These 8 Majboos in Dubai Turned Rice Into A Main Event
I grew up eating majboos, and it was always one of my favorite meals! We had it at family gatherings and sometimes even on a regular weekday. There’s something special about that spiced rice and tender meat.
Even now, as an adult, majboos still feels like comfort food to me—something that brings back good memories and still tastes just as amazing.
Since moving, I’ve been on the hunt for the best majboos in Dubai. If you’re like me and grew up loving it—or you’re just curious to try—these 10 spots are serving up majboos that really hit the spot.
1. Arabian Tea House
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Website: http://www.arabianteahouse.com/
Address: Bastakiya Opposite Musalla Post Office – Al Fahidi St – Bur Dubai – Al Fahidi – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 4 353 5071
Operating Hours: Monday – 7 AM to 11 PM; Tuesday – 7 AM to 11 PM; Wednesday – 7 AM to 11 PM; Thursday – 7 AM to 11 PM; Friday – 7 AM to 11 PM; Saturday – 7 AM to 11 PM; Sunday – 7 AM to 11 PM
Price Range: $$-$$$
For authentic majboos in Dubai, visit Arabian Tea House in Al Fahidi. This spot serves Emirati food in a charming, old-style courtyard. It’s located in Al Bastakiya, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Dubai, and has been open since 1997.
There are plenty of dishes to try, and the majboos are one of the highlights! We recommend the chicken majboos (Machboos Deyay) or lamb majboos (Laham Machboos). You can also go for seafood options like fish or shrimp majboos.
Each plate comes with rice, spices, salad, and yogurt.
Pro Tip:
If you have friends or family who have never tried Emirati food before, Arabian Tea House is a great place to start. The food is delicious, the place is pretty, and it gives a good feel of local culture.
2. Al Fanar
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Website: https://www.alfanarrestaurant.com/
Address: Ground Floor, Dubai Festival City Mall, Near P.F.Chang’s, Canal Walk – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 4 232 9966
Operating Hours: Monday – 9 AM to 10 PM; Tuesday – 9 AM to 10 PM; Wednesday – 9 AM to 10 PM; Thursday – 9 AM to 10 PM; Friday – 9 AM to 10 PM; Saturday – 9 AM to 10 PM; Sunday – 9 AM to 10 PM
Price Range: $$-$$$
If you’re curious about local dishes or want to learn more about Emirati food, Al Fanar is a great choice. You don’t just get a meal—you get a little taste of the UAE’s history too!
It’s located inside Dubai Festival City Mall and feels like stepping back in time. The restaurant is designed to look like Dubai in the 1960s, with old-style furniture, desert scenes, and models of classic Land Rovers.
But what makes this place special is the food. They are well known for majboos, which come in different versions. You can try the Fish Machboos or the Shrimp Majboos! If you like something crunchy, the crispy calamari is also a favorite and goes well with the spiced rice.
Al Fanar is perfect for families, couples, or tourists who want to taste something uniquely Dubai. The large servings are great for sharing, and you can also sit outside by the Canal Walk to enjoy the view. It’s a relaxing place to stop after shopping or walking around the mall!
Pro Tip:
Sit outside if the weather is nice! You’ll enjoy a nice view of the Canal Walk and the old Dubai-style decor.
3. Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant
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Website: https://alkhayma.com/restaurant/al-khayma-heritage-restaurant-dubai
Address: Historical Neighbourhood – 79 Al Mussallah Rd – Al Fahidi – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 55 180 2080
Operating Hours: Monday – 8 AM to 11 PM; Tuesday – 8 AM to 11 PM; Wednesday – 8 AM to 11 PM; Thursday – 8 AM to 11 PM; Friday – 8 AM to 11 PM; Saturday – 8 AM to 11 PM; Sunday – 8 AM to 11 PM
Price Range: $$-$$$
Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant, located in the Al Fahidi Historical District, is a restaurant that feels like a step back in time, with its old-style decorations, the bread made fresh in front of you, and the staff wearing traditional clothes. It’s not just a meal—it’s a cultural experience!
The restaurant has won a Michelin Bib Gourmand award for serving high-quality food at fair prices. Their Lamb Machboos is one of the best in the city! The lamb is soft and full of flavor, served with saffron rice and special Emirati spices.
You can also try it with chicken, shrimp, or vegetables if you prefer something else.
You can pair the rice with a fresh Jer Jer Salad or their Regag Bread. For dessert, enjoy sweet Luqaimat (fried dough balls) or a Date Pudding. You can also try a cup of Karak Tea or a cold Mango Passion juice to go with your meal!
Pro Tip:
The restaurant gets busy on weekends and holidays, so it’s smart to book a table ahead of time. This is especially helpful if you’re coming with family or a group of friends.
4. Gerbou
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Website: https://www.gerbou.com/
Address: Nad Al Sheba 1 Intersection Street – 5 & 20 – 5 – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 4 222 6888
Operating Hours: Monday – 7 AM to 11 PM; Tuesday – 7 AM to 11 PM; Wednesday – 7 AM to 11 PM; Thursday – 7 AM to 11 PM; Saturday – 8 AM to 12 AM; Sunday – 8 AM to 12 AM
Price Range: $$$$
For a fresh take on Emirati comfort food like majboos, check out Gerbou! Located in Nad Al Sheba, this restaurant offers time-honored traditions with a modern twist.
It’s a collaboration between the team behind the Michelin-starred 11 Woodfire and the contemporary art hub Tashkeel.
