The Best Local Foods to Try in Dubai
Dubai has become a melting pot of different cultures, especially with its huge expat population. This also means that food in the city has become as diverse as its people!
But if you want to immerse yourself in Emirati culture, start by experiencing the local food scene in Dubai. So in this guide, we’ll walk you through these foods and the best spots in the city to get them.
Dubai’s Must-Try Local Foods
Shawarma
You can get shawarma anywhere in the world, but nothing compares to the authentic shawarma that you can find in Dubai.
In fact, the sight of a huge vertical rotisserie cooking chicken, beef, turkey or veal meat that’s marinated with Middle Eastern spices is already a culinary experience.
Shawarma is a staple of Middle Eastern cuisine originating from the 19th century Ottoman Empire.
Back then, people would stack meat slices and grill them horizontally, cutting off pieces as they cooked because they discovered that it kept the meat moist and cooked it faster.
Did You Know?
The Arabic term “shawarma” doesn’t refer to the food itself but the way of cooking the meat.
The term comes from the Turkish word “cevirme” that means “turning” to describe how the meat is cooked on a rotating rotisserie.
Today, shawarma is a favorite snack among locals and tourists because it’s easy to grab and go, it’s very filling and of course, it’s budget-friendly.
It’s actually one of the best budget foods in Dubai and you can find a shawarma shop in almost every corner in the city.
The Best Places to Get Shawarma in Dubai
There’s no shortage of authentic shawarma shops in Dubai, but here are the top places in the city where you can grab this delicious snack:
Luqaimat
If you’re a fan of doughnuts, you’ll love one of the most popular local foods in Dubai, the luqaimat.
These sweet doughnut balls are fried until they’re crispy on the outside and drizzled with a traditional sugar or date syrup to give it that extra sweetness.
Did You Know?
The term “luqaimat” comes from the Arabic word “luqma,” which means bite or morsel.
The dessert was originally called “luqmat al-qadi” or “judge’s morsels.” Luqaimat is also known as “lokma” in Turkish cuisine and “loukoumades” in Greek cuisine.
The history of making luqaimat dates back to the medieval times where traditionally, yeast-leavened dough is fried in oil and drizzled with sugar syrup or honey.
A good batter plays an important role in achieving that crispy exterior and pillowy interior, so making luqaimat takes true mastery for the craft.
Aside from being a popular afternoon snack paired with Arabic tea, luqaimat is also eaten a lot during the Holy Month of Ramadan.
The Best Places to Get Luqaimat in Dubai
Whether you’re looking for a perfect dessert to finish a delicious Emirati meal or a snack during tea time, these are the best places in Dubai to get luqaimat:
Khuzi
Khuzi or ghuzi is the national dish of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and it’s a feast for the senses.
The star of this dish is the roasted lamb that’s served on a bed of rice with vegetables, nuts and raisins.
It also speaks of Emirati and Middle Eastern cuisine with all the spices used in making the dish including saffron, nutmeg and cinnamon.
The Best Places to Get Khuzi in Dubai
Khuzi is a staple in Emirati homes during special occasions because it’s a dish perfect for big gatherings.
But you can also enjoy authentic khuzi in one of these top-rated spots in Dubai:
Samosa
Although it originated in Central Asia, the samosa is a well-loved snack in the Middle East and you’ll find a lot of local shops selling these fried treats in the streets of Dubai.
Samosas are so popular that September 5 is celebrated as World Samosa Day to honor this crunchy snack.
A samosa is essentially a fried pastry filled with meat, vegetables and other types of fillings depending on where you’re buying it.
Samosas are traditionally triangular-shaped, but you can also see half-moon and cone-shaped samosas depending on the region.
In Dubai, you’ll see both triangular and empanada-shaped samosas being sold on the streets and in restaurants.
Did You Know?
In Arab countries, samosas are also called “sambousek” and they are shaped like empanadas instead of the traditional triangular samosa.
These snacks are filled with cheese, meat, pine nuts and onion and widely served during the Holy Month of Ramadan.
The Best Places to Get Samosas in Dubai
Whether you like a classic or a more adventurous samosa, here are the best spots in Dubai to grab this quintessential tea time snack:
Machboos
It may be the national dish of Qatar, but machboos is a well-loved local food in Dubai.
Machboos is essentially a rice dish that’s flavored with different aromatic spices like bay leaves, cinnamon, cardamom and dry lime to give it a distinct smoky flavor.
The rice is then topped with grilled chicken, raisins and pine nuts and traditionally served in a huge platter for the family to share.
Some restaurants also use seafood or lamb as an alternative to chicken.
Machboos is also popular in Kuwaiti and Indian cuisines and they’re influenced by the use of spices in Indian cooking.
The Best Places to Get Machboos in Dubai
Never leave Dubai without trying the famous machboos in one of these top places in the city:
A Culinary Journey Through Local Foods in Dubai
Aside from its iconic landmarks, Dubai also offers world-class food options that showcase the rich history and culture of the city.
From main courses to snacks, you’ll never run out of local foods to try around the city, and you don’t have to spend a lot to enjoy an amazing culinary experience.
So, if you’re visiting Dubai soon, make sure that you set aside a day to explore the best food spots in the city and learn about Emirati cuisine that’s one of the most underrated in the world.