Dubai is a country of luxury and leisure. Emirati cuisine is an amalgamation of various cultures and influences. The most dominant influences are from Lebanese, Iranian, and Indian flavors.
Let’s dive right into Dubai’s famous food, excellent local desserts, street specials, and the most loved restaurants where you can enjoy a hearty meal with your loved ones.
Dubai Cuisine: 30 Dubai Famous Food To Try
Dubai is a melting pot and has people all across the globe living for years now. This is reflected in its food culture. You can expect delicious Indian, Lebanese, and Arab food in Dubai’s bustling street markets.
Non-Vegetarian Dubai Cuisine
Dubai’s authentic cuisine is called Emirati. It is influenced by a mix of Arabian, Persian, Indian, and African cultures. The food is made with meat, rice, fish, and local spices.
Chelo Kebab
A classic Persian dish, Chelo Kebab is a heavenly combination of perfectly grilled meat (often lamb or chicken) served alongside fluffy saffron rice. The aroma of the grilled meat and the fragrant rice is simply irresistible.
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Price Range |
INR 500 – INR 1000 (AED 20 -40) |
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Best Served With |
Rice, bread, salad, grilled vegetables, fried egg and cold beverages |
Suggested Read: Italy’s Famous Foods
Al Harees
This traditional Emirati dish is a slow-cooked stew made with wheat, meat (usually lamb or goat), and spices. It’s a hearty and flavorful meal, often enjoyed during special occasions and Ramadan.
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Price Range |
INR 500 – INR 1000 (AED 20 -40) |
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Best Served With |
Rice or bread |
Al Machboos
Considered the national dish of the UAE, Al Machboos is a flavorful rice dish typically made with lamb or fish, vegetables, and a blend of aromatic spices. It’s a truly satisfying and comforting meal.
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Price Range |
INR 500 – INR 1000 (AED 20 -40) |
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Best Served With |
Greek yogurt, chopped green chilies, salad and cold beverages |
Mandi
Another popular Emirati dish, Mandi, is a slow-cooked meat (usually lamb or chicken) dish cooked in a pit oven with rice and vegetables. The meat is incredibly tender and flavorful, and the rice absorbs the delicious juices.
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Price Range |
INR 500 – INR 1000 (AED 20 -40) |
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Best Served With |
Bread or rice and salad |
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Kebabs
Dubai is a kebab lover’s paradise! From succulent chicken shawarma to flavorful lamb skewers, you’ll find a wide variety of kebabs at every corner. Explore the vibrant Dubai Souks and the Creekside Food Walk for an authentic kebab experience.
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Price Range |
INR 500 – INR 1000 (AED 20 -40) |
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Best Served With |
Dips, hummus, sauces, salad, chutney |
Thareed
This traditional Emirati dish features a hearty combination of bread and vegetable chunks soaked in a flavorful broth. It’s a comforting and filling meal, perfect for a cold winter evening.
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Price Range |
INR 500 – INR 1000 (AED 20 -40) |
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Best Served With |
Salad and cold beverages |
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Tahta Malih
This Emirati dish consists of fish marinated in salt and lime for several days before being grilled. The result is a uniquely flavorful and slightly salty fish that’s a true taste of the sea.
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Price Range |
INR 500 – INR 1000 (AED 20 -40) |
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Best Served With |
Salad and cold beverages |
Margoogat
This Emirati dish features a delicious combination of rice, meat, and vegetables cooked together in a pot. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends.
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Price Range |
INR 500 – INR 1000 (AED 20 -40) |
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Best Served With |
Salad and cold beverages |
Madrouba
This traditional Emirati dish is a hearty, comforting stew made with mashed bread, meat, and vegetables. It’s a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for a cold winter evening.
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Price Range |
INR 500 – INR 1000 (AED 20 -40) |
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Best Served With |
Bread or salad |
Suggested Read: UK’s Famous Food
Vegetarian Dubai Cuisine
Tabbouleh
This vibrant and refreshing salad is a must-try for health-conscious travelers. Bursting with flavor, Tabbouleh typically features finely chopped parsley, tomatoes, cucumbers, mint, and bulgur wheat, all tossed in a tangy lemon dressing. It’s a light and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a hot summer day.
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Price Range |
INR 500 – INR 1000 (AED 20 -40) |
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Best Served With |
Grilled vegetables, soup, salad, pita bread |
Kousa Mahshi
This classic Middle Eastern dish features zucchini stuffed with a flavorful mixture of rice, meat (often lamb or beef), and spices. The zucchini are then simmered in a rich broth, creating a truly comforting and flavorful meal.
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Price Range |
INR 500 – INR 1000 (AED 20 -40) |
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Best Served With |
Dips, sauces, or soup |
Shirin Polo
This Iranian dish is a delightful combination of sweet and savory. It features fluffy saffron rice mixed with candied orange peel, almonds, and pistachios. Shirin Polo is often served alongside grilled meats or stews, adding a touch of sweetness to the meal.