The restaurant is inside a carefully restored villa from 1987. Everything in the space honors Emirati heritage, from the ghaf wood furniture to the woven patterns and art pieces. The place tells a story of the UAE’s past and present.
One of the top dishes is the Chicken Machboos—a favorite in the UAE–and is served with a homemade achar (pickled sauce).
Other must-try dishes include the Lamb Badanjan and the Cabbage Mille-Feuille. For dessert, don’t miss the Sago Custard, inspired by a traditional Emirati drink.
Pro Tip:
For a special dining experience, join the Gerbou Supper Club, held every Saturday and Sunday. You’ll enjoy an 8-course meal with just 10 guests—a quiet, personal evening perfect for food lovers or a special occasion.
5. Al Marhabani Restaurant
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Website: https://almarhabani.com/
Address: Jumeira St – opposite ENOC Station – Jumeirah – Umm Suqeim 1 – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 4 394 9888
Operating Hours: Monday – 12 to 10:45 PM; Tuesday – 12 to 10:45 PM; Wednesday – 12 to 10:45 PM; Thursday – 12 to 10:45 PM; Friday – 12 to 10:45 PM; Saturday – 12 to 10:45 PM; Sunday – 12 to 10:45 PM
Price Range: $$
For Yemeni and Arabian cuisine in Dubai, try Al Marhabani Restaurant in Jumeirah. It’s a great choice if you want a filling rice meal like majboos or mandi.
The restaurant is great for families. There are private cabins for a more quiet meal, and the whole place feels warm and welcoming.
As soon as you walk in, you’ll smell the spices and slow-cooked meat. If you love majboos, you’re in the right place—they serve chicken, lamb, fish, and prawn majboos.
Besides majboos, you can also try the Meat Madbi, Mix Grills, and Grilled Chicken. They taste great with their spicy mandi sauce and cucumber yogurt! The fattoush salad and cheese kunafa are also great additions to your meal.
Pro Tip:
Take advantage of the free parking available near the restaurant. This makes visiting guests for group dinners easy, even during busy hours.
6. Logma
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Address: Unit TF – 004 – Financial Ctr St – Downtown Dubai – Dubai (in Dubai Mall)
Contact Details: +971 4 241 5557
Operating Hours: Monday – 10 AM to 12 AM; Tuesday – 10 AM to 12 AM; Wednesday – 10 AM to 12 AM; Thursday – 10 AM to 12 AM; Friday – 10 AM to 1 AM; Saturday – 10 AM to 1 Am; Sunday – 10 AM to 1 AM
Price Range: $$-$$$
Located in Dubai Mall, Logma is a modern Emirati restaurant that gives traditional Gulf flavors new life. Since opening in 2015, it’s become a favorite for both locals and visitors—and it’s easy to see why.
If you’re craving the traditional rice dish, go for their well-seasoned Lamb Majboos. The Chicken Machboos is also a great choice, especially if you prefer a lighter flavor profile.
Alongside the meal, we recommend the Logma Fries as a side, as well as the Cheese or Lamb Samboosa. The Shawarma Paratha are crowd-favorites too!
For dessert, the Logaimat (sweet dumplings with date syrup) is the perfect end to the meal.
Pro Tip:
If you want to sit outside with a view of the fountain, it’s best to book a table ahead of time. These spots fill up fast, especially in the evening when the fountain show is on.
7. Al Mashowa
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Website: https://www.dubaiparksandresorts.com/en/riverland/restaurant/al-mashowa
Address: Riverland Dubai – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 4 820 4330
Operating Hours: Monday – 1 to 9 PM; Tuesday – 1 to 9 PM; Wednesday – 1 to 9 PM; Thursday – 1 to 10 PM; Friday – 1 to 10 PM; Saturday – 1 to 9 PM; Sunday – 1 to 9 PM
Price Range: $$
If you’re craving majboos while enjoying a day at Dubai Parks and Resorts, make sure to stop by Al Mashowa in Lapita Park. The restaurant serves Gulf-region food and offers outdoor seating along with a family-friendly menu.
The most popular dish here is majboos, with the chicken and fish versions being crowd favorites. If you want something lighter on the side, try the quinoa salad or arugula salad for balance.
Don’t forget to order the lemon mint drink—it’s fresh and perfect for hot days spent walking around the parks!
Pro Tip:
Thanks to its location, Al Mashowa is a nice place to relax, especially for those who enjoy shisha. Many people come here to have drinks, shisha, and enjoy the peaceful views.
8. Najd Palace Restaurant & Kitchen
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Address: Jumeirah Beach Rd – Umm Suqeim – Umm Suqeim 1 – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 600 544546
Operating Hours: Monday – 12 PM to 3 AM; Tuesday – 12 PM to 3 AM; Wednesday – 12 PM to 3 AM; Thursday – 12 PM to 3 PM; Friday – 12 PM to 3 AM; Saturday – 12 PM to 3 AM; Sunday – 12 PM to 3 AM
Price Range: $$-$$$
Najd Palace Restaurant & Kitchen serves real Saudi Arabian food in the Jumeirah area. True to its theme, the restaurant has Arabic decor and even play soft Arabic music in the background.
In this restaurant, majboos or kabsa are a favorite in the menu! It’s often served with green chilies and a side of crisp white onions that add just the right bite.
Beyond the majboos, the Saudi Mandi Meat and Madfoon meat are also top choices. . For variety, try the mixed grill platter. The falafel, moutabal, and hummus are excellent starters!
Pro Tip:
Come hungry, because the portions are big! There’s a lot to enjoy, so make sure you have room for both the main dishes and dessert.