What to Eat in Dubai: 15 Local Dishes You Must Try
The national dish, the street food legend, the Ramadan essential, and the sweet finish to every feast—here's what defines how Dubai actually eats.
Walk past Al Mallah on 2nd December Street after midnight and the queue still runs three deep at the counter. That's where Dubai's real food culture lives—not in hotel dining rooms, but in the alleys of Satwa and the heritage restaurants of Al Fahidi, where the dishes served now are the same ones cooked in Emirati kitchens for generations.
These 15 dishes are ranked by how central they are to Dubai's food identity: the foundations first, the celebrations after. Start with the national staple, work through the comfort foods that define a proper meal, then chase the sweets that finish every feast. You'll understand why locals never tire of these flavors, and why the city's real sophistication isn't imported—it's been here for centuries.
Order them by asking for the name (pronounce it the way locals do), point at a neighbor's plate if words fail, and if you're at a proper Emirati restaurant, let them bring small plates of many things rather than one large one. The meal is meant to be shared.
Machboos
Emirati · Spiced rice with meat (lamb, chicken or shrimp) and dried black lime · Al Fanar, SMAT Dubai Design District, most Emirati restaurants
Often considered the UAE's national dish, machboos reflects Dubai's rich maritime trading heritage. Rice cooked in a deeply spiced broth with meat—usually lamb, chicken, or shrimp—and loomi (dried black lime), which gives the dish its signature tang. Try machboos at Al Fanar Restaurant, which recreates an old Dubai vibe with Emirati classics, or for a contemporary take cooked in a clay pot, try SMAT in the Dubai Design District.
Khuzi
Emirati · Roasted lamb with spiced rice, nuts and raisins · Al Fanar, Logma, Arabian Tea House
Ghuzi (also known as khuzi) is the national dish of the United Arab Emirates. Its main ingredients are lamb or mutton, rice, roasted nuts, and raisins. The dish is made by roasting a lamb or mutton and is served with rice and decorated with roasted nuts and raisins. The dish's rich flavor comes from a blend of spices, including cardamom, cinnamon, saffron, and nutmeg.
Harees
Emirati · Slow-cooked wheat and meat porridge · Al Fanar, Logma, Arabian Tea House; primarily Ramadan
This dish combines wheat and meat (usually chicken or lamb) that's been slow-cooked for hours until it reaches this incredibly silky texture. The simplicity is deceptive—it's seasoned with just a touch of salt and clarified butter, but the long cooking process creates this depth of flavor that's absolutely addictive. It's usually only eaten during Ramadan, making it a special dish that is comforting and fulfilling after fasting for the month.
Thareed
Emirati · Meat stew with vegetables over flatbread · Arabian Tea House Al Fahidi, Logma Dubai Mall
This meat broth has bread and vegetables soaked within it, making it rich in vitamins and proteins. Thareed's health benefits are said to be high due to the energy it provides, particularly from the high vegetable protein. This traditional Dubai food has been around for thousands of years and has continued to remain popular throughout the centuries. Price range: Between 45-85 AED (12.2-23 USD) based on the restaurant and ingredients.
Margoogat
Emirati · Chicken or lamb tomato stew with spices · Aseelah Radisson Blu Deira Creek, Logma, Al Fanar
Margoogat is a traditional Dubai food popular among locals and tourists. It's a stew made of tender chicken meat or lamb with an addition of tomato for a savory taste. Additions like garam masala, spices, and vegetables make it extremely aromatic and guarantee a rich taste. Margoogat can be found at a variety of restaurants ranging from local eateries to high-end hotels. In particular, a must-try version of the dish that is more curry-based is the chicken margoogat dish at Aseelah in the Radisson Blu Hotel.
Jasheed
Emirati coastal · Preserved fish with rice and spices · Arabian Tea House, traditional Emirati restaurants
Jasheed shreds cooked shark or other fish and folds it with bezar, black lime, cinnamon, and ghee, served over white rice—a coastal comfort classic. Jasheed is a must-try for those looking to experience the traditional flavours of Dubai's maritime heritage. Jasheed is best served with warm Emirati bread, such as regag or khameer, which is perfect for scooping up the flavourful stew. It can also be accompanied by a side of rice, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.
Shawarma
Lebanese street food · Marinated meat in flatbread · Al Mallah Satwa, Al Reef Bakery, Aroos Damascus
Founded in 1979, Al Mallah had its humble beginnings as a juice joint on a street corner in Dubai. Grab a table on the pavement to get a front-row seat to watch the sea of people roaming 2nd December Street, then go to town on the menu. For those eating on the run, opt for a succulent and moreish chicken or lamb shawarma. If time is on your side, the mixed grill is a vast plate of griddled meats, including kofta, lamb and chicken, complete with fries, herb-tomato flatbread and grilled onion.
