Street Food
Shawarma
Dietary Options
Non-Vegetarian
Flavor Profiles
Savoury
A beloved Middle Eastern street food, featuring marinated meat (usually chicken or lamb) cooked on a vertical rotisserie and shaved into thin slices. It is typically served in a wrap or pita with garlic sauce, pickles, and vegetables. Shawarma is ubiquitous in Dubai and a must-try for its savoury, spiced flavour.
Best Place To Try It:
Shawarma stands are peppered across the city, from the old stalwarts in Deira and Bur Dubai to the slightly more upmarket cafes in Jumeirah. Try Al Ijaza Cafeteria or Al Mallah.
Falafel
Dietary Options
Vegetarian
Flavor Profiles
Savoury
A popular Middle Eastern dish made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, mixed with herbs and spices, then deep-fried to crispy perfection. Often served in pita bread with tahini, salad, and pickles, falafel is a favourite among vegetarians and a common street food in Dubai.
Best Place To Try It:
You can find falafel at almost any Middle Eastern eatery in Dubai. For a top-rated experience, try it at Falafel Farm, Operation Falafel, or Zaroob.
Luqaimat
Dietary Options
Vegetarian
Flavor Profiles
Sweet
Sweet dumplings made from dough, fried until golden, and drizzled with date syrup or honey. These bite-sized treats are popular during Ramadan and are often flavoured with saffron and cardamom. They are a beloved dessert and snack throughout the UAE.
Best Place To Try It:
Luqaimat are commonly found at Emirati sweet shops and cafes. Some of the best places to enjoy them include Arabian Tea House, Al Fanar Restaurant, and Local Bites Café.
Knafeh
Dietary Options
Vegetarian
Flavor Profiles
Sweet
A famous Middle Eastern dessert made with thin noodle-like pastry or semolina dough soaked in sweet syrup, layered with soft cheese, and often topped with pistachios. Its origins are debated, but it is a popular treat across the Arab world, including Dubai, particularly during festive occasions.
Best Place To Try It:
To indulge in Knafeh, visit Middle Eastern bakeries or cafes like Al Samadi Sweets, Feras Aldiyafa Sweets, and Qwaider Al Nabulsi..
Manakeish
Dietary Options
Veg & Non-Veg
Flavor Profiles
Savoury
A Levantine flatbread typically topped with za'atar (a blend of thyme, sesame seeds, and sumac), cheese, or meat, and baked in a wood-fired oven. It's often likened to pizza but has a distinctly Middle Eastern flavour. Manakeish is a popular breakfast item and is enjoyed throughout the day.
Best Place To Try It:
Manakeish is served at many Lebanese and Middle Eastern restaurants. Some recommended places include Mama’esh, Al Mallah or Barbar.
Persian Kebabs
Dietary Options
Non-Vegetarian
Flavor Profiles
Savoury
A delicious variety of grilled meat skewers, often marinated in saffron and other spices. These kebabs, whether made with lamb, chicken, or beef, are known for their tender, juicy texture and aromatic flavours. They are often served with saffron rice or flatbread and are a staple in Persian cuisine.
Best Place To Try It:
To enjoy Persian kebabs, visit Persian restaurants like Shabestan, Anar, or Al Ustad Special Kebabs, where you can experience authentic flavours.
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