Dining in Dubai is not just about the upscale and extravagant restaurants.
You’ll want to indulge in the local street food that reflects the essence of this country’s culinary culture.
Dubai may be renowned for its luxurious venues where you can splurge and enjoy the finer things.
Still, it also boasts a range of street food establishments that will tantalize your taste buds.
These hidden gems offer delectable Dubai street food specialties that will have you returning for more.
But before diving into these food havens, knowing the best spots in Dubai for food tours is a must.
Bestseller
Dubai Old Town tour, Souks, Museum and Street Food
- Dubai Old Town Tour
- Discover famous museums
- Visit the oldest Dubai souk, a spice souk, and the biggest gold souk in the world
- Try street food, like Arabic coffee and fresh juice
- Hop on a traditional Abra boat
- Guided tour
Price: AED 110 ($30) per person
Food Tours in Dubai
Discovering Dubai’s rich culture and traditions is best achieved through its diverse culinary delights.
Explore the city’s renowned markets and must-visit food destinations with Dubai Food Tours, immersing yourself in a world of incredible flavors.
With an abundance of Dubai food tour options awaiting city visitors, it’s only fair to present a curated list of the finest Dubai food tours to simplify your search.
Here are the best Dubai Street Food tour options:
Dubai Old Town tour, Souks, Museum and Street Food
On this guided tour of Old Dubai, you’ll delve into the rich history of the UAE and explore its remarkable architecture.
Your journey commences amidst the vibrant market of Al Seef, leading you to the iconic Al Fahidi District.
Prepare your taste buds for a culinary adventure as you indulge in myriad flavors at the bustling Grand Souk.
Then, you can sail on a traditional Abra boat cruise, experiencing the city from its waterways.
This tour takes you to intriguing destinations, including the Coin Museum, Coffee Museum, the oldest souk, a spice souk, and a gold souk.
Tour Includes:
- Dubai Museum entrance
- Admission to Coins Museum
- Traditional Abra boat ride
- Arabic Street Food
- Dubai Old Town Walking Tour
- Tea and juices
- Camel milk chocolate
- Hotel pick-up (if selected)
Tour Price:
The tour prices for all visitors over four years are given below:
| Tour | Tour prices |
|---|---|
| Guided tours | AED 50 ($14) |
| Guided private tour with Abra Ride | AED 120 ($33) |
| Guided tour with hotel pickup | AED 190 ($52) |
| Family public tour with pick up and street food | AED 800 ($218) |
| Private tour with hotel pickup and street food | AED 1400 ($381) |
Dubai’s Creek and Souks with Street Food
Understand the history of Dubai’s Al Fahidi district on a guided walking tour that offers a glimpse into the city’s rich heritage.
This engaging journey includes a traditional abra boat ride on Dubai Creek, a taste of local street food, a visit to Al Khayma Heritage House, and stops at the Coffee Museum and Coins Museum.
Begin your adventure by meeting your guide at the Al Khayma Heritage House, where you’ll be treated to Arabic coffee paired with dates and street food.
Explore the Coffee Museum, where you’ll gain insight into the cultural significance of coffee in the United Arab Emirates.
Stroll along the charming Al Seef promenade, with views of a quaint mosque and the serene waters of Dubai Creek.
Wind your way through the narrow alleyways of the Al Fahidi district, marveling at the juxtaposition of historic architectural wonders alongside modern structures.
Pass by the bustling Grand Souk and take a traditional abra water taxi for a scenic ride along Dubai Creek.
You’ll be treated to panoramic vistas of towering skyscrapers and bustling trading ships here.
Arrive at the Spice Souk, where you can immerse yourself in various spices and ingredients’ fragrant aromas and vibrant colors.
Take the chance to haggle with local vendors.
End your journey with a visit to the dazzling Gold Souk.
You’ll be awed by the stunning displays of fine jewelry, silver, and precious stones here.
Bid farewell to your guide, leaving Dubai with a deeper understanding of its traditional culture and history.
Tour Includes:
- Pickup and drop-off (if option selected)
- Licensed guide
- Coffee Museum entry tickets
- Coins Museum entry tickets
- Abra water taxi ride
- Al Khayma Heritage House entry
- Arabic tea or coffee
- Dates
- Snacks (rogag and luqaimat)
- Street food (karak tea and samosa)
- Camel milk ice cream (if option selected)
- Bottle of water
- Tips (optional)
Tour Price
The tour prices for visitors over six years are given below
| Tour | Tour Price |
|---|---|
| Group Tour in English from Meeting Point | AED 100 ($27) |
| Premium Small Group Tour from Meeting Point | AED 121 ($33) |
| Group Tour with Hotel Transfers | AED 208 ($57) |
| Premium Small Group Tour with Hotel Transfers | AED 241 ($66) |
Children below the age of 6 can enter for free.
