Planning a trip to Dubai and wondering what is on the platter for you? Well, worry not! With a combination of Iranian, Lebanese and Arabic food, the Dubai cuisine will only leave you craving for more. Head to the streets or restaurants, you are surely in for a delightful experience. Whether a foodie or not, you just can’t ignore the luscious flavors that Dubai food has in store for you. The titillating aroma of the piquant delicacies in Dubai will give you a foodgasm for sure. From vegetarians to non-vegetarians, Dubai has something for every foodie. And the list is so long that you will be left spoilt for choice. Some dishes will even make you feel home-like as they represent the tradition of their culture. Take a look at all the gastronomical delights that will make your stomach growl with hunger.
Dubai Cuisine: 26 Best Dubai Foods To Try In 2023
We’ve shortlisted the best Dubai dishes all foodies will fall in love with. From vegetarian cuisines to non-vegetarian delicacies, there is something for all kinds of travelers. These Dubai cuisines will also take you on a cultural tour of the country as some of them are traditional and made from home-grown ingredients. Take a look at the delicious food to try in Dubai on your vacation!
- Manousheh – Pizza Of Dubai
- Iranian Sangak – One Of The Most Popular Dishes
- Chelo Kebab – A Heavenly Taste
- Al Harees – Taste The Tradition
- Al Machboos – Surprisingly Delicious
- Mandi – A Rendezvous With Tradition
- Oozie – Ramadan Special
- Tabbouleh – For Those Who Are Health Conscious
- Kousa Mahshi – Taste The Classic Spices
- Shirin Polo – For An Authentic Dining Experience
- Baba Ganoush – An Epic Starter
- Fatteh – All Things Good In One
- Kellaj – A Cheesy Delight
- Falafel – Prepared With Love
- Fattoush – Healthy And Yummy
- Madrouba – Healthy Food
- Shish Tawook – Have It Like The Locals
- Lahem Bl Ajin – The Arab Pizza
- Taboon Bread – Not Just A Bread
- Shawarma – The Popular Street Food Item
- Samboosa – The Dish With A Twist
- Oman Chips Roll – Childhood Favorite
- Mahalabiya – Can’t Afford To Miss
- Luqaimat – You Can’t Have Just One
- Knafeh – Cheese Pastry Redefined
- Khanfaroosh – For Teatime
Non-Vegetarian Dubai Cuisine
All meat lovers, rejoice! The taste and the aroma of the food will keep you coming back whether you want to eat Arabic food in Dubai or looking for an inexpensive street food hub. If you plan your trip according to your meal plan just like us, you will fall in love with this list. Check out what do they eat in Dubai here.
1. Manousheh – Pizza Of Dubai
Manousheh, the local pizza, is an apt choice for the piquant taste buds, especially if you are looking for Dubai specialties. It proves to be a perfect pick for a luscious breakfast. Stretched dough or flatbread, filled with exotic toppings like salty Akkawi cheese, earthy zaatar herbs, and olive oil. It is touted as the go-to dish for the best street food in Dubai. Make sure you hog on these with sweet jam and minced lamb. It is popular with both tourists and locals.
Must try: The variant topped with creamy sour labneh and sweet jam, eggs, and minced lamb
Price Range: INR 750 onwards
Must Read: 10 Resorts In United Arab Emirates For The Perfect Gulf Vacation
Dubai Holiday Packages On TravelTriangle
2. Iranian Sangak – One Of The Most Popular Dishes
Hello bread lovers! Iranian Sangak is a delight that easily paves its way into the list of the best Dubai cuisine. This Iranian leavened flatbread made out of whole wheat is served plain or rectangular in shape. It is the famous food of Dubai which you must try! The bread can also be made gluten-free from scratch. It is the go-to food item for health freaks and foodies.
Must try: With basil and Bulgarian feta
Price Range: INR 360 onwards
Suggested Read: 26 Free Things To Do In Dubai And Experience Over The Top Luxury Without Spending A Penny
3. Chelo Kebab – A Heavenly Taste
For best food in Dubai, head to Chelo Kebab. Aromatic saffron-scented basmati rice served with a pat of butter on kebabs – Chelo Kebab is another name in the list of mouthwatering Dubai famous foods. You must try this scrumptious non-vegetarian Dubai dishes. It is said to be out of the world and exceptionally tasty.
