Famous Street Food In Dubai
Dubai's culinary landscape is as diverse as its population. The city's street food scene reflects a blend of traditional Emirati flavors and international influences. Exploring Dubai’s street food is akin to embarking on a journey through the city’s rich cultural heritage. Here are some of the most popular and beloved street foods you must try in Dubai.
Shawarma
Shawarma is perhaps the most iconic street food in Dubai. Thinly sliced meat, usually chicken or lamb, is marinated in a blend of spices and cooked on a vertical rotisserie. Served in pita bread with garlic sauce, pickles, and vegetables, shawarma is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Falafel
These deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas or fava beans are a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine. In Dubai, falafel is often served in pita bread with tahini sauce, vegetables, and pickles. It’s a delicious vegetarian option that’s both filling and flavorful.
Manakish
Often referred to as the “Arab pizza,” manakish is a popular breakfast item. It’s a flatbread topped with various ingredients like za'atar (a blend of herbs, sesame seeds, and sumac), cheese, or minced meat. Manakish is usually baked in a traditional oven and is best enjoyed fresh and hot.
Luqaimat
A traditional Emirati dessert, luqaimat are small, deep-fried dumplings soaked in date syrup or honey. These sweet treats are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them an irresistible snack.
Karak Chai
Karak chai, a strong and flavorful tea, is a favorite among the residents of Dubai. Infused with spices like cardamom and saffron, and sweetened with condensed milk, this tea is perfect for a quick pick-me-up or a leisurely chat with friends.
Samboosa
Similar to the Indian samosa, the samboosa in Dubai is a savory pastry filled with spiced meat, vegetables, or lentils. It’s a popular appetizer or snack, especially during Ramadan.
Grilled Corn
Grilled corn on the cob, often sold by street vendors, is a simple yet delightful treat. The corn is typically brushed with butter and sprinkled with spices, giving it a smoky and savory flavor.
Harees
Harees is a traditional Emirati dish made from wheat and meat, slow-cooked until it reaches a porridge-like consistency. It’s a comforting and hearty meal, especially popular during the holy month of Ramadan.
Stuffed Camel
Known for being part of the Guinness World Records as one of the largest dishes, stuffed camel is an extravagant and traditional dish often prepared for special occasions. The camel is stuffed with rice, eggs, fish, and various spices, offering a unique and lavish culinary experience.
Al Harees
Another traditional Emirati dish, Al Harees is made with wheat, meat, and a pinch of salt, all cooked together until it becomes a rich, porridge-like mixture. This dish is particularly popular during Ramadan and festive occasions.
Shish Tawook
These marinated chicken skewers are grilled to perfection and served with garlic sauce and fresh vegetables. Shish tawook is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine and a favorite among Dubai’s street food offerings.
Meat Sambousek
A variation of the samboosa, meat sambousek is a deep-fried pastry filled with minced meat, onions, and spices. It’s a delicious and satisfying snack, often enjoyed with a side of tangy sauce.
Chebab
Chebab is an Emirati-style pancake, usually served for breakfast. Made with flour, eggs, and spices, and often topped with date syrup or honey, chebab is a delightful way to start your day.
Madrouba
This comforting dish is made from rice, chicken, and a mix of spices, all cooked until it reaches a creamy consistency. Madrouba is a hearty meal that embodies the flavors of traditional Emirati cuisine.
Knafeh
A popular Middle Eastern dessert, knafeh is made from shredded phyllo dough, layered with cheese or cream, and soaked in sweet syrup. It’s a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Mishkak
Mishkak, or grilled skewers, are a popular street food in Dubai. These skewers of marinated meat, usually lamb or chicken, are grilled over charcoal and served with a side of spicy sauce.
Jalebi
Known as zulbia in Persian, jalebi is a sweet treat made by deep-frying batter in circular shapes and then soaking them in syrup. It’s crispy, sweet, and utterly delicious.
Mahalabiya
A creamy and fragrant milk pudding, mahalabiya is flavored with rose water or orange blossom water and topped with nuts. It’s a light and refreshing dessert, perfect for cooling down on a hot day.
