Food in Dubai:
A Traveler’s Guide
Dubai is not traditionally a backpacker favorite. Despite perceptions of being overpriced and obscenely flashy, though, I’ve come to find myself looking forward to infrequent passes through the Emirates for exactly one reason: the FOOD in Dubai.
The wealth of cuisines available in the Emirates, from to home-style US and surprisingly-good camel chocolate to the vast and delicious arrays of India and SouthEast Asia. Of course, often-neglected but actually quite good, there’s also the Emirati food option. I’ve listed a couple of my favorite cuisines in the city below, with a specific recommendation for each. Branch out and explore as well though, as there are far more types of food in Dubai than you’ll have days as a tourist in the city.
Emirati Cuisine
It seems like a Dhow Dinner Cruise or Desert Safari are the furthest many visitors will get to searching out Emirati food in Dubai, and this is far from it. Spiced with saffron and turmeric, built on seafood and dates, and featuring plenty of long-simmered goat meat served over rice. Emirati food is actually quite good, if you go out of your way to try it. I’ve written extensively about it already in my Guide to Emirati food for GoMad Nomad, so I’ll just reiterate one point:
Go to Al Khettar. It’s on the Green Line Metro just outside the ‘Al Qiyadah’ stop, a bit out of the way. (Unless you’re staying at the Dubai Youth Hostel, which is about a ten minute walk past the ‘Stadium’ metro.) It’s also very worth the trek out of the tourist center to get to. The food is fantastically done, for one thing, with a pretty broad selection of dishes from both Emirati and the wider Gulf region. Prices are quite low as well, from around 15 AED to 60 AED or so, with the Qsheed pictured above at 35. It’s well worth seeking out good Emirati food at least once during your trip and even for Dubai standards this place is both tasty and relatively cheap.
Get there
Next to Al Mamzar Centre, Opposite Dubai Police Headquarters, Al Ittihad Road, Hor Al Anz, Dubai. Exit ‘Al Qiyadah’ metro using the footbridge above Al Etihad road, then walk to the right less then five minutes until you come to Al Khettar.
Phone: +971 04 4371698
Website: Al Khettar
Emirati Cuisine for Tourists
Al Khettar is a bit out of the way, especially for a short trip to Dubai, so if you’re willing to sacrifice a bit of authenticity for a lot of convenience, the Al Khayma restaurant in Al Fahidi is a lot more accessible. It’s undoubtedly touristy – ever table we saw looked like a tourist crowd, but the food is legit regional and there’s plenty to choose from. We went while shooting photos for GetYourGuide (find the tour here), but I was actually pretty happy with the menu and food quality. You can book a good-value set menu through GetYourGuide or show up and order a la carte – but it does get a bit busy with tour groups around normal meals times so it’s wise to book ahead anyways if you’re going out specifically for this.
Get there
On the edge of the Al Fahidi Historical District, catch a boat to Al Fahibi Marine Transport Station or walk about 700m from the Sharaf DG metro.
Phone: +971 55 1802080
Instagram: Al Khayma
American Food
I can hear the laughs already, but stick with me. Sometimes I get to Dubai after months and months in less-developed regions where the food gets monotonous, and my greatest wish in life is a proper freaking hamburger. There’s a place called ‘Burger Fuel’ that so hit the spot it once nearly brought me to tears in the middle of the Dubai Mall food court (err... spicy! It was spicy!). But there’s better than that too, if you know where to look. Steakhouses and brunch spots, the latter particularly popular for weekending expats.
Even better, last time I passed through the city: BBQ. Proper smoked barbecue, in fact, cooked long and slow over a pit spewing the remnants of hickory logs into the warm Dubai night. On that evening, on that trip, a brisket sandwich and a cold beer may have actually been the best thing in the world. This was at Perry and Blackwelder’s booth (photo above) at the Taste of Dubai festival, but if you show up to the city craving the tastes of home then chances are that there’s somewhere that can get you settled.
Get there
Shop 46, Level 1, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai. There are feeder busses to and from the Mall of the Emirates Metro, but you’ll do better just to take a taxi.
