10 Delicious Street Foods to Try in Dubai

Dubai, a futuristic metropolis, is also a haven for food lovers

Dubai's vibrant lanes beckon food lovers to a feast of delectable delicacies.

Dubai, a futuristic metropolis, is also a haven for food lovers. From quaint stalls lining the Dubai Creek to vibrant food trucks spread across the city, the street food range here offers a real gastronomic adventure. In fact, the delicious aroma of diverse dishes is sure to tickle anyone’s taste buds. So, let us embark on a culinary journey full of savories and delicacies with these 10 lip-smacking street food dishes in Dubai.

  • Shawarma

Originating from Turkey, Shawarma is a street food that is popular across the world. Marinated meat is sliced and slow cooked to achieve a tender and juicy texture. It is then wrapped in soft pita bread along with a harmonious blend of vegetables, sauces, and herbs. That's exactly why each bite of a shawarma feels like an explosion of delicious and rich flavors.

  • Falafel

With its origins deeply rooted in Middle Eastern cuisine, falafel is a street food that Dubai has truly perfected. Made using ground chickpeas or fava beans, these fried patties are a delicious fusion of flavors lent by cumin seeds, garlic, coriander, and other spices. The outer layer of falafel crackles to reveal its soft and scrumptious interior. Want to enhance the taste of this mouthwatering dish? Pair it with creamy hummus or silky tahini sauce.

  • Knafeh

Hailing from Palestine, knafeh, also known as kunafa, is a rich and delicious treat for your taste buds. Within the layers of flaky pastry lies a luscious and creamy milk pudding. And that's not even the most enticing part about this delectable dessert. It's the lavish layer of melted and unripened cheese on the top. Knafeh is garnished with chopped pistachios that lend a delightful crunch to each bite.

  • Manakish

A traditional Lebanese breakfast dish, manakish is also known as Middle Eastern pizza or manousheh. This popular street food in Dubai is served with a variety of toppings such as za'atar, cheese, or minced meat, delivering a burst of tangy and earthy flavors with each bite.

  • Fareed

Fareed is a comforting stew that is not only delicious but also heartwarming. Slow cooked to perfection, this street food captures the true essence of Middle Eastern cuisine. Made with pieces of tender meat, vegetables, and aromatic spices, a mere spoonful of Fareed can feel like a soft and soothing embrace for your soul.

  • Madrouba

Madrouba is an incredibly flavorful dish. Rice, meat, vegetables, and a multitude of spices are slow cooked to achieve a creamy and porridge-like consistency. Madrouba can be either made with fish, lamb or chicken.

  • Luqaimat

Luqaimat is a dessert that is enjoyed all over Dubai. Bite-sized dough balls are deep-fried to achieve a crunchy, soft texture. Made with all-purpose flour, date syrup, milk, sugar, and cardamom powder, this dessert is best served warm. However, don't let the minimal ingredient list fool you – luqaimat tastes heavenly. In fact, it offers a harmonious blend of sweetness with a crunchy texture that is impossible to resist.

  • Samboosa

Samboosa, a culinary bridge between India and Dubai, is the Middle Eastern version of the world-famous delight ‘samosa’. This triangle-shaped savory is stuffed with potatoes, peas, and occasionally, minced meat. Moreover, the filling is laced with green chilies and coriander to add a hint of mouthwatering aroma and flavors. Samboosas are served warm with two zesty dips - mint and tamarind chutney.

  • Harees

Harees, also known as jareesh and haleem, is another Middle Eastern delicacy that is hard to resist. A combination of wheat, meat, and traditional spices, this street food is slow-cooked to create a porridge-like texture. These ingredients are cooked in slightly salted water for hours until you can no longer distinguish meat from wheat. Harees is not only delicious but also nourishing, filling, and easy to digest.

  • Chips Oman Roll

Dubai's expertise in street food also extends to playful and innovative recipes like Chips Oman roll. This creative snack is made by taking smashed potato chips and rolling them into a wrap filled with mayonnaise, cheese, and a medley of stuffings. Since Chips Oman roll is easy to make and eat, it is the best street food option if you are searching for something delicious and quick in the middle of a busy day.

 

As you explore the streets of Dubai, let your taste buds to lead the way. Indulge in meals filled with the rich, authentic, and inventive flavors that define this extraordinary city.