10 BEST FOOD IN DUBAI 2024-25 : COMPLETE FOOD AND DRINK GUIDE FOR TRAVELLERS

Food is an integral part of a country’s culture, and of course, when you are on a trip to Dubai, you just can’t ignore this aspect. With a combination of Arabic, Lebanese and Iranian food, Dubai cuisine is one of the mouth-watering and must-try cuisines. The variety is enormous, the combinations are multiple, and that titillating aroma of luscious flavors can just not let you resist.

So, forget all the diet and health and indulge in the best food in Dubai.

1. Machboos
2. AI Harees
3. Manousheh
4. Camel meat and camel milk
5. Gahwa
6. Shish tawook
7. Falafel with baba ganoush
8. Tabbouleh
9. Knafeh
10. Luqaimat

1. Machboos

Made with all local spices like cardamom and cinnamon, Machboos is a traditional rice dish of Dubai. It is served with a sprinkle of lemon and a piece of meat on top. Make sure you try this dish with salad and raita as it is listed in the list of the Dubai famous food. Please don’t go on its simple appearance, it is genuinely zesty and a complete meal in itself.

Price - 75-100 AED for two.

2. AI Harees

Commonly served during Ramadan, weddings, and Eid, Ai Harees is a porridge-like dish. It is one of the famous Dubai traditional food. It is made with wheat, meat and a pinch of powdered cinnamon combined with hours of baking. You can try this delectable dish with sugar or without. Ask any Dubai local about it and see how amazed you’ll feel with their hospitality.

Price : Around 45-60 AED

3. Manousheh

Stretched dough served with exotic toppings like zaatar herbs, olive oil, and Akkawi cheese, Manousheh is very famous amongst the locals and tourists in Dubai. It is a local pizza in Dubai, right to pick and eat on your way. Especially if you are a pizza-lover and have piquant taste buds, then you must try this Dubai specialty.

Price is 90 AED for two servings.

4. Camel meat and camel milk

Slightly saltier than cow’s milk, camel milk is lower in cholesterol, richer in proteins and higher in iron and vitamin C. WOW! Considering these benefits, it has even made its way to fine-dining restaurants. Camel meat is also a new experiment on modern chefs’ tables. They are trying to create unique and exotic dishes with it like camel meat burgers and stews.

You can get a Litre of Milk for 18 AED.

5. Gahwa

Also known as Arabic coffee, gahwa is one of the most common drinks served in the entire UAE. From government offices to hotels and on the streets, you can find it everywhere. It represents the hospitality and generosity of Dubai people while greeting their guests. Gahwa is made with lightly roasted beans, cardamom, and clove. It is very refreshing and often served in Arabian coffee pots or small handleless cups.

Costs around 30 AED for 120.

6. Shish tawook

Sandwiched in between the pieces of bread, shish tawook is a traditional kebab. It is a popular Dubai food and is found in almost every restaurant or small eateries in the city. Do try it with Lebanese garlic dip, pickles, fries and we are sure, you will be craving for more in the end.

Price is around 15 AED.

7. Falafel with baba ganoush

Besides the inviting non-veg preparations, Dubai food is also known for veg falafel with baba ganoush. Falafel, a deep-fried ball of chickpea, is often served with pita bread. You can accompany it with baba ganoush or hummus. Baba ganoush is a dip made of smoked eggplant mixed with onions, tomatoes and olive oil. It is a great appetizer and made up to the list of Dubai special food. The Lebanese falafel with baba ganoush platter is served everywhere in the world now, but the taste that Dubai offers is nowhere to be found to date. So, don’t forget to try it.

Two Servings for approximately 75 AED.

8. Tabbouleh

After all the bread and meat, here comes a fresh, and healthy option. Tabbouleh is a salad made of tomatoes, green onions, cucumber and fresh mint with lime juice. It has a lovely piquant taste and is an excellent option for health-freaks.

Price : 350 gm for 35 AED

Time for some desserts!

9. Knafeh

Known as the queen of Arabic desserts, Knafeh is a pastry made of gooey cheese, semolina dough, and rose-scented sugar syrup. It is famous all-over the Middle-eastern area. During Ramadan, the order for this dessert even reaches thousands per day. It is a special dessert and should be eaten when served hot.

The price is between 45-55 AED.

10. Luqaimat

A look-alike of small doughnuts, Luqaimat is a deep-fried sweet-treat. If you ask any Dubai local which dessert to try, they will always suggest this one. It is made of flour, butter, milk, sugar, saffron and cardamom and typically served with sticky date sauce with sesame seeds on top. Cafes in Dubai daily make fresh batches of it. Do try it with some hot gahwa, it comes out to be a filling meal for mid-morning pangs of hunger.

Price : 6-70 AED for two.

Conclusion

What? The stomach started growling of hunger? Well, don’t wait, plan your trip to Dubai, Apply for a UAE visa and fly straight to hog the Dubai cuisine. The eateries are exclusive, and the level of hospitality will leave you awestruck!