Dubai Food Guide

Emirati dishes to try

• Machboos

  Spiced rice with meat or fish, the national dish.

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• Mandi

  Slow-cooked rice and meat from the Arabian Peninsula.

• Luqaimat

  Crisp dough balls with date syrup. Sold in heritage cafés and Ramadan markets.

• Karak tea

  Strong, milky cardamom tea. The Dubai street drink.

• Dates and Arabic coffee

  The traditional welcome of Emirati hospitality.

Cuisines on every street

• Arabic grills

  Shawarma, mixed grill, hummus, fattoush. Every neighbourhood has a favourite.

• Indian

  From Old Dubai biryani houses to fine-dining tasting menus.

• Pakistani

  Karahi, kebabs and naan in Karama and Al Quoz.

• Lebanese

  Mezze, manakish, grilled fish along Jumeirah.

• Persian

  Rice, kebabs, stews and saffron tea.

• Street food and trucks

  Karak counters, juice bars and food trucks at Kite Beach and Last Exit.

Where to eat by area

• Old Dubai

  Heritage cafés in Al Fahidi, Indian classics in Bur Dubai, dhow wharfage tea.

• Downtown

  Souk Al Bahar, Dubai Mall food halls, sky-high tasting menus.

• Dubai Marina / JBR

  Beachfront cafés, casual seafood, brunch spots.

• Jumeirah

  Mediterranean, Lebanese, healthy bowls and bakeries.

Practical food tips

• Halal

  Almost all restaurants serve halal food. Pork is sold in licensed shops only.

• Alcohol

  Served in licensed restaurants and hotels. Public drinking is not allowed.

• Ramadan

  Daytime eating is more discreet. Evenings transform into iftar feasts.

• Tipping

  10–15% is appreciated. Many bills already include service charge.

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