Must try: Spiked with sour zereshk berries or fragrant dill
Price Range: INR 500 onwards
Suggested Read: 25 Wedding Venues In Dubai For A Fairytale-Inspired Union
4. Al Harees – Taste The Tradition
Wheat, meat, and a pinch of salt, when combined with some hours of baking, produce this really wonderful dish that will leave you craving for a second helping. Mostly savored during Ramadan, Eid and weddings, Al Harees is one of the most popular Dubai traditional food. You’ll be amazed at how warm and hospitable the Dubai locals are when you ask them where would you find the best Al Harees. It is easily one of the best dishes from Dubai cuisine.
Must try: With samen(butter) and powdered cinnamon; serve it with sugar for the ones with sweet tooth
Price Range: INR 800 onwards
Suggested Read: 6 Best Cafes In Dubai For Soothing All Your Hunger Pangs Like Never Before
5. Al Machboos – Surprisingly Delicious
Simply cooked, this is considered as the famous food in Dubai. Rice, onions, and meat, seasoned with spices, salt, and dried lemon, does this excite you as much as it excites me? This dish has been listed in the list of famous food in Dubai, due to the zesty flavors. Make sure to try their salad and raita. It is supposed to be heavenly. You’ll be surprised at how good this food tastes, considering it looks very plain and unsophisticated.
Must try: With salad and yogurt raita; to enjoy it the authentic way, serve it on a large platter and allow everyone to eat from the same with their right hands
Price Range: INR 500 onwards
Suggested Read: Skydiving In Dubai: An Ultimate Guide For The Adrenaline Junkies To Take That Dive In The Sky!
6. Mandi – A Rendezvous With Tradition
Thinking about what to eat in Dubai? Try Mandi which is a popular dish in Dubai. The dish consists of rice and meat mixed with spices giving it a very nice taste that will definitely treat your tastebuds. The dish has a long process wherein the meat or chicken is cooked for long hours and served with rice. The dish is usually found in old city and is a traditional food in Dubai.
Price range: INR 350 onwards
Must try: Chicken dishes
Suggested Read: Our Trip To Dubai In December Was Full Of Laughter, Joy, And Fun Rides!
7. Oozie – Ramadan Special
Oozie is one of the popular foods in Dubai that you will usually see in weddings and ramadan. It is a special dish and is cooked with rice. It is either served with chicken or filled into pockets and offered. You can try having it with yoghurt or nuts for a soul-soothing experience. If you are visiting the country during the time of Ramadan, this is the best food to try in Dubai.
Price Range: Check once in Dubai
Must try: Oozie
Suggested Read: Heads Up Shopaholics – The 25 Best Shopping Places In Dubai Are Calling You
Vegetarian Dubai Cuisine
Unlike several foreign countries, Dubai is vegetarian-friendly. The country is a delight for vegetarians as a large number of the most popular Dubai cuisine are vegetarian in nature. Take a look at the best dishes!
8. Tabbouleh – For Those Who Are Health Conscious
Delicious, irrespective of how you spell it. Tabbouleh is a salad, made from tomatoes, green onions and cucumber and is seasoned with fresh mint and lemon juice. Needless to say, it is the best food in Dubai for foodies who are looking for healthier options. The health freaks will be spoilt for choice. Having said that, these salads are renowned all over Dubai.
Must try: Flavored with Blueberry and Corn, the stuffed grape leaves version is also worth trying
Price Range: INR 500 onwards
Suggested Read: 12 Dubai Museums That Let You Witness The Heritage & History Of The City
9. Kousa Mahshi – Taste The Classic Spices
Kousa Mahshi is a classic from the list of best foods in Dubai. Eaten as a main course, it is courgettes or zucchini stuffed with rice. Its lip-smacking taste has also helped it in making to the list of ‘Dubai special food’. This dish has received rave reviews. One of the diners has been quoted as saying that this item is the best in the world. Go ahead and decide for yourself! This is a must try food in Dubai.
