Best Food and Drink Guide, Dubai: The best things to eat and drink in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Exploring the culinary landscape of Dubai is an essential aspect of your United Arab Emirates tours. From vibrant street food markets to luxurious dining experiences, Dubai offers a tantalizing array of flavors and dishes waiting to be savored. In this guide, we delve into the best food and drink experiences across this emirate, highlighting the diverse and aromatic cuisine that reflects the Arab heritage and international influences. When planning your Lebanon tours, make sure to include a culinary adventure through Dubai to discover the exquisite flavors, from traditional Emirati dishes to fusion delicacies.

Traditional Arabic Cuisine: Best Foods in Dubai

Al Harees

A traditional Arabic dish made by slow-cooking a mixture of wheat and meat (typically lamb) for several hours until it reaches a creamy consistency. This hearty and flavorful dish is often enjoyed during special occasions and celebrations.

Where to try it: Visit local Emirati restaurants like Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe for an authentic taste of Al Harees.

Machboos

A fragrant rice dish cooked with a blend of aromatic spices such as cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon, along with meat (commonly lamb or chicken), onions, and sometimes dried fruits like raisins or apricots. This dish offers a harmonious balance of flavors and textures, making it a favorite in Emirati cuisine.

Where to try it: Head to Seven Sands for a delightful serving of Machboos, showcasing the essence of Emirati cuisine.

Shawarma

A popular street food in Dubai consisting of thinly sliced meat (typically chicken, lamb, or beef) that is marinated, stacked on a vertical rotisserie, and roasted slowly to perfection. The tender, flavorful meat is then thinly sliced and wrapped in a warm flatbread with a variety of accompaniments such as tahini sauce, pickles, and vegetables.

Where to try it: For a mouthwatering Shawarma experience, visit Al Mallah Restaurant in Dubai, known for its authentic Arabic flavors.

Luqaimat

Small, bite-sized dough balls made from flour, yeast, sugar, and saffron, deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. These sweet treats are then drizzled with date syrup or honey, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch.

Where to try it: Satisfy your sweet tooth at Logma, where you can indulge in these delectable Luqaimat bites.

Manakish

A type of Arabic flatbread topped with various savory ingredients such as za'atar (a mixture of herbs and spices), cheese, minced meat, or vegetables. This versatile dish is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or as a snack, offering a burst of flavor in every bite.

Where to try it: Indulge in the flavors of Manakish at Operation: Falafel, where you'll find an array of authentic Lebanese dishes.

Indulge in the Best Drinks in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Arabic Coffee (Karak)

A strong, spiced coffee made from finely ground Arabica beans, infused with cardamom and sometimes other spices such as saffron or cloves. This aromatic beverage is often sweetened with sugar or condensed milk and served in small cups, providing a comforting and energizing pick-me-up.

Where to try it: Enjoy a cup of traditional Arabic coffee at Arabian Tea House, a charming destination offering an authentic taste of the UAE.

Roast Lamb

Tender cuts of lamb marinated with aromatic spices and slow-roasted to perfection, resulting in succulent meat with a crispy exterior. This classic dish is often served with roasted vegetables and flavorful gravy.

Where to try it: Indulge in the rich flavors of Roast Lamb at Al Hadheerah, a traditional Arabian desert setting where you can savor authentic Emirati cuisine amidst live entertainment and stunning views.

Fresh Fruit Juices: A Variety of Flavours

Refreshing and vibrant, Dubai's fresh fruit juices are made from a variety of locally sourced fruits such as oranges, mangoes, watermelons, and pomegranates. These juices are often served chilled and offer a burst of natural sweetness and vitamins.

Where to try it: Visit Ravi Restaurant to savor a refreshing assortment of fresh fruit juices, complementing your meal perfectly.

Traditional Arabic Tea

Fragrant and soothing, traditional Arabic tea is typically made from black tea leaves infused with aromatic herbs such as mint, sage, or rose petals. It is often sweetened with sugar or honey and served hot, making it a comforting and refreshing beverage.

Where to try it: Embrace the flavors of Dubai at Local House Restaurant, where you can enjoy a cup of authentic Arabic tea amidst a welcoming ambiance.

Date Milkshake

A creamy and indulgent beverage made by blending ripe dates with milk or yogurt until smooth and frothy. This rich and satisfying milkshake showcases the natural sweetness of dates and is perfect for cooling off on a hot day.

Where to try it: Quench your thirst with a delicious date milkshake at Baker & Spice, known for its organic offerings and delightful flavors.

Saffron-infused Drinks

Luxurious and aromatic, saffron-infused drinks are made by steeping saffron threads in hot water or milk until the liquid takes on a vibrant golden hue and fragrant aroma. These drinks can be served hot or cold and offer a unique and sophisticated flavor profile.

Where to try it: Experience the essence of Dubai's flavors at Seven Sands, where you can savor saffron-infused drinks alongside traditional Emirati cuisine.

Best Vegan and Vegetarian Dishes in Dubai, UAE: 

Vegetable Biryani

A fragrant rice dish cooked with an assortment of vegetables such as carrots, peas, and potatoes, infused with aromatic spices like cumin, cardamom, and saffron. This flavorful dish is layered with tender vegetables and fluffy rice, offering a burst of flavor and hearty satisfaction.

Where to try it: Head to Zafran Indian Bistro for a delightful serving of Vegetable Biryani, showcasing the rich flavors of Indian cuisine in Dubai.

Falafel Wrap 

Crispy chickpea patties made from ground chickpeas, onions, and herbs, deep-fried to perfection. These golden-brown falafel balls are wrapped in warm flatbread with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a generous drizzle of tahini sauce, providing a satisfying and flavorful vegan option.

Where to try it: Visit Operation: Falafel for an authentic taste of Middle Eastern street food, featuring delicious Falafel Wraps made with care.

Hummus with Warm Pita

Creamy chickpea dip blended with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and a hint of cumin, creating a rich and flavorful spread. Served with warm, fluffy pita bread, this comforting dish is perfect for dipping and sharing.

Where to try it: Satisfy your cravings at Arabian Tea House, where you can enjoy a generous portion of Hummus with freshly baked pita bread.

Vegan Shawarma

A plant-based twist on the classic Shawarma, featuring marinated and roasted vegetables such as eggplant, cauliflower, and bell peppers, seasoned with Middle Eastern spices. Wrapped in a soft flatbread with creamy tahini sauce, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs, this vegan version offers all the flavor and satisfaction of the traditional dish without the meat.

Where to try it: Indulge in a delicious Vegan Shawarma at Wild & The Moon, offering wholesome and nutritious vegan options in Dubai.

Vegan Arabic Mezze Platter

 A selection of traditional Middle Eastern appetizers such as tabbouleh (a parsley and bulgur salad), baba ganoush (smoky roasted eggplant dip), and stuffed grape leaves (vine leaves filled with rice and herbs). This vibrant and flavorful platter provides a variety of textures and tastes, perfect for sharing or enjoying as a satisfying meal.

Where to try it: Embrace the culinary diversity at Logma, where you can enjoy a Vegan Arabic Mezze Platter showcasing the best of Emirati and Arabic cuisine with plant-based twists.