Getting a Taste of Dubai: Top Emirati Street Foods to Try in the City

One of the delights you can’t miss out on is shawarma, a delicious wrap that is the epitome of Dubai’s street food culture. It is prepared by marinating thin slices of chicken, lamb or beef in a mix of spices and then cooking them on a vertical rotisserie. The wrap is then created by filling pita bread slices with the meat which is combined with pickles, garlic sauce, onions and lettuce.

This is another favourite Middle Eastern snack in Dubai made with fava beans, chickpeas, and various spices and herbs. These ingredients are ground and made into little cutlet-type balls that are then deep-fried. Make sure to try falafel with hummus, pickles, or crisp veggies, and you’ll see why this vegetarian snack is so beloved. 

This is a type of flatbread topped with various ingredients like minced meat, cheese, or a blend of sesame seeds and herbs. Once the dough is flattened and topped with ingredients, it is baked until its borders become crispy. Think of Manakish as the Middle East’s version of pizza but with ingredients and flavours that are uniquely Emirati.

You may have found these crispy fried goodies in South Asian countries, and you’re just as likely to see them once you step out of hotels like Avani Deira Dubai Hotel to explore Dubai’s street food. These triangular pastries are enjoyed for their crispy, golden exterior which is a result of being deep-fried to perfection. As you take a bite you’ll discover a flavourful filling of potatoes, peas and meat that contrasts surprisingly well with the crunchy exterior.

Harees is a popular meal often served during festivals and on special occasions. But that doesn’t mean you won’t find it at the city’s street food stalls. Harees is made by boiling soaked wheat with meat until it becomes a creamy porridge. It is then seasoned with cinnamon to give it a warm and inviting flavour. 

Also known as grilled corn, Bhutta is a relatively easy snack to make which is why it is fairly popular in Dubai’s street food culture. It is made by grilling corn over an open flame after adding a generous dose of butter and a sprinkling of chilli powder and lime. 

This bright orange spiralled treat is a crunchy sweet made by deep frying a batter mixture of flour and yoghurt and then soaking it in sweet syrup. The spiral shape is achieved by pouring the mixture into the oil in a circular motion. Jalebi is a great follow-up to a savoury snack and trying it is one of the popular things to do in Deira, Dubai for food lovers. 

Another popular sweet treat among Dubai’s street food is this classic dessert, often enjoyed during Ramadan. Luqaimat is best described as deep-fried dumplings covered with honey or date syrup. The soft interior infused with flavourful spices like saffron and cardamom perfectly complements the crispy sweet exterior to make a heavenly treat.