From traditional Emirati cuisine to international flavors, Dubai has it all! Read on to learn about the most popular food in Dubai.

Dubai is one of the world's most popular holiday destinations. It is known for its ultramodern architecture, luxurious shopping malls, hotels, sandy beaches, amazing lifestyle, cultural experiences, and busy nightlife.

Renowned for its diverse cultures and nationalities, Dubai offers a wide variety of cuisines to satisfy every palate. You'll find a delicious combination of Arabic, Persian, and Lebanese food that will leave you wanting more.

During your visit to Dubai, you'll find lots of restaurants and eateries where you can taste all of the local cuisine, including traditional and street food. Some of them even add their own modern twists to classic recipes, creating something truly unique but bursting with flavors.

Whether you’re planning a visit to Dubai and are interested in discovering what foods to taste, or a restaurant offering Dubai cuisine has just opened up in your area, continue reading to find out about some of the best Dubai food that you absolutely must try. So, let’s get started!

21 Most Popular Foods In Dubai

1. Chebab

Chebab is a type of pancake popular in the United Arab Emirates, typically served with sour cheese and sweetened date syrup. It is one of the most well-liked breakfasts in Dubai because it is easy to make and goes great with Arabic coffee.

All across the city, you can find an extensive assortment of pancakes flavored with chocolate, strawberries, and many other flavors. Go to Logma for the greatest kebab.

2. Majboos/Machboos

Majboos is also called Kabsa or Makbūs. It's a classic Arabian rice dish that's popular throughout the Arabian Gulf states, including Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. This tasty rice dish is a must-have for Arabian Gulf special occasions and celebrations.

Majboos is typically made with fragrant rice, meat, and several aromatic spices. It is a staple of Dubai cuisine because machboos recipes are typically passed down through several generations of families in Dubai.

3. Madrouba

While we Indians have Khichdi, the people of Dubai have Madrouba, which has a very different style of cooking and can be both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. Chicken and meat are added if you choose non-vegetarian dishes, meanwhile, other ingredients used in preparing the dish include onion, tomatoes, garlic, etc. Because it’s an easily digestible meal, it’s ideal for all ages to try at home and festivals.

4. Thareed

Gulf cuisine in general, and Dubai cuisine in particular, is characterized by Emirati thareed. It is made of bread and vegetable bits soaked in meat broth. This dish, which is high in protein and vitamins, is offered on special occasions.

5. Salona

Another popular dish in Dubai, salona is a simple yet incredibly flavorful stew that is packed with protein and vitamins. A typical version combines rice, olive oil, chilies, minced garlic, onion, grated ginger, turmeric, and bits of chicken. It is not only a staple meal in Emirati homes, but it is also a main attraction at numerous feasts and special events.

6. Oozie

Oozie is a popular Gulf dish. It takes center stage at important events like weddings and other holiday celebrations. This is a rice-based dish that can be served with meat or filled into little pastry pockets. It is occasionally topped with a blend of roasted and fried nuts and served with salad and yogurt.

7. Al Harees

Al Harees is a combination of meat, wheat, salt, and baking time for several hours. You will be licking your lips over this meal because it is incredibly tasty and a staple of Dubai cuisine served during Ramadan, Eid, and weddings.

Due to their warmth and hospitality, any local in Dubai will be pleased to guide you where to get this delicious food.

8. Jasheed

Jasheed is a unique seafood dish traditionally made with small sharks. The flavor of the shark meat is enhanced by a combination of cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, and bazaar spice. It's served over white rice to complete the dish.

For a truly unique culinary experience, consider dining at Al Fanar, a restaurant dedicated to showcasing local dishes to diners from diverse backgrounds.

9. Tahta Maleh

Dubai's traditional dish, tahta malih, is still very popular today. Its unique flavors have been kept, as has the fish used to prepare it. In the Emirates, malih, or preserved salted fish, was traditionally used during times when fresh fish and other foods were scarce.

Certain fish are more suitable for the preservation and salting method than others. Queenfish, mackerel, tuna, and herring are popular kinds. This dish is high in salt, thus people with high blood pressure should limit their intake.

The most popular kind of malih in Dubai is made with yellowfin tuna, and you can get it rather often.   

10. Margoogat

This meaty, tomato-based stew is usually made with lamb or chicken, but it can be made vegetarian by substituting potatoes or baby marrow. The star ingredient is a bezar, a masala-like spice blend that includes turmeric, cumin, cardamom, and cinnamon, among others.

You can find Margoogat at a wide range of restaurants from small, local eateries to fancy hotels.

