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Dubai is a food lover’s paradise, and while the city is known for its luxurious fine dining experiences, it also offers an exciting array of street food from around the world. Whether you’re craving something spicy, savory, or sweet, Dubai’s street food scene is diverse and delicious, with options influenced by the city’s multicultural population. Here’s a guide to some of the best street food in Dubai that you shouldn’t miss:
1. Shawarma
- What it is: Shawarma is a classic Middle Eastern street food made from marinated meat (usually lamb, chicken, or beef) that is cooked on a vertical rotisserie. It’s served in pita bread or flatbread, topped with fresh vegetables, and drizzled with tahini or garlic sauce.
- Where to try it:
- Al Mallah (Shawarma and fresh juices, on 2nd of December Street)
- Shawarma Time (Near Jumeirah Beach, known for its flavorful shawarma wraps)
2. Falafel
- What it is: Falafel are deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas, herbs, and spices, often served in pita bread with salad and tahini sauce. It’s a vegetarian delight that’s crispy on the outside and tender inside.
- Where to try it:
- Man’oushe Street (Al Wasl Road) – Great for traditional Lebanese-style falafel.
- Folly Dallah (Located near Al Karama) – Popular for its freshly made falafel sandwiches.
3. Sambousek
- What it is: A deep-fried pastry filled with various fillings such as minced meat, cheese, or vegetables. Sambousek is a popular snack, especially during Ramadan.
- Where to try it:
- Al Safadi (Multiple locations, including Downtown Dubai) – Famous for its Lebanese-style sambousek.
- Al Fanar (Dubai Festival City Mall) – Try their sambousek with minced lamb.
4. Kunafa
- What it is: Kunafa is a rich, sweet dessert made with shredded filo dough, soaked in sweet syrup, and often topped with pistachios or cream. It’s a must-try for those with a sweet tooth.
- Where to try it:
- Al Baba Sweets (Al Karama) – Famous for its freshly made kunafa, served hot and oozing with syrup.
- Kunafa Al Nawas (Karama or Dubai Mall) – Known for their perfectly crispy and sweet kunafa.
5. Kebabs
- What it is: Kebabs are skewers of marinated and grilled meat (usually lamb, chicken, or beef) that are served with rice, flatbread, or salad. The meat is typically seasoned with a blend of spices like cumin, coriander, and sumac.
- Where to try it:
- Al Ijaza Cafeteria (Al Jafiliya) – Famous for their grilled kebabs and freshly baked Arabic bread.
- Kebabish (Karama) – Well-loved for its flavorful, tender kebabs, served with naan and rice.
6. Luqaimat
- What it is: Luqaimat are small, sweet dumplings deep-fried until golden, then drenched in date syrup or honey and sprinkled with sesame seeds. They are a traditional Emirati snack, often enjoyed during Ramadan.
- Where to try it:
- Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe (Dubai Festival City or Downtown Dubai) – Offers a traditional version of luqaimat.
- Al Jumeirah Beach Road (Street vendors often serve them here during evening markets).
7. Chaat
- What it is: Chaat is an Indian street food staple made up of a mix of crispy dough, potatoes, yogurt, chutneys, and spices. It’s served as a savory snack and is typically tangy, spicy, and sweet.
- Where to try it:
- Bombay Chowpatty (Karama) – This casual eatery serves excellent chaat along with other street food from India.
- Shree Krishna Restaurant (Bur Dubai) – A local favorite for chaat and other Indian snacks.
8. Manakish
- What it is: A Lebanese flatbread that is topped with za’atar (a blend of herbs, sesame seeds, and sumac), cheese, or minced meat. It’s often eaten for breakfast or as a snack.
- Where to try it:
- Zaatar w Zeit (Various locations, including Dubai Marina) – Known for their delicious manakish.
- Man’oushe Street (Al Wasl Road) – A great spot to try different types of manakish.
9. Hummus and Pita
- What it is: Creamy hummus made from blended chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and olive oil, served with fresh pita bread. It’s one of the most iconic Middle Eastern appetizers and street snacks.
- Where to try it:
- Al Haseer (Jumeirah Beach Road) – A favorite spot for fresh hummus and pita.
- Hummus House (Deira) – Known for their fresh and flavorful hummus.
10. Moutabel
- What it is: Moutabel is a smoky, creamy dip made from roasted eggplant, tahini, garlic, and olive oil. It’s often served with pita bread or vegetables.
- Where to try it:
- Al Safadi (Downtown Dubai) – Famous for its Middle Eastern appetizers, including moutabel.
- Abu Zaid (Jumeirah) – Another great option for traditional Middle Eastern dips and grilled meats.
11. Sushi Burrito
- What it is: A fusion of sushi and burritos, this dish typically consists of sushi ingredients wrapped in a large sheet of seaweed, combined with rice and fresh fish or vegetables.
- Where to try it:
- Sushi Art (The Dubai Mall) – Try their sushi burrito for a quick yet delicious twist on traditional sushi.
12. Tandoori Corn on the Cob
- What it is: Corn on the cob that’s been grilled and then coated with spices such as cumin, chili, and lemon juice. It’s an Indian-inspired street food that’s perfect for munching while walking.
- Where to try it:
- The Food Truck Park (City Walk) – A great place to find a variety of fusion street foods, including tandoori-style corn.
13. Arabic Sweets (Baklava, Knafeh, etc.)
- What it is: Traditional Arabic sweets like baklava (flaky pastry filled with nuts and honey syrup) or knafeh (a cheese-filled dessert topped with sweet syrup) are a must-try in Dubai.
- Where to try it:
- Al Khayal Sweets (Deira) – Known for their traditional Arabic desserts, including baklava and knafeh.
- Baklava Factory (Al Karama) – Famous for its variety of baklava, perfect for snacking.
14. Karhi Pakora
- What it is: Karhi Pakora is a popular North Indian street food dish made of gram flour dumplings (pakoras) served in a spicy, tangy yogurt-based gravy. It’s comforting and bursting with flavors.
- Where to try it:
- Sarvi Restaurant (Karama) – A local favorite for flavorful North Indian curries, including kadi pakora.
15. Dosa and Idli
- What it is: A crispy dosa (thin rice crepe) served with spicy chutneys and idli (steamed rice cakes). These are popular South Indian street foods, known for their light and tasty flavors.
- Where to try it:
- Saravanaa Bhavan (Karama) – Famous for its South Indian street food, including dosa and idli.
- Indian Spice Kitchen (Al Qusais) – A great place for authentic South Indian snacks.
Conclusion
Dubai offers a fantastic array of street food that reflects its diverse and multicultural population. Whether you’re after traditional Middle Eastern dishes like shawarma and falafel, or looking to explore flavors from India, Lebanon, and beyond, you’ll find delicious street eats scattered across the city. The best part? Many of these street food options are budget-friendly, making it easy to indulge in Dubai’s vibrant food scene without breaking the bank. Whether at bustling markets, food trucks, or hole-in-the-wall eateries, there’s something for every palate. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Dubai’s street food culture and make sure to capture those tasty moments!
