9 Delicious Things to Do in Dubai for Foodies
There are a lot of bucket-list-worthy things to do in Dubai, but if you ask me, eating your way through this city should be at the top of every traveler’s list. Dubai is made up of roughly 85% expats, which means you’re going to find authentic cuisines from around the world here.
If you’re like me and love sampling all the local food when you visit a new city, I’ve got you covered with 9 delicious things to do in Dubai for foodies. From snacking on Indian chaat and Arabic mezze in Old Dubai to seeking out Dubai’s famous viral chocolate bar to eating your way through the trendy Time Out Market, there are endless foodie experiences to be had in Dubai!
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9 Delicious Things to Do in Dubai for Foodies
1. Try the Viral Dubai Chocolate Bar
FIX Dessert Chocolatier became all the rage in the UAE and around the world in 2024 after going viral in an ASMR video on TikTok, of all things! Their sinfully stuffed chocolate bars are still in high demand, to the point that each handmade batch still sells out within minutes each day.
With Middle Eastern-inspired flavors like the ooey-gooey Can’t Get Knafeh of It and Baklawa II The Future to the European-influenced Mind Your Own Buiscoff and Cereously Choosy, there’s good reason people are literally traveling to Dubai just to try them.
If you want to sample one of FIX’s viral chocolate bars, you can only find them on the Deliveroo app (a food delivery app in Dubai), where they are sold at 2 pm and 5 pm each day for AED 68.25 each. Good luck trying to get one!
2. Try Everything at Time Out Market
Time Out Market is one of my go-to places whenever I’m in Downtown Dubai. This is definitely one of the best places to visit in Dubai for foodies because it’s home to 20 food and drink concepts, so there really will be something for all tastes!
You can order a “not quite Neapolitan, not quite New York” pizza at Pitfire, a bespoke cheeseburger or chicken sando at Pickl, a cheese or cold cuts platter from Odeon Cart, a green curry or pad kra pao from Café Isan Thai, a pastrami Reuben or brisket grilled cheese at Mattar – the list goes on.
And if you’re in the mood for a tipple, there are two bars on-site where you can grab beer, wine, and cocktails, as well as a mocktail bar. Snag a seat on the terrace, and you’ll get incredible views of the Dubai Fountain Show as you drink and dine!
3. Sample Authentic Global Eats in Satwa
Dubai might be best known for its Michelin-star restaurants and fine dining eateries but I argue that the real heart and soul of Dubai’s culinary scene is in its street food and no-frills, no-nonsense restaurants.
For a taste of some of the best authentic food in the city, make your way to Satwa and to 2nd December Street especially. This is the best place to eat your way around the world on the cheap in Dubai.
Go to Ravi for Pakistani (Anthony Bourdain once dined here!), Al Mallah for Lebanese, Miamix for Sri Lankan, Kusina Natin To for Filipino – just to name a few options.
But really, take a stroll around the bustling streets of Satwa, and you’ll find enticing option after enticing option, perfect for popping into and trying something new.
4. Take a Frying Pan Adventures Food Tour
Featured in Season 7 of “Somebody Feed Phil,” Frying Pan Adventures has long been an institution in Dubai’s food tour scene. This company is run by two sisters who grew up in Dubai in the ’80s and are all about promoting and preserving local food culture.
I love their food tours because they take you through the more authentic areas of Dubai so you can get a taste of the city’s incredible multicultural food scene while also learning about local history and culture.
There are a bunch of different tours on offer. But to give you an idea, you can sample mezze in Deira on the Middle Eastern Food Pilgrimage, eat your way through Dubai’s historic souks on the Dubai Souks and Creekside Food Walk, explore Dubai’s oldest Indian neighborhood on the Little India Food Tour, or get your Chinese food fix on the International City Noodle Tour, to name a few of their unique foodie tours.
5. Get Ice Cream at Rumailah Farm Cafe
Whenever I see a Rumailah Farm cafe or drive-thru while I’m traveling around the UAE, I can’t resist pulling over and ordering something off of their farm fresh menu. The actual Rumailah Farm is the UAE’s first Jersey cow milk farm and everything from their ice creams to their coffee drinks to their desserts are seriously delicious.
I first came across a Rumailah Farm drive-thru during a trip to Fujairah and randomly ordered a coconut ice cream and date pudding. This combination is so good and I was hooked right away. Turns out they also have an outpost right here in Dubai’s Jumeirah so it’s possible to get my fix whenever I want.
Rumailah Farm is a must on any foodie’s Dubai bucket list. But do note that on evenings and weekends, the line may be long. This place is super popular, after all!
6. Enjoy an Emirati Meal at the Arabian Tea House
One of the best food-centric things to do in Dubai is to enjoy a traditional Emirati meal at the Arabian Tea House in Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood. With its old-world style architecture, vintage decor, and tree-shaded courtyard, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to times past.
This is the perfect spot to while away an hour or two while sipping gahwa (traditional Arabic coffee) or a cup of the Arabian Tea House “Special Tea.” Better yet, head here in the morning and pair your traditional beverage with the Special Emirati Breakfast Tray.
This traditional breakfast platter comes with all the Emirati classics – from balaleet (vermicelli with cardamom, cinnamon, saffron, and an omelet), jam, and cheese to a handful of small sides and three traditional breads.
Don’t worry if you can’t make it for breakfast, though, because the menu features all sorts of classic Emirati dishes, so no matter when you visit, you can get a taste of the local cuisine.
7. Eat Around the World in Global Village
True to its name, Global Village is where to go in Dubai if you want to eat your way around the world without having to travel around the world. You’ll find over 30 countries represented at Global Village, so trust me when I say come hungry!
One of the most popular places to eat in Global Village is the Floating Market, where you can find Thai staples like mango sticky rice, pad Thai, and papaya salad, as well as all manner of spicy grilled seafood and other Southeast Asian staples.
And then there are the vendors selling Bosnian kebabs, Japanese takoyaki (battered balls with octopus), Turkish borek, Arabic luqaimat, Indian chaat, Iranian kubideh (kofta kabab), Nashville hot chicken, Pakistani biryanis, Mexican tacos…
Like I said, come hungry.
8. Get Your Indian Food Fix at Meena Bazaar
Located in Bur Dubai, near the Al Fahidi Historical District, Meena Bazaar is a must for Indian food lovers, as well as shopaholics. When you’re not browsing the countless items for sale, you can sample all sorts of cheap Indian delights from the restaurants and food stalls.
From lassis, pani puris, and samosas to all manner of vada pav, dosas, and more, you’ll want to bring your appetite to Meena Bazaar.
9. Experience a Ramadan Iftar
I often argue that Ramadan is one of the most magical times to visit Dubai and the iftar tradition is a big reason why. If you do happen to be in Dubai during Ramadan, I highly suggest joining in on an iftar meal.
So what is iftar? Iftar is when Muslims break their fast for the day when the sun sets. This takes place each evening during the Holy Month of Ramadan, and in Dubai, there are countless iftar experiences to join in on.
While you can attend lavish iftar meals at most of the top hotels and restaurants in town, I highly suggest making your way to Old Dubai for a more traditional and communal experience.
You’ll see people gather together in the streets to enjoy their iftar meal with each other as the sun dips below the horizon and the call to prayer emanates from the many neighborhood mosques. It’s a magical experience, the perfect combination of cuisine and culture, and a beautiful example of how food can bring people together.
