Dubai, a melting pot of cultures, offers a diverse and tantalizing range of authentic street food and local delicacies that cater to every taste bud. From traditional Emirati dishes to flavors from the Indian subcontinent, the Levant, and North Africa, the city has something for everyone. Let’s take a gastronomic tour through Dubai’s streets and explore some of the must-try dishes and food destinations.
Al Rigga Street
Al Rigga Street, located in the Deira district of Dubai, is a bustling area known for its diverse range of street food and local delicacies. The street is lined with numerous food joints, restaurants, and cafes, offering a vibrant and authentic culinary experience. Here are some must-try dishes and food spots on Al Rigga Street:
- Shawarma: Al Rigga Street offers a variety of shawarma joints where you can enjoy this popular Middle Eastern sandwich made from marinated meat (chicken or lamb) wrapped in pita bread. Some of the best spots for shawarma include Automatic Restaurant and Cafeteria and Al Shami Restaurant.
- Falafel: Falafel, a deep-fried chickpea ball or patty, is a popular vegetarian option on Al Rigga Street. Check out Al Ijaza Cafeteria or Al Mallah for some delicious falafel sandwiches or wraps.
- Grilled Meats: If you’re craving grilled meats, head to Al Safadi or Al Shami Restaurant, which offer a variety of charcoal-grilled skewers, including shish tawook (chicken skewers), kebabs, and lamb chops.
- Ravi Restaurant: This Pakistani restaurant is an institution in Dubai, famous for its affordable and flavorful curries, biryanis, and tandoori dishes. Must-try dishes include the mutton Peshawari, chicken tikka, and daal fry.
- Mandi House: For those who want to experience authentic Yemeni cuisine, Mandi House is a popular spot on Al Rigga Street. Their signature dish, mandi, is a flavorful rice and meat dish, slow-cooked with aromatic spices.
- Seafood: Samad Al Iraqi is a well-known restaurant on Al Rigga Street, offering a variety of seafood dishes, including grilled fish, shrimp, and squid, cooked with traditional Iraqi spices.
- Biryani: Biryani, a popular South Asian rice dish, can be found at many restaurants on Al Rigga Street. Some of the top spots include Biryani Walla and Delhi Darbar.
- Parathas and Karak Chai: For a quick snack, try parathas (flaky, layered Indian bread) and a cup of karak chai (strong, spiced tea) at one of the many cafeterias along the street. Al Ijaza Cafeteria is a popular choice for a quick tea break.
- Fresh Fruit Juices: Quench your thirst with fresh fruit juices available at numerous juice stalls on Al Rigga Street. Al Rabia Juice & Snacks is a favorite among locals, offering a variety of refreshing fruit juices and smoothies.
With its diverse array of culinary offerings, Al Rigga Street is a food lover’s delight. Whether you’re looking for Middle Eastern, South Asian, or other international flavors, you’re sure to find something that satisfies your taste buds.
Al Karama, a lively neighborhood in Dubai, is known for its bustling food scene, offering an array of street food and local delicacies from various cuisines, especially Indian, Pakistani, and Filipino. Here are some must-try dishes and food spots in Al Karama:
- Saravana Bhavan: This famous South Indian vegetarian restaurant chain is a must-visit in Al Karama. Enjoy an array of dosas, idlis, vadas, and uttapams, served with delicious coconut chutney and tangy sambar.
- Calicut Paragon: A popular restaurant specializing in Keralite cuisine, Calicut Paragon serves mouthwatering Malabar-style biryanis, appams, and seafood dishes. Don’t miss their signature Chemmeen Manga Curry, a prawn and mango curry.
- Kulcha King: This eatery is known for its Amritsari-style kulchas, which are fluffy, stuffed bread served with spicy chole (chickpea curry) and yogurt. Choose from various fillings, including paneer, aloo, and mixed vegetables.
- Little Manila: Experience authentic Filipino cuisine at Little Manila, a food court featuring multiple Filipino food outlets. Try dishes like adobo, sinigang, pancit, and halo-halo for dessert.
- Al Reef Bakery: This popular bakery serves delicious manakish, a Levantine flatbread topped with za’atar, cheese, or minced meat. Also, try their cheese or za’atar croissants and fresh fruit juices.
