With authentic cuisines of all varieties, saying that the United Arab Emirates has a thriving food scene is a bit of an understatement. Street food, luxurious restaurants, and a fusion of international cuisines are just a few of the highlights of this area. Today we will explore the local cuisine, restaurants, and major food hubs in Dubai and throughout the UAE. Let’s go!
UAE Food In Short
Authentic food in the United Arab Emirates is referred to as Emirati cuisine. Emirati dishes usually include ingredients like meat, fish, and rice. Lamb and mutton are commonly used meats, and entrees are often enhanced with spices such as saffron, cardamom, and mint. Popular beverages include coffee and tea.
Emirati cuisine shares characteristics with the food of its neighbours, featuring flavours from Saudi Arabia, Asia, and Oman. However, globalisation in recent years has resulted in several fusion restaurants and dishes incorporating cuisines from around the world. As a significant dining hub, Dubai houses a diverse range of global eateries.
Must-try foods
One of the most popular Emirati dishes is shawarma, comprised of meat, vegetables, and mayonnaise, wrapped in a flatbread. Traditional flatbread shawarma is excellent for a lighter meal, but larger dinners usually include big shawarma platters. While chicken, lamb, or beef are common shawarma meats, a popular vegetarian option is the falafel, a deep-fried chickpea patty.
Fattoush is a popular Emirati salad that is made of lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, mint, onion, garlic, olive oil, and lemon, served with Levantine bread. Another lighter meal is Rigag. This dish is similar to a crepe topped with other foods, like egg and cheese.
Machboos is an Emirati main course that is offered in many local restaurants. This rice-based dish includes a diverse range of slow-cooked meats, vegetables, and spices. Because limes are an ingredient in machboos, this dish has a tangy flavour.
Dubai food districts
Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah, the most famous Dubai neighbourhood, is home to many fine-dining venues located in luxury hotels. Nobu, one of the top restaurants in Palm Jumeirah, creates dishes by combining traditional Japanese cuisine with Peruvian ingredients. Another excellent fine dining establishment is Social by Heinz Beck, boasting some of the best Italian food in Dubai. The Palm Jumeirah area also hosts The Pointe, a new waterfront destination with over 70 dining spots. With casual dining, elegant restaurants, local ingredients, and fast food, Palm Jumeirah promises options for everyone.
Al Barsha
Another vibrant foodie neighbourhood, Al Barsha, caters to all palates. This area has authentic cuisines from around the world, with everything from Turkish food to barbecue. You can enjoy Brazilian food at Texas de Brazil, or try delicious Pan Asian cuisine at Din Tai Fung.
Dubai Marina
As one of the city’s trendiest areas, the Dubai Marina abounds with fine-dining restaurants. Local favourites include Bussola, a charming Italian eatery, and Indego by Vineet, serving contemporary Indian cuisine. Another highlight of the Dubai Marina, El Sur, is a fantastic Spanish restaurant with lovely indoor and outdoor seating. If you stroll along Pier 7 or the Marina Walk, you will find plenty of other bistros, cafes, and restaurants that overlook the water.
Visit a food hall
A food hall is similar to a food court, but with more local, artisan restaurants. These halls give visitors the chance to sample many different local and international foods in one place. Dubai’s food hall scene is currently booming, allowing you to test a mix of local and global flavours.
Time Out Market
Time Out Market, a 43,000 square foot food hall, is an experience you don’t want to miss. With 17 eateries to choose from, there’s no way you will ever go hungry if you visit. Fine dining, Vietnamese, ramen, pizza, and burgers are just a few of the options at Time Out Market.
South Market
The South Market is located in the Gate Avenue area and features 15 restaurants with everything from Japanese street food to a breakfast cereal cafe. The diverse array of options includes Egyptian, Canadian, and Thai cuisine, along with fresh seafood, burritos, burgers, and pizza.
Food Central
Food Central is a relatively new food hall located inside City Centre Deira Mall. This two-story food hall showcases over 20 affordable dining options. Enjoy Turkish snacks, Filipino chicken, poke, acai bowls, crepes, coffee, and so much more.
Depachika Food Hall
Located in the Nakheel Mall, Depachika Food Hall is a food lover’s dream. From artisan coffee to gourmet cheeses, there are delicious treats for everyone here. Apart from the retail food shops with local goods, you can dine on top-notch sushi, fresh pasta, and Arabic desserts.
Dubai street food
One of the best places to sample street food is the Bur Dubai neighbourhood. While you’re here, check out Rajdhani Street for affordable Indian street food. Other great options in this area include burgers at Billo, samosas at Satwa Palace, and shawarma at Al Mallah.
Jumeirah is another vibrant area where you can find tons of street food. Start at Logma to try a traditional chebab, an Emirati pancake topped with cream cheese and honey. Check out HumYum for chips Oman paratha, and then head to Eat & Drink for some of the best shawarma in Dubai.
Where to eat outside of Dubai
If you are travelling throughout the UAE, you may be wondering what the food scene is like outside of Dubai. The good news is that there are exceptional food options all throughout the Emirates.
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is another central dining hub in the UAE. Shish Shawerma provides local sandwiches on freshly baked bread, making this an excellent place for lunch. For a traditional Emirati meal, dine at Al Fanar Restaurant and Cafe, which serves a variety of local dishes. Other top-notch restaurants in this area include Parker’s, Bonna Annee, Milas, and Meylas.
Sharjah
If you visit Sharjah, head to Casa Samak for a romantic dinner with amazing views and high-quality seafood. For vegans and vegetarians, Kamat Restaurant has delicious plant-based dishes. King’s Grill is an Asian-European fusion restaurant with mouthwatering curries, biryani, and grilled meat.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re staying in Dubai or road-tripping around the UAE, your food experiences throughout this area will be nothing short of memorable. From fine dining to street food, your belly is guaranteed to leave satisfied.
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