With its diverse population and ever-evolving dining scene, you can find nearly every cuisine imaginable in the UAE. International chefs bring their signature dishes here, and locals embrace the chance to explore new flavours daily. Whether you’re craving a comforting bowl of pho, a plate of flavourful shawarma, or a creative fusion of East and West, there’s always something delicious to discover.
At Remitly, we know that food is more than simply eating—it’s about connection, comfort, and culture. In this guide, we’ll give you an overview of the UAE’s incredible global food scene, from upscale restaurants to hidden gems, and share tips on where to find the best spots.
Discovering the UAE’s food scene
There’s so much more to the UAE than its towering skyscrapers and luxury malls. With a long history of trade and cultural exchange, the country has combined many different flavours, offering everything from traditional Emirati dishes to global street food. Whether you’re new to Dubai or just visiting, the food scene is one of the best ways to explore the city and connect with its diverse communities.
Where to start exploring the food culture
When people think about food in the UAE, Dubai often steals the spotlight. The city is packed with innovative restaurants, bold flavours, and dining experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
But the food scene extends well beyond Dubai. Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and the other emirates have their own unique culinary gems waiting to be explored. If you’re looking for something authentic, visit a family-run café serving traditional Emirati dishes like fragrant lamb machboos or saffron-infused desserts.
For a more lively experience, head to Dubai Marina or Jumeirah, where waterfront restaurants offer everything from fresh seafood to international fusion menus. Whether you prefer a casual meal at a hidden gem or an upscale dinner with a view, every emirate has something special to offer.
Diversity of restaurants in Dubai
Given the city’s multicultural population, Dubai offers a snapshot of the world’s cuisines under one dazzling skyline. Nearly every cuisine is represented. One day, you could be enjoying sushi in a sleek rooftop lounge, and the next, warming up with a hearty Syrian stew in a cosy neighbourhood café.
Fine dining is a big part of the city’s appeal, with many luxury hotels hosting Michelin-starred chefs and offering stunning skyline views. But great food isn’t just for those with deep pockets—Dubai is full of mid-range and budget-friendly spots where you can enjoy authentic, high-quality meals without breaking the bank.
Popular international cuisines in Dubai
While you can find nearly every cuisine imaginable, a few stand out as local favourites. Whether you’re craving something comforting from home or eager to try new flavours, the city’s restaurants, markets, and street food stalls offer endless options to explore.
Authentic Asian dining experiences
With large communities from India, Pakistan, the Philippines, China, Thailand, and Japan, it’s no surprise that Asian cuisine has a strong presence in Dubai.
Whether you’re in the mood for fragrant Thai curries packed with coconut and lemongrass, a steaming plate of biryani from a no-frills Indian eatery, or sushi so fresh it melts in your mouth, there’s no shortage of options.
If you prefer a more casual outing, street food stalls serve everything from dumplings to skewered meats and noodles at budget-friendly prices. These spots often deliver some of the most flavourful and authentic meals in the city.
European fine dining restaurants
If you love European flavours, Dubai has no shortage of elegant dining experiences. Internationally acclaimed chefs bring classic French, Italian, Spanish, and British dishes to the city’s high-end restaurants.
Many fine dining spots focus on premium ingredients, often sourced directly from Europe. But it’s not just about the food—these restaurants offer an experience, complete with impeccable service, refined atmospheres, and carefully curated wine lists. If you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, Dubai’s European dining scene won’t disappoint.
Middle Eastern culinary delights
No food journey in Dubai would be complete without exploring the flavours of the Middle East. Lebanese, Syrian, and Emirati cuisine take centre stage, with dishes rich in spices, history, and tradition.
Whether it’s a shawarma wrapped in warm, fluffy bread, a colourful mezze platter filled with hummus, tabbouleh, and baba ganoush, or a plate of tender grilled kebabs, there’s something for every palate.
If you want to dive deeper into Emirati cuisine, visit a local restaurant or hotel serving traditional dishes passed down through generations. From saffron-infused rice to decadent date desserts, these meals tell the story of the region’s rich cultural heritage, shaped by the desert, the sea, and centuries of trade.
Top food experiences in the UAE
If you’re ready to dive into the UAE’s incredible food scene, you’re in for a treat. Across the country, you’ll find everything from lively street markets to award-winning fine dining and quirky hidden gems that turn every meal into an experience.
Street food and markets
Some of the most authentic food experiences in the UAE come from its bustling streets. In areas like Karama, Satwa, or Sharjah’s Blue Souk, you’ll find sizzling kebabs, fresh samosas, and fragrant rice dishes served straight from small, family-run stalls.
For a weekend outing, check out the country’s vibrant markets. The Ripe Market brings together local food vendors selling everything from organic produce to homemade pastries. You’ll also find seasonal farmers’ markets across the Emirates, offering artisan bread, handcrafted chutneys, and regional specialties.
Renowned award-winning restaurants
If you’re looking for something more refined, the UAE is home to some of the world’s most creative fine dining spots. Many top chefs have set up kitchens in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, offering menus that fuse global flavours with regional ingredients.
Some high-end restaurants focus on sustainability, sourcing ingredients from the Arabian Gulf or local farms in the desert. Others offer more than just great food—think open kitchens, live music, and immersive dining experiences designed to engage all the senses.
If you’re planning a special night out, it’s best to book ahead, especially during big events like the Taste of Dubai Food Festival, Abu Dhabi Culinary Season, or Gulfood.
Hidden gems and unique dining experiences
Not all memorable meals come from famous restaurants. Some of the most unforgettable dining spots in the UAE are tucked away in quiet alleyways, hidden inside bustling souks, or found in the less-explored corners of smaller emirates.
