Dubai in the winter offers perfect weather for exploring the city’s amazing food scene. From traditional Emirati dishes to international street food, the cooler months make dining al fresco a true pleasure. Don’t leave without tasting these local favourites!

Warm Shawarma on the Go

No visit is complete without a classic shawarma. This flavourful street food wraps slices of marinated chicken or lamb, along with pickles and garlic sauce, in warm pita bread. It’s a perfect, satisfying bite when you are walking around exploring.

Hearty Harees and Machboos

For a taste of Emirati tradition, seek out these comforting main courses. Harees is a delicious, slow-cooked porridge of wheat and meat, often served during special occasions. Machboos is a fragrant rice dish seasoned with spices like cardamom and cinnamon, typically featuring chicken, fish, or lamb. You can find excellent traditional restaurants in Downtown Dubai that serve these authentic plates.

Aromatic Karak Chai

During the pleasant Dubai winter, sipping a hot cup of Karak Chai is essential. This strong, milky tea, brewed with a mix of fragrant spices, has become a daily ritual for many in the UAE. You can easily grab a cup while staying at hotels like DAMAC Maison Mall Street (close to Dubai Mall) for a quick and warming break.

Sweet, Sticky Luqaimat

Image by Kang-Rui LENG from Pixabay

You absolutely must try Luqaimat, which are hot, crispy, deep-fried dough balls. These sweet dumplings are immediately soaked in a date syrup, called dibs, and often sprinkled with sesame seeds. They are an amazing, sugary dessert.