Dubai Food and Drink Guide – 17 Famous Dishes

25 May 2022

Dubai, the most crowded city in the United Arab Emirates, is one of the most popular destinations in the world. You need to learn about this Dubai food and drink guide with the best options considering what to eat in Dubai. 

Here, you can find the top Japanese restaurant in Dubai; you can taste traditional Emirati food thanks to the rich Emirati cuisine, delicious middle eastern food, and eastern African food. Dubai's famous food options are camel, samoosa, margoogat, khubz, and chebab. 

You can try the most famous food in Dubai at some of the most popular restaurants in Dubai. As well as the delicious traditional dish options, you can enjoy a glass of wine at the restaurants in Dubai. 

If you are planning on visiting this popular place and asking yourself questions such as "What is famous food in Dubai?", "What is the most popular meal in Dubai?", "What is the national dish of Dubai?" or "Is Dubai cheap for food and drink?" you will find your answers here.

Here are some of the best foods in Dubai, along with drinks to enjoy:

1. Camel Food & Drinks

It might seem odd to you, but camel food is very popular in Dubai. You can find a great variety of foods made with camel meat. You can taste burgers made with camel meat. 

Dubai Food and Drink Guide – 17 Famous Dishes
Photo by Victoria Shes on Unsplash

There is even camel milk! Camel meat is cooked with various sauces and served next to some cooked rice. If you are open to trying new and interesting food options in another country, make sure you try camel meat. You should also try some coffee with camel milk.

🤔  Where to try?

· Nomad Restaurant: Ground Floor, Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, Garhould, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

· Siraj Restaurant: Souk Al Bahar, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

· Camel Cookies: Unit GF – 092 Dubai Mall, opposite Waterfall, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

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2. Samboosa

Dubai Food and Drink Guide – 17 Famous Dishes
Photo by Tamara Malaniy on Unsplash

Sambora is one of the most popular foods in Dubai. This delicious food is made with onions, beef, olive oil, and additional traditional touches. This traditional dish is made with a filling, and this filling is cooked inside samosa dough. 

After the filling is done, samoosa is fried. If you plan to visit Dubai and ask yourself, "What is the famous food in Dubai?" samboosa is one of the possible answers. Sambora is also made with vegetable filling and offered as a vegetarian option.

🤔  Where to try?

· Puranmal Vegetarian Restaurant: Meena Bazaar, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

· Gazebo Restaurant: (Various locations can be given as the restaurant has multiple departments.) G Tower, Business Bay,      Ground Level, Bay Avenue, Executive – Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

· Spinzer Restaurant: Al Barsha Hotel Apartment, Shop No-2, Al Barsha 1, Dubai, Arab Emirates.

3. Margoogat

One of the best Dubai recipes that can be given is margoogat. It is a traditional dish, and it is specially chosen for special occasions. Margot is made with lamb legs, cinnamon sticks, garlic, tomato paste, carrots, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, and many other additional ingredients that make margoogat a star in Dubai food scene

If you are planning a celebration or your trip has a specific purpose, add margoogat to your list of things to eat and drink in Dubai. Like you can try margoogat at almost any restaurant in Dubai, you can also try this traditional dish at Dubai Food Festival.

🤔  Where to try?

· Twiggy by La Cantine: Dubai Creek Club St – Port Saeed. Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

· Calicut Paragon Restaurant: G Floor, Al Ghani Building – Amman St. Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

· SLAB Restaurant: Mercato Mall, Ground Floor, Jumeirah St. – Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

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4. Khubz

Khubz is a traditional food in Dubai. It is a special bread. It is made with all-purpose flour, olive oil or vegetable oil, dry yeast, and water. It is a very delicious bread, and you can even eat it just as a snack during a meal. 

Since it is the traditional bread consumed in Dubai, you can ask for some khubz at any restaurant in Dubai. It will probably be available on almost any eat and drink restaurant menu at the restaurants. It is doubtlessly one of the golden pieces of Emirati cuisine.

🤔  Where to try?

· À La Carte Brunch “Coya Restaurant”: Restaurant Village Four Seasons Resort – Jumeirah Beach Rd, Jumeirah 2 – Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

· Zuma Restaurant: Gate Village 06, Podium Level – Al Mustaqbal St. – Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

· Bull & Bear Restaurant: Floor 18 – Al Mustaqbal St. Za'abeel – DIFC – Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

5. Chebab

Dubai Food and Drink Guide – 17 Famous Dishes
Pexels

Chebab is one of the best desserts you can try while visiting Dubai. Chebab looks like pancakes, but it is made traditionally here. It is dressed with date syrup and delicious cheese. It is especially a go-to option if you consider having breakfast in Dubai. It gives you both a sweet and a sour taste that you need. Make sure you try chebab in Dubai!

