As-salamu alaykum, Marhaba, Ahlan.
You have finally landed in Dubai. And the first thing that hit you must have been the desert heat. And the second, the aroma of food.
Dubai is one of those cities in the world that smells like the most delicious foods in the world. Arabic coffee, cardamom tea, spices, grilled meat, and so much more – the whole place invites you to take a seat and have a taste.
For foodies and culinary travelers, i.e., people who solely travel for the sake of food, Dubai is a lover. There are so many unforgettable gastronomic experiences in Dubai. Let us take you on a journey of what it feels like to eat your way through this city.
First Stop: Street Food
Street food in Dubai is as great as the food in any of its luxury restaurants. Whether you want to grab a shawarma or an old-school Indian street food thali, street food is everywhere to be found in Dubai.
There are countless street food spots in the city, such as hole-in-the-wall eateries like Sultan Dubai Falafel on Al Muraqqabat Road (they make the most delicious Palestinian falafels) and Afghani/Pakistani bakery Hajar Al Madina, which offers cream cheese and za’atar bread.
Next: Falafel Wraps and Casual Restaurants
Dubai has a whole lot of casual restaurants where locals and travelers from all over Dubai gather around small tables with cute umbrellas and plastic chairs.
So the next time you are at a casual restaurant or a cafeteria, try a falafel sandwich. The crispy chickpea balls feel like home, tucked away in warm bread and made even more delicious with hummus and pickles. Falafel Frayha Al Barsha and Operation: Falafel are awesome spots in Dubai, but honestly, almost every spot in Dubai makes unforgettable falafels. And if you’re not feeling a falafel, you can order a Chips Oman porotta, which is a flaky bread stuffed with spicy chips and sauce.
Pair all these snacks with a glass of karak tea. The strong, sweet, spiced beverage in tiny paper cups, too hot to handle, will make your Dubai culinary adventures even more unforgettable.
Time for a Feast: Let’s Try Ghozi
Ghozi (which is also sometimes called Khuzi) is a Lebanese dish that has made a strong impression on Dubai residents and tourists. You cannot just ‘order’ Ghozi – you need to call in advance for its preparation.
So basically, Ghozi is a whole lamb, which is slow-cooked in a tandoor for many hours until the meat practically melts off the bone. Its meat is stuffed with fried rice and more ingredients like boiled eggs, and the whole dish smells heavenly. Ghozi is meant to be shared with your friends – not eaten alone.
Back to the Traditional Flavors: Al Machboos and Shish Tawook
Al Machboos is one of the historical dishes of Dubai. It is made with rice, meat, and lots of spices. Think of it as the UAE’s version of a Sunday roast. It’s a cornerstone of Emirati cuisine, which is why a true culinary traveler never sleeps on Al Machboos when visiting Dubai.
A true culinary traveler also never misses shish tawook when visiting Dubai. These are juicy chicken skewers lathered with creamy garlic paste. Many people like to enjoy these traditional Emirati feasts with Arabic coffee, which is served in fancy pots called dallahs.
Spoonful of Soups
Dubai is famous for Arabic soups. You won’t find soups on Instagram or TikTok traveler’s feeds, but they are still a very beloved culinary experience in Dubai. Here are two Arabic soups that you must try on your visit to Dubai.
Shorbat Harees: A porridge-like blend of wheat + meat + ghee. Harees is most often eaten during Ramadan.
Shorbat Addas: Lentil soup + lemon + caramelized onions. Top it with crunchy croutons and you will love it even more.
Camel Meat for the Bold Foodies
Even the most daring and adventurous culinary travelers pause at this one.
Camel meat!?
Like, meat from a camel?
But that’s right. Camel meat has quite a great history in Emirati cuisine. It was once a Bedouin staple, but now it’s considered a luxury and reserved for special occasions like weddings, special guests, or festivities. You will find camel meat in many places in Dubai. Some serve it grilled, stewed, others shape it into burger patties, or even serve it in biryanis at traditional restaurants.
So, is camel meat for everyone? Maybe not.
It is similar to beef, but slightly sweeter.
But if you’re in Dubai and want a unique food experience, then trying camel meat is a must.
Ending on a Sweet Note
Dubai is as serious about its desserts as it is about its main courses.
Here are some of the most unique desserts that food lovers must try in Dubai;
Luqaimat: Crispy golden dough balls that are drizzled with date syrup.
Umm Ali: Tastes like bread pudding, but this one is creamier and nuttier.
Kunafa: Gooey cheese fills crunchy pastry, which is generously drizzled with sweet syrup. Tastes divine.
Papparoti bun: Signature buns, freshly baked, and famously available at PappaRoti in many locations in Dubai.
Cheesecake Factory slice: This is a no-brainer. When you are in Dubai, you must get a slice from the Cheesecake Factory.
Some More Unforgettable Food + Experiences
And the rest of the unforgettable food experiences in Dubai are tied to the city’s own culture – like drinking karak chai after grabbing a shawarma and watching the Burj Khalifa fountain show, these are experiences that you do not forget long after you have left Dubai.
