The United Arab Emirates combines futuristic cities with ancient desert traditions, offering world-class luxury, innovative architecture, and rich cultural heritage. From Dubai's soaring Burj Khalifa to Abu Dhabi's stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the UAE delivers unforgettable experiences for every traveler.
The UAE is one of the world's great multicultural dining destinations with over 200 nationalities represented in Dubai and Abu Dhabi's restaurant scenes. Emirati cuisine itself features Arabic spice blends, slow-cooked meats, fragrant rice dishes, and seafood reflecting the pearl-diving heritage. The country also has world-class Indian, Pakistani, Lebanese, Persian, and Western cuisine at every price point.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define United Arab Emirates.
Machboos
The UAE's national dish - fragrant rice slow-cooked with lamb or chicken, dried limes (loomi), and a complex spice blend that includes cardamom, cinnamon, and rose water. Similar to biryani but with distinct Gulf flavors.
Where to try: Al Fanar Restaurant, Logma, Emirati home cooking experiences
Price: $15-25
Harees
A traditional comfort food of wheat and slow-cooked meat blended to a porridge consistency. Served during Ramadan and celebrations, it is considered a dish that connects modern Emiratis to their ancestors.
Where to try: Al Fanar Restaurant, Bu Qtair (occasional), Ramadan tent menus
Price: $10-20
Luqaimat
Crispy fried dumplings drizzled with date syrup and sesame seeds - the UAE's most beloved sweet street food. Vendors cook them fresh to order at markets and street stalls throughout the country.
Where to try: Spice Souk, Global Village, traditional market stalls
Price: $3-8
Shawarma
UAE's most popular street food - spiced chicken or lamb carved from a vertical rotisserie into flatbread with garlic sauce, pickles, and vegetables. Every corner in Deira and Satwa has a shawarma spot.
Where to try: Al Mallah (Satwa), Operation Falafel, any Lebanese shawarma shop
Price: $2-5
Camel Milk Ice Cream
A uniquely Emirati experience - camel milk has a naturally lower fat content than cow's milk and creates ice cream with distinctive subtle flavor. Available at Camelicious kiosks and several dessert shops.
Where to try: Camelicious kiosks, Global Village UAE pavilion, specialty shops
Price: $5-10
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Nobu Dubai
Celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa's acclaimed restaurant at Atlantis The Palm offers innovative Japanese-Peruvian cuisine with ocean views. Signature dishes include black cod miso and yellowtail jalapeño.
Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
3Fils
A trendy waterfront restaurant at Jumeirah Fishing Harbour offering innovative Asian fusion dishes. The casual venue gained international recognition for creative flavors and relaxed atmosphere.
Jumeirah Fishing Harbour, Dubai
Operation Falafel
A popular casual chain serving fresh falafel, shawarma, and Middle Eastern street food. The modern take on traditional flavors appeals to health-conscious diners.
Multiple Locations, Dubai
Al Reef Bakery
A beloved Lebanese bakery chain offering fresh manakish, pastries, and sweets. The affordable prices and quality make it a local favorite.
Multiple Locations, Dubai
Arabian Tea House
A heritage cafe in Al Fahidi serving traditional Emirati breakfast and afternoon tea. The courtyard setting offers authentic atmosphere in historic Dubai.
Al Fahidi Historical District, Dubai
Pierchic
A romantic overwater restaurant at the end of a pier offering fresh seafood and stunning Burj Al Arab views. The intimate venue is perfect for special occasions with impeccable service.
Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai
TOTÓ
A charming Italian restaurant backed by Rafael Nadal and Cristiano Ronaldo serving traditional flavors on Saadiyat Island. The venue offers authentic pasta, pizza, and Italian classics.
Mamsha Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi
Zaroob
A vibrant street food restaurant celebrating Levantine flavors in a retro setting. The casual venue offers manakish, saj wraps, and traditional sweets.