🤔  Where to try?

· Breakfast to Breakfast Restaurant: 2 33 Street Dubai International Financial Center, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

· Eggspectation Restaurant: The Beach Al Gharbi St. Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

· The Kitchen, Hyatt Regency: Al Khaleej Rd – Corniche Deira, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

6. Arabic Coffee

Dubai Food and Drink Guide – 17 Famous Dishes
Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

Arabic coffee is a signature coffee all around the world. Its popularity is undeniable. But the best place to drink it would be its hometown. 

Arabic coffee has become a brand everywhere in the world, but the ways developed to make coffee are different. So, it is best to try some Arabic coffee in Dubai if you are visiting the place.

🤔  Where to try?

· Arabica Dubai Mall: Financial Center Rd 1 Ground Floor Between Markette and Level Shoe District Kids, The Dubai Mall, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

· Café Bateel: Unit 119, Financial Center Rd. Downtown Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

· The Orbis Coffee Roasting Company: Dubai Industrial City Warehouses Phase Three, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

7. Cocktails

Dubai has many places that can offer you a great variety of amazing cocktails. When you think about alcohol in Dubai, one of the interesting things you need to know is that you can buy liquor duty-free here. 

Dubai Food and Drink Guide – 17 Famous Dishes
Photo by Ainis Jankauskas

However, as a tourist, to purchase alcohol and drink alcohol in Dubai, you will need to get an alcohol license. Otherwise, they cannot sell alcohol to you. In addition to that, keep in mind that the legal drinking age in Dubai is 21.

Some of the best cocktails that you can try in Dubai are Turkish cocktails!

🤔  Where to try?

· The Unlucky Cat Bar: Taj Dubai, Business Bay, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

· The Vault: Sheikh Zayed Rd. Business Bay, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

· Bahri Bar: Jumeirah Mina A’Salam, Madinat Jumeirah, Jumeira Road, Umm Suqeim 3 – Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

· Sea Fu: Jumeriah Beach Road 2 – Jumeriah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

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8. Knafeh

Knafeh is one of the most popular and most delicious middle eastern dessert options globally! It is especially consumed during Ramadan. It is based on pastry, and it is dressed with a sweet syrup made with sugar. 

Dubai Food and Drink Guide – 17 Famous Dishes
Photo by ENESFİLM

Even though the main recipe of knafeh is simple, many additions are made to give this dessert variety. It can be made with hazelnut, peanut, and some other ingredients. If you are thinking about what to eat in Dubai, knafeh is the one!

🤔  Where to try?

· Just Kunafa: 57VG+QMP Downtown Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

· Nablus Traditional Knafeh: Al Seef St. – Al Hamriya – Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

· Qwaider Al Nabulsi Sweets: Deira, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

9. Iranian Sangak

Iranian Sangak is a food similar to sour pancakes, but it is made traditionally in different ways. The dough is made, and then it is cooked on hot stones. It also has sesame seeds on it. Iranian Sangak is popular in Dubai, too. Make sure you try some while you are in Dubai because it has a special place in Emirati cuisine.

🤔  Where to try?

· Shabestan Restaurant: Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek, Baniyas Rd. Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

· Farsi Restaurant: Ground Floor, Al Waleed, Paradise Bldg, Cluster R, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

· Iran Zamin Restaurant: Ground Floor, Boulevard Central Building – 2 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Downtown Dubai. Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

10. Mandi

Dubai Food and Drink Guide – 17 Famous Dishes
Image ismartnoor007 from Pixabay _

Mandi is a famous food in Dubai, and it is very popular on special occasions. It is made with a magnificent combination of meat and rice. You can try this food during Dubai Food Festival, too. Mandi is specially cooked and consumed during special days such as Ramadan or Eid. Make sure you try Mandi in Dubai.

🤔  Where to try?

·  Al Fanar Restaurant & Café: Ground Floor, Dubai Festival City Mall, Near P.F. Chang's, Canal Walk, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

· Halla Mandi: Time Place Tower, Marina Walk, Dubai Marina, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

· Bait Al Mandi: Al Barsha Road, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

11. Falafel

Dubai Food and Drink Guide – 17 Famous Dishes
Image by Free -Photos from Pixabay

Falafel is a famous food all around the world. It is a famous middle eastern food. It is the favorite food of thousands of people in the world! It is rich in protein and delicacy. Falafel is also a vegan and vegetarian-friendly food. Many vegans and vegetarians find falafel at a restaurant happier than ever! 

This famous food is made with chickpeas, different spices, parsley, chili, and some other additional ingredients to your taste. You can try falafel as a substitute for meatballs. You can also get a falafel wrap. Make sure you try some falafel in Dubai!

🤔  Where to try?

