Dubai is a global food city where you can eat Emirati classics, Middle Eastern street food and cuisine from every continent. Must try dishes include machboos, shawarma, luqaimat and karak chai, while Old Dubai, Global Village and fine dining towers cover every budget. This guide explains what to eat and where to find it.
What are the must try Emirati dishes in Dubai?
Emirati food is warm, spiced and often built around rice, meat and dates. The table shows the classics to look for.
| Dish | What it is | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Machboos | Spiced rice with meat or fish | Main |
| Harees | Slow cooked wheat and meat | Comfort food |
| Luqaimat | Fried dumplings in date syrup | Dessert |
| Shawarma | Wrapped spiced meat | Street food |
| Balaleet | Sweet vermicelli with egg | Breakfast |
What street food should you try in Dubai?
Street food is cheap, tasty and everywhere. Try shawarma wraps, falafel, manakish flatbreads and fresh juices from the busy stalls of Al Rigga and Karama. Global Village, open in winter, gathers street food from dozens of countries in one place, making it a favourite evening out for families.
Where can you find the best food in Dubai?
Old Dubai around Deira and Bur Dubai has the most authentic and affordable eating, from Iranian bakeries to South Asian curry houses. For upscale dining, the towers of Downtown Dubai and the beach clubs of Jumeirah offer skyline views and celebrity chef restaurants. See more ideas in our things to do in Dubai guide.
Is it easy to find halal and vegetarian food in Dubai?
Yes. Almost all meat in Dubai is halal by default, so Muslim travellers can eat freely. Vegetarians are also well served thanks to the large South Asian community, with dosa, thali and paneer dishes widely available alongside Middle Eastern mezze like hummus and falafel.
What should you drink in Dubai?
Karak chai, a strong sweet milk tea, is the local favourite and costs very little at cafeterias. Try fresh fruit juices, laban yoghurt drinks and Arabic coffee with dates. Alcohol is served in licensed hotels and restaurants but not sold on the street, so plan drinks around licensed venues.
Food tips for Dubai
- Eat in Old Dubai for the best value and most authentic meals.
- Visit Global Village in winter for street food from around the world.
- Book popular brunches and rooftop restaurants in advance.
- Carry cash for small cafeterias, though cards work almost everywhere.
Travellers from Nepal and the Nepali diaspora can compare curated Dubai holiday packages and read the full Dubai travel guide before booking.
Frequently asked questions
What is the national dish of the UAE?
Machboos, a fragrant spiced rice cooked with meat or fish, is considered the national dish. It is widely served in Emirati restaurants across Dubai and pairs well with dates and Arabic coffee.
Is food in Dubai expensive?
It ranges widely. Street food and Old Dubai cafeterias are cheap, while fine dining and hotel brunches are pricey. You can eat very well on a modest budget by sticking to local eateries.
Can vegetarians eat well in Dubai?
Yes. Dubai has a huge range of vegetarian food thanks to its South Asian community and Middle Eastern mezze, so dosa, thali, falafel and hummus are easy to find everywhere.
What sweet should you try in Dubai?
Luqaimat, crisp fried dumplings drizzled with date syrup, are the classic Emirati sweet. Also try kunafa and dates stuffed with nuts, both widely sold in markets and cafes.
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