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Price Range |
INR 500 – INR 1000 (AED 20 -40) |
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Best Served With |
Grilled vegetables, salads and cold drinks |
Baba Ganoush
This creamy and smoky dip is a true Middle Eastern favorite. Made from roasted eggplant, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, Baba Ganoush is a delicious and flavorful starter that can be enjoyed with pita bread, vegetables, or crackers.
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Price Range |
INR 500 – INR 1000 (AED 20 -40) |
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Best Served With |
Pita bread, pita chips, veggies, or oman chips |
Fatteh
This hearty and flavorful dish is a true celebration of Middle Eastern cuisine. It typically features layers of pita bread, chickpeas, yogurt, and a flavorful tomato sauce, all topped with toasted pine nuts.
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Price Range |
INR 500 – INR 1000 (AED 20 -40) |
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Best Served With |
Fresh salad, hummus and pickles |
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Kellaj
This Emirati dish is a cheesy delight. It features layers of flatbread filled with a savory mixture of cheese, eggs, and spices, then baked to golden perfection. Kellaj is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal.
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Price Range |
INR 500 – INR 1000 (AED 20 -40) |
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Best Served With |
Pistachios, jam, and sugar syrup. |
Falafel
These crispy and flavorful fritters are a staple of Middle Eastern cuisine. Made from ground chickpeas, herbs, and spices, Falafel are typically served in pita bread with hummus, tahini, and vegetables.
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Price Range |
INR 500 – INR 1000 (AED 20 -40) |
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Best Served With |
Hummus and dips |
Fattoush
This refreshing and healthy salad is a popular Middle Eastern dish. It features a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables, toasted pita bread, and a tangy lemon dressing. Fattoush is a light and flavorful option that’s perfect for a hot summer day.
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Price Range |
INR 500 – INR 1000 (AED 20 -40) |
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Best Served With |
Falafel, pita bread, dips |
Hummus
This creamy and flavorful dip is a true Middle Eastern icon. Made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, Hummus is a versatile and delicious dip that can be enjoyed with pita bread, vegetables, falafel or crackers. Hummus comes in a huge variety; you have beetroot hummus, spicy hummus, pumpkin, meat and more.
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Price Range |
INR 500 – INR 1000 (AED 20 -40) |
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Best Served With |
Falafel, pita bread, shawarma, vegetables, crackers |
Khubz
This flatbread is a staple of Middle Eastern cuisine. It’s typically made with flour, water, and yeast, and baked in a traditional clay oven. Khubz is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed with a variety of dishes, from dips and salads to stews and grilled meats.
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Price Range |
INR 500 – INR 1000 (AED 20 -40) |
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Best Served With |
Dips and salads |
Suggested Read: France’s Famous Food
Street Food in Dubai
Manousheh
Manousheh, the local pizza, is an apt choice if you are looking for Dubai specialties. Stretched dough or flatbread, filled with exotic toppings like salty Akkawi cheese, earthy zaatar herbs, and olive oil. It is the go-to dish for the best street food in Dubai.
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Price Range |
INR 750 onwards (AED 30) |
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Best Served With |
The variant is topped with creamy sour labneh and sweet jam, eggs, and minced lamb. |
Shish Tawook
This popular Middle Eastern dish features marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection. Often served with pita bread, hummus, and salad, Shish Tawook is a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
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Price Range |
INR 500 – INR 1000 (AED 20 -40) |
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Best Served With |
Lebanese rice, hummus, bread, fattoush salad or even with cauliflower rice. |
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Taboon Bread
More than just bread, Taboon Bread is a cornerstone of Middle Eastern cuisine. Baked in a traditional clay oven called a “taboon,” this flatbread is characterized by its slightly charred edges and chewy texture. It’s incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed with various dips, salads, and stews.
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Price Range |
INR 500 – INR 1000 (AED 20 -40) |
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Best Served With |
Dips, salads and stews |
Shawarma
This iconic street food is a must-try in Dubai. Shawarma typically features layers of meat (often chicken, lamb, or beef) slowly roasted on a vertical rotisserie. The meat is then shaved off and served in pita bread with various toppings like hummus, tahini, and vegetables.
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Price Range |
INR 500 – INR 1000 (AED 20 -40) |
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Best Served With |
Garlic sauce, hummus, french fries or roast potatoes and salads |
Samboosa
Samboosa is a savory pastry that is a very popular Middle Eastern snack. Samboosa typically features a triangular or cone-shaped pastry filled with a variety of fillings, such as minced meat, cheese, or vegetables. They are deep-fried or baked until golden brown and crispy.
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Price Range |
INR 100 – INR 500 (AED 5 -20) |
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Best Served With |
Green or mint chutney. |
Oman Chips Roll
This nostalgic treat is a childhood favorite for many. It features a crispy roti filled with potato chips, onions, and sometimes a spicy sauce. It’s a simple yet delicious snack perfect for a quick and satisfying bite. If you are feeling adventurous, you can try fusion meals with Oman chips like Oman chip sushi, Oman cheese chips, sandwiches, and more.
