Best Dishes to Try in UAE: An Authentic Foodie Guide
"Food is our common ground, a universal experience." — James Beard.
Step into the UAE and you'll find this quote ringing truer than ever. The desert nation may be famed for its glistening skyscrapers and endless shopping malls, but beneath all that glass and steel lies an extraordinary food culture—one that blends Bedouin traditions, Indian spices, Persian influences, and Levantine hospitality.
Imagine being in old Dubai during winter evenings. The aroma of saffron rice and slow-cooked meat drifts through the air around Al Fahidi District, while over in Abu Dhabi's Mina Zayed fish market, Emirati families queue up for their favourite fried hammour. For travellers from India, the UAE is not just a quick flight away (Delhi to Dubai starts around ₹15,000 return ≈ AED 660 ≈ $180), it's also a culinary extension of home—spices and techniques you'll recognise, woven into a completely new tapestry of flavours.
Whether you're planning a family holiday from India to the UAE, a GCC weekend escape, or even a honeymoon where food is part of the romance, here's a hyperlocal, heartfelt guide to the must-eat dishes in the UAE.
What makes Emirati food unique
Unlike the glitzy fine dining Dubai is known for, authentic Emirati cuisine has Bedouin roots. Think meals designed to be shared, rich with dates, rice, camel milk, and meat (traditionally lamb, goat, or camel). Over centuries, spice routes brought cardamom, cinnamon, saffron, and turmeric, shaping hearty stews and aromatic rice dishes.
For UAE locals, food isn't just nourishment—it's hospitality itself. A shared platter of machboos or a plate of sweet luqaimat is a symbol of generosity. This makes eating in the UAE a cultural act as much as a culinary one.
Must-eat dishes in the UAE
1. Al Harees
This slow-cooked wheat and meat porridge is often eaten during Ramadan and Eid. It takes hours to prepare, with wheat simmered until creamy and blended with tender meat. In Dubai, you'll find it served at traditional eateries like Al Fanar Restaurant. For many Emirati families, Harees is comfort food at its finest.
2. Machboos
Think of it as the Emirati cousin of biryani. Saffron rice layered with spiced chicken, lamb, or fish, topped with fried onions, nuts, and raisins. The best part? Each household has its own version. In Abu Dhabi, try it at Mezlai, the fine-dining Emirati restaurant inside Emirates Palace.
3. Luqaimat
Golden, deep-fried dumplings drizzled with date syrup and sesame seeds. During Dubai's Global Village (November to April), you'll see food stalls serving these piping hot. A favourite for family-friendly dining in the UAE—kids can never resist them.
4. Shawarma
While technically Levantine, the UAE has made shawarma its own. Wrapped in Arabic bread, filled with marinated chicken or lamb, garlic sauce, pickles, and fries—it's the ultimate cheap eat. A small chicken shawarma roll costs around AED 8 (≈ ₹180 / $2).
5. Camel meat specialities
From camel burgers in Jumeirah to slow-cooked camel stews, this is one dish that surprises many travellers. Camel milk ice cream, infused with saffron and pistachio, is another must-try novelty.
6. Fresh seafood
Being on the Arabian Gulf, the UAE is seafood heaven. Grilled hammour (grouper) is the local favourite, often served with lemon rice. For something special, head to Abu Dhabi's Al Mina Fish Market where locals pick fresh fish and have it cooked on the spot.
7. Vegetarian food in the UAE
Though meat dominates, the UAE is kinder to vegetarians than most think. Dishes like falafel, hummus, fattoush, and saffron rice platters are available everywhere. Many Indian vegetarian restaurants in Dubai also fuse local flavours with South Asian dishes—so you'll never feel short of options.
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Insider foodie experiences
Not everyone tells you this: some of the best food isn't in the big-name restaurants but in unassuming spots. A late-night shawarma joint in Satwa. A luqaimat stand in a Sharjah souk. An Emirati breakfast at a hidden café in Ras Al Khaimah.
Also, don't miss the cultural ritual of Arabic coffee (gahwa), often served with dates. It's lightly spiced with cardamom and saffron, poured into tiny handle-less cups. For travellers, sharing gahwa is one of the most authentic ways to connect with Emirati hospitality.
Seasonal flavour trails
- Summer (May–August): Indoor food festivals in Dubai Mall and Yas Mall offer foodie escapes from the heat.
- Winter (November–February): Best time for open-air dining, Dubai Food Festival, and Global Village.
- Ramadan (dates vary each year): Iftar buffets across hotels are a must-try cultural and culinary experience.
- Christmas/New Year: Global brunches blend Emirati classics with international menus, perfect for festive travellers from Europe.
Good Reads while planning your trip:
Location and accessibility
Flights from India to the UAE average 3–4 hours. From GCC, weekend hops are extremely popular, with budget flights under AED 400 (≈ ₹9,000 / $110). From Europe, winter sun seekers flock in between November and March, combining beach holidays with the UAE's best food for travellers.
Travelling to the UAE is never just about landmarks—it's about the meals you'll share, the flavours you'll discover, and the stories every dish tells. Whether you're planning a family holiday, a honeymoon foodie trail, or simply chasing authentic Emirati cuisine, Alike curates experiences that take you straight to the table where locals eat because a trip isn't complete until you've tasted it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the must-eat traditional dishes in the UAE?
Where can I try authentic Emirati cuisine in Dubai?
Is Emirati food vegetarian-friendly?
How much does food cost in the UAE?
When is the best season to explore the UAE's food culture?
Do families and honeymooners enjoy Emirati food experiences?
