Dubai, UAE is a glittering metropolis in the heart of the United Arab Emirates with tall skyscrapers and beautiful architecture. However, it is also a culinary wonderland that draws foodies from around the globe. Its diverse population and cosmopolitan atmosphere have both given rise to a vibrant food scene that celebrates both traditional Emirati cuisine and international flavors. Prepare your palate for an unforgettable dining experience!
This What to Eat in Dubai, UAE thread is specifically to talk about Arabian food - the best dishes to try, the must-eat recipies and bizarre foods that others may tell you to avoid (or not even tell you about!). Hopefully, it helps a hungry traveller with some inspiration (and information) to taste some incredible Arab / Emirati specialties.
While Arabian food is fairly non-vegetarian, there are many vegetarian versions that you can find without difficulty in both the local cuisine as well as the south Asian cuisines that came with the large migrant worker population.
Here’s a list of the most popular Arab foods in Dubai, UAE that I can quickly recollect spotting in the street food shops and the restaurants of UAE:
Food (some of these are vegetarian friendly):
- Ghuzi (Khuzi): Often considered the national dish of the UAE, Ghuzi is a celebratory feast featuring a whole roasted lamb or mutton, typically served on a bed of rice with roasted vegetables and nuts. It’s the most popular dish for special occasions in an Emirati household.
- Machboos: This fragrant rice dish is a staple of Emirati cuisine. It’s made with basmati rice, meat (usually chicken or lamb), and a blend of aromatic spices like saffron, cardamom, and cloves. Machboos is often garnished with fried onions and raisins, adding sweetness and texture to the dish.
- Harees: A comforting porridge-like dish made with wheat, meat (usually chicken or lamb), and a blend of spices. Harees is slow-cooked to a creamy consistency and is often served during Ramadan and special occasions.
- Shawarma: While not strictly Emirati, shawarma has become a beloved street food in Dubai. Thinly sliced marinated meat (chicken, meats) is stacked on a vertical spit, slowly roasted, and then shaved off and stuffed into a pita bread with vegetables and tahini sauce.
- Manousheh: This Levantine flatbread is a popular breakfast or snack option in Dubai. It’s typically topped with za’atar (a spice blend), cheese, or minced meat, then baked in a wood-fired oven.
- Falafel: These deep-fried chickpea fritters are a Middle Eastern staple and can be found all over Dubai. They’re often served in a pita bread with vegetables and tahini sauce, making for a delicious and affordable meal. This is one of the easiest foods for vegetarians in the Middle East (we are vegetarian ourselves and have absolutely enjoyed feasting on falafels sooo much!).
- Hummus, Baba ghanoush, Foul, Smoked vegetables and Tabouli salads: All evegetarian foods - these are also easily available all over city!
- Kibbeh and kafta: Both made mostly with meat, are very common Arab food items available all over the cities in UAE.
Popular Sweets:
- Kunafeh: This sweet cheese pastry is a must-try for dessert lovers. It’s made with shredded phyllo dough, filled with sweet cheese, and then baked until golden brown. Kunafeh is soaked in sugar syrup and garnished with pistachios.
- Luqaimat: These sweet dumplings are a popular Emirati dessert. They’re made from a simple batter, deep-fried to a golden brown, and then drizzled with date syrup or honey. Luqaimat is often enjoyed during Ramadan and festive celebrations.
Have you had any of these dishes? Which one did you like best? Want to suggest more Arabian foods? Share them here as responses/comments on this thread. This will be very helpful to fellow travellers and members of this travel community who are planning a trip to Dubai / the UAE.
