It is not only about shining skyscrapers, high-end shopping, and adventures in the desert but it is also a paradise of food lovers. Whether it is classic Emirati cuisine or foreign tastes, the city has got a selection of dishes that will satisfy your palate. On a trip to Dubai, the following are 10 foods that you should not miss.

1. Shawarma

A Dubai classic! It is a Middle Eastern wrap prepared using soft slices of chicken or beef accompanied with garlic sauce, pickles and rolled in soft pita bread. Perfect for a quick bite.

2. Al Harees

One of the traditional Emirati recipes cooked in wheat, meat and pinch of salt. It has been cooked over long hours and its tastes are rich and comforting to locals particularly during Ramadan.





3. Machboos

Compared to biryani in many ways, Machboos is a spiced mixed rice with meat and dried lemon (loomi). It is a tasty and wholesome Emirati delicacy.

4. Luqaimat

These crispy dumplings are made of gold and are sweetened by date syrup sprinkled with sesame seeds. They are the best selling Emirati sweets particularly during festivals.

5. Stuffed Camel

Stuffed camel, also called one of the largest dishes in the world, is a traditional dish of the banquet, which is commonly served during weddings and special celebrations. An authentic Emirati culture!

6. Al Machboos Fish

You are a sea food fan, so make this version of Machboos with fresh fish. It is tasty, fragrant and a betasel must have with seafood lovers.

7. Manakish

Manakish, sometimes referred to as the “Arabic pizza is flat bread, which is covered with cheese, meat, or za’atar. Good breakfast to begin your day in Dubai.

8. Falafel

Chickpea and herb crispy, golden balls are a Middle Eastern favorite. Eat them with hummus or put them in pita bread and have a snack.

9. Camel Meat Burgers

Dubai takes a modern turn to tradition when it offers burgers of camel meat. They are fat, special and certainly worth trying when you are bored with the usual stuff.

10. Kunafa chocolate 

It is a Middle Eastern dessert that incorporates the use of pastry that has been grated, cheese and sweet syrup. It is dense, syrupus and is a necessity to people who have a sweet tooth.

Final Thoughts

Dubai is a multicultural mix and the food scene is evidence of that. Eating a sandwich of shawarma in the street or a high-class camel meal, every meal speaks of the tradition and taste. These 10 foods should be on your Dubai bucket list- your taste buds would not regret!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the most famous food in Dubai?
 Shawarma is the most renowned food in Dubai that is enjoyed by every local and tourist because of its tasty taste and low costs.

Q2: Is Dubai food expensive?
 It depends on where you eat. Foodstuffs such as shawarma or falafel are quite cheap in the street whereas the cost of eating in good restaurants can be expensive..

Q3: Can I find vegetarian food in Dubai?
 Yes, absolutely! Foods such as falafel, hummus, manakish and vegetarian mezze are common. Lots of foreign restaurants are also vegetarian.

Q4: What is the national dish of the UAE?
 Al Harees is the traditional dish that is cooked slowly in the UAE, prepared of meat and wheat, and is therefore the national food of the country.

Q5: Where can I try traditional Emirati food in Dubai?
 The traditional Emirati food is available in restaurants such as Al Fanar, SMCCU (Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding), and local restaurants all over the city.

Q6: What is the best dessert to try in Dubai?
 The most common desserts that you cannot afford to miss on visiting Dubai are Luqaimat and Kunafa.