These are the places where you’ll find warm hospitality, rare ingredients, and dishes that feel like a home-cooked meal from halfway across the world.
A foodie’s guide to Global Village
Whether you’re craving comfort food from home or eager to try something completely new, Global Village is a great way to experience a world of flavours in just one evening.
What to expect at Global Village
Running from late autumn to early spring, Global Village takes advantage of the cooler weather, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists. People come for lively performances, unique market stalls, and a festive atmosphere, but for food lovers, the real draw is the incredible variety of global cuisine.
As you wander through the pavilions, you’ll find everything from steaming bowls of Egyptian koshari to freshly made Thai pad see ew. The casual, street-food-style setup means you can sample a little bit of everything as you explore with friends or family.
A world of flavours in one place
If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll find Arabic desserts like kunafa sold alongside waffles, crepes, and classic carnival treats like funnel cakes. Or, if you prefer something savoury, you could try Turkish kebabs, Mexican tacos, or even Japanese takoyaki, all freshly made and surprisingly affordable. With so many options, it’s easy to taste your way through half a dozen countries in a single night.
Global Village can get busy, especially on weekends, so if you’d rather avoid long lines, visiting on a weekday or arriving earlier in the afternoon is a smart move. If you discover a dish you can’t get enough of, there’s a good chance the vendor has a restaurant elsewhere in Dubai so you can enjoy your new favourite food all year round.
How to find the best global dining experiences
A quick online search might point you to the most popular restaurants, but if you really want to uncover the best flavours the UAE has to offer, it helps to dig a little deeper. With so many incredible options, from hidden street food to world-class fine dining, knowing where to look can make all the difference.
Researching the right spots
Sometimes the best meals come from spontaneous discoveries. But if you’re planning somewhere for special occasions—or when you just want a guaranteed great experience—doing a little research goes a long way.
- Blogs and lifestyle magazines: Local food blogs and magazines often publish “best of” lists for different cuisines and highlight new openings worth trying.
- Social media: Follow restaurants and chefs on social media. Instagram, in particular, is great for spotting daily specials, behind-the-scenes kitchen moments, and limited-time dishes.
- Forums and foodie groups: Locals and long-time residents love sharing their favourite finds, and you might discover a spot that doesn’t show up in typical restaurant rankings.
Reviews and recommendations
Online reviews can be a great way to get a feel for a place, especially on platforms like Google Maps, Zomato, or TripAdvisor. They’ll often give you useful insights into portion sizes, service quality, and waiting times—things you might not always find out from a restaurant’s website.
That said, taste is personal. What one person calls “the best pad Thai ever” might be too sweet or too mild for someone else. Use reviews as a guide, not a rule. If a place catches your eye, don’t be afraid to give it a try—you might just find your new favourite spot in an unexpected corner of the city.
The cultural significance of global cuisine in the UAE
A shared meal can bridge language barriers, introduce new traditions, and create a sense of belonging, no matter where you’re from. Whether you’re sampling a dish from your own culture or trying something completely new, every bite tells a story.
Storytelling through food
Behind every great meal is a history of traditions, techniques, and flavours passed down through generations. A Lebanese shawarma recipe might have been perfected by a family over decades, while a German bakery’s pastries could reflect centuries of careful craftsmanship. When these dishes find their way to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah, they bring with them a taste of authenticity that might otherwise require a plane ticket.
Taking a moment to chat with restaurant staff or street food vendors can reveal even more about the dishes you’re enjoying. You might hear about a childhood favourite from a chef’s hometown, learn how a recipe was adapted for local tastes, or discover how a family-run restaurant keeps culinary traditions alive in a new country.
Embracing culinary diversity in the UAE
One of the best things about living in the UAE is the way different cultures and cuisines blend together. It’s not uncommon to start the day with a strong Turkish coffee, grab a French baguette sandwich for lunch, and end the evening with a sweet Emirati date pudding, all without leaving your neighbourhood.
By exploring the country’s diverse food scene, you’re not just trying new flavours—you’re supporting chefs who bring their heritage to life, celebrating food festivals that showcase different traditions, and connecting with people from backgrounds you might not otherwise have encountered.
FAQs
What is traditional Emirati cuisine like?
While the UAE is famous for its diverse food scene, Emirati cuisine remains an important part of the country’s cultural identity. Traditional dishes are often rich, flavourful, and influenced by the region’s Bedouin roots. Think slow-cooked meats, fragrant rice dishes, saffron-infused desserts, and plenty of dates. One of the most popular dishes is machboos, a spiced rice and meat dish that’s a favourite among both locals and visitors.
Where is the food capital of UAE?
Dubai is often considered the UAE’s food capital, with an incredible variety of restaurants offering everything from high-end gourmet dining to budget-friendly street food. However, Abu Dhabi is also a major contender, with a growing reputation for fine dining and waterfront eateries. Other emirates, like Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah, have their own hidden spots, particularly for authentic Middle Eastern and South Asian cuisine.
Which kind of food is most popular in the UAE?
It really depends on what you love to eat. The UAE is home to nearly every cuisine imaginable, from delicate Japanese sushi to bold Indian curries, classic French pastries, and comforting Arabic dishes. Many people are drawn to Middle Eastern and Asian cuisines for their rich flavours and variety, but the best part of eating out in the UAE is the constant discovery that there’s always something new to try.
How can I find the best restaurants in the UAE?
With so many options, it helps to go beyond a quick search. Food blogs, social media, and expat groups are great resources for discovering local favourites. Checking Google and Zomato reviews can give you an idea of portion sizes and service, but sometimes the best finds come from word of mouth. If you’re up for an adventure, visit food markets or explore smaller neighbourhoods.