- Chaat Bazaar: For a taste of Indian street food, head to Chaat Bazaar, where you can enjoy a variety of chaats, including pani puri, bhel puri, and dahi papdi chaat, as well as delicious samosas and kachoris.
- Peshawar Kebab & Biryani: A Pakistani gem in Al Karama, Peshawar Kebab & Biryani serves succulent kebabs, rich and flavorful biryanis, and a variety of curries. Their Chapli Kebab and Mutton Biryani are must-tries.
- Raju Omlet: For egg lovers, Raju Omlet is the perfect spot. This Indian eatery specializes in a variety of egg dishes, including masala omelets, egg bhurji, and their signature dish, “Egg Gravy,” a spicy curry with boiled eggs.
- Ustad Special Kabab: Although not located in Al Karama but close by in Oud Metha, this legendary Iranian restaurant deserves a mention. Famous for its juicy and flavorful kababs, Ustad Special Kabab also offers a range of Persian dishes, such as chelow kabab and zereshk polo.
Al Karama’s vibrant and diverse food scene offers an unforgettable culinary experience for food enthusiasts. Whether you’re craving Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, or Middle Eastern flavors, this bustling neighborhood has something to satisfy your taste buds.
Al Fahidi Street, located in the historic Bur Dubai district, is known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse culinary scene. The area features a mix of Middle Eastern, North African, and South Asian cuisines, making it a food lover’s paradise. Here are some must-try dishes and food spots in Al Fahidi Street:
- Al Ustad Special Kabab: This legendary Iranian restaurant, also known as Special Ostadi Restaurant, is famous for its juicy and flavorful kababs. The menu also includes other Persian favorites like chelow kabab, joojeh kabab, and a variety of rice dishes.
- Al Bait Al Baghdadi: Experience authentic Iraqi cuisine at Al Bait Al Baghdadi, which offers a range of traditional dishes like masgouf (grilled fish), quzi (slow-cooked lamb), and biryani. The restaurant is also known for its freshly baked bread.
- Astoria Restaurant: This Indian restaurant has been serving delicious North Indian and Mughlai cuisine in Dubai for decades. Must-try dishes include butter chicken, rogan josh, and a variety of kebabs and tikkas.
- Arabian Tea House: Located in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, the Arabian Tea House offers a serene setting to enjoy traditional Emirati dishes like balaleet (sweet vermicelli with eggs), chbaab (Emirati-style pancakes), and luqaimat (sweet dumplings). Don’t forget to try their fragrant Arabic tea and coffee.
- Aroos Damascus: This popular Syrian restaurant serves a variety of Middle Eastern dishes, including shawarma, falafel, and mixed grill platters. Be sure to try their hummus, moutabal, and stuffed vine leaves.
- Karavalli Restaurant: Karavalli offers a taste of South Indian coastal cuisine, with dishes like neer dosa, Mangalorean fish curry, and crab masala. The restaurant also serves a variety of North Indian dishes.
- Calicut Notebook: Another South Indian gem, Calicut Notebook specializes in Keralite cuisine. Savor their Malabar-style biryanis, appams, and flavorful seafood dishes.
- Qwaider Al Nabulsi: End your culinary tour on a sweet note at Qwaider Al Nabulsi, a Middle Eastern dessert shop known for its kunafa, baklava, and other traditional sweets. Their kunafa with cream or cheese is a must-try.
- Al Harees and Al Machboos: While not specific to Al Fahidi Street, these traditional Emirati dishes can be found in local restaurants nearby, like Al Fanar Restaurant & Café or Al Tawasol. Al Harees is a slow-cooked dish made from wheat and meat, while Al Machboos is a spiced rice dish cooked with meat, vegetables, and aromatic spices.
With its diverse culinary offerings and historical charm, Al Fahidi Street is an ideal destination to explore authentic street food and local delicacies in Dubai. The area provides a unique opportunity to sample a variety of flavors while enjoying the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Global Village, a seasonal multicultural attraction in Dubai, showcases pavilions from over 75 countries, offering a unique opportunity to sample a wide range of international street food and local delicacies. With a vast array of food stalls, kiosks, and restaurants, Global Village is a food lover’s paradise. Here are some must-try dishes and food destinations at Global Village:
- Turkish Pavilion: Savor Turkish delights like gözleme (stuffed flatbread), baklava, and doner kebab at the Turkish Pavilion. Don’t miss out on their Turkish ice cream and a cup of traditional Turkish tea or coffee.
