Dubai’s culinary scene is as diverse and dazzling as its skyline. From Michelin-starred fine dining to steaming street shawarmas, the Emirate has mastered the art of mixing flavours from every continent. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, this Dubai food guide will help you discover 12 must-try dishes and the best places to eat them in 2026.
1. Shawarma
What It Is:
Dubai’s ultimate street food — shawarma features thinly sliced, spit-roasted meat (usually chicken, lamb, or beef) wrapped in freshly baked Arabic bread. It’s topped with garlic toum, crunchy pickles, fries, and sometimes hot sauce.
Where to Try:
Al Mallah (Satwa): A cult favourite known for its juicy shawarma and quick service. Always buzzing at night.
Operation Falafel (JBR, City Walk): Modern outlet recreating old Dubai street food vibes with a clean twist.
Eat & Drink Restaurant: A go-to for budget eats — try their spicy chicken shawarma for under AED 10.
Local Tip: Add extra toum (garlic sauce) and a side of fries inside the roll. For vegetarians, many spots offer falafel shawarma too.
Explore iconic landmarks and hidden gems — here are the top places to visit in Dubai.
2. Mandi
What It Is:
A slow-cooked rice dish from Yemen, mandi is flavoured with a rich blend of spices and served with tender meat — typically lamb or chicken. It’s cooked underground in a tandoor-style pit, giving it a smoky aroma.
Where to Try:
Maraheb (Al Safa & Deira): Offers generous portions and authentic spice blends.
Al Yemen Mandi Restaurant: A popular local chain for families and groups.
Best Time to Eat: Lunchtime — mandi is hearty and best enjoyed as your main meal before sightseeing or desert excursions.
3. Luqaimat
What It Is:
Crispy on the outside, soft and airy inside — luqaimat are fried Emirati dumplings drizzled with date syrup and sprinkled with sesame seeds.
Where to Try:
Logma (Boxpark, The Dubai Mall): Contemporary café serving perfectly fried luqaimat.
Al Fanar Restaurant (Dubai Festival City): Rustic setting, traditional flavours.
Fun Fact: A staple during Ramadan and UAE National Day, luqaimat symbolises sharing and celebration.
4. Stuffed Camel
What It Is:
A grand and ceremonial Emirati dish — stuffed camel involves filling a whole camel with lamb, chicken, eggs, rice, and spices. Only served during elite weddings or royal feasts.
Where to Try:
Not on standard menus. Arrange via:
Luxury cultural dining experiences or
Hotel-curated Bedouin banquets in the desert.
Explore: Cultural Experiences in Dubai
Pro Tip: Must be pre-booked. Call ahead — even luxury hotels need advance notice to prepare this.
5. Falafel & Hummus
What It Is:
Falafel are crunchy, protein-rich chickpea balls, while hummus is a creamy blend of chickpeas, tahini, lemon, and garlic. Both are vegan, nutritious, and deeply rooted in Levantine tradition.
Where to Try:
Zaroob (Sheikh Zayed Road): Hip ambience, great for wraps and mezze.
Man’oushe Street: Known for flatbreads and mezze combos.
Why It’s Great: Affordable, fast, and vegetarian-friendly — perfect for light dinners or midday snacks.
Plan your itinerary with our complete guide to things to do in Dubai.
6. Kebabs (Seekh, Kofta, Shish Taouk)
What It Is:
Grilled meat skewers marinated with Arabic or Persian spices. Choose from kofta (minced meat), shish taouk (chicken chunks), or lamb seekh.
Where to Try:
Al Ustad Special Kebab (Bur Dubai): Iconic Persian grill with old-school interiors.
Aroos Damascus (Deira): Huge platters, juicy kebabs, and Syrian ambience.
Best For: Group dinners, especially after a long day of exploring souks or beaches.
7. Arabic Mezze Platter
What It Is:
A spread of small plates including moutabel (eggplant dip), tabbouleh (parsley salad), labneh (strained yoghurt), stuffed vine leaves, and olives.
