Dubai is a dream destination for many and isn’t just about the towering skyscrapers, luxury shopping, and gold-plated everything.
Dubai is home to a vibrant food scene, with over 30,000 eateries across the UAE, and about 60% of those are in Dubai alone.
This means you’ll find everything from high-end fine dining to casual street food, ensuring a plate for every taste and budget.
Each dish tells a unique story, reflecting the city’s rich history, diverse influences, and unyielding passion for culinary creativity.
Whether you are a hardcore spice lover or just someone who loves good food pictures for their Instagram, Dubai’s cuisine won’t disappoint.
Best 14 Food to Try in Dubai
Here’s a list of our recommended Dubai food for you to explore:
1. SHAWARMA
Who doesn’t like a juicy shawarma with a side of pickles and fries? Shawarma is one of the dishes that is popular all over the world. It is a comfort classic, and you cannot miss it when you are in Dubai.
Price: AED 5-15 per roll
Where to Try: Available at various street food stalls and eateries across Dubai.
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Samosa, but make it Emirati. Samboosa is often stuffed with spiced meat, cheese, or lentils.
Crunchy, spicy, and bite-sized, these little pockets of happiness are a must-try.
Price: AED 33
Where to Try: Arabian Tea House Restaurant & Cafe, Al Fahidi.
3. FALAFEL
Whether stuffed in Pita Bread or paired with creamy Hummus, Falafel is a great option for vegetarians looking for something healthy and flavourful to eat in Dubai. Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, Dubai’s Falafel are top-tier.
Price: AED 33
Where to Try: Arabian Tea House Restaurant & Cafe, Al Fahidi.
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Ever had sweet vermicelli with an omelette on top? No? Then you must try Balaleet!
This unique Emirati dish plays with flavors- sweet, salty, and spicy all in one bite. Perfect for breakfast or a light meal.
Price: AED 34
Where to Try: Al Fanar Restaurant, Dubai Festival City Mall.
5. STUFFED VINE LEAVES
A popular dish across the Middle East, these tender grape leaves are filled with a flavorful mix of rice, spices, and sometimes minced meat. A bite-sized burst of flavor.
Price: AED 40-60 per serving
Where to Try: Various Middle Eastern restaurants in Dubai.
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Have you ever tasted something that feels like a warm hug? Al Harees is something you must try, it's popularly known as Dubai’s comfort food.
Made with wheat, meat, and a pinch of salt, this slow-cooked dish takes hours to prepare, and every bite is worth the wait. If you are visiting Dubai around Ramadan, then you shouldn’t miss it.
Price: AED 70-100 per serving
Where to Try: Al Fanar Restaurant, Dubai Festival City Mall.
7. AL MACHBOOS
If biryani had a Gulf cousin, it would be Al Machboos. Simply cooked rice, onions, and meat, seasoned with spices and dried lemon and onions.
Its zesty flavors, when paired with creamy raita, make for a match made in heaven, balancing heat with cool and creamy perfection.
Price: AED 32
Where to Try: The Majlis, The Dubai Mall.
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The Emirati risotto, Madrouba, is a porridge-like dish made with rice, butter, tomatoes, and slow-cooked chicken or lamb.
The name literally means “beaten” because the ingredients are mashed together for a creamy consistency. In simple language, it is the creamier Middle Eastern version of risotto.
Price: AED 70-100
Where to Try: Neem Tree Lounge, DIFC.
9. KHUZI
If Dubai food had a king, it would be Khuzi. Khuzi is a whole-roasted lamb served over spiced rice, nuts, and raisins.
It is commonly known as the dish for royalty. It is called a dish for the royals because of its rich flavours, lavish presentation, and generous portions, making it a feast fit for a king.
Price: AED 100-150
Where to Try: Al Fanar Restaurant, Dubai Festival City Mall.
10. MEHALABIYA
This creamy Middle Eastern milk pudding is like the love child of panna cotta and rice pudding.
The light, fragrant, and the rich flavour of rose water and pistachios is the perfect sweet ending to your meal.
Price: AED 30-50 per serving
Where to Try: Various Emirati restaurants and cafes in Dubai.
11. THAREED
Think of this as Dubai’s version of a bread casserole. Meat, vegetables, and a rich tomato-based broth are layered over crispy, thin Emirati bread. It’s filling, flavorful, and a true taste of tradition.
Price: AED 95 per serving
Where to Try: Aseelah Restaurant, Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek.
12. LUQAIMAT
If you have a sweet tooth and love donuts, then Luqaimat is a must-try. These are deep-fried dumplings, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and drenched with date syrup.
Price: AED 10-60
Where to Try: Logma at Mirdif City Centre.
13. KNAFEH
Queen of the Arabian deserts, Knafeh is the kind of dessert that makes you think Why haven’t you tried this earlier?
Layers of gooey cheese, crispy vermicelli, and sweet syrup come together in a way that should be illegal, but thankfully, it’s not.
Price: AED 16-20 per piece
Where to Try: Ibsais Sweets, Al Dhafrah.
14. CHEBAB
Pancakes but with an Emirati twist. Pancakes made with saffron and cardamom, served with cheese and date syrup.
Just think of it as a fancy, upgraded pancake with a Middle Eastern twist.
Price: AED 34-40 per serving
Where to Try: Al Fanar Restaurant, Dubai Festival City Mall.
One thing is sure: Dubai’s food will leave you craving for more and wanting to take another trip back to Dubai. But hey?
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