- Egyptian Pavilion: Sample popular Egyptian street food like koshari (a dish made of rice, lentils, and pasta topped with tomato sauce and fried onions), stuffed vine leaves, and ta’ameya (Egyptian falafel) at the Egyptian Pavilion.
- Emirati Pavilion: Try traditional Emirati dishes such as luqaimat (sweet dumplings), chicken or lamb machboos (spiced rice with meat), and harees (a wheat and meat porridge) at the Emirati Pavilion.
- Indian Pavilion: Explore the flavors of India with popular street foods like chaat, pani puri, and pav bhaji, as well as regional delicacies from North, South, East, and West India.
- Pakistani Pavilion: Taste authentic Pakistani dishes, including biryani, kebabs, and a variety of curries and bread at the Pakistani Pavilion.
- Levant Pavilion: Experience the flavors of the Levant, which includes countries like Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria. Enjoy dishes such as shawarma, falafel, hummus, and manakish (Levantine flatbread with various toppings).
- Asian Pavilion: The Asian Pavilion offers a diverse range of cuisines, including Chinese, Japanese, Thai, and Korean. Sample dishes like dim sum, sushi, pad Thai, and Korean barbecue.
- African Pavilion: Explore African flavors with dishes like jollof rice, injera (a sourdough flatbread), and various meat and vegetable stews from countries like Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Ghana.
- European Pavilion: Delight in European dishes, including Spanish churros, Italian gelato, and Greek souvlaki, as well as traditional German sausages and French crepes.
- Americas Pavilion: Taste American street food classics like hot dogs, burgers, and nachos, as well as other regional dishes from North and South America, including Mexican tacos and Peruvian ceviche.
Global Village is a culinary adventure that allows you to explore flavors from around the world in one place. With its diverse selection of street food and local delicacies, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Al Harees is a traditional Emirati dish made from wheat and meat, typically slow-cooked for hours to create a smooth, porridge-like consistency. It is often enjoyed during special occasions, like weddings and during the holy month of Ramadan. While Al Harees itself is not a street food destination, you can explore the street food and local delicacies in areas known for Emirati cuisine, such as Al Fahidi and Al Seef neighborhoods in Dubai.
Here are some street food options and local delicacies you may find in these areas:
- Luqaimat: These deep-fried dough balls are a popular Emirati dessert, often drizzled with date syrup or honey. Light and airy, they have a slightly crispy exterior and a soft, chewy interior.
- Samboosa: Similar to the Indian samosa, the Emirati samboosa is a deep-fried pastry filled with spiced meat, vegetables, or cheese. This popular snack is often enjoyed during Ramadan.
- Al Machboos: A traditional Emirati dish, Al Machboos is made with spiced rice, meat (usually chicken, lamb, or fish), and vegetables, cooked with aromatic spices and sometimes garnished with fried onions and nuts.
- Al Madrooba: A rich and hearty dish, Al Madrooba is made with salted fish, rice, and a mixture of spices, all cooked together until creamy and thick.
- Shawarma: Although shawarma is not a traditional Emirati dish, it has become a popular street food option in Dubai. Made from marinated meat (usually chicken or lamb) that is slow-roasted on a spit, shawarma is then thinly sliced and wrapped in a pita bread or Arabic flatbread with vegetables and sauces.
- Karak Chai: This strong, spiced tea, also known as “chai karak,” is a popular beverage in the UAE. Made by brewing black tea with milk, sugar, and spices like cardamom, saffron, and cinnamon, it is enjoyed throughout the day.
To sample Al Harees and other Emirati dishes, you can visit local restaurants and cafes, such as:
- Al Fanar Restaurant & Café: Located in various parts of Dubai, including Al Seef and Festival City, this restaurant is known for its authentic Emirati cuisine, including Al Harees.
- Arabian Tea House: Situated in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, the Arabian Tea House offers a selection of traditional Emirati dishes and a tranquil atmosphere to enjoy them in.
- Local Bites Café: Located in Jumeirah, this café serves Emirati and Middle Eastern dishes, including Al Harees, in a contemporary setting.
Keep in mind that Al Harees is typically prepared for special occasions and may not be available at every Emirati restaurant daily. It is always a good idea to call ahead and inquire if they are serving Al Harees on the day you plan to visit.
