Emirati cuisine is incredibly diverse and rich with cultural flavors that encompass Indian, Asian and Middle Eastern culture. Some of the most famous street foods in Dubai come from all of these places, so you never know what you'll find during your hunt for street foods in Dubai. Most of the time, meat is a major part of the delicacies. For any special occasions, chicken, fowl, and even camel meat are served.
Street food in Dubai is one of the main attraction for the tourists. So, if you're looking for the best street food in Dubai, here are our top 10 picks:
Shawarma
Shawarma is a famous dish from Middle Eastern, originated from the Ottoman Empire. It is a very rare dish which you won’t be able to find in many places. But in Dubai, there is no shortage of Shawarma. One of the most loved street foods in Dubai is Shawarma which is mainly made with various types of meats. You will not find Shawarma anywhere like the way you will find in Dubai.
Here you will be able to get the authentic taste of this dish and it will make you feel like you are in Middle East. Shawarma is a famous traditional Arabic dish made with chicken or beef cut from a spit roast. Then they are stuffed in a flatbread accompanied by grilled onions, fresh vegetables, and various sauces that take their flavour to an entirely new level. Now, where you can get this best street food in Dubai, here are some places to look for,
- Al Mallah (Locatio - Satwa, Mamzar, Al Qusais / Timing –7AM to 2AM, 9 AM to 2AM for weekends)
- Al Ijaza Cafeteria (Location - Jumeirah 1 / Timing – 9AM to 3AM, 11AM to 3AM for Friday)
- Al Safadi (Location - Trade Centre, Al Rigga / Timing – 8AM to 2:30AM)
- Belad Al Sham (Location - Al Barsha, Al Qusais / Timing – 8AM to 12AM)
- Mr.Shawarma (Location - Hor Al Anz, Near Post Office / Timing – 24 Hours
Knafeh
This famous street food in Dubai, also known as the ‘queen of dessert’, is a traditional dessert from the Middle East. The preparation of this dish requires lots of love and patience. This dish is prepared with spun pastry known as kataifi, saturated with attar (sugar-based syrup) and sweet, layered with clotted cream, cheese, nuts, pistachio, and other ingredients as per preferences.
A perfect combination for people who love both cheese and sweets. This best street food in Dubai is very popular among tourists and locals. The outside of this dish is crunchy and the inside is soft and juicy filled with cheese and sweet rosy syrup. One bite and it will give you the best feelings about being in Dubai!
Here are some of the places where you can taste this excellent street food in Dubai
- Graffiti Kunafa (Location – Abu Dhabi, Jumeriah 3, Al Ain / Time – 11 AM to 1 AM)
- Al Baba Sweets (Location – Deira City Centre, Mall of the Emirates / Time – 9 AM to 9 PM)
- Al Samadi Sweets (Location – Al Rigga Street, Deira / Time – 8 AM to 11 PM)
- Qwaider Al Nabulsi (Location – Al Muraqqabat, Deira / Time - 8 AM to 2 AM)
- Al Reef Lebanese Bakery (Location – Al Karama / Time – 24 Hours)
Shish Tawouk Sandwich
One of the best street foods in Dubai that does not get enough credit for being too much delicious! Most of the tourist are not that much interested into this street food when they come to Dubai, but the local people know the worth of this dish. If you are visiting Dubai for the first time then you must try this locally famous street food in Dubai.
In most of the restaurants in Dubai, this sandwich is a major attraction and customers can choose between pork and chicken fillings. The sandwich is filled with mouth-watering ingredients such as fresh vegetables and herbs, delicious sauces and pickles. It can never disappoint anyone’s taste bud. Here are some places where you can find this delicious street food in Dubai.
- Albaik (Location - Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Mall, / Time – 10AM to 2AM)
- Allo Beirut (Location - Hessa Street / Time – 24 Hours)
- Al Beiruti (Location - Umm Al Sheif, Sheikh Zayed Road / Time – 8AM to 2AM)
- Al Hallab (Location - Downtown Dubai, Dubai Mall/ Time – 12PM to 12AM)
- Al Falamanki (Location - Jumeirah Beach Road / Time – 10AM to 5AM)
Harees
Harees is a delicious dish that primarily made with meat, wheat and wide range of exotic spices. It is a popular cuisine in Arab and now it is one of the best street foods in Dubai. People in Dubai love to eat this dish as side dish with bread and meat, and many people also love to eat it as its own. It is a widely famous dish in Middle East and Arab.
The original recipe has been tweaked by a number of nations so that it better matches local palates and cooking styles; Turkey is a fan favourite that makes a few important alterations, including swapping veal for lamb.Due to the labour-intensive nature of its preparation, it is often reserved for celebrations such as weddings and formal dinners. Let’s see where you can buy this famous street food in Dubai.
- Aseelah (Location - Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek / Time – 12:30PM to 11PM)
- Al Barza Restaurant & Café (Location – Meshairef, Ajman / Time – 10AM to 12AM)
Manakish
It is an Arabic delicacy which is now a famous street food in Dubai. Women traditionally prepared smaller amounts of dough with various decorations for breakfast at the same time as they baked larger quantities of dough in a common oven to meet the family's daily bread requirements.Don’t confuse this dish with Pizza. They are mostly similar but its origin, essence, taste and feelings are completely different.