Must try: With Lebanese wine
Price Range: INR 250 onwards
Suggested Read: Top 32 Romantic Restaurants In Dubai: Dine Like The Royals!
10. Shirin Polo – For An Authentic Dining Experience
Thick, crispy tahdig crust and the wonderful sweet garnishes are responsible for the popularity of this dish. Shirin Polo consists of basmati rice with carrots, currants, raisins, chicken, and nuts. If you are looking for Dubai’s specialty in vegetarian, this is a must-try! We assure you that you’ll be exceptionally happy with your dining experience. It is one of the important dishes in the Dubai cuisine.
Must try: With barberries and pistachio ice cream
Price Range: INR 500 onwards
Suggested Read: Tejas Dubai Trip Experience: How To Vacation In The Land Of Sheiks With Full-On Swagger!
11. Baba Ganoush – An Epic Starter
A delicious dip made of smoked eggplant mixed with onions, tomatoes, and olive oil. This Levantine dish is a great appetizer and has easily crawled into the list of the best food in Dubai. Your gut will thank you after eating delicious food. If you can’t find this food item easily, the locals are more than willing to help you with the directions to a place that has this dish on their menu. Don’t miss out on to taste this Dubai special food while holidaying here on your next vacation!
Must try: Munch on with veggies and sliced bread
Price Range: Check once in Dubai
Suggested Read: Special Dubai Pass: Travelers Can Now Enjoy Cash-Free Access To Major Attractions & Tours!
12. Fatteh – All Things Good In One
Perfect for an early evening meal, Fatteh consists of three layers. Bread soaked in stock forms the foundation, in the middle, we have chickpeas, stuffed aubergines, and finally, there is yogurt and tahini-sauce topping. Treat your taste-buds with this best food in Dubai! You can pair it with paprika and pine nuts. You can find this one in some of the best restaurants of U.A.E.
Must try: With parsley, roasted pine nuts and paprika
Price Range: INR 100 onwards
Suggested Read: 5 Stunning Places To Visit In Palm Jumeira You Should Not Miss Out On
13. Kellaj – A Cheesy Delight
a must try food in Dubai, Kellaj is a bread filled with halloumi cheese and grilled charcoal. This dish is a perfect pick for quenching the small hunger monster bombarding your stomachs. This is one of the best Dubai foods that will satiate your evening hunger! Kellaj has stayed a top-rated dish in Dubai for some years now.
Must try: With powdered sugar and serve hot
Price Range: Check once in Dubai
Suggested Read: Dubai Shopping Festival: All You Need To Know
14. Falafel – Prepared With Love
Falafel, a deep-fried ball or patty made out of ground chickpeas or fava beans, is a delight to eat. This is one of the best amongst Dubai famous food that people love to relish. You can pair it with any bread to have an exceptional dining experience. Make sure to ask the waiter what does the Falafel comprise of because every restaurant cooks it differently. There may be something in the dish that you’re allergic to, so don’t take your chances and enquire with the waiter first. This one’s a must-try Dubai food.
Must try: Couple it with baba genus or hummus and pita
Price Range: INR 200 onwards
Suggested Read: Dubai In November: A Guide For Your Vacation In The Land Of Superlatives!
15. Fattoush – Healthy And Yummy
Fattoush is a delight to all the fitness and health freaks giving them a perfect flavor without gaining those extra pounds. It is a Levantine bread salad made using toasted or fried pieces of pita bread. Listed among Dubai’s famous foods, this is something that will add to your taste and health. You’ll be amazed at how delicious this toasted dish is! This is amongst the most delicious Dubai famous dish for Asians.
Must try: Complement it with mixed greens with a tangy lemon dressing
Price Range: INR 1000 onwards
Suggested Read: 7 Awesome Reasons Why You Ought To Visit Dubai Parks & Resorts On Your Next Vacay In The Emirates
16. Madrouba – Healthy Food
Just like we have khichdi, they have Madrouba there. Though the process of cooking it is entirely different. One of the best foods in Dubai, it is both a vegetarian and a non-vegetarian dish. It is served with either meat or chicken and cooked with various ingredients like onion, tomatoes, garlic, and more. It can be digested very easily and you can find it easily too.