Phone: +971 04 3666197
Website: Perry and Blackwelder
South Asian Favorites
On the average day of the average trip to Dubai, I eat more Indian than all other cuisines put together. It’s ubiquitous, spicy like it’s straight out of the sub-continent, and silly cheap. South Asian countries make up the first, second, and fourth largest population groups in the UAE (India 27%, Pakistan 12%, and Bangladesh 7%) – Emiratis coming in at number three with 11% of the total population of the Emirates. It should be no surprise, then, that there is a ton of choice when it comes to finding something to eat from the region. The Ramada hotel’s Tamarind is solid food served with a ridiculous number of chutneys to pick from. If you’re a more adventurous eater, best bet is probably to head to Burjuman Metro (intersection of Red and Green) and just walk through the neighborhoods immediately nearby. I don’t know the name of most of the restaurants there, but I’ve also never really been disappointed by any of them. A particular standout if you’re really feeling hungry is Al Ibrahimi Palace. This Pakistani restaurant, and particularly the buffet (49 AED lunch, 65 AED dinner), is probably the best I’ve had in the city. There’s a crazy number of dishes to choose from, they’re all fantastic, and even the service is solid. The worst part about it, really, is once I’ve overeaten like a massive slob and then have to waddle back out into the desert heat.
Get there
Opposite Burjuman Center across Sheikh Khalifa road, but actually one street back on 4th St. The big Al Ibrahimi sign is easy to see if you’re walking from Burjuman station, especially when garishly lit at night.
Phone: +971 04 3977070
Website: Al Ibrahimi
The Filipino Kitchen
After the South Asians and Emiratis, Filipinos are the next largest nationality in the UAE at over half a million; this too is reflected in the food (and I don’t mean Jollibee). While much of the Pinoy cooking in the city seems to be going on at home (and wow, is there a selection of ingredients) those more in the know than me have put together a Filipino food tour even through a single mall in Al Karama. Still no word on balut, but I’m holding on strong to rumors of a dude out in the parking lot of Al Attar. As far as I’m concerned a good stewed bowl of Adobo is something akin to food for the soul, and I’m always on the lookout for recommendations or opinions on the best spots to seek out. They will, inevitably, be located somewhere in the vicinity of Karama.
Get there
Al Attar Shopping Center is on Kuwait Road, a reasonable walk from ADCB Metro (Red) or a long walk from Burjuman (Red/Green). See Dubai Food Diaries for specific restaurant recs in Al Attar.
Sweet Stuff and Camel Dairy
And of course, dessert! For first-time visitors to Dubai the Majilis Cafe in the Dubai Mall is famous (infamous?) for one thing: camel milk. Camel lattes, camelccino, flavoured camel milk, camel milk muffins, and so on and so on. They also sell Al Massima chocolate bars (made with camel milk, naturally) to take home. It’s good, tasty, if in the end geared towards novelty more than regular customers.
There is so much more than that, too. Proper bakeries, chocolatiers, and cafes representing both international brands and local inventions. Molten Me is a particular standout, selling only chocolate fondant and based only in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. ‘Home Bakery’ and ‘Klayya Bakery and Sweets’ get great reviews as well, though sadly I never made it through. However, let’s not kid ourselves. We both know you’re headed straight for that camel latte.
Get there
Majilis Cafe, The Souk, Lower Ground Level Dubai Mall. Access via Dubal Mall/Burj Khalifa Metro (Red Line).
Phone: +971 056 2871522
Website: The Majilis
Note that I was first introduced to Tamarind and Perry and Blackwelder’s as a member of the Press at Taste of Dubai. All opinions, indulgences, and resulting self-loathing are my own.
Another option for sampling Emirati food and learning more about Emirati culture that I’ve not yet had the chance to do is dinner at the Sheikh Mohammed Cultural Center, which I’ve heard good things about.
So what do you think? What do you think is the best food in Dubai? Share your thoughts on social media, or let me know in the comments below!
We’ve haven’t made it to Dubai yet, but it’s nice to know there are many food options since I’m such a picky eater. The Majilis Cafe particularly looks interesting. Camel milk!!
Plenty to choose from, and so much of it delicious. Make sure to try the camel milk chocolate too – they had quite a few desserts at Majilis that looks appealing.
Wow, we did not get to the Filipino restaurants in Dubai! But the Emirati cuisine we tasted best in the United Arab Emirates flight. The airline is now our favorite!!!
Ahh really? I didn’t realize Emirates serves national food onboard, that’s awesome!
Wow such variety of foods, love it!
I also LOVE Emirates – they are my favourite airline 🙂
Simone x | The Aussie Flashpacker
Welllll I’m all about Turkish Airlines these days, though I have to admit that Emirates and Etihad are both pretty nice experiences as well. Food in Dubai definitely adds to their allure as well!
