Top 10 Foods You Should Try in Dubai

If you’re looking for a luxury-filled and dreamy vacation, Dubai should be at the top of your list! The city is a fusion of urban landscapes and gorgeous seasides, with both skyscrapers and man-made islands within reach. 

Flying in for the holiday? Book a Dubai city tour to visit all the top historical sights and famous icons in the city. Get caught up in its rich history when you wander through the Dubai museum, and take countless pictures when you visit the famous Burj Al Arab and Burj Khalifa.

Wondering what to do for the rest of your trip? Indulge in Dubai’s top eats by going on a grand food trip! Take a piece (or a bite) of the city’s culture when you feast on their famous local dishes. 

Check out our curated list of must-try food in Dubai—trust us, your tummy will thank you!

Klook tip: Start your holiday right by booking a Dubai airport transfer. This will make your city travel more seamless because you won’t have to worry about understanding Dubai’s transportation as soon as you land.

Also, not all food sites are located near each other. If you want to get the most out of your trip, book a car rental during your stay, so you can freely go around the city!

1. Manousheh

You may have already tried hundreds of pizzas in your life, but don’t turn your head away just yet. Manousheh is a Lebanese breakfast staple that easily made its way to Dubai’s must-try foods as it’s known to be the local version of pizza! While it may remind you of shawarma, this is different from that. Flatbread is topped with cheese, earthy herbs, the meat of your choice, and olive oil—yum! Make sure to find restaurants serving authentic Manousheh for the ultimate feast.

2. Luqaimat

Brace yourself for this sweet, melt-in-your-mouth treat that you’ll surely fall in love with. Luqaimats, or hot dumplings, are part of traditional local cuisine, and they’re prepared fresh daily in cafes. Usually made with flour, yeast, milk, turmeric, sugar, salt, and finally topped with sesame seeds, the Luqaimat’s taste and texture are closer to a doughnut than the usual Chinese-style steamed dumplings.

3. Knafeh

Knafeh is popular in most Middle Eastern countries and beyond, so make sure to grab a bite during your Dubai city tour. Queues for this dessert run long during Ramadan, as locals buy it for Iftar when they end their fast during sundown. This rich, gooey cheese treat is best eaten right after being made, so watch out for your local cafes’ fresh serves.

4. Ghuzi

If you’re more into savory dishes, then Ghuzi (sometimes spelled Ouzi or Oozie) is the perfect Dubai food for you! This dish is extremely popular in the UAE, so be sure to add this to your list of must-eats. Order this at a local restaurant, and you’ll be served with mouthwatering slow-cooked lamb on top of a generous platter of rice and vegetables. It is incredibly filling, yet you’ll probably eat more than your normal portions because each bite is just as heavenly as the last.

5. Machboos

Machboos may look plain and unsophisticated, but don’t be fooled! This traditional Dubai food bursts with flavors in every bite. The perfect mix of local spices, like cardamom and cinnamon, in this dish gives it a rich aromatic taste, with a splash of zest from the dried lemon. Machboos’ depth of flavor is a pleasant surprise, and your taste buds will surely long for more during your stay.

6. Sangak

Calling all bread lovers! Iranian in origin, this healthy must-try food in Dubai is straightforward yet surprisingly tasty. Sangak is a whole wheat leavened flatbread, usually served with strained or greek yogurt, labneh, and cheese. Take a pick of which dip you like the most, and you’ll surely be munching on this throughout your Dubai city tour!

7. Harees

If you’re after exotic and unique dishes, then Harees might be your pick! While it’s made with simple ingredients like wheat, meat, and a pinch of salt, its long baking hours transform it into a truly remarkable meal. Paste-like consistency, it is oozing with savory flavors from the meat and the generous spices added after cooking. This meal is a luxury on its own as it is often served during Ramadan, weddings, and other special occasions.

8. Chebab

Pancakes for breakfast are a no-brainer. This morning staple is so good that it’s recognized in a lot of places around the world. Level up your pancake game when you try Chebab in Dubai. The Emirati version of pancakes is usually made with eggs, flour, and saffron, and is slightly thicker with the added yeast. Indulge in the combination of sweet and tangy flavors as it is often served with cream cheese and sweet date syrup, or simply butter and honey.

9. Mahahabiya

Up for a refreshingly healthy treat? Then ordering Mahalabiya is a must during your city tour in Dubai. It’s a pudding made with milk, rice, sugar, and rice flour infused with the aroma and flavor of rosewater and pistachios. Order this light and slightly sweet dessert for a palate cleanser after indulging in rich-flavored meals.

10. Esh Asaraya

Cheesecake lovers, rejoice! Esh Asaraya (sometimes spelled Esh Hasaraya) is a popular dessert in the region that simply melts in your mouth. Drool over its creamy cheesecake-like texture that’ll give you a divine experience in every bite. It is a sinfully delectable dessert worth leaving enough room for during your meal.