Best Emirati Food in Dubai
Emirati food is one of the most special parts of Dubai’s culture. When you taste Emirati dishes, you taste the story of the desert, the sea, the mountains, the old trading routes, and the traditions that have stayed alive for hundreds of years. Emirati meals are warm, comforting, rich in spices, and made for sharing with family and friends.
Dubai is known for food from all around the world, but many travelers want to try real local food to understand the heart of the city. At BestDubaiPlaces.com, we help visitors discover Dubai’s food, culture, neighborhoods, and fun activities in the easiest way.
Why Emirati Food Is So Special
Emirati food tells the story of the UAE:
Inspired by the Desert
People living in the desert used ingredients like rice, meat, dates, milk, and spices to create filling meals.
Influenced by Trade
Dubai was a big trading port, so spices from India, Persia, and East Africa became part of Emirati cooking.
Family and Sharing
Meals were always shared with large groups. This is why Emirati food often comes in big plates.
Simple but Full of Flavor
Most dishes use slow cooking, fresh ingredients, and traditional spices like saffron, cardamom, cinnamon, turmeric, and dried lemon.
Perfect for Tourists
Travelers love trying Emirati food because it feels warm, unique, and different from international dishes.
Let’s explore the flavors and the best places to enjoy them.
Most Popular Emirati Dishes You Must Try
Famous Emirati Dishes
| Dish | What It Is | Flavors |
|---|---|---|
| Majboos | Rice with chicken or meat | Spicy, aromatic |
| Harees | Wheat and meat cooked slowly | Smooth and creamy |
| Luqaimat | Sweet fried dumplings | Sticky and sweet |
| Machboos Laham | Lamb rice dish | Saffron and dried lemon |
| Balaleet | Sweet vermicelli with egg | Sweet and salty |
| Regag Bread | Thin crispy bread | Simple and tasty |
| Madrooba | Chicken in thick sauce | Rich and filling |
| Emirati Tea | Karak or spiced tea | Warm and flavorful |
These dishes appear in many traditional restaurants across Dubai.
Best Emirati Restaurants in Old Dubai
Old Dubai is the heart of Emirati culture. With historic neighborhoods, museums, souks, and traditional houses, it is the perfect place to explore local food. Travelers often explore using our Old Dubai restaurants guide.
1. Arabian Tea House – Al Fahidi
Arabian Tea House is one of the most famous Emirati restaurants in the UAE. Located in the beautiful Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, the restaurant takes you back in time. The seating areas have white benches, blue cushions, stone walls, and pretty flower pots, creating a peaceful and traditional atmosphere.
Food Experience
The menu offers many Emirati dishes like balaleet, machboos, regag bread, and chicken tikka. The flavors are light, soft, and comforting. The dishes feel homemade. Their mint lemonade and saffron tea are very popular too.
Ambiance
At night, when the lights turn on, the courtyard feels magical. It is a perfect place for slow, relaxing meals. You can hear soft Arabic music while people chat quietly around you.
Why People Love It
Tourists enjoy the cultural setting, the friendly staff, and the large portions. It is perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers who want a calm lunch or dinner after exploring nearby museums.
2. Al Fanar Restaurant & Café
Al Fanar is another amazing place to enjoy real Emirati food. The restaurant looks like an old Emirati town, with sandy walls, lanterns, old bicycles, fishing nets, and wooden doors. It feels like stepping into Dubai from 60 years ago.
Food Experience
The menu is full of traditional meals like machboos, harees, salona, and grills. The biryani here is also delicious. They serve a mix of seafood and meat dishes, making it great for all types of travelers.
Ambiance
Al Fanar is lively during lunch and dinner. Families sit together, tourists explore the décor, and kids enjoy the bright colors and old style items.
Why People Love It
It offers huge portions, great flavors, and a beautiful cultural atmosphere. It is perfect for people who want a full Emirati dining experience with many food choices.
3. Bayt Al Wakeel – Dubai Creek
Bayt Al Wakeel is located beside Dubai Creek, one of the oldest trading spots in the city. The restaurant sits over the water, offering lovely views of wooden boats.
Food Experience
You can enjoy grilled fish, lamb dishes, mezze, machboos, and fresh Arabic bread. The flavors feel fresh, simple, and very authentic.
Ambiance
At night, the creek water reflects the lights and creates a calm dinner atmosphere. The wooden terrace makes the experience more special.
Why People Love It
It is great for people wanting a waterfront Emirati dining experience.
Best Emirati Restaurants in Downtown Dubai
Downtown Dubai is modern and glamorous, but it also holds some amazing places for local food.
1. Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant
Located in Al Seef near the Creek, but close enough to Downtown for many travelers, Al Khayma offers true Emirati flavors in a beautiful traditional setting.
