I’ve always believed that food is a passport to understanding a place. When I landed in Dubai for the first time, my goal wasn’t to scale the Burj Khalifa or ride a camel in the desert. It was to eat—without restraint and with unabashed curiosity. And let me tell you, if there’s one city that can satisfy your hunger for variety, it’s Dubai. This vibrant metropolis, known for its futuristic skyline, also boasts a dizzying array of food that reflects its global population. I spent days bouncing between Emirati eateries, street food stalls, and luxurious fine dining spots. So, buckle up, my fellow food adventurers, because as part of our food travel tips, this guide is going to take you through a whirlwind of flavors.
The Heart of Dubai: Traditional Emirati Cuisine
If you’ve never tried Emirati cuisine, think of it as comfort food with centuries of history packed into every bite. It’s rich, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying. Imagine pulling apart tender harees—wheat and meat slow-cooked until they melt together—or scooping up fragrant machboos, a spiced rice dish that will have you wondering why you’ve ever eaten rice any other way. These dishes might not be Instagrammable in the neon-drenched, avocado-toast sort of way, but they’re like your grandmother’s cooking—messy, soul-warming, and unapologetically delicious.
Now, finding authentic Emirati cuisine isn’t as easy as you’d think. You’ve got to skip the towering hotels and head to the quieter neighborhoods, like Al Fahidi District. I found myself in Al Fanar, a restaurant that looks like it was transported straight from a historical village, and the food? Just as genuine. The locals have been perfecting these recipes for generations, and you can taste that patience in every spoonful. But if you’re short on time and can’t venture out, you’ll find some of these dishes in the fancier joints, too—they just might come plated a bit prettier.
Watch this video to get a glimpse of Al Fanar restaurant:
International Flavours: Dubai’s Culinary Melting Pot
Dubai is like that one friend who throws the best dinner parties, inviting people from all over the world. The city has no limits when it comes to cuisine. One minute I was savoring dim sum at Din Tai Fung, and the next I was dipping naan into the spiciest curries at Ravi Restaurant.
Watch this to get a glimpse of the popular Ravi Restaurant:
Here’s a tip: skip the five-star versions of these international spots—trust me, the hole-in-the-wall joints do it better. Take Ravi’s, for example, an unassuming Pakistani restaurant where the butter chicken is so good, you’ll want to bathe in it. (I wish I were exaggerating.) On the pricier side, there’s Zuma, a Japanese restaurant where the sashimi melts like butter, but it’ll also melt your credit card if you’re not careful. So, my suggestion? Mix it up. Go fancy for dinner but make sure you’re hitting the street food for lunch.
Street food in Dubai is like a global tasting menu. One minute I was biting into crispy falafel, and the next I had my hands full with a shawarma that oozed garlic sauce and pickles. And then there’s manakish, a Levantine flatbread topped with everything from za’atar to cheese. It’s like pizza’s sophisticated cousin—the one who studied abroad and never quite stopped talking about it. The street food markets, like Al Seef, are perfect for this kind of grazing. You can taste the world without ever leaving the city’s borders.
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Fine Dining in the Clouds
Of course, no food guide to Dubai is complete without talking about the fine dining scene, because let’s face it, Dubai does luxury better than anyone. I’ll admit, I’ve splurged on a few meals that left my wallet sobbing, but hey, sometimes you’ve got to treat yourself.
There’s a certain magic in dining at At.mosphere in the Burj Khalifa—literally in the clouds (the highest restaurant in the world!). The views are breathtaking, but what really steals the show is the food. Picture this: a perfectly seared wagyu steak, resting in a pool of truffle jus, with the whole city glittering beneath you. It’s like a scene out of a movie, one where you’re the wealthy protagonist living your best life.
Watch this to get a glimpse of eating at At.mosphere:
But here’s the kicker—while fine dining is fantastic, there’s something about it that feels, dare I say, soulless? Yes, you’re paying for the experience, but I sometimes miss the earthy, unpretentiousness of a local spot. I’d argue that the best food experiences are the ones where you’re elbow-deep in a bowl of something unfamiliar, rather than cutting your filet with silverware that probably costs more than my rent.
The Sweet Side of Dubai
Now, Dubai’s desserts deserve a whole section of their own. Whether it’s the kunafa, a warm, gooey pastry soaked in syrup and topped with stringy cheese, or baklava, with its layers of flaky pastry and honey, you’ll find your sweet tooth thoroughly satisfied here. I stumbled upon Bateel Café, where I indulged in some of the best dates I’ve ever had—stuffed, dipped, pure, you name it. Dates are the OG energy snack, by the way, so don’t feel guilty eating a whole box.
Watch this video to get a glimpse of Bateel Cafe:
And just when you think you’ve had your fill, The Brass hits you with their modern fusion desserts. It’s like the Middle East meets the West in a sugar-filled dream.
Staying Safe (and Hydrated) on Your Food Adventure
Dubai is hot. Not just hot—‘why did I even bother putting on makeup’ hot. And if you’re eating your way through the city, you need to stay hydrated. There was one point where I thought I was a seasoned traveler immune to Dubai’s scorching heat, but after one too many days pounding the pavement, I found myself dangerously close to dehydration. Here’s the thing—when your body’s screaming for water, it doesn’t care how much you’ve spent on that five-course meal.
Pro tip? Carry water with you everywhere, and if you really overdo it (like I did), consider IV Therapy. It’s a quick and effective way to bounce back, and believe it or not, it’s available in most wellness centers across the city. Let’s just say it saved me from a food tour disaster, and it can save you too.
Lessons from a Food Tour in Dubai
Here’s the takeaway from my Dubai food adventure: the best way to experience the city is to eat with reckless abandon. Eat the unknown. Go beyond what feels comfortable. Let your taste buds travel while your feet explore the streets. Sure, you might have a fancy meal up in the clouds one day, but the real magic is found in the alleyways and unassuming spots tucked behind skyscrapers.
Dubai is a city of contrasts—the old and new, the cheap eats and luxury dining. But through it all, the food binds it together like the spices that perfume the air in the souks. So, if you’re planning a trip to Dubai, don’t be shy—come hungry, stay hydrated, and leave full of memories.
And that, my friends, is the ultimate recipe for a perfect food tour.