Half-Day Street Food Tour
The Dubai Half-day street food tour begins with a brief visit to the Indian temple on the edge of the spice and gold markets.
Here, many street restaurants and shops offer an array of goods, from exotic local clothing to fruits, vegetables, and spices.
Start by savoring delectable Indian fried Samboussa, Melbouri, and Velbouri from a vegetarian street food cart.
Explore the vibrant fish, fruit, and vegetable markets, tantalizing your taste buds with the renowned Dubai dates in the atmospheric heart of the old quarter.
Indulge in Lebanese cuisine at your next stop.
Join local Dubai residents as you relish an array of meat, vegetables, Homs, tabouleh, and fattoush, all flame-grilled over hot coals for that extra flavor.
End your journey by savoring a traditional Dubai dish in a quaint alley at one of the city’s authentic restaurants.
Welcome the local customs by dining like a native, using your hands for a truly immersive experience.
Tour Includes:
- Bottled water
- Food tasting while walking
- 3-course dinner at three different locations
- Professional licensed guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities (optional)
Tour Price
| Age | Tour Prices |
|---|---|
| Adult (11 – 99) | AED 804 |
| Children (4 – 10) | AED 569 |
| Infants (3 and below) | Free |
Must visit Street Food spots in Dubai
Dubai boasts a vibrant international dining scene, offering various culinary options worldwide.
Dubai has everything, whether you crave burgers, steaks, Brazilian BBQ, Turkish delights, or Thai cuisine.
Emirati food is not as typical in restaurants, mainly because locals often prefer enjoying traditional dishes at home.
However, this culinary landscape is evolving, and you can now discover some authentic Emirati restaurants and eateries serving cuisine from the broader Arabian Peninsula.
For those seeking delicious street food experiences in Dubai, the city has much to offer.
Here are some of the best places for street food in Dubai:
Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe
Al Fanar offers a diverse menu of traditional Emirati cuisine featuring breakfast dishes, sweets, and more.
Recommended dishes include luqaimat (sweet donuts) and tharid (spongy bread with sauce and chicken).
It’s located in Dubai Festival City Mall.
It operates from 8:30 am to 11:30 am daily. `
Prices range from 20 – 50 AED ($5.44 – $13.60).
Al Marhabani Restaurant
Known for its exceptional mandi dishes, Al Marhabani Restaurant serves tender lamb drumsticks and more.
The address is Villa # 575, Jumeirah Road, Dubai.
Its opening hours are from 12 noon to 11 pm daily.
Our total bill for four people was 200 AED ($54.44).
Al Labeeb Grocery
Visit this Iranian grocery store on Jumeirah Road to savor regag bread, similar to crepes or dosas, topped with egg, cheese, and the Persian Gulf fish sauce.
Prices are 6 AED ($1.63) each, and opening hours vary.
AL Ustad Special Kabab
This legendary Iranian restaurant is celebrated for its delectable kebabs, including yogurt-marinated varieties.
It’s located on Al Mankhool Road, Bur Dubai.
It’s open from 12 noon to 4 pm, 6:30 pm to 1 am on Saturday to Thursday, and 6:30 pm to 1 am on Fridays.
A meal for three costs around 100 AED ($27.21).
Bu Qtair
A highly recommended spot, Bu Qtair offers marinated and deep-fried fish and prawns in South Indian style.
Find it at Old 32B Street, Fishing Harbour 2, Umm Suqeim 2, Dubai. They’re open daily from 6.30 am to 11.40 pm, and my total bill was 170 AED ($46.27).
Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding
Located in Al Bastakiya, this cultural center provides a chance to learn about Emirati and Middle Eastern culture while enjoying a meal.
Try their delicious machboos, a rice and chicken dish. Open hours vary depending on the program, and prices are reasonable.
Ravi Restaurant
Known for serving outstanding Pakistani cuisine, Ravi Restaurant is located on Al Dhiyafa Rd, Opp.
Emirates Co-operative Society, Satwa, Dubai.
They open daily from 5 am to 3 am.
Must-try street foods in Dubai
Dubai is known for its variety and delicious foods from around the world.
