Dubai on a Plate: Ultimate Foodie's Guide to the City

Dubai isn’t just a feast for the eyes — it’s a full-on flavor adventure. From Michelin-starred fine dining to humble shawarma stands, the city serves up a diverse food culture that mirrors its cosmopolitan vibe. Whether you're craving local Emirati cuisine, spicy South Asian fare, or trendy fusion dishes, Dubai delivers.

Here’s your ultimate foodie guide to exploring Dubai — one bite at a time.

1. Start with Authentic Emirati Cuisine
Most travelers don’t realize that traditional Emirati food is rich, hearty, and full of character. Here are a few must-try dishes:

Al Harees: Slow-cooked wheat and meat porridge.

Machboos: Spiced rice dish similar to biryani.

Luqaimat: Fried dough balls drizzled with date syrup — pure dessert heaven.

Where to Try It:

Al Fanar Restaurant & Café (multiple locations)

SMCCU (Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding) – for traditional meals with cultural insight

Arabian Tea House in Al Fahidi Historic District

2. Explore Global Cuisines in Every Corner
Dubai is a melting pot of over 200 nationalities — and their cuisines. Want a Thai curry? Ethiopian injera? French croissants? It’s all here.

Top Picks:
Little India in Bur Dubai – for thali, dosas, and chaat

Koreatown in Al Barsha – Korean BBQ & ramen spots

Karama’s Filipino eateries – budget-friendly and flavorful

Jumeirah’s European bistros – French, Italian, and more

3. Street Food You Can’t Miss
Dubai's street food scene is vibrant, especially in areas like Deira, Satwa, and Al Karama.

Favorites:
Shawarma: Found on almost every corner – try the spicy version

Manakish & Falafel: Lebanese bakery-style snacks

Samboosa: Spiced meat or veg-filled pastries

Karak Chai: Strong, milky tea with cardamom – the unofficial national drink

Hot Spots:

Al Mallah (Satwa)

Ravi Restaurant (Satwa – legendary Pakistani food)

Automatic Restaurant (multiple branches)

4. Brunch Culture: A Dubai Weekend Tradition
Friday and Saturday brunches Dubai Trip Guides are a serious affair. Think unlimited food, drinks, and live entertainment.

Types of Brunches:
Party Brunches: Loud music, flowing drinks (e.g. Saffron at Atlantis)

Family-Friendly Brunches: Hotel buffets with activities for kids

Gourmet Brunches: Fine dining spreads (e.g. Zuma, Coya)

Pro Tip: Book in advance and look for brunch deals on The Entertainer app.

5. Fine Dining for the Food Connoisseur
Dubai is home to dozens of celebrity chef restaurants and Michelin-starred experiences.

Highlights:
Ossiano (Atlantis The Palm) – Underwater dining

Tresind Studio – Modern Indian tasting menus

Nobu Dubai – Japanese-Peruvian fusion

Gaia – Greek with a twist



Most fine dining venues offer tasting menus or lunch deals that give you a sample without breaking the bank.

6. Food Festivals & Events
Dubai loves celebrating food. If you’re in town during one of these festivals, don’t miss out:

Dubai Food Festival (Feb–March): Pop-ups, street food, celebrity chefs

Taste of Dubai: Sampling event with live cooking demos

Etisalat Beach Canteen: Food trucks and beachside bites

7. Vegan, Vegetarian, & Halal Options
Dubai caters to everyone. Almost all restaurants offer halal food, and vegetarian/vegan options are easy to find.

Wild & the Moon (vegan café)

Comptoir 102 (health-focused)

Govinda’s (pure vegetarian Indian food)

Seva Table (plant-based sanctuary)

Final Bite
Dubai’s food scene is as bold and extravagant as its skyline — but it’s also grounded in culture, tradition, and street-level simplicity. Whether you're a high-end gourmet or a street food junkie, you'll find dishes that surprise and satisfy.