Arabian Tea House
A famous café in an old courtyard house in Al Fahidi serving Arabic breakfast and tea.
- Category
- Café
- Duration
- 1 h
- Price
- $$
- Best time
- Early in the morning
Tip: Book ahead for weekend breakfast.
Show on mapFood & Drink – Dubai
Dubai's cuisine blends Emirati tradition with Indian, Iranian and Levantine flavours. You will find cheap, authentic meals in the old quarters and polished dining in the modern districts.
Local dishes
- Machboos – Spiced rice served with chicken, meat or fish.
- Harees – A Ramadan dish of wheat and meat slow-cooked for hours.
- Luqaimat – Fried dough balls drizzled with date syrup.
Must-try
- Gahwa with dates – Cardamom-scented Arabic coffee served with dates as a welcome.
- Karak chai – Strong, sweet, spiced milk tea.
- Knafeh – A hot dessert of cheese and syrup-soaked shredded pastry.
Street food spots
- Shawarma – Chicken or meat sliced from a spit and wrapped in flatbread.
- Falafel – Crispy fried balls made from chickpea paste.
- Manakish – Round flatbread baked with za'atar or cheese.
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Places
Bu Qtair
A famous seaside shack in Jumeirah serving the day's fish and shrimp with spicy sauce.
- Category
- Street food
- Duration
- 45 min
- Price
- $$
- Best time
- At sunset
Tip: The queue can be long, so come early in the afternoon.
Show on mapRavi Restaurant
A legendary budget eatery in Satwa serving Pakistani-style curries and grills for decades.
- Category
- Restaurant
- Duration
- 50 min
- Price
- $
- Best time
- In the evening
Tip: Bring cash and arrive before the rush.
Show on mapAl Ustad Special Kabab
A local favourite since 1978 for Iranian-style kebabs and fresh tandoor bread.
- Category
- Restaurant
- Duration
- 1 h
- Price
- $
- Best time
- In the evening
Tip: It gets busy at dinner, so go early.
Show on mapDeira Spice Souk
A traditional market of narrow lanes scented with saffron, dried lime and incense.
- Category
- Market
- Duration
- 45 min
- Price
- $
- Best time
- In the evening
Tip: Bargaining is normal, so try politely.
Show on mapAl Fanar Restaurant
Serves Emirati dishes such as machboos and harees in an old-village setting.
- Category
- Restaurant
- Duration
- 1.5 h
- Price
- $$
- Best time
- In the evening
Tip: Order several dishes to share.
Show on mapAl Mallah
A long-time Deira stop for shawarma and fresh fruit juice.
- Category
- Street food
- Duration
- 25 min
- Price
- $
- Best time
- In the evening
Tip: Eating standing up is normal when it is busy.
Show on mapBateel
A Gulf brand in Dubai Mall known for dates and date-based sweets.
- Category
- Dessert
- Duration
- 40 min
- Price
- $$$
- Best time
- All year
Tip: Boxed dates make good gifts.
Show on mapDeira Fish Market
A local fish market where you buy fresh catch and have it cooked at nearby grills.
- Category
- Market
- Duration
- 1 h
- Price
- $$
- Best time
- Early in the morning
Tip: The freshest catch is available early in the morning.
Show on map
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Please verify with official sources before your visit.
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