Dubai is a city that tantalizes the senses. Beyond the towering skyscrapers and luxurious shopping, Dubai boasts a rich and vibrant food scene. Influenced by Arabian, Middle Eastern, and international cuisines, Dubai offers a unique culinary adventure for every palate. Here are 5 must-try foods to add to your Dubai itinerary and experience the true taste of the city:
- Machboos: The Fragrant Emirati Rice Dish
This fragrant rice dish is a true Dubai food staple. Typically featuring marinated meat (chicken, lamb, or even camel) slow-cooked with aromatic spices like cardamom, cloves, and saffron, machboos is served on a bed of fluffy rice. Caramelized onions and nuts add textural contrast and a touch of sweetness. Pair your machboos with a dollop of tangy yogurt for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Luqaimat: Sweet Dough Balls for a Delightful Treat
These bite-sized treats are a delightful indulgence and a popular Dubai street food. Sweet dumplings made from fried dough, luqaimat are traditionally soaked in date syrup and sprinkled with sesame seeds. The warm, fluffy texture and the contrasting sweetness and nuttiness of the toppings make luqaimat the perfect way to end a meal or enjoy a sweet afternoon snack. Vendors throughout Dubai offer luqaimat, making them a convenient and delicious option.
- Knafeh: A Visual and Textural Masterpiece
This Middle Eastern dessert is a visual and textural masterpiece and a must-try on your Dubai food tour. Layers of crispy shredded phyllo dough are filled with soft, pillowy cheese (traditionally Nabulsi cheese from Palestine) and soaked in a sweet syrup. Knafeh is often finished with a sprinkle of pistachios for added flavor and visual appeal. The contrasting textures and the sweet and salty combination of cheese and syrup make knafeh a truly unforgettable dessert.
- Shawarma: The King of Dubai Street Food
No Dubai food experience is complete without trying shawarma. Thinly sliced marinated meat (chicken, lamb, or beef) is stacked on a vertical rotisserie and cooked to perfection. Shawarma is then shaved off and served in a pita bread with chopped tomatoes, onions, parsley, tahini sauce, and sometimes pickled vegetables. The explosion of flavors and textures in a shawarma makes it a popular and satisfying street food option. Be sure to explore the different variations offered by vendors throughout the city.
- Manousheh: A Delicious Fusion of Flatbread Pizza
This flatbread pizza is a delicious fusion of Arabic and Mediterranean flavors, offering a satisfying and affordable Dubai food option. A base of dough is topped with a thin layer of olive oil and za’atar, a spice mix typically containing thyme, oregano, sumac, and sesame seeds. Manousheh can come with additional toppings like cheese, minced meat, or vegetables. Enjoy manousheh for breakfast, lunch, or as a light snack. Its versatility and affordability make it a popular choice among locals and tourists alike.
Dubai’s culinary scene offers something for everyone. From aromatic rice dishes to sweet treats and savory street food, these 5 must-try foods will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting to explore more of Dubai’s vibrant flavors. So, on your next trip to Dubai, be sure to embark on a delicious culinary adventure!