Food Experience
Their harees, machboos, and grilled meats are very popular. They also serve local bread, salads, and Arabic desserts.
Ambiance
The restaurant has small courtyards, lanterns, and wooden roofs. It feels cultural yet comfortable.
Why People Love It
It brings together history and food. Perfect for tourists staying near Downtown.
2. Local House
Local House is famous for serving camel meat dishes. This unique menu attracts many curious travelers.
Food Experience
You can try camel burgers, camel biryani, camel milk ice cream, and traditional dishes.
Ambiance
Simple, cozy, and cultural. The décor has Arabian touches and warm lighting.
Why People Love It
It offers a unique Emirati food experience that cannot be found in many places.
Best Emirati Restaurants in Dubai Marina
Dubai Marina is known for modern restaurants and waterfront views. Emirati food is harder to find here, but some great options exist.
1. Seven Sands
Seven Sands brings the flavors of all seven emirates in one place. It is located near JBR with lovely sea views.
Food Experience
Their dishes include machboos, harees, seafood, and sweet luqaimat. Everything is cooked with fresh Emirati spices.
Ambiance
Modern yet warm. The outdoor seating is especially beautiful at night.
Why People Love It
It mixes modern dining with traditional flavors.
Best Emirati Restaurants on Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah is full of luxury hotels that offer high quality Emirati cuisine.
1. Al Nafoorah
Al Nafoorah is a Lebanese restaurant, but it also includes several Emirati style dishes and flavors, making it popular among people wanting Gulf food.
Food Experience
You can enjoy mezze, grilled meats, rice dishes, seafood, and Arabic desserts.
Ambiance
Elegant, quiet, and beautiful interiors with warm lighting.
Why People Love It
It combines luxury with traditional flavors.
Best Emirati Breakfast Restaurants in Dubai
Breakfast is one of the most beautiful ways to enjoy local food.
Logma
Logma is famous for modern Emirati dishes. It serves balaleet, regag sandwiches, chai karak, and chebab pancakes.
Why People Love It
It offers modern versions of Emirati favorites in a stylish café setting.
Arabian Tea House
Their breakfast is one of the most famous in Dubai. Fresh bread, eggs, balaleet, and tea make a perfect morning meal.
Best Emirati Sweets and Desserts
Luqaimat
Soft, sweet dumplings dipped in date syrup.
Kunafa
Cheese dessert topped with shredded pastry.
Mahalabia
A fragrant milk pudding flavored with rose water.
Emirati Sweets and What They Taste Like
| Dessert | Flavor |
|---|---|
| Luqaimat | Sweet, sticky, crunchy |
| Kunafa | Sweet, cheesy, crispy |
| Mahalabia | Smooth, floral, creamy |
| Khabeesa | Cardamom flavored pudding |
Emirati Food Prices in Dubai
| Type of Meal | AED | USD |
|---|---|---|
| Emirati Breakfast | 20 to 45 | 6 to 12 |
| Emirati Lunch | 35 to 85 | 9 to 23 |
| Emirati Dinner | 50 to 150 | 14 to 41 |
| Desserts | 8 to 22 | 2 to 6 |
How BestDubaiPlaces.com Helps You Enjoy Emirati Food
At BestDubaiPlaces.com, we help travelers discover Dubai’s hidden food gems, popular local restaurants, and cultural dining experiences. Our guides make it easy to find:
- Authentic Emirati restaurants
- Cultural neighborhoods
- Best breakfast spots
- Local sweet shops
- Traditional cafés
- Restaurants near famous attractions
- Budget friendly cultural meals
We make your Dubai trip simple, fun, and memorable.
👉 Contact Us if you want help planning your Emirati food journey.
FAQs About Emirati Food in Dubai
What is the most famous Emirati dish?
Majboos, harees, luqaimat, and balaleet are some of the most popular dishes.
Is Emirati food spicy?
Most Emirati dishes are mildly spiced and very flavorful, not too spicy.
Where can I eat authentic Emirati food?
Arabian Tea House, Al Fanar, Logma, Bayt Al Wakeel, and Al Khayma are great options.
Can vegetarians enjoy Emirati cuisine?
Yes. Many Emirati dishes include rice, bread, salads, and desserts that are vegetarian friendly.
Is Emirati food expensive?
No. Many traditional restaurants are very affordable.
Are there Emirati restaurants near tourist areas?
Yes. Downtown, Old Dubai, and Dubai Marina all have options.
What dessert should I try first?
Luqaimat is the most popular sweet in Dubai.
Can tourists eat camel dishes?
Yes. Places like Local House offer camel burgers and camel biryani.
Are Emirati breakfasts famous?
Yes. Balaleet, chebab, and regag bread are very popular breakfast items.
Is Emirati tea different from normal tea?
Yes. Karak tea uses cardamom, saffron, and thick milk for a special flavor.
