which has juicy chunks of meat, butter, herbs and spices. The simplicity of the ingredients makes it rich and extraordinary. Dubai’s version of Hareez is the best so far with the right consistency and beautifully served with raisin sauce or sweet date. 
• Places To Try: Hareez Al Waldha, Harees Al Fareej, Seeraj, Al Fanar Restaurant, Aseelah, LOGMA, Sikka Cafe, Al Mashawi Al Halabya, Al Barza Restaurant and Cafe
• Average Price: INR 600 – INR 1100

3. Camel Meat – Dinner In Omani Style 

• Tender, and buttery, trying Camel Meat served with flavourful rice in Dubai is no less than a divine experience. If you are looking for the best food in Dubai, giving camel meat with rice or rumali roti a try will definitely give you incredible food exposure. If not traditionally, one can also try camel meat at the Arab cafes across the city in the form of camel burgers, biryani, stews, camel milk ice cream, and much more. And trust us, this could be the most delish meat that you would have probably ever tasted. 
• Places To Try:  Al Fanar Restaurant, Local House Restaurant, XVA Cafe, Arabian Tea House Restaurant & Cafe – Al Fahidi, Switch, and Hareez Al Waldha
• Average Price: INR 1350 – INR 1900

4. Knafeh – The Arabic Sugary Goodness

• The ancient middle eastern dessert, Knafeh is a decadent sweet made with spun pastry, dipped in sugar syrup and coated with cheese. To give it an Emirati touch, knafeh is then sprayed with rose water and decorated with pistachios. No trip to Dubai is complete without trying this crunchy and golden delight that will take you to another world with just a single bite. There are several places to enjoy this divine dessert in Dubai, so get ready to pamper your taste buds with something so heavenly. 
• Places To Try: Feras Sweets, Turkish Village Dubai, Czn Burak Dubai, ILA Restaurant & Cafe, Al Sultan Sweets, Project Kunafa, Awani and Bosporus Turkish Restaurant 
• Average Price: INR 900 – INR 1200 

5. Machboos – An Authentic Bedouin Delicacy 

• An irresistible combination of spices, meat and rice, Al Machboos is one of the most traditional foods in Dubai that is made differently across the Persian Gulf Range. This Dubai special food is slowly cooked in a coal hole or an oven with dedication and care. The important ingredient – the Baharat spice mix gives it the signature flavour with a heavenly tanginess.  And when served with some spicy yoghurt and salad, Al Machboos becomes one delish and aromatic meal that will make your tastebuds dance. 
• Places To Try: LOGMA, Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe,  SMAT Resto-Cafe, HumYum, Seven Sands, Siraj Restaurant, Al Mashowa, Nahash Restaurant and Zaroob, Cello Restaurant
• Average Price: INR 1100 – INR 1500

6. Lamb Ouzi – An Exemplary Ramadan Treat 

• An aromatic and flavoursome dish that is worth sharing, Lamb Ouzi is one of the best foods in Dubai that is specially made during big festivities. The lamb is marinated with secret herbs and spices, covered in palm leaves and is slowly cooked for around 20 hours. Each bite of this gooey goodness will take you into a food trance. There’s a reason why they say that there’s nothing better than tender slow-cooked lamb ouzi served with namkeen lamb karahi and creamy mint raita. 
• Places To Try: Accents Restaurant & Terrace, La Maison Ani,  KASTAN UAE, Sufra, Al Khaima, Yamo Restaurant, Pitaya Thai Street Food, Mohalla Restaurant
• Average Price: INR 2500 – INR 3800 

7. Luqaimat – The Ultimate Eid Feast 

• Sweet dumplings that are crunchy outside and soft inside, Luqaimat is majorly popular during festive occasions like weddings, Eid and Ramadan. These delectable food balls are made with a mix of white flour, butter and sugar and further rolled, shaped and deep-fried to perfection. The golden ball-sized sweets are further drizzled with date syrups and sesame seeds. Every bite of this magical treat will make you crave even more. Moreover combining them with ice cream can win your heart in no time. 
• Places To Try: Bait Al Kanafa Traditional Foods Dubai, LOGMA, Al Fanar Restaurant and Cafe, HumYum,  SMAT Resto-Cafe, Arabian Tea House Restaurant and Siraj 
• Average Price: INR 650 – INR 1100

