Best restaurants and what to eat
United Arab Emirates
Dubai’s food culture reflects a meeting point of Emirati heritage, Gulf seafood, Bedouin pantry staples, and the cosmopolitan influence of a global trading city. Traditional flavors center on dates, spices, rice dishes, grilled meats, fresh fish, and slow-cooked specialties, often paired with cardamom coffee and sweet, syrup-soaked desserts.
A prized Emirati date variety with a rich caramel-like sweetness, soft flesh, and a glossy amber-brown skin. In Dubai it is enjoyed fresh or at the perfectly ripened stage, often served with Arabic coffee and offered to guests as a symbol of hospitality.
Thick date molasses made from local dates, with deep toffee, raisin, and molasses notes. It is used as a dessert drizzle, stirred into sauces, or spread with bread, giving dishes a concentrated Gulf sweetness and glossy finish.
A fragrant clarified butter with a nutty aroma and a clean, rich finish, essential in Emirati home cooking. It enriches rice dishes, flatbreads, and sweets, adding depth and a luxurious mouthfeel.
A thick, tangy strained yogurt cheese with a silky texture and bright dairy acidity. In Dubai it is commonly served with olive oil, za'atar, and bread, balancing the region’s richer meat and rice dishes.
A simple Emirati flatbread that is soft, lightly chewy, and ideal for scooping sauces or accompanying stews. Its understated flavor makes it a staple beside breakfast spreads and grilled dishes.
An ultra-thin, crisp-to-soft flatbread baked on a hot surface, prized for its delicate texture. It is often layered with eggs, cheese, or herbs, and serves as a versatile base in Gulf kitchens.
Lightly roasted Arabic coffee scented with cardamom, sometimes saffron or cloves, and served in small cups without milk. In Dubai it is a hallmark of hospitality, usually paired with dates and offered throughout the day.
A traditional cardamom-forward coffee style served in the Gulf, aromatic and gently bitter with a golden-brown hue. It is commonly poured from a dallah and enjoyed in social and ceremonial settings.
A strong spiced tea brewed with milk and often flavored with cardamom, cloves, or saffron. It is a daily comfort drink in Dubai, served piping hot in small glasses at cafeterias and homes.
A refreshing salted yogurt drink with a tangy, cooling profile that suits the Gulf climate. Served chilled, it is especially popular alongside spicy meals and grilled foods.
A classic Levantine-and-Gulf style date-and-grape molasses drink served over ice, often topped with pine nuts or raisins. Sweet, smoky, and floral, it is especially refreshing in warm weather.
A cooling licorice-root drink with a dark, herbal sweetness and a distinctive earthy finish. Traditionally served chilled, it is a popular hot-weather refreshment in the region.
A deeply comforting Emirati staple of slow-cooked wheat and meat, beaten until creamy and smooth. Its mild graininess, savory richness, and finishing drizzle of ghee make it a defining Dubai and UAE celebratory dish.
Spiced rice cooked with meat, chicken, or fish, layered with dried lime, tomato, and Gulf aromatics. It is fragrant, hearty, and central to family meals and festive gatherings in Dubai.
A bread-soaked stew where torn flatbread absorbs a richly spiced meat and vegetable broth. The result is rustic, nourishing, and full of layered flavor, especially treasured during Ramadan.
A slow-cooked rice-and-meat dish known for its deep seasoning and tender texture. The long cooking time produces an aromatic, celebratory meal with a satisfying, almost smoky savoriness.
A thick, porridge-like chicken dish built from rice, spices, and long simmering. It has a creamy body and gentle heat, making it one of the region’s most comforting home dishes.
A Gulf-style meat and bread dish with a humble origin and a deeply satisfying savory character. It is valued for its ability to transform simple ingredients into a rich communal meal.