Dubai is not just about skyscrapers and luxury; it’s also a global hub for gastronomy. Learn more by reading this post.
When you think of Dubai, you’re immediately transported to the sandy dunes, the Burj Khalifa, designer brands, and fancy cars. But there’s more to this amazing city than all these things. Yes, we’re talking about food.
The global nature of the city means that you can expect a lot of different cuisines there. That’s why you might find a Lebanese restaurant in Dubai next to, say, an Italian bistro. But why is this so?
Let’s find out below.
Dubai Is A Melting Pot of Global Cuisines
With more than 10 million expats, Dubai has become a melting pot of many global cuisines. For example, you can expect to see Lebanese shawarma, Japanese sashimi, Italian pasta, and Indian biryani in the same neighbourhood.
This variety means that you can plan a culinary trip around the globe without ever having to apply for a visa.
You could begin your tour with Lebanese shawarma, munch on a few Japanese sashimis, and grab pasta for lunch. After that, you could conclude your day with Indian biriyani, which will sate your soul and stomach.
Depending on your preferences, you could either visit an authentic place like Shawarma Station in Dubai or a souk. This brings us to another point.
Dubai also has many authentic restaurants that are known for their global cuisines with native chefs. For instance, the Shawarma Station is known for its Middle Eastern and Arabic cuisine. On the other hand, Sri Krishna Bhavan is well known for its authentic South Indian cuisine.
So you can choose depending on what you’re craving at the moment.
Dubai Has Many Traditional Emirati Flavors
Apart from global cuisines, you can find many traditional Emirati dishes in Dubai. Some of these include Machboos, Harees, and Madhrooba.
Machboos
Machboos is probably one of Dubai’s most popular Emirati dishes. It is a rice dish made with chicken or lamb and seasoned with cinnamon or cardamom. Finally, the chef adds vegetables on top of the dish.
You’ll love the smell of the various spices coming from your hand long after you’ve finished eating the dish.
Interestingly, the rice in the dish is cooked with the water left after cooking the meat.
That’s what gives this dish its trademark flavour. You will find this dish being served at iftar gatherings and family celebrations.
Harees
Harees is a dish that will make you feel like you’re sitting down with an Emirati family for dinner. This dish’s popularity can be seen in how it’s served not just in family dinners, but also at famous restaurants.
It is prepared from crushed wheat, chicken or beef, salt, onions, water, and ground cumin. This dish was added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2023.
Preparing Harees is also seen as an invitation to bond socially in Emirati culture.
Madhrooba
Madhrooba is a dish prepared with rice, chicken breasts, tomatoes and seasoned with different herbs and spices. It is named for the spoon that is used to mash the ingredients together.
You can have this dish on nights when you have a cold, or when it’s a little chilly outside.
Dubai Has Many Fine Dining & Michelin-Star Experiences
After having Machboos for lunch, you might just feel like living it up at a Michelin star restaurant. Yes, that’s right. Dubai has many Michelin-star restaurants, with celebrity chefs presiding over them.
Some of them are Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen and Bar, Ib Albahr, and The Artisan.
Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen and Bar
You might feel like you’re in London when you step into this restaurant. Each of the dishes at this restaurant is prepared with specially-sourced British ingredients to retain authenticity.
It is located within the popular Atlantis Hotel on the Palm Jumeirah. Some of the dishes you should not miss here are Beef Wellington, Fish and Chips and Lobster.
Ibn Albahr
The Ibn Albahr is a Lebanese restaurant in Dubai that is located on the Palm Jumeirah. It is preferred for its dishes like Jumbo Prawn, Lobster, and other seafood. You can visit this restaurant after a refreshing swim if you like.
It is good for outdoor dining, and has a nice, relaxing ambience.
The Artisan
You can visit The Artisan for some quality Italian cuisine. This is known for dishes like Bruschetta Pere E Nochi, Pizza Gamberi Alla Busara E Basilico and more. It is located within the Waldorf Astoria.
Dubai Offers Many Iconic Dining Experiences
Dubai is also home to quite a few iconic dining experiences. These include Dining in the Sky, desert dining under the stars, and waterfront dining at Dubai Marina.
Dining in the Sky
During this experience, you will get to enjoy dinner at an elevated platform above the ground. You will be suspended 50 metres or 165 feet in the air, and eat your way through a three course meal.
The seats are comfortable, and you’ll be strapped in a harness, so you don’t need to worry about falling.
Desert Dining Under The Stars
This experience is offered by certain hotels in Dubai. You can opt from various packages these establishments offer. For example, you can choose the seafood package, Arabian food package and more.
You will get butlers, and elegant table setups, as the stars twinkle over your meal.
Waterfront Dining at Dubai Marina
There are various restaurants located in the Dubai Marina. You can enjoy the view of the yachts or boats going by while you enjoy your food. Another way you could enjoy your food is by opting for BBQs on yachts.
This would allow you to be on the Marina, and get a beautiful view of the place.
Dubai Has Amazing Street Food
If you’re more of a street food person, Dubai has many popular street food stalls as well. You could visit the stalls in various souks or head to Al Dhiyafah Street. Some popular dishes you could encounter there are Shawarma, Harees, Kebabs, and Madhrooba.
Kebabs refer to skewered meat grilled slowly over a coal fire. You can expect to find lamb kebabs, chicken kebabs or beef kebabs.
The Last Word
Dubai is a true food paradise, with global flavors, Emirati heritage, luxury dining, unique experiences, and vibrant street food. So, whether you’re a budget foodie or a fine-dining enthusiast, Dubai offers something for everyone.
Ready To Indulge Your Inner Foodie?
Put on some walking shoes, and get ready to visit these popular restaurants today!