Where to Try:
Reem Al Bawadi: Lavish décor, shisha lounges, and authentic flavours.
Café Beirut (DIFC): Music, mezze, and skyline views.
Tip: Order fresh Arabic khubz (bread) — served warm from the tandoor.
Planning a trip soon? Here’s when to go — the best time to visit Dubai.
8. Camel Milk Ice Cream
What It Is:
Camel milk is rich in nutrients and has a salty edge. Turned into ice cream, it becomes creamy, smooth, and delightfully unique.
Where to Try:
Arabian Tea House (Al Fahidi): Heritage café with outdoor courtyard.
Nouq Camel Milk Gelato (Dubai Mall): Try flavours like saffron, cardamom, or rose.
Local Tip: Try saffron camel milk gelato for a royal twist.
9. Karak Chai
What It Is:
Strong, sweet, spiced milk tea — Dubai’s take on Indian masala chai, available on almost every street corner.
Where to Try:
Project Chaiwala (Alserkal Avenue): Funky, youthful setting with fusion teas.
Filli Café: The OG spot for cardamom-heavy karak.
Why It’s Special: Available from AED 2 — and no trip to Dubai is complete without it.
10. Machboos
What It Is:
An Emirati cousin of biryani — machboos is a fragrant rice dish infused with loomi (dried lime), saffron, and cooked with fish, chicken, or lamb.
Where to Try:
Al Fanar Restaurant: Traditional décor and Emirati recipes.
SMCCU Cultural Meals (Al Fahidi): Cultural immersion + food tasting.
Best Part: Served with side sauces and pickles that elevate every bite.
11. Samboosa
What It Is:
Dubai’s twist on samosas — thinner pastry, stuffed with spiced cheese, vegetables, or minced meat.
Where to Try:
Karak House (Downtown Dubai): Offers gourmet samboosa platters.
Street vendors in Karama or Deira: Especially busy during Ramadan evenings.
When to Eat: Iftar time during Ramadan — they vanish within minutes!
12. Seafood at the Waterfront
What It Is:
With a vast coastline, Dubai excels at seafood. Look for hammour, kingfish, prawns, and squid, cooked Arabic-style — grilled or in curry gravies.
Where to Try:
Bu Qtair (Jumeirah): A rustic beach shack with cult-like following.
Pierchic (Al Qasr Hotel): Fine-dining over water — perfect for couples.
Tip: Ask for grilled hammour with Arabic spices and lemon.
Bonus: Famous Indian Restaurants in Dubai
Where to Go
Rang Mahal by Atul Kochhar (JW Marriott Marquis): Michelin-starred chef + rich Indian tasting menus.
Amritsar (Al Karama, Deira): Hearty butter chicken, parathas, and lassis.
Calicut Paragon (Karama): Malabar fish curry, appams, and thalis.
Biryani Pot (Jumeirah): Fusion biryanis, chaats, and mango lassi.
Final Thoughts
From smoky shawarmas in Karama to Michelin-tasting menus overlooking the Burj Khalifa, Dubai caters to every kind of food lover. Whether you’re here on a budget trip or a luxury escape, let your taste buds explore this melting pot of flavours.
Hungry yet? Start planning your Dubai Holiday with Indian Holiday today and discover unforgettable culinary experiences. – Click here
FAQs about Dubai Food Guide
Q: Is Dubai vegetarian and vegan-friendly?
Ans: Yes! Most restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan options, especially in Indian, Lebanese, and fusion eateries.
Q: What’s the average cost of eating out in Dubai?
Ans:
- Budget eateries: AED 15–30
- Mid-range: AED 60–120
- Fine dining: AED 300+ per person
Q: Are there food tours available in Dubai?
Ans: Yes. You can book Emirati food tours, old Dubai street food walks, or modern culinary experiences via concierge or online operators.
Q: Is tipping expected in Dubai restaurants?
Ans: Not mandatory, but rounding up or leaving 5–10% is appreciated.
Q: Can I drink alcohol in restaurants in Dubai?
Ans: Yes, but only in licensed venues (usually within hotels or beach clubs).
