When in UAE maybe TRY!!!

When in UAE maybe TRY!!!

What to eat in Dubai

  

Dubai is a food lover’s dream! The city offers a mix of Emirati, Middle Eastern, South Asian, and global cuisines — from street eats to luxury dining. Here's a list of must-try things to eat in Dubai:

Local & Traditional Emirati Dishes

  1. Al Harees – A slow-cooked wheat and meat dish, simple but rich in flavor.
  2. Al Machboos (or Majboos) – Rice cooked with meat (usually chicken or lamb) and fragrant spices like saffron and dried lemon.
  3. Luqaimat – Sweet dumplings drizzled with date syrup or honey, often served during Ramadan.
  4. Khuzi (Ghuzi) – A whole roast lamb served on a bed of rice with nuts and raisins.
  5. Balaleet – Sweet vermicelli noodles with eggs; often eaten for breakfast.

Street Food & Quick Bites

  1. Shawarma – You haven’t really been to Dubai if you haven’t had a late-night shawarma.
  2. Falafel & Hummus – Widely available and often incredibly fresh and flavorful.
  3. Manakish/Manakeesh – A Levantine flatbread with toppings like cheese, za’atar, or minced meat.
  4. Samboosa – Similar to samosas, these are stuffed pastries often filled with spiced meat or veggies.

Meat Lover’s Picks

  1. Mixed Grill Platters – A selection of grilled meats like kebabs, koftas, and lamb chops.
  2. Camel Burger – A Dubai specialty for the adventurous foodie.
  3. Mandi – A Yemeni-origin dish popular in Dubai, with rice, meat (often lamb or chicken), and rich spices, cooked underground for extra flavor.

Desserts & Sweets

  1. Kunafa – A gooey cheese-based dessert soaked in sugar syrup, topped with crispy vermicelli.
  2. Baklava – Layered pastry with nuts and syrup or honey.
  3. Chebab Pancakes – Emirati-style pancakes, often filled with dates or cheese and drizzled with date syrup.

Drinks

  1. Karak Chai – Strong, spiced milk tea, often sold at roadside stalls for just a few dirhams.
  2. Qahwa (Arabic Coffee) – Light coffee with cardamom, usually served with dates.
  3. Jallab – A syrupy drink made from dates, grape molasses, and rose water, topped with pine nuts and raisins.

What to Drink in Dubai

Dubai offers a wide variety of drinks, both traditional and modern — but keep in mind that it's a Muslim city, so alcohol is regulated and only served in licensed venues like hotels, bars, or private clubs. Here's a guide to what you should try while you're there:

Traditional & Local Drinks

  1. Karak Chai
    • Strong Indian-style tea with milk, sugar, and cardamom.
    • Extremely popular across Dubai — often sold in roadside stalls for just a few dirhams.
  2. Qahwa (Arabic Coffee)
    • Light, spiced coffee usually flavored with cardamom or saffron.
    • Often served in small cups with dates, especially in Emirati hospitality.
  3. Saffron or Rose Milk
    • Cold or warm milk infused with saffron or rosewater. Very refreshing in the heat.
  4. Jallab
    • A sweet drink made from dates, grape molasses, and rose water. Often topped with pine nuts and raisins.
  5. Tamrhindi
    • Tamarind juice, slightly sweet and tangy. A favorite during Ramadan.

Fresh & Fruity

  1. Fresh Juices & Mocktails
    • Widely available: try pomegranate, mango, watermelon, or lemon-mint.
    • Many cafes offer creative mocktails with herbs and exotic fruit blends.
  2. Laban (Buttermilk Drink)
    • Salty or sweet fermented milk drink, good for digestion and hydration.
  3. Coconut Water
    • Fresh and cooling, available at beachside stalls and juice shops.

 

Trendy & International Options

  1. Bubble Tea (Boba)
    • Gained huge popularity in Dubai malls and food courts.
  2. Specialty Coffee
    • Dubai has a strong café culture, especially in areas like Al Quoz and City Walk. Try locally roasted Arabic blends or international specialty roasts.
  3. Smoothies & Protein Shakes
    • Popular at health-conscious spots and gyms, especially in areas like Dubai Marina or Jumeirah.

 

What to see and do in Dubai

Dubai is packed with world-famous landmarks, futuristic architecture, cultural gems, and desert adventures. Here's a well-rounded list of what to see and do in Dubai, broken down by theme:

 

Iconic Landmarks & Architecture

  1. Burj Khalifa
    • The world’s tallest building — visit At the Top for panoramic views or dine at Atmosphere (122nd floor).
  2. Dubai Frame
    • A giant golden frame offering views of “old” and “new” Dubai from the sky bridge.
  3. Burj Al Arab
    • The sail-shaped 7-star hotel; you can book afternoon tea or a meal for a luxurious experience.
  4. Dubai Marina & JBR Walk
    • Walk, dine, or cruise through this glitzy area with skyscrapers, yachts, and waterfront cafes.

Beaches & Water Fun

  1. Jumeirah Beach & La Mer
    • Chill on the beach, enjoy cafes, or rent a jet ski near the Burj Al Arab.
  2. Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark
    • At Palm Jumeirah; features extreme slides, a lazy river, and marine animal encounters.
  3. Dubai Fountain Show
    • At the base of Burj Khalifa — best viewed from Dubai Mall or a boat on Burj Lake.

Desert Adventures

  1. Desert Safari
    • Includes dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, and a BBQ dinner with live shows.
  2. Hot Air Balloon Ride
    • Sunrise flights over the desert dunes — often includes a falconry show.

Shopping & Souks

  1. The Dubai Mall
    • Massive mall with 1,200+ stores, an aquarium, an ice rink, and VR Park.
  2. Mall of the Emirates
    • Known for Ski Dubai (indoor ski slope).
  3. Gold & Spice Souks (Deira)
    • Old-world bazaars full of authentic charm and bargaining opportunities.

Culture & History

  1. Al Fahidi Historical District (Al Bastakiya)
    • Explore restored traditional homes, art galleries, and the Dubai Museum at Al Fahidi Fort.
  2. Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU)
    • Join a guided cultural meal and learn about Emirati customs in a traditional wind tower house.
  3. Jumeirah Mosque
    • Open to non-Muslims through guided tours — learn about Islamic architecture and traditions.

Experiences & Activities

  1. Ain Dubai (Dubai Eye)
    • World's largest observation wheel on Bluewaters Island.
  2. Dubai Miracle Garden (seasonal)
    • A surreal flower garden with giant sculptures made from blooms (open Nov–Apr).
  3. Dubai Opera
    • Catch a show, concert, or ballet in a stunning dhow-shaped building.
  4. Global Village (seasonal)
    • An international fair with pavilions, food from around the world, and shows (Oct–Apr).

Hidden Gems & Artsy Spots

  1. Alserkal Avenue
    • Dubai’s creative district: art galleries, indie cafés, and cultural events.
  2. The View at The Palm
    • Observation deck with 360° views of Palm Jumeirah and Dubai coastline.

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