Dubai Food Guide — 20 Dishes You Must Try in 2026

A Culinary Journey Through Dubai

Dubai's food scene is as diverse as its population — 200+ nationalities, and every cuisine on Earth has a home here. But beyond the international chains, there are traditional Emirati dishes and Middle Eastern classics you absolutely must try.

The Must-Try Emirati Dishes

1. Al Machboos

Emirati version of biryani — spiced rice with meat, fish, or chicken. Fragrant, aromatic, and deeply satisfying.

Where: Al Fanar Restaurant, Arabian Tea House

2. Harees

Wheat and meat porridge — comfort food for Ramadan. Slow-cooked for hours until it becomes creamy.

Where: Traditional Emirati homes; some restaurants during Ramadan

3. Camel Meat & Camel Milk

Camel meat is leaner than beef. Try it as a burger, steak, or in Emirati stew. Camel milk is now available as chocolate, ice cream, and lattes — surprisingly delicious!

Where: Local House, Al Dhafra, and specialty cafés

4. Luqaimat

Golden fried dumplings drizzled with date syrup — the Emirati dessert. Crispy outside, fluffy inside, addictively sweet.

Where: Almost every traditional restaurant; especially during Ramadan

Middle Eastern Classics

5. Shawarma

The Middle East's most beloved street food. Marinated meat shaved from a rotating spit, wrapped in flatbread with garlic sauce, pickles, and fries.

Where: Al Mallah (Satwa), Allo Beirut

6. Falafel

Fried chickpea patties — crunchy outside, soft inside. Served in pita with tahini, tomatoes, and pickles.

Where: Any Arabic restaurant in Deira or Bur Dubai

7. Hummus & Mutabbal

The iconic Middle Eastern dips. Hummus (chickpea) and Mutabbal (smoky eggplant) — served with fresh pita.

Where: Anywhere; but best at Levantine restaurants

8. Kunafa

Shredded pastry with cheese or cream, soaked in sugar syrup. Warm, gooey, and unforgettable. Lebanese version uses cheese; Turkish uses cream.

Where: Firas Sweets, Al Samadi Sweets

9. Manakish

Levantine flatbread with za'atar, cheese, or meat. The Middle Eastern pizza — cheap, filling, delicious.

Where: Allo Beirut, Zaatar w Zeit

10. Arabic Coffee (Gahwa)

Cardamom-spiced coffee served in tiny cups with dates. Bitter, aromatic, and deeply cultural.

Where: Everywhere; complementary at most restaurants

The Dubai Restaurant Scene

Budget Eats (Under AED 30)

• Al Mallah — Shawarma & juice (Satwa)
• Ravi Restaurant — Pakistani (Satwa)
• Al Ustad Special Kabab — Persian (Bur Dubai)
• Bu Qtair — Fresh fish (Umm Suqeim)

Mid-Range (AED 50-150)

• Al Fanar — Emirati (Festival City)
• Arabian Tea House — Emirati (Al Fahidi)
• Allo Beirut — Lebanese (Marina & City Walk)
• Operation Falafel — Modern Arabic (Multiple)

Fine Dining (AED 200+)

• Ossiano — Seafood (Atlantis The Palm)
• Zuma — Japanese (DIFC)
• Nobu — Japanese (Atlantis)
• Ristorante L'Olivo — Italian (Rixos Premium)

Food Experiences You Should Book

Desert Safari BBQ

Full buffet under the stars — grilled meats, Arabic mezze, fresh salads, and unlimited soft drinks. Included in all safari tours.

Dhow Dinner Cruise

5-star buffet while cruising Dubai Marina or Creek. A romantic dinner + scenic views.

Street Food Tour

Guided walk through Old Dubai's food alleys — tasting 8-10 traditional dishes.

Global Village Food Tour

Sample dishes from 30+ countries in one evening. From Turkish kebab to Filipino lechon.

Halal & Dietary Considerations

Halal: 95% of Dubai's food is halal-certified.

Vegetarian/Vegan: Widely available. Indian, Lebanese, and Asian restaurants have extensive options.

Jain: Available at many Indian restaurants — just request no onion/garlic.

Gluten-free: Modern restaurants accommodate; traditional Arabic food is naturally mostly GF.

Ramadan Food Culture

During Ramadan, Iftar (breaking the fast at sunset) is a unique cultural experience:

• Traditional Iftar buffets at hotels (AED 100-300)
• Ramadan tents across the city
• Street Iftar at mosques (free, community experience)
• Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) at 24-hour restaurants

Ready to Taste Dubai?

Book our Local Markets & Street Food Tour to taste the best of Old Dubai with a local guide.