Here are some must-try street food in Dubai:
- Shawarma: Shawarma, a world-famous Levantine dish, is a must-try street food in Dubai.
Traditionally made with lamb or mutton, it’s also available in chicken and vegetarian varieties.
Enjoy this Middle-Eastern delicacy at places like Al Mallah, Al Ijaza Cafeteria, and Al Safadi.
- Falafel: Crispy golden-brown falafel, made from chickpeas, herbs, and spices, is an iconic vegetarian street food in Dubai.
Savor authentic falafel at spots like Manoushe Street, Operation Falafel, and Reem Al Bawadi. - Samboosa: Samboosa, the Emirati cousin of Indian Samosa, is a triangular pastry filled with meat, vegetables, cheese, and spices.
You can find these addictive snacks in various restaurants in Dubai’s Satwa district. - Harees: Harees, an Arab delicacy made with wheat and meat, is a popular street food in Dubai.
It’s akin to a porridge and is commonly enjoyed during Ramadan and Arab weddings. - Luqaimat: Luqaimat, a traditional Emirati dessert, resembles a mix of Gulab Jamun and doughnuts.
These sweet dumplings are served with honey, sugar, or date syrup, making them a delightful treat. - Karak: Karak, Dubai’s national drink, is a flavorful tea made with spices and herbs. It’s widely available at roadside stalls, offering a refreshing break during city explorations.
- Madrooba: Madrooba is a nutritious Middle-Eastern food made from pounded rice.
Although it’s time-consuming to prepare, you can find vegetarian and vegan versions during Ramadan and special festivities. - Knafeh: Known as the “queen of desserts,” Knafeh is a delectable pastry dish made from sweet cheese, vermicelli, syrup, and pistachios.
It’s a must-try dessert available in many cafes and food joints. - Manakish: Often dubbed the Middle-Eastern pizza, Manakish is a dough topped with thyme, cheese, or ground meat.
Slice it, fold it, and enjoy this Lebanese snack on the streets of Dubai. - Oman Chips Roll: Oman Chips Roll is a popular street snack in Dubai, featuring layers of cheese spread and Oman Chips wrapped together.
It’s a favorite among schoolchildren and can be found throughout the city, from malls to local groceries and school canteens.
Recommended reading: Best Dubai Food Tours and Experiences.
Contents
Dubai street food tour -FAQs
What are the famous street food dishes to try in Dubai?
If you find yourself in Dubai, try Samboosa, Karak, Harees, Falafel, and Shawarma.
Can you recommend any food markets or street food hotspots in Dubai?
To try the best street food in Dubai, visit the Ripe Market, Al Karama, 2nd December Street, Meena Bazaar, and Global Village.
Where can I find the best Shawarma or Falafel stands in Dubai?
You can find the best Shawarma at Bur Dubai and the best Falafel at Operation Falafel.
What are the must-try Emirati street food specialties in Dubai?
Besides the items on the list, there are many other must-try Emirati street food specialties in Dubai, such as Manakish, Madrooba, Knafeh, and Fattoush.
Can you suggest any food trucks or mobile vendors offering street food in Dubai?
Yes, there are some food trucks and mobile vendor options in Dubai.
You can try street food in Dubai at Piazza 17, 1762 UAE, The Terrace, Desert Chill, Last Exit Dubai, and more.
Where can I find traditional Arabic sweets or desserts from street vendors in Dubai?
For a sweet delight, you can go to Kunafa Delight, Boxpark, Al Fanar Cafe, Al Baba Sweets, Al Baba Sweets, etc.
What are the popular street food areas or neighborhoods in Dubai?
Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Mateena and Muraqqabat Streets, and Al Karama are popular food areas and neighborhoods in Dubai.
Can you recommend any street food events or festivals in Dubai?
To witness all the food varieties of Dubai, you can visit these street food festivals: Dubai Food Festival, Flavours of Dubai, Dubai Hummus Festival, Dubai Cheese Festival, and Miami Vibes Food.
Where can I find street food options for vegetarians or vegans in Dubai?
You can easily find vegetarian or vegan street food options at SpiceKlub, Kamat Restaurant, Maharaja Bhog Restaurant, and Rangoli Restaurant.
What are the hygiene and safety tips when trying street food in Dubai?
In Dubai, you must remember basic safety tips while consuming street food.
Keep an eye on what and how they are cooking, eat where the locals eat, and keep an eye on the food before you eat; it may be undercooked.
Featured Image: Khaleejtimes.com
