Dubai is a culinary paradise, offering a vibrant mix of traditional Emirati dishes and international flavors. From sizzling street food to luxurious dining experiences, the city’s food scene is a must-explore for every traveler. In this article, we’ll take you through the top 15 foods you should try in Dubai, including iconic dishes like shawarma, Al Harees, and camel meat delicacies, as well as sweet treats like Luqaimat and Knafeh. Whether you’re a foodie or a curious traveler, this guide will help you discover the best of Dubai’s cuisine. Get ready to indulge in the flavors that define this dazzling city’s rich food culture!
Top 15 Foods you Should try in Dubai
1. Shawarma
No visit to Dubai is complete without trying shawarma, one of the top foods to try in Dubai. This Middle Eastern street food staple features tender slices of marinated chicken, beef, or lamb wrapped in warm flatbread with garlic sauce, pickles, and fries. Found everywhere from bustling food trucks to high-end eateries, shawarma embodies Dubai’s fusion of affordability and flavor.
For the best Dubai foods, head to Al Mallah or Automatic Restaurant for legendary versions. A must-add to your Dubai food guide, this dish is perfect for on-the-go explorers craving authentic, savory bites.
2. Al Harees
A cornerstone of traditional Emirati cuisine, Al Harees ranks among the best Dubai foods for cultural immersion. This slow-cooked dish blends wheat, meat (usually camel, lamb or chicken), and a pinch of salt, simmered for hours until it achieves a porridge-like consistency. Often served during Ramadan and weddings, its subtle flavors highlight Emirati culinary heritage.
To experience this delicacy, visit local spots like Al Fanar Restaurant. Including Al Harees in your Dubai food guide ensures you taste the city’s soulful, home-style cooking—a delicious contrast to its glitzy modern vibe.
3. Machboos
A fragrant emblem of Gulf cuisine, Machboos (spiced rice with meat) is a top food to try in Dubai. This aromatic dish features basmati rice cooked with turmeric, saffron, and dried lime, paired with tender lamb, chicken, or fish. Its bold spices and tender meat make it a favorite for both locals and visitors.
For the best Dubai foods, try it at Seven Sands or Logma. A star of any Dubai food guide, Machboos offers a hearty, flavorful introduction to the region’s love for richly seasoned, communal meals. If you are a rice lover, the other options are Mandi and Madhbi rice.
4. Luqaimat
A staple in Dubai’s dessert scene, Luqaimat is a must-try for anyone exploring the top foods to try in Dubai. These golden, bite-sized dumplings are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and drizzled with date syrup or honey.
Often sprinkled with sesame seeds, they’re a favorite during Ramadan and festive gatherings. For the best Dubai foods, visit Local Bites Cafe or Al Fanar Restaurant to savor this sweet treat. Including Luqaimat in your Dubai food guide guarantees a taste of the city’s love for simple yet indulgent desserts that blend tradition with irresistible flavor.
5. Falafel
While falafel is popular across the Middle East, Dubai’s version stands out as one of the best Dubai foods to sample. These deep-fried chickpea patties are crispy, herb-infused, and often served in warm pita bread with fresh veggies and tahini sauce. Perfect for vegetarians, falafel is a staple at street food stalls like Operation Falafel and upscale cafes alike.
A highlight in any Dubai food guide, this dish offers a quick, affordable, and delicious meal. Don’t miss trying it alongside a glass of mint lemonade for an authentic local experience.
6. Camel Meat Dishes
For adventurous foodies, camel meat dishes like camel burgers or stews are unique top foods to try in Dubai. Camel meat is lean, slightly sweet, and a cherished part of Emirati heritage. Try a juicy camel burger at The Local House Restaurant or sample camel biryani at Arabian Tea House for a true taste of tradition.
Often highlighted in the best Dubai food lists, these dishes provide a cultural connection to the region’s Bedouin roots. Add camel meat to your Dubai food guide for an unforgettable culinary story to share back home.
7. Manousheh
A breakfast favorite and one of the top foods to try in Dubai, Manousheh is often called the “Lebanese pizza.” This flatbread is topped with za’atar (a blend of thyme, sesame, and sumac), cheese, or minced meat, then baked to crispy perfection. Affordable and flavorful, it’s a staple at bakeries like Al Reef Bakery or Baker & Spice.
Ideal for a quick morning bite, Manousheh deserves a spot in your Dubai food guide for its rustic charm and versatility. Whether sweet or savory, it’s a must-try for those exploring the best Dubai foods rooted in Levantine traditions.
8. Knafeh (Kunafah)
No Dubai food guide is complete without Knafeh, a decadent dessert that tops the list of best Dubai foods for those with a sweet tooth. This golden pastry layers shredded phyllo dough with melted cheese, soaked in rose-scented sugar syrup, and topped with crushed pistachios.
Crispy, gooey, and perfectly balanced, it’s a Middle Eastern classic. Head to Feras Al Diyafa or Qwaider Al Nabulsi in Old Dubai for an authentic version. As one of the top foods to try in Dubai, Kunafah is a delicious testament to the city’s love for rich, syrupy desserts shared among friends and family.
9. Arabic Coffee with Dates
A symbol of Emirati hospitality, Arabic coffee (Gahwa) paired with dates is a cultural must in any Dubai food guide. The coffee, lightly spiced with cardamom and saffron, is brewed strong and served in small cups alongside plump, locally grown dates. This combination balances bitterness with natural sweetness, reflecting the region’s heritage.
Enjoy it at heritage cafes like Arabian Tea House or during desert safaris. As one of the best Dubai foods for cultural immersion, this ritual offers a glimpse into the UAE’s traditions and is a soothing pause in your culinary exploration of the city.