Price range: Check once in Dubai
Must try: Khichdi
Suggested Read: 12 Dubai Travel Tips To Help You Make The Most Of Your Perfect Holiday
Street Food In Dubai
Dubai’s street food has taken the world by storm. More and more people are opening up to street food all over the world. When wondering what to eat in Dubai, you should always choose the street food. We’ve shortlisted a few food items that will make the street food aficionado inside you very happy:
17. Shish Tawook – Have It Like The Locals
Shish Tawook has made it to the menu of almost every restaurant in Dubai. Served as a traditional kebab, Shish Tawook tastes better when served sandwiched in bread. You can find this dish served in many other parts of the world, including India and Pakistan, among others. You can pair it with pickles and fries. This is one of the most popular Dubai traditional food.
Must try: With Lebanese garlic dip, pickles, and fries
Price Range: INR 500
Suggested Read: Dubai In February: An Ultimate Guide To The Royal Land Of Sheikhs!
18. Lahem Bl Ajin – The Arab Pizza
The second thing that comes to our mind when we think street food is Lahem Bl Ajin. It is the best in town. Better referred to as the Arab Pizza, Lahem Bl Ajin is amazing Lebanese flatbread pies with spicy ground meat toppings. People, who have an inclination for spicy food, regard this dish as one of the best foods in Dubai.
Must try: Flavoring with cayenne pepper, freshly squeezed lemon juice or tabasco sauce
Price range: INR 500
Suggested Read: 37 Best Places To Visit In Dubai At Night For A Vacation In Starry Landscapes
19. Taboon Bread – Not Just A Bread
A very famous old Palestinian bread, Taboon Bread is extra delicious when served with olive oil and thyme and is perfect for those who want to try traditional Dubai food. It is sold as street food stuffed with hummus and falafel. Street food vendors will rarely share the recipe of this soft bread with you, lest you ask for it. But, many food blogs online have the recipe of this bread, in case you ever plan to make it at home. When looking for the best local food in Dubai, Taboon bread will satisfy you!
Must try: With shaved meat
Price Range: INR 400 onwards
Suggested Read: Britain’s Luxury Cruise Ship Is Now A Floating Hotel In Dubai & It’s Elegance Exemplified!
20. Shawarma – The Popular Street Food Item
Wondering what to eat in Dubai? Who doesn’t like a delicious plate of Shawarma? In this list of Dubai famous food, Shawarma is one of the dishes which is popular all over the world. If you are in Dubai and are thinking about exploring street food scenes here then you should visit the famous Shawarma outlets like Shawarma Twist, Ikea Bistro, Al Mallah, and Doors Freestyle Grill. So, go try the local flavors of Dubai at these spots.
Must try: Fish Shawarma
Price Range: INR 250 onwards
Suggested Read: 19 Best Things To Do In Dubai For A Perfect Vacation!
21. Samboosa – The Dish With A Twist
Dubai food scene is also inspired by food from other countries and that you can easily see while you are exploring the street food outlets. One of the most famous Indian dishes, Samosa is served in Dubai with a twist of meat, vegetables, and fish. Samboosa is stuffed with exotic spices and all kinds of meat and vegetables. So, forget the potato stuffed samosa and try the Samboosa served in this city with unique fillings!
Must try: Meat Samboosa
Price Range: INR 100 onwards
Suggested Read: 10 Most Fabulous Places To Enjoy Desert Camping In Dubai
22. Oman Chips Roll – Childhood Favorite
Oman Chips roll is a famous food in Dubai that has been there since everyone’s childhood in Dubai. Everyone from a kid to an adult loves Oman chips. They are tasty, spicy chips that you can find anywhere. The roll consists of beaten chips with cheese spread folded into a roll shape. So, next time when you visit the country, make sure you add this Dubai cuisine to your list.
Price range: INR 50 onwards
Must try: Oman Chips
Suggested Read: Skiing In Dubai: Essential Tips That You Should Know Before Going For This Adventure
Desserts In Dubai
Is your meal incomplete without dessert? Ours too. There are a lot of things to eat in Dubai when it comes to treating yourself with something sweet! We have shortlisted a few dessert items famous in not only Dubai but around the world. They will blow your mind. What’s your poison for tonight?