11. Manousheh

Manousheh, a type of Arab pizza that originated in Lebanon, is a great choice for people with a tangy palate. It's the best option for a tasty breakfast. A flatbread or stretched dough is topped with exotic ingredients like olive oil, earthy zaatar herbs, salty Akkawi cheese, and other similar flavors. Many people agree that this is the best street food in Dubai. Manousheh is usually eaten hot, either alone itself or with tahini or hummus. 

12. Falafel

Falafel is another famous Middle Eastern dish. It is a vegetarian or vegan dish made mostly of ground chickpeas or fava beans combined with spices, herbs, and other ingredients. The mixture is shaped into little patties or balls, which are then baked or deep-fried until crispy and golden brown.

Falafel is frequently served with a variety of toppings and sauces on flatbread.   

 

13. Khuzi/Ghuzi

Khuzi is another special dish in Dubai, often served at festive occasions and family gatherings. It is made with lamb or goat, and stuffed with rice, spices, nuts, and dried fruits. It is often served with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, rice, or yogurt sauce.

14. Baba Ghanouj/Ganoush

Baba ghanouj, one of the finest dishes in Dubai, is distinguished by its distinctive smoky flavor, which is achieved by grilling the eggplant until it starts to fall apart. It pairs well with bread and vegetables.

According to Arabic sources, the history of Baba ghanouj dates back to the 13th century. Mutabbal, a similar dish, is essentially baba ghanouj with more spice. Because of its versatility, this dip is an absolute must-try when in Dubai.

15. Shish Tawook

Another kebab dish that is available on the menus of nearly all restaurants in Dubai is shish tawook. Like other kebabs, it can be eaten straight off the stick, but sandwiching it between two pieces of bread is said to enhance the flavor. It is Turkish in origin and reached India and Dubai via chefs who had immigrated to the country.

16. Shawarma

Shawarma, a popular Dubai street food, is reported to have been in the Middle East since the 17th century. After being piled on a spit, the meat is slowly roasted and the slices are shaved off for sandwiches. Although lamb is the most typical meat option, chicken, beef, veal, and turkey are frequently used alternatives.

Shawarma is typically served with vegetables, fries, and pickles as sides, but you may simply customize the sides to suit your tastes.

17. Khubz

Khubz, also known as "Kuboos," is a traditional soft Arabic bread prepared using wheat or all-purpose flour. Try the freshly baked ones at a bakery or restaurant, excellent with a side of mutabal, a dip prepared with aubergine, and fresh hummus. In addition, the Khubz can be used to wrap all of the juicy, mouthwatering shawarma ingredients and paired with your favorite gravy.

18. Lgeimat (Luqaimat)

Lgeimat is a sweet dish, made out of small, golden balls drizzled with date syrup and topped with sesame seeds. Its name means "small bits," and is similar to fried doughnut bits. 

It's a popular dish in many Middle Eastern countries and is known by several names. It's a tradition in the Middle East for people to entertain guests by serving them ancient, tasty dishes. It is also a small meal served at Iftar, the Emirati Ramadan fast-breaking meal.

19. Balaleet

Balaleet is a famous breakfast dish in the region that combines flavors of sweetness and savouriness. The dish features thin vermicelli noodles that have been flavored with sugar, rose water, pistachios, cinnamon, and a salty egg omelet on top.

20. Knafeh

For cheese lovers, Knafeh is a must-try. This delectable sweet treat features gooey cheese nestled within a sticky pastry, drenched in rose-scented syrup, and covered with pistachios, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Knafeh is a beloved traditional sweet throughout the Middle East. It may contain pistachios, almonds, lemon juice, rose water, raisins, and cinnamon, depending on where you buy it.

21. Esh Asaraya

Though it may seem like cheesecake, esh asaraya is actually a kind of sweet bread topped with a velvety frosting. Its creamy, melt-in-your-mouth richness justifies its place among the city's most well-liked dishes. It is available at most restaurants, from small bakeries to luxury ones, and both travelers and locals love having a bite of it.

The Wrap-Up!

There is no lack of delicious and savory cuisine in Dubai. Many ingredients for Dubai food incorporate rice and meat in some way — and seafood has mainstreamed its way into Dubai food culture due to its constant availability — but each plate is unique through its preparation method and cooking style.

From elaborate dishes to simple street food, there’s no shortage of tasty and flavorful food to find during your next trip to Dubai, so try out some of these dishes while you visit!

FAQ

Which UAE Region Has The Best Food?

• Dubai
• Sharjah
• Abu Dhabi

What’s The Best Time To Go To The UAE?

Based on the weather, food festivals, tourist attractions, etc., November to February is thought to be the ideal months to visit Dubai.

What Is the National Food of Dubai?

There is no national food of Dubai, however, the national food of the UAE is Khuzi (pronounced Ghuzi), along with Al Machboos.