I don’t blame you for wanting “food FOOD” after months of traveling. All I can think of when I spend months away is a good proper Italian pizza (no, American style won’t do, sorry!). And trust me, it is impossible to get one overseas!
Haha – it’s amazing how much importance these things take after too many months without, isn’t it?
Seriously, I didn’t expect to see Filipino food to be included on the list. You are awesome. Thanks for including it. I can’t remember if I tasted an Emerati food. Them look different from what we have here the Philippines. But I think I will love it too. Have you tried the famous lechon here in the Philippines. I love Adobo too 🙂
Noooo I never got to try lechon! My home, Louisiana, has a similar concept called ‘cochon de lait’ – I imagine lechon should be just as delicious?
I’m so glad I found this because I’m moving to Dubai in a few weeks and was worried about finding decent places to eat. I’ll try all of these places!
No worries at all – check out Natasha’s comment below for a few more spots you should add to your list. If I were you I’d be more worried about being able to fit them all in than not having enough to eat!
So nice to see something new about Dubai! Everyone’s so focused on the decadence and architecture that the food is always skipped over. Thanks for sharing!
The food and the cultural interactions that go on everyday in Dubai are much more my style than the flashy towers and gold vending machines. It feels like a place that has a lot under the surface, but that surface is one most visitors never push past.
This is making me so hungry, such a variety!
And it was alllll delicious!
Dubai is such a good place for foodies- I’d add a bunch of Lebanese and Iranian restaurants to your list- places that I find myself going back to every week and don’t cost a lot (those are always the best). Next time you’re in the city, check out Iran Zamin, Aroos Damascus (something of an institution) and Zaatar w Zeit (Middle Eastern fast food with a modern twist).
Brilliant, thanks! I’m still kicking myself for not buying a big bag of zaatar before I left Jordan a few months ago, so these sound especially tasty right about now.
I can imagine that in such an opulent country there is a the widest range of foods available. Hope to make it across one day, though I don’t think I’ll fly emirates – our last flight with them (business class at that) was not great!
Well, Etihad has still been one of my favorites – if you give another airline in the region a chance, I might suggest that one as a go-to.
Never thought about food when it comes to Dubai, but sounds good really!
So so so delicious.
Phillippino food isn’t my favorite but thanks for the rest of your suggestion. Found you on Lonely P Thought Id check out your blog. Here is a column of how i found Dubai entitled — Dubai- Big Money, No Soul – Oil, High Priced Shopping + a Premium on Women
Anyways thanks for your blog 🙂
Hey Richard, thanks for commenting. I agree with you on the overall theme you touch upon, but that’s actually one of the things that fascinates me the most about the city – the way that people flock from all over the world for a quick escape or with the hope of bettering their lives. So many interesting people to meet and conversations to have in Dubai, if you’re willing.
Gosh! Now you brought me back memories of my 10 days in Dubai last April and how awesome were all the meals I had. Gotta get back!
Awesome post! Saving it for a trip to Dubai (hopefully soon). By the way, what’s Qshed made of?
Shark! Baby shark, specifically, ground and mixed with spices. More info here, if you’re interested: http://gomadnomad.com/2015/06/03/your-guide-to-emirati-food-in-dubai/
Looks like Dubai has a really varied and interesting cuisine.I wasn’t sure what to expect to be honest but I would love to try some of these out.
There’s lots of tasty stuff to try, and Emirati food is particularly worth seeking out for that local cultural aspect – something that can be hard to find in the city.
I thought I was seeing things when I saw the photo of champorado. I know that there are many overseas Filipino works in Dubai but I didn’t know they are restaurants that offer our food. If that is the case then I’d probably won’t miss pinoy food if I ever get to Dubai.
Thanks was actually my first time to try Champorado – tasty stuff! You definitely don’t have to go without if you don’t want. If you’re really interested in where to go, click through to that review by ‘Dubai Food Diaries’ for a walkthrough of some of the spots they’ve found.
It’s the first post about food in Dubai I’ve ever read …
what about Italian food… in Dubai?
I’m sure it exists, but it’s not something I ever sought out while I was there. If you make it through there, report back and let me know!
I know the pain of wanting Western food all too well. It’s nice to indulge yourself in the cuisine of the host country, but after awhile you’ll start craving some food from back home. Cheese!!!
Cheese! My girlfriend had to go to Dubai for work a few weeks ago, and from the sound of it she just stoked up on crackers and fancy cheese to eat the whole time she was there. Speaking of… I think I know exactly what I’ll be eating when I pass through the US next month.