8. Falafel With Hummus – The Lebanese Platter 

• The world-renowned deep-fried veggie balls and creamy mashed chickpea dip, trying falafel with hummus in Dubai is an experience on its own. Each bite of crunchy falafel dipped in creamy hummus loaded with olive oil will pamper your taste buds like nothing else. It is usually served with a healthy salad and pita bread, making it an ideal meal. Falafel with hummus is an amazing Middle East treat that gives an exotic flavour of onions, parsley, lemon, tahini sauce, and olive oil. 
• Places To Try: Mezza Lebanese Kitchen. Operation Falafel, Aroos Damascus Restaurant, Sultan Dubai Falafel, Falafel Al Zaeem (Jumeirah), Foul w Hummus Restaurants, Falafel Al Balad Restaurant, and Atyab Falafel Dubai 
• Average Price: INR 650 – INR 1300 

9. Mahalabia – Emirati-Style Milk Pudding 

• Also known as Muhallabia, Mahalabia is light yet heavenly dessert that is made with flavoured rose, milk, rice flour and orange blossom water. If you are looking for an advanced taste of Indian food in Dubai, trying Mahalabia can literally make your day better. This lovely dish is usually served cold and is one of the most preferred foods in Dubai by tourists. Just remember not to ask the server to bring this hot as this might kill the taste. Savour the flavours of Mahalabia as it is thank us later. 
• Places To Try: Pitaya Thai Street Food, CE LA VI Dubai, Al Hallab, Al Fanar Restaurant, Mezza House Restaurant, Awani, Zahr El Laymoun Alasly, and Local House Restaurant 
• Average Price: INR 950 – INR 1400

10. Samboosa – Emirati Version Of Samosa 

• More like a meaty version of Samosa with Arabic flavours, Samboosa is one of the popular foods in Dubai that is inspired by Indian-street food.  If you are in search of exciting Indian food in Dubai, Samboosa will tempt you to the best. This deep-fried stuffed triangle is crispy on the outside with soft and tender insides. Combining it will chilli dip and salad can make it more heavenly and will make every penny worth spending. So, get ready to savour the flavours of this authentic dish in Dubai style. 
• Places To Try: Samosawala, Mr Chaat, CE LA VI Dubai, Samosa House, Chaat Bazaar – Karama, Chaat World Dubai,  Nujood Sweets, Mr Chaat Hut, Chatori Gali, Bombay Bites
• Average Price: INR 120 – INR 300

11. Lahm Bi Ajeen – The Middle-Eastern Pizza 

• A classic Iraqi dish, Lahm Bi Ajeen is basically meat, veggies, herbs, and spices on a soft dough that is just an Arabic version of pizza. The dish is simple yet utterly delicious and is often served as an appetizer with a cup of tea. Lahm Bi Ajeen is so versatile that it can also be found in form of rolls and small circles. Every bite of Lahm Bi Ajeen will give you a different satisfaction, craving for more and more. If you are looking to try some of the popular foods in Dubai, this middle-eastern pizza is sure to please. 
• Places To Try: Something Baked, Jedoudna Restaurant, Al Hallab, Bread and Olives Restaurant, Al Mallah Dhiyafah, Manoushe W Nos, Molouk Al Moajjanat Kings of Pastry
• Average Price: INR 250 – INR 360

12. Shish Tawouk – Dubai Street-Style Wrap

• A winning combo of spicy minced chicken, flatbread, herbs, vegetables and pickles, Shish Tawouk is mostly famous for its irresistible taste. The slow-grilled sliced chicken bursting with flavours and packed under a flatbread makes it a hit. The dish is versatile enough and can be found in the form of kebabs with salad, dips and flatbread on the side. No matter whatever form you choose, this Dubai special food will captivate you. 
• Places To Try: Shami Gourmet Restaurant, Tawook Nation, Shawarma House, Awani, Jedoudna Restaurant, Zouzou, JJ Chicken, Siraj Restaurant and O’Doner La Mer
• Average Price: INR 500 – INR 750

13. Arabic Tea and Coffee – Beverages Of the Arab World 

• The rich and intense flavour of Arabic coffee is what sets it apart from other types of coffee. This coffee is made with cardamom, which gives it a unique taste tourists enjoy from all over the world. In addition, both Arabic tea and coffee are usually served sweetened, making them even more enjoyable to drink. Both drinks are popular in Arab culture, but they each have their own unique flavour. So if you are looking to calm down your nerves after a hectic day exploring the city, a sip of Arabic coffee is all you need. 
• Places To Try: Roasters Specialty Coffee House, Arabian Tea House Restaurant, Arabic Dubai Mall, Cafe Bateel, Arabica Dubai City Walk, Teteria Cafe, Qahwaty – DIFC, Voyage
• Average Price: INR 40 – INR 90 
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