Machboos, also known as Kabsa or Majboos, is a traditional dish in the Arabian Gulf region, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain. It consists of spiced rice cooked with meat (such as chicken, lamb, beef, or fish), vegetables, and a unique blend of aromatic spices like saffron, black lime, and baharat. Although Machboos is not specifically a street food, you can explore the street food scene in areas known for Arabian Gulf cuisine to find local delicacies and popular dishes.
Here are some street food options and local delicacies you may find in these areas:
- Shawarma: A popular street food option, shawarma consists of marinated meat (usually chicken or lamb) that is slow-roasted on a spit, thinly sliced, and wrapped in pita bread or Arabic flatbread with vegetables and sauces.
- Falafel: A deep-fried ball or patty made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, falafel is a popular vegetarian street food option in the Middle East.
- Manakish: Also known as manaqish or manousheh, this Levantine flatbread is topped with a variety of ingredients, such as za’atar, cheese, ground meat, or vegetables, and baked in a traditional oven.
- Sambousek: Similar to samosas, sambousek is a deep-fried pastry filled with various ingredients like meat, cheese, or vegetables. It’s a popular snack in the Arabian Gulf region.
- Grilled Kebabs: Various types of kebabs, such as shish tawook, kofta, or lamb chops, are popular street food options in the Middle East. They are usually served with rice, bread, or salad.
To sample Machboos and other Arabian Gulf dishes, you can visit local restaurants and cafes in areas known for their regional cuisine, such as:
- Al Fanar Restaurant & Café (Dubai): This restaurant is known for its authentic Emirati cuisine, including Machboos, and has several locations throughout Dubai.
- Bait Al Mandi (Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman): With locations in multiple emirates, Bait Al Mandi is a popular restaurant that serves traditional Yemeni and Middle Eastern dishes, including Machboos.
- Freej Swaileh (Kuwait): This Kuwaiti restaurant serves traditional Kuwaiti cuisine, including Machboos, in a cozy and authentic atmosphere.
- Al Wakra (Doha, Qatar): This Qatari restaurant offers a range of traditional dishes, including Machboos, in a setting that reflects the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Remember that Machboos may have different names depending on the country or region, so look for Kabsa, Majboos, or Makbous when exploring street food scenes or local restaurants.
Shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern street food that has gained global recognition for its rich flavors and easy-to-eat format. It consists of marinated meat, usually chicken or lamb, that is slow-roasted on a vertical spit, then thinly sliced and served wrapped in pita bread or Arabic flatbread with vegetables, pickles, and various sauces. Shawarma can be found in many countries, but its origins trace back to the Ottoman Empire, with similar dishes like the Turkish döner kebab and Greek gyros.
Here are some local delicacies and street food options you can find in areas known for shawarma:
- Falafel: A widely popular vegetarian alternative, falafel is made from ground chickpeas or fava beans that are seasoned, shaped into balls or patties, and deep-fried. It is often served in a pita or flatbread with vegetables, pickles, and tahini sauce.
- Hummus: This creamy dip made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine. It is often served as a side dish, appetizer, or accompaniment to grilled meats like shawarma.
- Fattoush: A Levantine salad made with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, and pieces of crispy pita bread, fattoush is seasoned with sumac, olive oil, and lemon juice.
- Kebabs: Various types of kebabs, such as shish tawook (chicken), kofta (ground meat), and lamb chops, are popular street food options in the Middle East. They are typically grilled and served with rice, bread, or salad.
- Manakish: A Levantine flatbread similar to pizza, manakish is topped with a variety of ingredients like za’atar, cheese, ground meat, or vegetables, and baked in a traditional oven.
- Tabouleh: A refreshing and healthy salad, tabouleh is made with finely chopped parsley, tomatoes, onions, bulgur, and dressed with lemon juice and olive oil.
- Mutabbal: Also known as baba ganoush, this smoky eggplant dip is made by roasting eggplant, then mixing it with tahini, lemon juice, and garlic.
To enjoy authentic shawarma and related dishes, visit Middle Eastern eateries, food trucks, or restaurants that specialize in the cuisine. In cities with a significant Middle Eastern population, you may find dedicated shawarma shops or street food vendors that offer a variety of delicious options.