10. Grilled Halloumi Cheese
A star of Middle Eastern cuisine, grilled halloumi cheese is one of the top foods to try in Dubai for its salty, squeaky texture and versatility. This Cypriot-origin cheese is lightly grilled or fried, retaining its shape while gaining a golden crust. Often served with fresh vegetables, olives, or drizzled with honey, it’s a popular appetizer or breakfast item.
For the best Dubai foods, order it at Tomo or Al Ustad Special Kebab. A Dubai food guide favorite, halloumi appeals to vegetarians and cheese lovers alike, offering a simple yet satisfying bite that pairs perfectly with Arabic bread.
11. Stuffed Camel
A legendary dish steeped in Emirati tradition, stuffed camel is one of the most unique best Dubai foods for adventurous eaters. Historically served at grand feasts, this dish involves a whole camel stuffed with spiced rice, lamb, chicken, and eggs, then slow-roasted for hours. While rare due to its elaborate preparation, it’s occasionally featured at cultural festivals or luxury hotels like Al Hadheerah.
Including stuffed camel in your Dubai food guide highlights the region’s Bedouin heritage and culinary grandeur. Though unconventional, it’s a fascinating entry for travelers seeking to explore Dubai’s most extravagant traditional dishes.
12. Balaleet
Balaleet, a sweet and savory breakfast dish, is a hidden gem among the top foods to try in Dubai. This Emirati specialty combines vermicelli noodles cooked with sugar, cardamom, and saffron, topped with a fluffy omelette. The contrast of sugary noodles and savory eggs creates a unique flavor profile loved by locals. For the best Dubai foods, sample it at Aseelah or Milas Restaurant.
A standout in any Dubai food guide, Balaleet offers a glimpse into the UAE’s fusion of Indian and Arabian culinary influences, making it a must-try for those eager to taste Dubai’s morning traditions.
13. Kebabs (BBQ Kababs)
Kebabs are a cornerstone of Dubai’s culinary scene and a top food to try in Dubai for meat lovers. Skewers of marinated lamb, chicken, or beef are grilled over charcoal, delivering smoky, tender perfection. Served with hummus, garlic sauce, and flatbread, they’re a staple at Middle Eastern eateries like Al Safadi or Al Hallab.
For the best Dubai foods, try mixed platters to sample diverse flavors. A must-mention in any Dubai food guide, kebabs showcase the city’s mastery of grilled meats and its blend of Arabic and Persian influences, making them ideal for casual dinners or celebratory feasts.
14. Umm Ali
Umm Ali, a creamy bread pudding dessert, is one of the best Dubai foods for indulging your sweet tooth. Made with puff pastry, milk, nuts, and raisins, this warm, comforting dish is flavored with cardamom and saffron. Often dubbed the “Queen of Arabic desserts,” it’s a highlight at hotels like Asado or Al Nafoorah. Including Umm Ali in your Dubai food guide ensures a taste of the city’s royal culinary traditions. Rich, aromatic, and decadent, it’s a top food to try in Dubai for dessert lovers and a perfect finale to any Emirati meal.
15. Karak Chai
No Dubai food guide is complete without Karak Chai, the city’s beloved spiced tea. This milky brew combines black tea with cardamom, saffron, and condensed milk, offering a sweet, aromatic kick. A staple at roadside stalls like Filli Café, it’s often paired with snacks like paratha or biscuits.
As one of the best Dubai foods (or drinks!) for cultural immersion, Karak Chai reflects the UAE’s Indian influences and love for communal sips. Affordable and ubiquitous, it’s a top food to try in Dubai for travelers craving warmth, flavor, and a glimpse into daily life in the city.
Also Read: Top 10 must-visit attractions in Dubai
Conclusion
Dubai’s culinary landscape is a vibrant tapestry of tradition, innovation, and global influences. From sizzling street food like shawarma and falafel to heritage dishes like Al Harees and stuffed camel, this list of the top 15 foods to try in Dubai offers something for every palate. Whether you’re savoring the sweetness of Luqaimat, sipping aromatic Karak Chai, or indulging in the creamy Umm Ali, each dish tells a story of the city’s rich cultural roots and cosmopolitan flair. Use this Dubai food guide to navigate the best Dubai foods, and let your taste buds embark on an unforgettable journey through the flavors that define this dazzling metropolis.
Also, if you are Chocolate lover, don’t forget to try the famous Dubai Viral Chocolate. This milk chocolate marvel is packed with pistachio and kunafah and a crispy shredded phyllo pastry. And don’t forget to make a video of eating Dubai viral chocolate, you might get viral on Tiktok or Instagram?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the most famous food to try in Dubai?
Shawarma (spiced meat wrap), Al Harees (wheat and meat porridge), and Knafeh (sweet cheese pastry) are Dubai’s top iconic dishes. These are highlighted in our Dubai food guide.
- Are there vegetarian options in Dubai’s local cuisine?
Yes! Try falafel (fried chickpea patties), Manousheh (herbed flatbread), and Luqaimat (sweet dumplings). Our guide includes vegetarian-friendly picks.
- Where can I find authentic Emirati food in Dubai?
Visit Al Fanar Restaurant or Seven Sands for dishes like Machboos (spiced rice) and Balaleet (sweet-savory vermicelli).
- What is the most unique food experience in Dubai?
Try camel meat (burgers or biryani) and Arabic coffee with dates for a traditional Emirati experience.
- Is Dubai street food safe for tourists?
Yes. Popular spots like Al Mallah (shawarma) and Filli Café (karak tea) follow strict hygiene standards.
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