Food of Dubai - 18 Best Must Try Local Dishes

Arab Cuisine is perhaps one of the most sought-after cuisines in the world. And what better place to experience it than Dubai- the melting pot of different cultures has inspired its cuisine. Dubai's street food scene is every traveler's dream. Frequently used ingredients include meat (such as chicken, fowl, and camel meat is used for special occasions), grain, and dairy. On the other hand, many spices include saffron, cardamom, thyme, and turmeric.

Here is the list of must-try food in Dubai:

1. Shawarma

2. Shish Tawook Sandwich

Shish Tawook Sandwich is one of the undiscovered gems of Dubai. It is extremely popular with the locals and can be easily found in any Middle Eastern food joint. It is again a non-vegetarian dish with thinly sliced chicken pieces stuffed in the flatbreads. Filled with many spices, herbs, vegetables, and pickles, the sandwich is a perfect combination of spicy and savory.

3. Oman Chips Roll

Oman Chips is an extremely popular and local chip found in the Emirates that forms a concrete part of every child's childhood. Apart from the local groceries, supermarkets, and hypermarkets, every school's canteens used to sell these chips because it was highly requested by children and even the teachers! So, the hype around Oman chips remains as it was. The Oman Chips Roll is a plain roll with layers of cheese spread, and inside are the smashed Oman Chips. These perfect rolls are ideal for a long road trip and are popular street food in Dubai amongst the locals.

4. Harees

Harees is an Arab dish that is made from wheat and mixed with meat. Since it is a favorite dish, many variants are found in different parts of the Arab peninsula. Many like making it by boiling wheat, whereas others make it with coarsely ground wheat. Various countries like adding different toppings and spices to it. It is mostly served during Ramadan, Eid ul-Fitr, and Arab weddings. 

5. Samboosa

India's famous snack, Samosa is given an Arab twist that is ideal for a quick snack. It is thin pastry sheets filled with different types of meats and vegetables and filled with exotic spices. It is a popular street food in Dubai and India as well!

6. Manakish

This is a very popular Lebanese snack. It is a flatbread filled with cheese and is cooked in a huge oven. Loads of cheese. You can add any vegetable, meat, oils, and spices on the top. Did I mention cheese?

7. Luqaimat

A traditional Emirati dessert that is a favorite among the residents and the tourists. They are crispy fried balls of dough, which are very soft and chewy on the inside. A plate would consist of several of these small balls served with date syrup or honey to serve the otherwise plain balls with a flavor of sweetness.

8. Karak

Karak is the national drink of Dubai and can be bought for over just AED 1 at any roadside shop. It is usually served in paper cups and has a very small quantity. It is best enjoyed with a doughnut or any sweet cake on the side.

9. Fareed

Fareed is a typical meat and potato stew with a twist. The Arab Bread that the dish is served over brings charm to the dish apart from it having a range of exotic spices. 

10. Falafel

If Shawarma is every non-vegetarian's favourite street food in Dubai, then Falefal is a convenient alternative for every vegetarian. Falafel is a deep-fried chickpeas patty. And when this falafel is wrapped in a roll with fresh vegetables and various dressings, magic happens, which is why it is one of the most popular dishes served.

11. Madrouba

This dish's name is inspired by a large wooden spoon that is used in the making of this dish. The wooden spoon is used to beat the batter to get a very thick consistency. Madhrooba is popular during Ramadan and various festivities. The recipe takes a lot of time to prepare, which is why it may not be found in a lot of restaurants. However, it is a top choice to make at home as it is healthy, filling and nutritious.  

12. Knafeh

After all the flavors, the spices, and the main dishes, it is time for some desserts. And what better dessert to have than the popularly known Queen of the Desserts - Knafeh. Served almost at every Middle Eastern cafe or food joint, Knafeh is a pastry dish made with only sweet cheese. Toppings include rose syrup, which is served over the dish, and together, it is the gooiest and the most delicious dish you could imagine.

13. Baklava

Baklava is a rich, sweet pastry made of layers of filo dough filled with chopped nuts, such as walnuts, pistachios, or almonds. The layers are held together by honey or syrup. It is crunchy and flaky on the outside, with a sweet and nutty interior. The syrup or honey adds a delightful sweetness, making it a popular dessert.

14. Muhallabia

Muhallabia is a creamy milk pudding made from rice flour or cornstarch, flavored with rosewater or orange blossom water. It is often garnished with pistachios or other nuts. Muhallabia has a smooth, creamy texture and a delicate floral flavor from the rosewater or orange blossom water. The nuts add a crunchy contrast.

15. Margoogat

Margoogat is a traditional and popular dish in the United Arab Emirates, particularly in the region of Dubai and other parts of the Arabian Peninsula. It's a flavorful and hearty stew made with a variety of vegetables, meat, and a blend of aromatic spices. Margoogat is known for its rich, aromatic taste and its ability to bring people together, often served during gatherings and social events.

16. Chebab

Chebab is a traditional Emirati pancake-like dish that is especially popular during the holy month of Ramadan. It's a sweet, fluffy, and aromatic pancake made with a fermented batter consisting of grated pumpkin, flour, sugar, saffron, and rose water. The mixture is left to ferment for a few hours or overnight to develop a distinct taste.

17. Khubz

Khubz, also known as Khoubz or Arabic bread, is a staple food in Dubai and the wider Middle East region. It's a round flatbread that has been a fundamental part of Arabian cuisine for centuries. Khubz is commonly used to scoop up various dishes, including stews, meats, and vegetables.

18. Thareed

Thareed is a traditional Emirati dish that has historical and cultural significance. It's a savory stew made with vegetables, meat (often lamb or chicken), and thin pieces of Khubz (Arabic bread). Thareed has historical roots and was a favorite of Prophet Muhammad, making it an integral part of the Emirati culinary tradition.

Where to Try Food of Dubai

Bur Dubai

Bur Dubai-one of the oldest neighborhood in Dubai- it is one of the liveliest and busiest parts of the city. Home to mostly Indian expatriates, which is why you'd find many Indian street food items here, along with Arab street food. Streets such as Meena Bazaar is crammed with many shops selling everything from A-Z as well as a range of cheap and quality food outlets. One of the reasons Meena Bazaar and Bur Dubai rank at the top of the list for street-food experience is that you get every cuisine and all kinds of specialties if you search hard enough.

Downtown Dubai

The perfect street food when you visit the Burj Khaleefa is the Costilla taco at Maiz Tacos Food Truck right opposite it. And after spicy Tacos, some delicious Egg and cheese fetter at Zaroob could tickle the taste buds. 

Global Village

This may seem like a very absurd option, but Global Village assures you get your favorite street food with the authenticity of the actual street food. Global Village is one of the leading attractions in Dubai. It is a yearly event that runs from the late winter months to the early summer months. Pavillions of different countries are organized where the specialties of these countries are sold. Apart from food courts, there are various stalls set up across the area. You'd find items like samosa, shawarma etc. all sold here. There are few stalls where Arab ladies themselves traditionally cook Luqaimat. Visitors naturally surround these stalls just to observe the process, and if you're polite enough, you get a few for free to taste.

In a place like Dubai, where culinary from all around the world brings the flavour of the world together, enjoy the food the way it is supposed to be.