Manakish, also known as manaqish, manousheh, or man’oushe, is a popular Levantine street food similar to pizza. This flatbread is typically topped with a variety of ingredients like za’atar (a blend of thyme, sumac, sesame seeds, and salt), cheese, ground meat, or vegetables, and baked in a traditional oven or on a saj (a convex metal griddle). Manakish can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or as a snack and is a staple in countries like Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine.
Here are some local delicacies and street food options you can find in areas known for manakish:
- Shawarma: This Middle Eastern street food features marinated meat (usually chicken or lamb) slow-roasted on a vertical spit, thinly sliced, and served wrapped in pita bread or Arabic flatbread with vegetables, pickles, and various sauces.
- Falafel: A popular vegetarian dish, falafel is made from ground chickpeas or fava beans that are seasoned, shaped into balls or patties, and deep-fried. It is often served in a pita or flatbread with vegetables, pickles, and tahini sauce.
- Kebabs: Grilled meats, such as shish tawook (chicken), kofta (ground meat), and lamb, are popular street food options in the Levant. They are typically served with rice, bread, or salad.
- Fattoush: A Levantine salad made with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, and pieces of crispy pita bread, fattoush is seasoned with sumac, olive oil, and lemon juice.
- Labneh: This thick, strained yogurt is a staple in Levantine cuisine. It is often enjoyed as a spread or dip, and can be seasoned with olive oil, herbs, and spices.
- Knafeh: A popular dessert in the Levant, knafeh features a layer of shredded phyllo dough filled with sweet cheese or cream, baked until golden and crispy, and soaked in a sugar syrup.
- Sfiha: Also known as lahm bi ajin, sfiha is a type of meat pie made with ground meat (usually beef or lamb), onions, tomatoes, and spices, baked on a thin dough.
To enjoy authentic manakish and related dishes, visit Levantine eateries, bakeries, or restaurants that specialize in the cuisine. In cities with a significant Levantine population, you may find dedicated manakish shops or street food vendors that offer a variety of delicious options.
Kunafa, also known as knafeh, kanafeh, or kunafeh, is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert made with shredded phyllo dough or semolina, sweet cheese or cream, and soaked in a sugar syrup, often flavored with rose or orange blossom water. It is popular in countries like Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Egypt, and Turkey, and can be found in various forms and regional adaptations.
While kunafa is not specifically a street food, it is a popular dessert found in many Middle Eastern bakeries and sweet shops. Here are some local delicacies and street food options you can find in areas known for kunafa:
- Baklava: This sweet pastry, made from layers of phyllo dough filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey, is popular across the Middle East and Mediterranean regions.
- Basbousa: A sweet semolina cake, basbousa is soaked in sugar syrup and sometimes garnished with coconut or almonds. It is a popular dessert in Egypt and the Levant.
- Umm Ali: An Egyptian bread pudding, Umm Ali is made with puff pastry, milk, sugar, and a combination of nuts, raisins, and coconut flakes.
- Shawarma: This popular Middle Eastern street food features marinated meat (usually chicken or lamb) slow-roasted on a vertical spit, thinly sliced, and served wrapped in pita bread or Arabic flatbread with vegetables, pickles, and various sauces.
- Falafel: A popular vegetarian dish, falafel is made from ground chickpeas or fava beans that are seasoned, shaped into balls or patties, and deep-fried. It is often served in a pita or flatbread with vegetables, pickles, and tahini sauce.
- Manakish: A Levantine flatbread similar to pizza, manakish is topped with a variety of ingredients like za’atar, cheese, ground meat, or vegetables, and baked in a traditional oven or on a saj (a convex metal griddle).
- Halawet el Jibn: A Levantine dessert made from a mixture of cheese, semolina, and sugar syrup, halawet el jibn is rolled into thin sheets, filled with sweet cheese or cream, and garnished with ground pistachios.
To enjoy authentic kunafa and related dishes, visit Middle Eastern bakeries, sweet shops, or restaurants that specialize in the cuisine. In cities with a significant Middle Eastern population, you may find dedicated kunafa shops or dessert vendors that offer a variety of delicious options.
With such a diverse and mouthwatering food scene, Dubai is a food lover’s paradise. Embark on a culinary adventure to discover the city’s authentic street food and local delicacies, and immerse yourself in the rich and vibrant flavors of this global city.
