Travel Dubai is a city that is known for its diverse and delicious cuisine, with a range of dishes influenced by the city’s various cultural traditions. From traditional Emirati dishes to international cuisines, there’s something for everyone in Dubai. Here’s a more comprehensive guide to the best restaurants and dishes to try during your visit to the city.
- Try traditional Emirati dishes: Traditional Emirati cuisine is known for its hearty, flavorful dishes, many of which are made with meat. Some popular dishes to try include machboos, a spicy rice dish made with meat or fish, and harees, a wheat and meat stew. Other traditional dishes to try include shawarma, a sandwich made with grilled meat, and falafel, a deep-fried ball made from ground chickpeas. One popular place to try traditional Emirati dishes is the Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe, which serves a range of dishes inspired by Emirati cuisine. The restaurant’s menu includes dishes like machboos, harees, and shawarma, as well as a range of other traditional dishes.
- Explore international cuisines: Dubai is home to a wide range of international cuisines, including Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean. Indian cuisine is particularly popular in Dubai, with dishes like biryani, a spiced rice dish, and tandoori chicken, a grilled chicken dish, being widely available. Many Indian restaurants in Dubai also offer a range of vegetarian and vegan options, so be sure to check the menu or ask the server for recommendations. Middle Eastern cuisine is also popular in Dubai, with dishes like falafel, hummus, and shakshuka, a tomato and egg dish, being widely available. Many Middle Eastern restaurants in Dubai also offer a range of vegetarian and vegan options, so be sure to check the menu or ask the server for recommendations. Mediterranean cuisine is also well-represented in Dubai, with dishes like tabbouleh, a salad made with parsley and bulgur wheat, and baba ghanoush, a dip made with eggplant, being popular options. Many Mediterranean restaurants in Dubai also offer a range of vegetarian and vegan options, so be sure to check the menu or ask the server for recommendations.
- Visit specialty restaurants: Dubai is home to a number of specialty restaurants that offer a wide range of unique dining experiences. One popular option is Al Dawaar, a revolving rooftop restaurant that offers panoramic views of the city. The restaurant serves a range of international dishes, including seafood, steaks, and pasta, as well as a range of vegetarian and vegan options. Another popular specialty restaurant is the Friday Brunch at the Burj Al Arab, a lavish buffet featuring a wide range of international dishes. The brunch is held every Friday and includes a range of dishes from around the world, as well as a variety of vegetarian and vegan options. The Rang Mahal by Atul Kochhar is another popular fine dining restaurant that serves a range of modern Indian dishes. The restaurant’s menu includes a range of dishes inspired by Indian cuisine, as well as a number of vegetarian and vegan options.
- Check out street food markets: Dubai is home to a number of street food markets, where you can try a variety of dishes from different cuisines. The Dubai Food Festival, held annually in February, is a great opportunity to try a variety of street food dishes, with vendors offering a range of dishes from around the world. The festival features a range of food stalls and food trucks, as well as cooking demonstrations and other culinary-themed events.
Other popular street food markets include the Ripe Food and Craft Market, held on Saturdays, and the Dubai Night Market, held on Fridays. The Ripe Food and Craft Market features a range of food stalls and food trucks, as well as a range of artisanal products and craft items. The Dubai
