Food & Dining in the UAE — A Culinary Journey for Every Taste

Emirati food is a rich blend of Arabian heritage, flavorful spices, and locally sourced ingredients, offering both traditional favorites and innovative modern twists. From savory rice dishes like Machboos to sweet treats like Luqaimat, Emirati cuisine reflects the UAE’s culture, history, and hospitality in every bite.

Popular Traditional Emirati Food Dishes

If you truly want to know a country, eat like its people. Emirati cuisine blends Bedouin traditions, Arabian Gulf seafood culture, and spice-laden trade influences from India, Persia, and East Africa.

Here are the top 10 dishes every visitor should try:

1. Harees – A slow-cooked wheat and meat dish with a creamy, porridge-like texture, often served during Ramadan.

2. Machboos – Spiced rice with meat or fish, infused with loomi (dried lime) for a citrusy aroma.

3. Luqaimat – Crispy golden dumplings drizzled with date syrup — the UAE’s answer to donuts.

4. Balaleet – Sweet and savory vermicelli with eggs, flavored with cardamom and saffron.

5. Majboos Samak – A seafood-rich version of machboos, perfect for coastal food lovers.

6. Regag Bread – Thin, crispy bread often topped with cheese, eggs, or honey.

7. Madrouba – A hearty porridge of rice and fish, cooked until silky smooth.

8. Khameer Bread – Fluffy, slightly sweet bread eaten with cheese or honey.

9. Ghuzi (Qoozi) – Roasted lamb served with nuts, raisins, and spiced rice.

10. Arabic Coffee (Gahwa) – A cultural ritual; light coffee brewed with cardamom, served with dates.

Tip: For the most authentic experience, try these dishes at local family-run restaurants or heritage food festivals.

Best Street Food Spots in Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi

The UAE’s street food scene is a delicious mix of Emirati flavors and global bites brought by expats from over 200 nationalities.

Dubai

• Al Dhiyafah Street: From shawarma to Indian kebabs, it’s a night-time feast.

• Meena Bazaar: Affordable Indian chaat, samosas, and parathas.

• Global Village: Seasonal but unmissable — dozens of stalls serving global street snacks.

Sharjah

• Rolla Square: Pakistani grills and fresh parathas at pocket-friendly prices.

• Al Majaz Waterfront: Food trucks with creative fusion bites alongside traditional Emirati snacks.

Abu Dhabi

• Madinat Zayed: Shawarma and falafel shops loved by locals.

• Corniche Street: Food carts selling karak tea, roasted corn, and fresh juices.

Tip: Street food here is clean, safe, and often freshly prepared — but go where locals line up; it’s a sure sign of quality.

Luxury Dining in the UAE: Michelin-Starred Restaurants

The UAE’s fine-dining scene is on par with global culinary capitals, with Dubai officially earning its Michelin Guide spotlight in recent years.

Notable Michelin-Starred Experiences:

• Ossiano (Dubai) – A dreamy underwater dining room at Atlantis The Palm, serving modern seafood artistry.

• Tresind Studio (Dubai) – Progressive Indian cuisine with theatrical presentation.

• Hakkasan (Abu Dhabi) – Contemporary Cantonese dishes in a chic setting.

• Al Muntaha (Dubai) – French fine dining from the 27th floor of the Burj Al Arab.

What to Expect:

• Multi-course tasting menus

• Wine pairings and mocktail artistry

• Highly curated plating and storytelling

• Prices that match the exclusivity

Tip: Book weeks in advance and check for seasonal tasting menus, which often showcase the chef’s best work.

Café Culture in the UAE: Where to Get the Perfect Cup

The UAE’s café culture is as diverse as its people — from traditional Arabic coffee rituals to hipster specialty roasters.

Traditional Coffee Houses

• Arabian Tea House (Dubai) – A heritage spot serving gahwa in a charming courtyard.

• Bait Al Gahwa (Abu Dhabi) – Learn the art of brewing coffee the Bedouin way.

Specialty Coffee Spots

• % Arabica – Minimalist design and high-quality beans, now in multiple UAE locations.

• Raw Coffee Company – Dubai’s original specialty roaster, sourcing ethical beans.

• Forever Rose Café (Abu Dhabi) – A black-and-white illustrated wonderland with excellent brews.

Trend Alert: Iced Spanish lattes and saffron cappuccinos are the current café darlings in the UAE.