Multiple Locations, Dubai
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Japanese-Peruvian Fusion
Nobu Dubai
Asian Fusion
3Fils
Middle Eastern
Operation Falafel
Shawarma Station
Lebanese Bakery
Al Reef Bakery
Emirati Cafe
Arabian Tea House
Logma
Seafood
Pierchic
Al Mahara
Bu Qtair
Crab
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Shawarma (chicken or lamb)
The UAE's unofficial national street food, consumed by millions daily. Al Mallah in Satwa serves Dubai's most iconic version until 3am.
Find it at: Al Mallah (Satwa), shawarma stalls throughout Deira and Bur Dubai
Biryani (Indian/Pakistani)
Rich spiced rice with chicken or lamb from the UAE's large South Asian community. Ravi Restaurant in Satwa serves some of the best value biryani in the country.
Find it at: Karama, Satwa, Al Nahda neighborhoods, Indian/Pakistani restaurants citywide
Manousheh (Lebanese flatbread)
Fresh baked flatbread topped with zaatar and olive oil or cheese, the Lebanese breakfast staple available at bakeries from 6am. Excellent for a quick cheap breakfast.
Find it at: Lebanese bakeries throughout Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Karak Chai (spiced milk tea)
Strong sweet tea brewed with cardamom, cinnamon, and condensed milk served from roadside trucks for AED 1-3. A UAE street institution not to be missed.
Find it at: Roadside karak trucks citywide, especially Deira and Satwa
Al Harees (weekend special)
Traditional wheat and meat porridge cooked overnight, available from Emirati restaurants on weekend mornings. A rare street food with deep cultural roots.
Find it at: Al Fanar Restaurant, Emirati market vendors on weekends
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Dubai Spice Souk
Fragrant covered market with sacks of saffron, cardamom, dried limes, frankincense, and spice blends from Iran, India, and East Africa. Best prices for saffron in the world.
Hours: Sat-Thu 9AM-10PM, Fri 4PM-10PM
Abu Dhabi Central Market (Al Mina)
Abu Dhabi's traditional food market area featuring the exceptional Fish Market, Meat Market, and Vegetable Market. The 5am fish market is a spectacular culinary experience.
Hours: Fish Market 5AM-2PM daily; other sections 7AM-8PM
Dubai Fish Market (Deira)
The bustling Dubai fish market near Hamriya Port sells fresh Gulf seafood including hammour (grouper), shrimp, king fish, and squid. Arrive before 8am for the freshest selection.
Hours: Daily 6AM-12PM, reopen 4PM-9PM
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Lunch is the main business meal in UAE - many top restaurants offer excellent value set lunches at AED 70-120 versus AED 200+ at dinner
Restaurants in Dubai and Abu Dhabi malls are licensed and open on Fridays, but hours shift during Ramadan
Large Arabic meals traditionally involve sharing - order multiple mezze dishes rather than individual starters and mains
Service charge (5-10%) is often added to bills automatically; additional tips appreciated for exceptional service
Emirati cuisine is genuinely hard to find - seek out Al Fanar, Logma, and Loca for authentic local food beyond tourist-facing menus
- Vegetarian
- Excellent options in Indian and Lebanese restaurants. Emirati cuisine often meat-heavy but Lebanese mezze is naturally vegetarian-friendly.
- Vegan
- Growing vegan scene in Dubai. Comptoir 102, Bounty Beets, and Life'n One specialize in plant-based food.
- Halal
- UAE is almost entirely halal. Non-halal meat is served at licensed venues in hotels only.
- Alcohol
- Alcohol served only at licensed venues (hotels and clubs). Restaurants in malls generally do not serve alcohol.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $5-15/meal | Street food shawarma, biryani, karak tea, Indian/Pakistani restaurants |
| Mid-range | $25-60/meal | Lebanese, Asian, casual dining restaurants in hotels and malls |
| Upscale | $100-300+/meal | Fine dining, celebrity chef restaurants, hotel restaurants with views |