Traveling is also about discovering new flavors — and in Dubai, that’s taken seriously! With influences from across the Middle East, in addition to Lebanese, Iranian, Palestinian, Syrian, and Emirati cuisines, the city is a true paradise for food lovers.
If you want to go beyond hotel restaurants and experience the local culture through food, this post is for you. Below, we’ve highlighted the most traditional and unmissable dishes, along with tips on where to eat in Dubai to have an authentic experience.
1. Start with Mezze 🫓
Before the main course, it’s common to begin your meal with mezze, which are like small sharing portions — the Middle Eastern “appetizers.”
Some of the most popular:
- Hummus: chickpea paste with tahini, lemon, and garlic
- Mutabbal: smoked eggplant paste with tahini
- Tabbouleh: parsley, tomato, mint, bulgur wheat, and lemon salad
- Fatoush: salad with crispy Arabic bread
- Warak Enab: grape leaves stuffed with seasoned rice
🧡 Tip: These dishes are light, fresh, super tasty, and perfect for hot days.
2. Main Courses to Fall in Love With
Here’s a list of typical dishes to look for on restaurant menus:
- 🍢 Kebab / Kofta: seasoned ground meat, molded onto skewers and grilled. Can be lamb, chicken, or beef.
- 🥘 Machboos: traditional Emirati dish made with seasoned rice, saffron, and meat (usually chicken or lamb).
- 🍚 Kabsa: similar to machboos, but with Saudi influence. Also features spiced rice and meat.
- 🍗 Mandi: rice with slow-cooked meat (usually lamb), typical of Yemen, but very popular here too.
- 🍆 Moussaka: a type of Arabic lasagna made with eggplant, tomato sauce, and sometimes meat.
- 🥩 Shawarma: thinly sliced roasted meat sandwich, usually served in Arabic bread with sauces and vegetables.
3. And for Dessert… 🍯
Arabic confectionery is an explosion of sweet flavors and unique textures. Don’t miss trying:
- Baklava: phyllo pastry filled with nuts and drizzled with sweet syrup
- Luqaimat: fried dough balls, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, covered with honey or date syrup
- Knafeh: dessert made with cheese, thin crispy pastry, and sweet syrup. A delicious treat that melts in your mouth!
- Date cake: a classic of the region, super soft, with a distinct and fragrant flavor. Usually served with warm caramel sauce — perfect with Arabic coffee!
4. Where to Try All This in Dubai
- 📍 Al Fanar – A typical Emirati restaurant with traditional decor. Great for trying machboos, luqaimat, and Arabic coffee.
- 📍 Arabian Tea House (Al Fahidi) – Super charming, in a historic house. Ideal for brunch or a light lunch with mezze, salads, and fresh juices.
- 📍 Al Ustad Special Kebab – A classic in Dubai, famous for its Iranian kebabs and local atmosphere.
- 📍 Zaroob – A modern, casual restaurant, great for trying shawarma, falafel, and fatteh.
- 📍 Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant (Al Fahidi) – One of the most authentic places to experience Emirati cuisine in a traditional setting. Ideal for those who want to try dishes like machboos, margooga, and date cake in a setting that evokes Dubai’s past.
Golden Tip: For a more authentic experience, avoid the super touristy restaurants and go where the locals eat — or take a food tour with us 😉
5. Extra Tip: Drink Like a Local ☕
Arabic coffee (gahwa) is made with cardamom and served in small cups without sugar — usually accompanied by dates. It’s also worth trying karak, a tea with milk, sugar, and spices, which is a national passion!
Shall We Explore Dubai’s Flavors Together?
Want to include authentic gastronomic experiences in your itinerary? In addition to personalized city tours, we also offer guided food tours that delve into the local culture through food — with tastings, stories, and places only locals know!
📩 Contact us and come discover why Dubai also wins hearts through its palate!