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Price Range |
INR 600 to INR 1000 (AED 20 -40) |
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Best Served With |
Karak (tea) |
Anda Parotta Roll
This popular South Indian street food is a true comfort classic. It features a soft and fluffy parotta (layered flatbread) filled with a spicy scrambled egg mixture. It’s a flavorful and satisfying option for a quick and easy meal.
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Price Range |
INR 600 to INR 700 (AED 20 -30) |
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Best Served With |
Chutney, salad, or masala tea |
Suggested Read: Russia’s Famous Food
Desserts in Dubai
Here are some top recommendations that you must try in Dubai:
Baklava
Baklava is a rich, sweet pastry made of layers of filo dough filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey. It’s a popular dessert in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. The origin of this dessert is traced back to the Ottoman Empire!
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Price Range |
INR 500 to INR 700 (AED 20 -30) |
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Best Served With |
Turkish coffee or a fragrant tea |
Kunafa
Kunafa is the most viral and decadent dessert of Dubai. This true showstopper features layers of shredded phyllo dough filled with melted cheese, soaked in sweet syrup, and topped with pistachios. If you want you can try the most viral kunafa dessert that combines Belgian chocolate with a pistachio kunafa filling from Fix Dessert Chocolatier in Dubai.
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Price Range |
INR 700 to INR 1000 (AED 30 -40) |
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Best Served With |
Ice cream |
Luqaymat
Luqaymat is one of the most loved Emirati desserts. These bite-sized dumplings are a must-have pastry in Dubai. Made from a light and airy dough, Luqaymat is deep-fried until golden brown and then soaked in sweet syrup. They are incredibly addictive, and you’ll find it hard to resist having just one.
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Price Range |
INR 500 to INR 700 (AED 20 -30) |
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Best Served With |
A cup of Arabic coffee (gahwa) |
Chebab
This Emirati pancake is a simple yet delicious dish. Made from a batter of flour, water, and a touch of yeast, Chebab is cooked on a griddle and often served with honey, cheese, or dates. It’s a versatile and satisfying dish that’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a light snack.
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Price Range |
INR 600 – INR 700 (AED 20 -30) |
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Best Served With |
Melted cheese, honey, date syrup, or cream cheese |
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Popular Restaurants in Dubai
From the oldest establishments to the finest dining places, here are some recommendations for popular restaurants in Dubai to try the most delicious dishes:
- Logma, Dubai: Best place to try a wide variety of Luqaymat. You will find flavors like chocolate, cheese, caramel, pistachio, Nutella, and more.
- Fix Dessert Chocolatier, Dubai: Viral Kunafa chocolate pistachio dessert.
- Albaik, Dubai: An uber-famous fast food joint serving broasted and fried chicken with a variety of sauces.
- Shake Shack, Dubai: Famous for their shack burgers, shakes and fries.
- Arabian Tea House, Dubai: You must try their Harees, Kahwa, Lahm Majboos
- Bait Al Mandi, Dubai: Must eat their chicken or mutton Mandi
- Al Ustadi Special Kebabs, Dubai: Kebab grill platter, mixed rice and kebabs
- Raju Omlet: Iconic omelets and an excellent spot for breakfast
- Foul w Hummus Restaurants, Dubai: Must try for falafel, hummus, pita bread
- Al Ustad Special Kebab, Dubai: This place is for kebab lovers
- Ravi Restaurant, Dubai: Best spot for trying Pakistani cuisine
- Golden Dragon, Dubai: Oldest establishment serving the best Chinese in Dubai
Also Read: Dubai Visa Extension for Indians
FAQs
What is Dubai’s national food?
While Dubai doesn’t have an officially designated national dish, Al Harees, a slow-cooked wheat and meat dish, is often considered a national favorite.
What type of food is eaten in Dubai?
Dubai offers diverse cuisine, from traditional Emirati dishes like Machboos and Ghuzi to international flavors, reflecting its cosmopolitan nature. You can also find Lebanese, Indian, Pakistani, Chinese, and Western cuisine easily in Dubai.
What is a typical breakfast in Dubai?
A typical Emirati breakfast might include Balaleet (sweet vermicelli with eggs), Khameer bread, and Dallal (spiced coffee).
Which are the famous restaurants in Dubai?
Dubai boasts world-class dining, from Michelin-starred restaurants owned by Gordon Ramsay to Ravi Restaurant for Pakistani cuisine. You can try the local kebab places and fast food joints like Shake Shack and Albaik.
Which is the best food to try in Dubai during Ramadan?
During Ramadan, tourists can try Harees, Thareed (a meat and bread stew), and various sweet treats like Luqaimat (dumplings).
Which is a traditional food of Dubai?
While there is no traditional food in Dubai, you can try traditional Emirati dishes like Machboos (spiced rice with meat or fish) and Ghuzi (roasted lamb with rice), among Dubai’s famous foods.
