Typical Food in Dubai: 15 Must-Try Dishes to Savor the Middle East

Typical food in Dubai offers a unique culinary experience that delights both locals and visitors.

Every dish combines influences from Arab, Persian, Indian, and African cuisines. The tempting aromas of spices and fresh ingredients fill the air in Dubai’s bustling street markets. Meanwhile, the bold flavors and unique textures make every typical food in Dubai a staple of daily life.

Join us on this flavorful journey through local ingredients that will surpass your expectations! By the end of this article, you’ll not only want to try these delicacies but might even dream of living in Dubai.

Discover Dubai Through Its 15 Most Typical Foods

1. Shawarma

Prepare to be amazed! Shawarma is, in fact, the predecessor of Mexico’s iconic tacos al pastor.

The original shawarma is made with lamb, but today you can find it with chicken or beef. It’s typically served with pita bread, vegetables, and sauce.

For the best shawarma in town, head to the Automatic Restaurant & Grill.

2. Falafel

How would you describe falafel? As crispy chickpea balls.

This dish is prepared by frying chickpea dough mixed with onions, parsley, cumin, cilantro, garlic, flour, and breadcrumbs.

In Dubai, falafel is often served as a crunchy, tasty appetizer. It’s perfect as street food, dipped in tahini sauce or wrapped in pita bread.

3. Hummus

Hummus is one of Dubai’s most popular dishes. It’s a creamy chickpea spread made with olive oil, salt, and sesame seeds. Served cold, it’s the perfect snack or bread dip.

This delicious spread can also include ingredients like beetroot or avocado.

At Arz Lebanon, you’ll find an exceptional, authentic hummus drizzled with olive oil.

4. Biryani

Biryani is ideal for seafood lovers. This dish blends aromatic Arabic spices into a paste before adding rice, prawns, fish, and other seafood.

5. Manakish

If you love pizza, you’ll enjoy manakish. It’s a flatbread that resembles pizza, often topped with zaatar, cheese, and minced, spiced beef or lamb.

And what’s zaatar? It’s a traditional spice blend featuring oregano, thyme, and sumac.

Manakish is a versatile snack enjoyed at any time of the day, making it perfect for work lunches.

6. Tabbouleh

Salad lovers will adore tabbouleh. This vibrant dish is made with bulgur, parsley, lettuce, fresh herbs, tomatoes, lemon juice, and olive oil. It’s the ultimate refreshing option for hot days.

The tabbouleh at Aroos Damascus is a must-try, offering a flavor you’ll never forget.

7. Labneh

Labneh is a thick, strained yogurt, perfect for balancing spicy dishes. It’s a staple in regional cooking, with every family boasting its secret recipe.

Served with olive oil and zaatar, labneh is ideal for dipping bread or pairing with other dishes. It’s even used in desserts like cheesecakes.

8. Fattoush

Vegetarians take note! Fattoush is a salad featuring toasted or fried pita bread with fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and radishes. It’s often topped with pomegranate seeds for added flavor and color.

9. Umm Ali

This dessert combines puff pastry and almonds, served warm. It’s a winter favorite, especially when topped with nuts.

Karam Beirut offers a standout umm Ali, though it’s widely available in hotels and street food stalls.

10. Polo Shirin

Known as the celebration dish, polo shirin is a staple at weddings, New Year’s parties, and birthdays. It’s a blend of steamed rice, vegetables, nuts, and dried fruits, making it a vegetarian favorite.

11. Mezze

This dish holds a significant place among the typical food in Dubai. For this reason, there are various types: one features a large platter with pieces of meat and vegetables, salads, and snacks of different flavors.

Another often includes an abundant amount of sliced cheese.

Why does it have variations? Well, since its origins in the ancient Ottoman Empire, it quickly spread across the region, with each state adopting its version. That said, all its versions remain delicious and irresistible!

12. Grilled Delights

They are are a combination of lamb, beef, and chicken grilled to perfection, boasting a smoky and well-seasoned flavor. This dish is typically served on skewers and paired with other staples of Arab cuisine, such as pita bread or basmati rice.

13. Fruit Salad

Dubai’s typical food isn’t just savory. The city also offers exotic fruits like figs, pomegranates, and dragon fruit. Combined with lemon or orange juice and ice cream, they create the perfect sweet treat.

14. Le Ge Matt

Let’s keep talking about desserts!

Le Ge Matt is delicious Arab fritters made with milk, yogurt, and salt, though you’ll also find versions with eggs and sugar. After frying and drying the dough, they are coated in honey, resulting in a sweet and smooth flavor.

15. Chai Zanjabeel

And let’s not forget about the drinks!

Chai Zanjabeel is a delightful tea with pieces of ginger inside. Not only is it delicious, but it also helps you beat the summer heat in the city and is the perfect excuse to share moments with friends.

Oh! Not a tea lover? Don’t worry! You can also enjoy authentic Arabic coffee, which is so popular in Dubai and often served with dates. An incredible combination, right?

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See you in Dubai, future grower!