23. Mahalabiya – Can’t Afford To Miss
Are you still looking for the best food to eat in Dubai? This is a constant favorite among the people with a sweet tooth. It is a rich pudding sprinkled with rosewater and pistachios. It is usually served cold. Heating it will change the taste of the dish exponentially and it will lose its rich flavors. Don’t ask the waiter to heat this dish. Every waiter will tell you the exact same thing.
Price Range: Check once in Dubai
Must Try: Mahalabiya
Suggested Read: 20 Best Things To Buy In Dubai That Excite The Shopaholic In You
24. Luqaimat – You Can’t Have Just One
The most popular dessert during the month of Ramadan, Luqaimat are small deep-fried dumplings made out of butter, milk, sugar, flour, saffron, and cardamom. The more you eat, the more you fall in love with them. If you ask any local which is the most popular Dubai local cuisine, they will suggest you this sweet dish. We bet that you’ll keep revisiting Dubai for this dish.
Price Range: Check once in Dubai
Must try: Gulab Jamun
Suggested Read: Dubai Miracle Garden: A Virtual Tour To World’s Largest Flower Garden
25. Knafeh – Cheese Pastry Redefined
Popularly known as the queen of Arabic desserts, Knafeh is a sticky pastry made of gooey sweet cheese. With the essence of rose-scented syrup and chopped pistachios sprinkled, it’s a traditional food of Dubai and a popular favorite when we talk about special foods of the city. Knafeh is not only one of the best cuisine of Dubai but it is also famous in other Middle Eastern places.
Price Range: INR 150 onwards
Must try: Knafeh
Suggested Read: 12 Hair-Raising Water Sports In Dubai For A Vacation Of A Lifetime
26. Khanfaroosh – For Teatime
If you’re searching for the best dessert in Dubai, your search ceases here. You will find this sweet treat in every nook and corner of the city and it is one of the best served Dubai cuisine. Khanfaroosh is a complete wonder made out of flour, egg, sugar, yeast, cardamom, saffron, and rose water. It is usually served with tea and coffee cake. When looking for deserts and can’t decide what to eat in Dubai, then this is the one you should try. Share it with your significant other to add sweetness to your life.
Price Range: INR 1400 onwards
Must try: Khanfaroosh
Further Read: 60 Tourist Places In Dubai: Do Not Come Back Without Visiting These Marvels!
Are you already drooling? Well, don’t wait and plan your trip to Dubai soon and dine on Dubai cuisine. You’ll be amazed at the standard of hospitality and professionalism the restaurants in Dubai exude. Make sure to tip them well after you’ve dined. Happy eating!
Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dubai Cuisine
What is Dubai’s National Food?
While meat, fish, and rice are the Dubai national foods, Al Machboos and Khuzi are the traditional cuisines of the country.
Is Dubai food Cheap?
Dubai offers both cheap and expensive cuisines and it depends on your choice of restaurants. However, you can easily find cheap meals in Dubai.
What type of food is eaten in Dubai?
The Emirati cuisine includes fish, rice and meat as a staple food. Among this lamb and mutton are mostly flavored meats, instead of goat and beef.
Can you eat pork in Dubai?
Yes, you can eat pork in Dubai. It is prohibited in Sharjah.
What is a typical breakfast in Dubai?
A typical breakfast in Dubai includes baith tamat which is a delicious combination of scrambled eggs with tomatoes, herbs and luxurious saffron. Other essentials are balaleet, khameer and chebab which is served with a side of date syrup.
Which are the famous restaurants in Dubai?
Some of the best restaurants in Dubai are listed below!
1. Al Dawaar Revolving Restaurant
2. The Talk Restaurant
3. Maiden Shanghai
Which is the best food to try in Dubai during Ramadan?
Oozie is one of the best dishes to try in Dubai during the month of Ramadan.
Which is a traditional food of Dubai?
Madrouba is one of the traditional foods of Dubai that you must try while you are holidaying there.
Looking To Book An International Holiday?
People Also Read:
Kerala Cuisine Kolkata Cuisine Karnataka Cuisine
