Top Traditional Dishes to Try in Dubai and Where to Eat Them

Are you a food lover looking to explore Dubai as a foodie? Then Dubai Tours are ready to offer you luxury dining, food fusion, and a vibrant culinary scene with glittering skylines and a futuristic lifestyle.

People visit Dubai to enjoy its diverse culture and deep-rooted traditions, but if you’re a food enthusiast looking for international cuisines in one place, then Dubai travel packages actually offer food festivals to fine luxury dining experiences. From authentic Mandi to fine dining with Burj Khalifa view and exploring the street shawarmas at Midnight, make your Dubai trip more inspiring.

From Emirati staples to Middle Eastern delicacies, the taste of different cultures awaits you in Dubai. So pack your bags and explore a world offering authentic food experiences. In this blog, you will discover the top authentic dishes you must not miss if you plan your Dubai tours this year. So, without further ado, let’s explore a mouthwatering menu list that must be added.

Al Machboos

A rice dish made with meat, known as Machbus or Majboos, but the actual AL Machboos is typically made with chicken, fish, or lamb, and flavored with spices like turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon, dried lemon (loomi), and saffron. You can say it is a dish similar to biryani that absorbs meat and spice flavors. You can easily try it at Al Fanar Restaurant & Café (Dubai Festival City & Al Seef) and SMCCU (Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding), where you can enjoy traditional Dubai dishes, including Al Machboos, served in vintage decor that offers the best version of the Dish.

Hareese

Harees is a simple yet comforting dish made of wheat, meat (usually chicken or lamb), and a touch of salt, cooked on a slow flame to give the grain a porridge-like texture. It is especially popular during Ramadan in Dubai and offers a unique experience for your taste buds. Most local restaurants in Dubai serve Harees, but the best can be found at Al Fahidi Historical District and AL Tawasol (Deira). Here, you get homemade-style Harees at an affordable price with authentic flavor.

Shawarma

Shawarma is a midnight snack delight on Dubai streets, famous for thinly sliced meat (beef, chicken, or lamb) wrapped in soft pita bread with some garlic sauce, pickles, and a chili to make it more flavorful. They also offer custom options to add different sauces and pickles, which are easily available on Dubai streets. If you are in Dubai, you must experience the taste of yummy Shawarma at Al Mallah (Satwa) and The Automatic Restaurant (Jumeirah). These places offer the authentic taste and experience, from texture to the perfect mix of spices, so don’t miss them if you really want to taste shawarma.

Luqaimat

Luqaimat are golden fried dough balls drizzled with date syrup or honey, according to your preference. The ball is crispy on the outside, sprinkled with sesame seeds, and soft on the inside, offering a sweet touch to food lovers. They’re famous for their unique texture and taste, a dish you can’t miss. They are also part of festivals and family gatherings in Dubai. The Logma (Boxpark or Dubai Mall) offers you an authentic experience in a light, airy, and pleasant environment. Additionally, the Global Village stalls provide a fresh experience of Luqaimat between October and April. If you book your tickets during this period, you’ll have a chance to enjoy freshly made Luqaimat while exploring global street food.
Mandi

Mandi originates from Yemen, but it gained fame in the UAE for its rice, spices, and tender meat, making it a special dish in the UAE with unique success. It is ready to please your taste buds. If you really want to experience authentic Mandi, then Bait Al Mandi (Karama & Deira) offers you genuine Mandi. Also, Zam Zam Mandi is famous in Dubai for its flavorful, authentic, and budget-friendly taste.
Falafel and Hummus

Visiting Dubai, then how you left falafel and hummus with that Arabic touch and taste. With the falafel wrap and hummus bowl, you get a top-notch foodie experience. For authentic falafel, The Beach (JBR) is a famous location in Dubai. Also, Zaroob (Sheikh Zayed Road) offers an eatery experience. Here, you can also try hummus with shawarma topping—a never-miss experience.

Camel Meat and Camel Milk Ice Cream

For a truly authentic experience, you need to taste camel milk and the ice cream made from camel milk, which is highly nutritious and delicious, enriched with vitamin C and iron compared to cow milk. You will experience innovation, especially with ice cream at Local House Restaurant (Al Fahidi), where they serve camel burgers that are so tender and juicy. Additionally, the camel company at Dubai Mall offers different flavors of ice cream made from camel milk, such as saffron, pistachio, and dates; a new sweet experience you won’t find anywhere else. It’s truly authentic in Dubai.

From sweet savories to spicy dishes, Dubai has a lot to explore, with breathtaking views to enjoy alongside your shawarma platter and different styles of ice cream. From local chefs to international chefs, you find a range of dishes from all over the world, from Dubai’s food scene to small eateries that tell stories of different cultures and civilizations. So if you’re ready to explore Dubai and you’re a food enthusiast, never forget to try Luqaimat, Falafel, Hummus, Shawarma, Hareees, and Mandi, each one highlighting the authenticity of its ingredients with luxury fine dining.

Final Words:

Finally, you know all about the top traditional dishes from Mandi to Falafel that you shouldn’t miss. From rich culture to skyscraper buildings, you have a lot to experience in Dubai. But as a foodie, if you find the perfect dish that matches your taste buds, it will make your experience more unique. Whether you are looking for fine dining or street food-style cuisine, Dubai promises to offer an unforgettable culinary experience for every food enthusiast. Enjoy your Dubai tour by savoring your favorite dish and make your trip unforgettable.