Foul Medames
This traditional Middle Eastern dish is made from fava beans cooked with garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. It’s a nutritious and hearty meal, often eaten for breakfast.
Sfeeha
Sfeeha, or meat pies, are small pastries filled with spiced minced meat. These savory treats are perfect for a quick snack on the go.
Chai Karak
A variation of karak chai, this tea is brewed with a mix of spices and sweetened with condensed milk. It’s a popular drink to enjoy with friends or family, often accompanied by a sweet treat.
Aseeda
A traditional Emirati dessert, aseeda is made from flour, honey, and butter, cooked together until it forms a thick paste. It’s a simple yet delicious treat, often enjoyed during special occasions.
Balaleet
Balaleet is a traditional Emirati breakfast dish made from sweetened vermicelli noodles served with an omelet on top. It’s a unique combination of sweet and savory flavors.
Machboos
Similar to biryani, machboos is a spiced rice dish cooked with meat, usually chicken or lamb, and a blend of aromatic spices. It’s a staple in Emirati cuisine and a must-try for anyone visiting Dubai.
Fattoush
This fresh and tangy salad is made from mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and fried pieces of bread, all tossed in a lemony dressing. Fattoush is a refreshing side dish that pairs well with many of Dubai’s street food offerings.
Jasheed
A traditional Emirati dish made from minced baby shark, spices, and rice. Jasheed is a flavorful and hearty meal, often enjoyed by locals.
Tabbouleh
This vibrant salad is made from parsley, tomatoes, onions, and bulgur wheat, all finely chopped and mixed with lemon juice and olive oil. Tabbouleh is a healthy and refreshing option, perfect for a light meal.
Shakshuka
Shakshuka is a dish of poached eggs in a spicy tomato sauce, often flavored with onions, peppers, and cumin. It’s a popular breakfast dish and a great way to start your day.
What is the most popular street food in Dubai?
The most popular street food in Dubai is shawarma. This delicious dish consists of thinly sliced marinated meat, usually chicken or lamb, wrapped in pita bread with garlic sauce, pickles, and vegetables. It's a staple in the city's street food scene and a must-try for visitors.
Are there vegetarian options available in Dubai's street food?
Yes, there are plenty of vegetarian options available in Dubai's street food. Some popular vegetarian street foods include falafel, samboosa filled with vegetables or lentils, manakish with za'atar or cheese, and balaleet, a sweet and savory vermicelli dish.
Where can I find the best street food in Dubai?
Dubai's street food can be found in various locations across the city, including local markets, food stalls, and food trucks. Some popular areas to explore for street food include Al Rigga, Satwa, and the Global Village. These spots offer a wide variety of delicious and affordable street food options.
Is street food in Dubai safe to eat?
Street food in Dubai is generally safe to eat, as the city has strict hygiene standards and regulations in place. However, it's always a good idea to choose vendors that appear clean and have a steady flow of customers, as this is a good indicator of fresh and well-prepared food.
What are some traditional Emirati street foods to try in Dubai?
Some traditional Emirati street foods to try in Dubai include luqaimat (sweet dumplings), harees (a wheat and meat dish), machboos (a spiced rice dish with meat), and chebab (Emirati-style pancakes). These dishes offer a taste of the local culinary heritage and are highly recommended for anyone wanting to experience authentic Emirati flavors.
Can I find street food from other cuisines in Dubai?
Absolutely! Dubai is a melting pot of cultures, and its street food scene reflects this diversity. You can find street food from various cuisines, including Indian, Lebanese, Iranian, and Filipino. This variety makes Dubai an exciting destination for food lovers who want to explore different culinary traditions.
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Dubai’s street food scene is a reflection of its rich cultural diversity and culinary traditions. From savory snacks to sweet treats, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Exploring the city’s street food is not just about satisfying your taste buds but also about experiencing the vibrant culture and hospitality of Dubai.
Lalit Nathani
Visa Executive | DUBAI
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Hashani Heenatigala
Int. Visa Executive | DUBAI
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Int. Visa Executive | INDIA
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