{"id":5064,"date":"2026-03-27T01:30:20","date_gmt":"2026-03-26T19:30:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wander-bear.com\/?post_type=destinations&p=5064"},"modified":"2026-03-27T01:37:14","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T19:37:14","slug":"top-10-food-in-the-united-emirates","status":"publish","type":"destinations","link":"https:\/\/wander-bear.com\/nl\/destinations\/top-10-food-in-the-united-emirates\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Foods You Have to Try in the United Arab Emirates"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Dubai is not just about skyscrapers and luxury \u2014 it\u2019s also a paradise for food lovers. The city brings together flavors from all over the world, but especially from the Middle East, South Asia, and North Africa. <\/strong><\/p>

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From simple street food to rich traditional dishes, Dubai offers something for every taste and budget. One of the best ways to experience the culture here is through its food. Whether you\u2019re eating at a local spot in Deira or a restaurant with a view, every meal tells a story. In this guide, you\u2019ll discover the top 10 foods you absolutely have to try in Dubai.<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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1. Shawarma\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Shawarma is probably the most popular street food in Dubai, and for good reason. It\u2019s simple, quick, and incredibly flavorful. Thin slices of marinated meat are shaved off a rotating spit and wrapped in flatbread with garlic sauce, pickles, and vegetables. You\u2019ll find shawarma stands everywhere, especially in local neighborhoods.<\/p>

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It\u2019s one of the cheapest meals you can get, often just a few euros. Despite its simplicity, the taste is unforgettable. It\u2019s perfect as a quick lunch or late-night snack. If you try only one street food in Dubai, make it this.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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2. Al Machboos\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Al Machboos is one of the most traditional Emirati dishes you can try. It\u2019s a spiced rice dish, usually served with chicken, lamb, or seafood. The flavors are rich but not too heavy, with a mix of spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and dried lime. It\u2019s similar to biryani, but with a unique local twist.<\/p>

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This dish gives you a real taste of Emirati culture. You\u2019ll find it in traditional restaurants rather than street stalls. It\u2019s filling, comforting, and full of depth. Definitely worth trying if you want something authentic.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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3. Luqaimat\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Luqaimat are small, sweet dumplings that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They are usually drizzled with date syrup or honey and sprinkled with sesame seeds. This is a traditional dessert often served during Ramadan, but you can find it year-round.<\/p>

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They\u2019re light, addictive, and perfect to share. The sweetness is balanced, not overwhelming. It\u2019s one of those desserts you didn\u2019t know you needed until you try it. A must for anyone with a sweet tooth.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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4. Hummus<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Hummus is a staple across the Middle East, and Dubai does it exceptionally well. Made from blended chickpeas, tahini, lemon, and garlic, it\u2019s smooth and full of flavor. It\u2019s usually served with warm flatbread.<\/p>

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While it sounds simple, good hummus can be surprisingly rich and satisfying. It\u2019s often part of a larger meal with multiple dishes. Perfect as a starter or side. In Dubai, you\u2019ll find both traditional and modern variations. It\u2019s a must-try dish that fits any meal.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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5. Mixed Grill<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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A mixed grill platter is perfect if you want to try a bit of everything. It usually includes kebabs, lamb chops, chicken, and sometimes kofta. Served with rice, bread, and sauces, it\u2019s a complete meal. The meat is often grilled over charcoal, giving it a smoky flavor.<\/p>

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Portions are generous, so it\u2019s great for sharing. This dish is very popular in Dubai\u2019s Middle Eastern restaurants. It\u2019s filling, flavorful, and satisfying. A great choice for dinner.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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6. Manakish<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Manakish is often called the Middle Eastern pizza. It\u2019s flatbread topped with ingredients like za\u2019atar, cheese, or minced meat.<\/p>

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It\u2019s commonly eaten for breakfast or as a snack. Freshly baked and served hot, it\u2019s simple but delicious. You\u2019ll find it in bakeries across Dubai. It\u2019s also very affordable. Perfect if you want something quick and local. A great way to start your day.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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7. Harees\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Harees is a traditional dish made from wheat and meat, cooked slowly until it becomes soft and creamy. It has a very simple appearance, but the taste is comforting and rich.<\/p>

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It\u2019s often eaten during Ramadan and special occasions. This is a dish deeply rooted in Emirati culture. It\u2019s not as widely available as other foods, but worth trying if you find it. It\u2019s hearty and filling. A true cultural experience.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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8. Sambousek<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Sambousek are small fried or baked pastries filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables. They\u2019re crispy, savory, and perfect as a snack or appetizer.<\/p>

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You\u2019ll often find them in Middle Eastern restaurants. They\u2019re similar to samosas, but with a regional twist. Easy to eat and very flavorful. Great for sharing. A popular choice across the region.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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9. Falafel<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Falafel is another street food classic. These deep-fried balls made from chickpeas or fava beans are crispy on the outside and soft inside.<\/p>

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They\u2019re often served in wraps or with salads. It\u2019s a great vegetarian option. Cheap, filling, and delicious. You\u2019ll find it almost everywhere in Dubai. Perfect for a quick bite on the go.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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10. Kunafa<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Kunafa is a rich and indulgent dessert made with thin pastry, cheese, and sweet syrup. It\u2019s warm, sweet, and slightly crunchy. Often topped with pistachios, it\u2019s a favorite across the Middle East. It\u2019s definitely on the sweeter side, but worth trying at least once.<\/p>

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Best enjoyed with a cup of Arabic tea or coffee. A perfect way to end your meal.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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