Local cuisine in Dubai consists of meals made from basic ingredients available in Dubai and the UAE, such as seafood from the Arabian Gulf, local chicken and eggs, or various food products that are produced or prepared within the UAE. These meals also include the region’s traditional dishes, passed down from generation to generation.
Dubai’s food scene features many local and traditional dishes, and numerous restaurants across the city offer these local culinary delights.
Travel to the UAE and experience its luxurious restaurants, which serve the most delicious local dishes preserved by Emirati heritage and now presented beautifully to tourists and residents alike Book here.
Highlighted Local Dishes
Here are some of the most prominent local dishes in Dubai and the UAE, along with brief descriptions of each:
- Harees: made from ground wheat and meat, cooked together in a single pot.
- Emirati Ghuzi: spiced rice with large pieces of meat, garnished with raisins and nuts.
- Majboos: chicken cooked with rice, rich in flavors and spices.
- Jasheed: prepared with small shark pieces, boiled, and then sautéed with onions, garlic, spices, lemon, and coriander.
- Maleh: fish preserved in large quantities of salt.
- Emirati Hamsat Al Nakhi: Made with boiled chickpeas, cooked with onions, parsley, raisins, potatoes, and traditional Emirati spices like turmeric, cardamom, and cinnamon sticks.
- Balaleet: sweetened vermicelli flavored with ground cardamom, served with a large piece of onion omelet.
- Khamir Bread: baked on coals, made from flour, turmeric, and saffron, topped with dried thyme and sesame seeds.
- Jabab Pancakes: Dough mixed with saffron and local ghee.
These dishes can be found at various Emirati restaurants offering local cuisine alongside Middle Eastern and other dishes.
Notable restaurants serving local food
Asila Restaurant
This restaurant excels at serving a variety of local dishes, skillfully using spices and flavors in every meal. It doesn’t just serve local cuisine; its menu includes Middle Eastern dishes, especially those from the Levant. The ambiance here is designed to make you feel like you’re in traditional Emirati settings, with high praise from locals and tourists alike. Some dishes include fish with rice, shrimp with salads and appetizers, and Emirati desserts.
Address: Baniyas Road, Deira, Al Rigga, Dubai, UAE.
Location: Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek
Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe
A heritage restaurant in Dubai, it offers the most delicious authentic Emirati dishes. The setting takes you back to the peaceful and beautiful days of the 1980s and earlier. It offers a menu of delicious local dishes such as meat kofta, rice dishes with grilled meats, Emirati kebabs, fresh fish, shrimp, arugula salad, harees soup, and Emirati desserts.
Address: Crescent Road, Dubai Festival City, Dubai, UAE.
Location: Dubai Festival City Mall
Logma Restaurant
Logma serves Gulf cuisine, including delicious Emirati dishes, for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu includes chicken with rice prepared in the Emirati style, various types of bread like jabab and khameer, a special kids’ menu, and a variety of desserts and beverages.
Address: Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, UAE.
Location: Dubai Mall
Al Bait Al Qadeem Emirati Heritage Restaurant
Located near the spice market and fabric and perfume markets in the Ras area of Dubai, this restaurant offers delicious local meals. Its authentic architecture immerses you in deep-rooted Emirati culture. Dishes include various types of majboos, mandi, harees, and balaleets.
Address: Ras, near Heritage House, in front of Al Ahmadiya School, Dubai, UAE.
Location: Al Bait Al Qadeem Restaurant مطعم البيت القديم
Tanoor Lahm Restaurant
At Tanoor Lahm, you’ll feel like you’re dining in an Emirati home, especially with its famous camel meat dishes. Located in Hatta, you can enjoy various activities in this mountainous area and then savor a rich meal at Tanoor Lahm.
Address: Dubai-Hatta Road, Hatta, Dubai, UAE.
Location: Tanoor Restaurant
Smat Restaurant
Smat offers a delightful range of Emirati breakfast items like rigag, mahyawa, and jabab, served with an array of cheeses and dips. The menu includes shrimp with rice and various types of majboos. Don’t miss the authentic Emirati coffee with its delightful taste and aroma.
Address: Building 10, Dubai Design District, Dubai, UAE.
Location: SMAT Resto-Cafe
Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant
Located in the heart of Old Dubai, Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant offers delicious Emirati dishes using fresh, local ingredients. Its menu covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, featuring generous portions in line with Emirati hospitality traditions. Popular lunch dishes include seafood, while breakfast often includes balaleet with eggs, cheese, and a cup of tea.
Address: Historical District, 79 Al Mussallah Road, Al Fahidi, Dubai, UAE.
Location: Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant | مطعم الخيمة التراثي
Tent Jumeirah Restaurant
Situated on Jumeirah Beach, Tent Jumeirah Restaurant serves the freshest Emirati seafood. The menu includes fish majboos, samosas, and harees, with decor reminiscent of old Dubai neighborhoods. The dining experience is enhanced by views of the Gulf and specially designed seating.
Address: 31 A Street, Umm Suqeim, Jumeirah 3, Dubai, UAE.
Location: Tent Jumeirah Restaurant
The restaurants mentioned above are just samples of the notable places where you can enjoy local cuisine in Dubai. By sampling local food in Dubai, you delve deeper into the culture of this region. Local food is delicious, strong in flavor, and healthy due to its fresh, local ingredients.
Emirati restaurants await you, offering a variety of delicious meals. Enjoy your stay in the UAE, book early for flights and hotels, and take advantage of Almatar’s offers. Sign up for Almatar’s loyalty program.