Dubai Food Guide: Must-Try Dishes and Where to Find Them
Dubai's food scene is genuinely international, but a handful of dishes are worth seeking out specifically for the local flavor.
Because Dubai's population is majority expatriate, its food scene reflects the whole region and beyond -- but a specific set of dishes represents the local Emirati and wider Gulf food culture worth seeking out.
Dishes to try
- Machboos -- spiced rice with meat or fish, the closest thing to an Emirati national dish.
- Shawarma -- widely available and a reliable, inexpensive street food staple.
- Luqaimat -- fried dough balls with date syrup, a classic Emirati dessert.
- Al Harees -- a slow-cooked wheat and meat dish, especially common during Ramadan and Eid.
- Emirati coffee (gahwa) with dates -- the traditional hospitality pairing offered across the region.
- Balaleet -- a sweet vermicelli breakfast dish, often with egg, distinctly Emirati.
Where to find it
Old Dubai (Deira and Bur Dubai) has a more traditional, less tourist-oriented food scene than Downtown or the Marina, and is a good starting point for Emirati and wider Gulf cuisine. A dhow dinner cruise is also a practical way to sample a broad buffet spanning regional and international dishes in one sitting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most iconic Emirati dish to try in Dubai?
Machboos, a spiced rice dish usually made with chicken, lamb or fish, is considered the closest thing to a national Emirati dish.
Where can I find authentic Emirati food in Dubai?
Old Dubai (Deira and Bur Dubai) has more traditional, lower-key Emirati restaurants than the tourist-heavy Downtown and Marina areas; several dedicated Emirati restaurants also operate citywide.
What is luqaimat?
Small, deep-fried dough balls drizzled with date syrup, a popular Emirati dessert commonly served at cafes and during Ramadan.
Is street food common in Dubai?
Yes, particularly shawarma stands and Deira's food stalls, which are inexpensive and widely available, alongside Dubai's much larger fine-dining scene.
