Best Foods to Try When Visiting Dubai for the First Time

Dubai is famous for its breathtaking skyscrapers, luxury shopping malls, beautiful beaches, and world-class attractions. But beyond its impressive skyline, the city offers something equally exciting — an incredible variety of delicious food.

From traditional Emirati dishes to flavorful Arabic street food and international cuisines, Dubai is a paradise for food lovers. Whether you're visiting for a short holiday or exploring the city for the first time, trying its diverse food is an essential part of the experience.

Here are 12 must-try foods in Dubai that every first-time visitor should add to their list.

1. Shawarma – Dubai's Favorite Street Food

Shawarma is one of the most popular street foods in Dubai. This delicious Middle Eastern dish consists of thinly sliced chicken or beef, marinated with aromatic spices and slowly roasted on a vertical rotisserie.

The meat is wrapped in soft Arabic bread with garlic sauce, pickles, and sometimes French fries.

Why you should try it:

• Affordable and widely available

• Perfect for a quick lunch or late-night snack

• Packed with delicious Middle Eastern flavors

Where to find it: Cafeterias, Arabic restaurants, and street-food outlets throughout Dubai.

2. Al Machboos – A Traditional Emirati Dish

If you want to experience authentic Emirati cuisine, Al Machboos is a must-try.

This traditional rice dish is prepared with fragrant basmati rice, meat or seafood, and a blend of spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, turmeric, and dried lime.

Al Machboos is often served during family gatherings, celebrations, and special occasions in the UAE.

Why you should try it: It offers an authentic taste of Emirati culture and traditional cooking.

Where to find it: Traditional Emirati restaurants and heritage dining establishments.

3. Luqaimat – Sweet Emirati Dumplings

Luqaimat is one of the UAE's most loved traditional desserts.

These small, golden, crispy dumplings are soft on the inside and commonly served with date syrup and sesame seeds.

They are especially popular during Ramadan and traditional celebrations.

Why you should try it:

• Crispy outside and soft inside

• Delicious with Arabic coffee

• A traditional dessert enjoyed across the UAE

Where to find it: Emirati restaurants, dessert shops, and seasonal food markets.

4. Mandi – Flavorful Rice and Tender Meat

Mandi is a traditional Yemeni dish that has become extremely popular in Dubai.

It consists of fragrant rice served with slow-cooked chicken or lamb. Traditional preparation methods give the meat a distinctive aroma and tender texture.

Mandi is usually served on a large platter, making it ideal for sharing with family and friends.

Why you should try it: It is a filling, flavorful meal that offers excellent value, especially when dining in a group.

Where to find it: Yemeni and Mandi specialty restaurants across Dubai.

5. Manakish – The Middle Eastern Pizza

Manakish is a popular Levantine flatbread topped with ingredients such as za'atar, cheese, or minced meat.

Freshly baked Manakish is often enjoyed for breakfast or as a light meal.

One of the most popular varieties is za'atar Manakish, prepared with a mixture of herbs, sesame seeds, and olive oil.

Why you should try it: It is simple, affordable, and delicious, particularly when served fresh from the oven.

Where to find it: Lebanese bakeries, Arabic restaurants, and neighborhood cafeterias.

6. Harees – A Traditional Emirati Comfort Food

Harees is a traditional dish prepared using wheat and meat, slowly cooked until the ingredients develop a smooth, porridge-like consistency.

It is commonly enjoyed during Ramadan, Eid, and other special occasions.

Despite its simple ingredients, Harees has a rich cultural history in the UAE.

Why you should try it: It provides an opportunity to experience a traditional Emirati dish that has been enjoyed for generations.

Where to find it: Authentic Emirati restaurants and traditional food establishments.

7. Falafel – A Delicious Vegetarian Option

Falafel is an excellent choice for vegetarian visitors exploring Dubai.

These crispy, deep-fried balls are typically made from chickpeas or fava beans mixed with herbs and spices.

Falafel is commonly served in Arabic bread with fresh vegetables, pickles, and tahini sauce.

Why you should try it:

• Vegetarian-friendly

• Affordable and satisfying

• Available throughout Dubai

Where to find it: Arabic cafeterias, Lebanese restaurants, and casual dining outlets.

8. Arabic Mixed Grill – A Meat Lover's Delight

For visitors who enjoy grilled meat, an Arabic mixed grill platter is an excellent choice.

A typical platter may include shish tawook, lamb kebabs, kofta, and grilled meat pieces, served with hummus, garlic sauce, salad, and Arabic bread.

The meats are marinated with flavorful spices and grilled to perfection.

Why you should try it: You can experience several popular Middle Eastern grilled dishes in one meal.

Where to find it: Lebanese, Turkish, and Arabic grill restaurants throughout Dubai.

9. Kunafa – A Famous Middle Eastern Dessert

Kunafa is a delicious dessert that is extremely popular in Dubai.

It is typically made using shredded pastry or semolina-based layers, filled with cheese or cream, and soaked in sweet syrup.

The dessert is often topped with crushed pistachios.

Why you should try it: The combination of crispy pastry, creamy filling, and sweet syrup makes Kunafa an unforgettable dessert.

Where to find it: Arabic sweet shops, Lebanese restaurants, and specialty dessert cafés.

10. Karak Tea – Dubai's Favorite Tea Experience

Although Karak is a drink rather than a food, no Dubai food experience feels complete without trying it.

Karak tea is a strong, creamy tea commonly prepared with black tea, milk, sugar, and spices such as cardamom.

Inspired by South Asian chai traditions, Karak has become a beloved everyday drink across the UAE.

Why you should try it:

• Rich, creamy, and aromatic

• Inexpensive and widely available

• An important part of everyday café culture in Dubai

Where to find it: Local cafeterias, tea shops, and roadside cafés.

11. Biryani – A Flavorful South Asian Favorite

Dubai's multicultural population has made biryani one of the city's most popular meals.

Biryani is prepared using aromatic basmati rice, spices, and chicken, mutton, beef, or vegetables.

Visitors can enjoy different styles, including Pakistani, Indian Hyderabadi, and other regional varieties.

Why you should try it: Dubai offers an impressive selection of biryani styles, ranging from affordable cafeteria meals to premium restaurant experiences.

Where to find it: Pakistani and Indian restaurants across Dubai.

12. Chebab – Traditional Emirati Pancakes

Chebab is a traditional Emirati pancake often enjoyed during breakfast.

These soft pancakes are typically flavored with ingredients such as cardamom and saffron and served with date syrup, honey, or cheese.

Chebab is a wonderful choice for visitors interested in discovering traditional Emirati breakfast dishes.

Why you should try it: It offers a delicious alternative to conventional breakfast options while introducing visitors to local flavors.

Where to find it: Emirati breakfast restaurants and traditional cafés.