Dubai’s glitz and glam extend far beyond its towering skyscrapers. This cosmopolitan city boasts a diverse food scene that caters to every palate. Ditch the fancy restaurants for a moment, and delve into the heart of Dubai’s culinary delights with these must-try dishes.

Harees

Comfort food takes centre stage with Harees, a creamy dish made from crushed wheat and minced meat or chicken. Slow-cooked to perfection, Harees is a traditional Emirati dish often served during special occasions and Ramadan. Its rich flavour and melt-in-your-mouth texture are sure to leave you wanting more.

Miansari66, Harees, CC0 1.0

Shawarma

No Dubai food adventure is complete without Shawarma. This ubiquitous street food consists of marinated meat (chicken, beef, or lamb) stacked on a vertical rotisserie and shaved off onto warm pita bread. Topped with tahini sauce, onions, and pickles, Shawarma is a delicious and affordable way to savour the local flavours.

Madrouba

This popular dish is a favourite for breakfast or a light lunch. Madrouba translates to “beaten” in Arabic, reflecting the cooking process where rice, garlic, onions, tomatoes, yoghurt, and spices are mashed together for a smooth consistency. Often served with chicken or fish, Madrouba is a delightful combination of savoury and creamy flavours.

Luqaimat

Craving something sweet? Look no further than Luqaimat. These bite-sized doughnuts are deep-fried to golden perfection and then drizzled with date syrup or honey. The fluffy texture and the burst of sweetness with every bite make Luqaimat a perfect way to end a delicious meal. Enjoy these heavenly bites at restaurants in Deira at properties like Avani Deira Dubai Hotel