· Al Humsani Restaurant: Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

· Kris Kros Lebanon: Aspin Commercial Tower, 104 Sheikh Zayed Rd. Trade Centre 1, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

· Manoushe Street: New Food Court West Wing, Dafza, Qusais, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

· Operation Falafel: Jumeriah Beach Residence 2, Near Sofitel Hotel – The Walk, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

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12. Fatteh

If you are visiting Dubai, trying Fatteh is a must! Fatteh is one of the most delicious food options you can try in Dubai. It is made with lamb meat and dressed with yogurt and tahini sauce. 

Additional ingredients can be found in different regions. It also includes bread pieces. Fatteh is satisfying. You must give it a try in Dubai!

🤔  Where to try?

· Operation Falafel: Jumeriah Beach Residence 2, Near Sofitel Hotel – The Walk, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

· Kris Kros Lebanon: Aspin Commercial Tower, 104 Sheikh Zayed Rd. Trade Centre 1, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

· Karam Beirut Restaurant: Mall of the Emirates Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

13. Shish Tawook

Shish Tawook is one of the most delicious food options you can taste. It is made with seasoned chicken. Seasoned chicken pieces are stuck into a skewer, and they are grilled. 

Dubai Food and Drink Guide – 17 Famous Dishes
Pexels

In addition to meat, vegetables such as potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, onions, and eggplants are grilled with chicken. Usually served next to some salad, shish tawook is delicious food to try in Dubai. Make sure you try some while having a fancy night in Dubai.

🤔  Where to try?

· Tawook Nation: 34CR+Q9C – Cluster E – Jumeirah Lakes Towers – Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

· Leila Restaurant: Clarens Tower 2, 17 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd – Downtown Dubai – Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

· Shami Gourmet Restaurant: Ground Floor, The Marina Torch – Dubai Marina – Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

14. Oozie

Oozie is a popular middle eastern food with a great place in Emirati cuisine. It is made with ground beef, rice, vegetables, seasonings, various spices, and delicious nuts. 

Oozie is healthy and tasty. It is one of the most satisfying food options you can taste in Dubai. Make sure you give it a chance and make yourself happy!

🤔  Where to try?

·  Al Fanar Restaurant & Café: Ground Floor, Dubai Festival City Mall, Near P.F. Chang's, Canal Walk, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

·  Calicut Paragon Restaurant: G Floor, Al Ghani Building – Amman St. Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

· Spinzer Restaurant: Al Barsha Hotel Apartment, Shop No-2, Al Barsha 1, Dubai, Arab Emirates.

15. Luqaimat

Luqaimat is one of the most popular middle eastern desserts. It is also very popular street food. Luqaimat is sometimes served for free on special occasions

Dubai Food and Drink Guide – 17 Famous Dishes
Photo by esrannuur

During religious holidays such as Ramadan and Eid, luqaimat is served as a celebration and representation of union in many Middle Eastern countries. It is fried dough with sherbet. It is super tasty, and if you are not from the Middle East, it will be an interesting and exciting experience to try it in Dubai!

🤔  Where to try?

· HumYum: 712 Jumeirah St – Umm Suqeim – Jumeirah 3 – Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

· Logma: Unit TF – 004 – Financial Center Rd – Downtown Dubai – Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

· Loqmato Dubai: Unit LG – 185 – 19 – 1 – Financial Center Rd – Downtown Dubai – Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

16. Shawarma

Dubai Food and Drink Guide – 17 Famous Dishes
Photo by Slashio Photography on Unsplash

If you ask, "What is the most popular meal in Dubai?" the answer to your question is Shawarma. It is made with beef, turkey, chicken, or lamb meat. It is a version of the famous kebab. 

The meat is seasoned and grilled in a special way, and then, with the addition of other side dishes and ingredients, it is mostly served as a wrap. Shawarma is super delicious, and you most definitely should try it in Dubai!

🤔  Where to try?

· Allo Beirut Restaurant: Hessa St. – Al Barsha – Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

· Al Safadi Restaurant: 127 Sheikh Zayed Rd – Trade Centre – DIFC – Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

· Al Hallab Restaurant: (Various locations in Dubai.) Sheikh Rashid Rd, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

17. Manakish

Manakish is super delicious food from the Dubai food scene. It looks like pita bread, and it can have different kinds of ingredients on it. It can have cheese, beef, vegetables, mushrooms, or different spices. 

If you are not from the Middle East, you can associate it with some pizza. But you must try this traditional dish in Dubai and enjoy the delicious taste!

🤔  Where to try?

· Zaatar w Zeit: Tecom, 47, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

· Manoushe Street: New Food Court West Wing, Dafza, Qusais, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

· Operation Falafel: Jumeriah Beach Residence 2, Near Sofitel Hotel – The Walk, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

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