Chebab
Emirati breakfast · Saffron pancakes with date syrup · Al Fanar, Logma, Arabian Tea House
Chebab is a traditional Emirati pancake that is often considered one of the best foods in Dubai, particularly enjoyed as a breakfast or snack. These pancakes are made with a batter infused with saffron and cardamom, giving them a unique flavour and aroma. Chebab is usually served warm, with a drizzle of sweet date syrup or honey, and sometimes topped with cream cheese or a spread of local cheese.
Manakish
Lebanese flatbread · Za'atar and cheese topping · Al Reef Lebanese Bakery, Shaiba Bakery, local bakeries
Al Reef Lebanese Bakery is a popular bakery in Dubai that specializes in the delicious flatbread manakish. The savory flatbread can be topped with a variety of toppings, including zaatar and cheese. Warm, herby, and cheesy—za'atar and cheese bread is the ultimate comfort food. Whether it's from a Lebanese manoushe bakery or an Afghan street-side oven, this dish is a quintessential Dubai experience.
Falafel
Middle Eastern street food · Fried chickpea balls · Deira souks, Al Mallah, street stalls throughout Old Dubai
Falafel are crispy, spiced chickpea balls, crunchy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, packed with bold flavor. Falafel is a Middle Eastern dish, so this popular chickpea-based dish, infused with spices, is a must-try food in Dubai. These fried balls are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, a perfect combination of texture and flavor. You can find these deep-fried morsels of chickpeas, herbs, and spices being cooked fresh at street food stands all across Deira in Old Dubai. Whether you prefer them al la carte, dipped in hummus or moutabal, or stuffed in a sandwich with tahini sauce, pickles, and veggies, it's very easy to find falafel in Dubai.
Knafeh
Levantine dessert · Cheese pastry with syrup and pistachios · Dubai Mall food court, Knafeh Omar Odali, bakeries
This delectable Dubai sweet, made from spun pastry, soaked in syrup, layered with melting cheese, and served with clotted cream, pistachios, or other nuts, is hot, gooey, and perfectly crispy, and a mouthwatering and decadent popular food. Knafeh Omar Odali is a delightful destination for anyone craving authentic kunafeh, a traditional Arabian dessert that features layers of soft, stretchy cheese enveloped in a crispy semolina crust and generously drizzled with fragrant rosewater syrup. Visitors can indulge in both the soft and rough styles of this beloved treat to discover their personal favorite.
Luqaimat
Emirati dessert · Fried dough dumplings with syrup · Al Fanar, Logma, Loqmato Dubai Mall
Luqaimat is probably the most known UAE traditional food dish and is very popular among the locals. These crunchy yet soft treats are often served with honey dip or date syrup known as dibbs. The main ingredients are flour, milk, yeast, and water. They are often fried which gives them the delicious golden-brown look. Luqaimat are hot dumplings which are similar to doughnuts. Usually, they're topped with a sticky date sauce and sesame seeds, although more modern establishments are introducing all kinds of quirky twists. Loqmato in the Dubai Mall offers unique toppings such as coconut and even Oreos.
Fattoush
Levantine salad · Lettuce, tomatoes, crispy pita with sumac dressing · Al Mallah, Lebanese restaurants, hotel restaurants
The salad is made from fried cubes of khubz (pita bread), tossed with lettuce, radishes, tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, parsley, and spring onion. It's usually topped off with a zesty sumac dressing to bring all the flavors together. The bread gives the salad a nice crunch, without being too heavy or taking away from its freshness. Order fattoush (crunchy flatbread salad) as part of a meze spread to share.
Hummus
Middle Eastern dip · Mashed chickpeas with tahini and lemon · Every Lebanese and Emirati restaurant, bakeries
Hummus is a well-loved dish that has become a staple in Dubai cuisine, enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. This creamy and smooth dip is made from blended chickpeas, tahini (sesame paste), lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. Its rich and nutty flavour, combined with its versatility, makes hummus a popular choice in many Dubai households and restaurants. Often served as an appetizer or side dish, hummus pairs perfectly with a variety of foods, making it a must-try for anyone exploring Dubai's diverse culinary scene.
Tabbouleh
Levantine salad · Bulgur wheat, parsley, tomato, mint · Lebanese restaurants, hotel menus, mixed mezze plates
Another Middle Eastern salad that you'll find all over Dubai is tabbouleh. This is a super fresh, herby salad made with bulgar and parsley. Most recipes also call for mint, green onion, cucumber and tomato, with a simple dressing of olive oil, lemon juice and garlic. Tabbouleh is a salad made with bulgur wheat, parsley, tomatoes, and mint. It is a popular dish in Dubai and is often served as a side dish or appetizer. If you're a little health conscious and you're looking for a guilt-free meal that's packed with flavor, a serving of tabbouleh is just right for you.
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