Many people like this street food in Dubai, which is stuffed with cheese and baked in a very large oven. There's a lot of cheese in this, too! Alternatively, you may top the flatbread with any veggies or meats you choose, along with the oils and spices of yourpreference.Here are some places where you can find some of the best Manakish in Dubai.
- Akawi Oven (Location - Jumeirah Lake Towers / Time – 7:15AM to 11:45PM)
- Al Mallah (Location - Al Hudaiba / Time – 24 Hours)
- Al Hallab (Location – Garhoud / Time – 12PM to 12AM)
- Al Reef Lebanese Bakery (Location - Al Karama / Time – 24 Hours)
Luqaimat
Luqaimat, also known as Arabic sweet dumpling is one of the best street food in Dubai. If you have a sweet tooth and love to try various types of sweet dishes, then luqaimat would be a perfect choice for you.
This famous street food in Dubai is a great combination of sweet and crunchy bite. Both tourists and local people love this dish. They're little pieces of dough that have been fried and sugared for a caramelised exterior. Take a bite and you'll find a soft and crunchy inside, and they're often served with honey or date syrup. Let’s find out places where you can find some best Luqaimat in Dubai.
- Logma (Location – The Dubai Mall / Time – 12PM to 12AM)
- Humyum Restaurant (Location - Jumeirah St, Umm Suqeim / Time – 24 Hours)
- Al Fanar Restaurant &Café (Location -Dubai Festival City Mall / Time – 10AM to 10PM)
- Arabian Tea House(Location -Al Fahidi St, Bur Dubai / Time – 10AM to 11PM)
Falafel
Falafel is a common dish in the Middle East, North Africa, and Levant. It is made from a deep-fried ball or patty made from ground chickpeas, fava beans, or both. Now it is one of the famous street foods in Dubai. The popularity of falafel increased when it was introduced to Dubai by Lebanese immigrants. Dubai has become a hub for this Middle Eastern dish with many restaurants that serve it to tourists and locals alike.
This street food in Dubai is now available at many restaurants and cafes throughout the city including Al Maya Falafel Restaurant on Sheikh Zayed Road that serves falafels.
- Operation Falafel (Location – the Beach JBR, Downtown Dubai / Time – 8AM to 2AM)
- Manoushe Street (Location - Dubai Investment Park / Time – 6:30AM to 5:30PM)
- Zaroob (Location - Trade Centre Area, The Radisson Blu Residence / Time – 24 Hours)
- Ka’ak Al Manara (Location - Dubai Media City, Business Bay)
Madrouba
Another creamy and delicious street food in Dubai, adored by everyone in the city. This Middle Eastern rice dish gets its name from a spoon made by wood that sometimes makes an appearance during the preparation procedure. It is thought to be what contributes to the very creamy texture that this meal has.
This famous street food in Dubai gets more demanding during Ramadan and during other festivals. Due to this reason, in normal time it becomes difficult to find this dish in restaurants. Not many restaurants avail this dish on a daily basis.
- Logma (Location – The Dubai Mall / Time – 12PM to 12AM)
- Arabian Tea House (Location - Al Fahidi St, Bur Dubai / Time – 10AM to 11PM)
Karak
Whoever is familiar with this drink, must be thinking this is ‘chai’. Well, yes! This is ‘chai’ which is known as ‘karak’ in Dubai, one of the best street food and comforting drink. This famous street food in Dubai is mainly a type of tea, and in more specific term, its ‘milk tea’.
Karak is a traditional drink in Dubai. It is made from black tea, milk and spices such as cardamom, cloves, cinnamon and ginger. Karak has been around for centuries and it has become a popular drink in the UAE.
The popularity of karak chai in Dubai can be attributed to the fact that it is an aromatic beverage with a sweet taste that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. This street food in Dubai also helps to soothe an upset stomach or relax your mind after a long day at work.Here are some places where you can buy some warm and fuzzy karak for your soul.
- Project Chaiwala (Location - Dubai Media City, Ibn Battuta Mall / Time – 9:30AM to 10PM)
- Filli (Location - Jumeirah Kite Beach, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Al Qusais / Time – 8:30AM to 2AM)
- Karak and Rigag (Location - Hamriya Port,Mamzar Beach / Time –8AM to 4AM)
Toshka
It is a traditional Syrian dish, made with flatbread. The beauty of this famous street food in Dubai is its simplicity. Flatbread staffed with cheese and grilled, sometimes accompanied by meat stuffing also, is known as Toshka. This street food in Dubai made quite a popularity among tourists as well as local people. This dish would be a perfect pair with Karak. Wondering where to find this amazing street food in Dubai? Here are some of the places.
- Hannouf (Location - Al Barsha / Time – 11:30 AM to 4:30 AM)
- Yes Business Center (Location - Al Barsha / Time – 9 AM to 3 AM)
- Any street-side shop
So, there you have it, our top 10 picks for the best street food in Dubai. Be sure to try them all on your next visit to the city to feel the authentic taste of Dubai!
Conclusion
So, there you have it, our top 9 picks for the best street food in Dubai. Be sure to try them all on your next visit to the city to feel the authentic taste of Dubai!