Dining Guide | Discover the Best Restaurants in Dubai

About Dubai Food Tours

Arab food served in various plates with drinks. Dubai, UAE.

Dubai's food scene is a vibrant tapestry woven from the threads of global influences. Unlike many cities with a signature dish, Dubai's culinary specialty lies in its delightful diversity. Indian curries and Iranian kebabs find a warm welcome alongside international gourmet cuisine.

Enjoy the delicious food of the best fine dining restaurants in Dubai. The aromatic usage of cardamom, saffron, and cumin in Machboos is a legacy of spice traders. European influences have also made fresh juices, smoothies, and gourmet coffees a desert oasis.

Dubai's culinary scene embraces flavours, not merely borrows them. Local foods like dates, eaten fresh or in sweets, offer sweetness. Baklava and luqaimat complement savoury foods.

Some of the best places to eat in Dubai are street food. Street sellers sell hot shawarma and Michelin-starred restaurants provide contemporary Emirati cuisine.

Dubai's culinary scene includes something for everyone, from Karak tea with dates to multi-course meals. Come hungry, eager, and ready to explore the world's delicacies beneath the Dubai sun.

Tour Highlights

Table of enjoying arab food with family and friends top view

Culinary Delights from Around the World: Enjoy Dubai's vibrant food from the best restaurants in Dubai. Taste everything from aromatic Arabic mezze to melt-in-your-mouth Indian curries, or perhaps fresh seafood. Enjoy a luxurious high tea at a Burj Khalifa. Enjoy hotel overlooking the city, or even a cruise dinner on Dubai Creek for a truly special ambiance.
Learn about Emirati Cuisine: Immerse yourself in the rich culinary traditions of the UAE. Discover the secrets behind Emirati favourites like fragrant machboos (spiced rice dish) and refreshing dishes like luqaimat (sweet dumplings).
Behind-the-Scenes Access: Some tours offer the best bar food in Dubai and exclusive access to kitchens, bakeries, and spice shops. Witness the artistry involved in preparing intricate dishes and learn about the ingredients that make them so unique.
Beverage Pairings: Dubai is not famous for food only. Dubai food and drink tours may incorporate tastings of local and international beverages. This allows you to discover the perfect pairings for your culinary journey. This could include Arabic coffee, refreshing date shakes, or even grape varieties specific to the region.

Visitor Highlights

dubai souk spice bazaar colourful tradional spices in gold souk dubai

Try Something New: Step outside your comfort zone and explore unfamiliar flavours and dishes. You might discover your new favourite food!
Foodie Photos: Capture the vibrant colours and mouthwatering presentations of Dubai's culinary scene. Share your food adventures on social media!
Meet Local Food Experts: Learn from passionate guides and chefs who can share their knowledge and insights into Dubai's food culture.
Memorable Souvenirs: At the souqs, you can find one-of-a-kind food-related gifts. Enjoy Arabic coffee pots made by hand, fragrant spices, or exotic dried fruits.
A Feast for the Senses: Dubai's food scene is a feast for all senses. Savor the rich aromas, vibrant colours, and unique textures of the city's culinary offerings.
Family Fun: Plan a thrilling adventure for the whole family. Younger children will enjoy the sights and food. while older kids will enjoy the excitement of a speedboat ride or exploring hidden coves.

Travel Tips

Dubai's food scene is a vibrant tapestry of flavours, promising an amazing culinary journey. Here are some travel tips to ensure your food and drinks tour is a delicious success:

Before Your Tour:

Research & Book in Advance: Popular tours fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Research different tour options, considering duration, cuisine focus (local Emirati, international flavours, street food), and dietary restrictions.
Dress Comfortably: Opt for loose-fitting, breathable clothing. Dubai's weather can be warm, and some food tours involve walking between stops.
Bring Cash for Extras: While most tours cover food tastings, some might not include additional beverages, tips, or souvenirs. Carry some cash for these.

On Your Tour Day:

Come Hungry: Food tours involve sampling a variety of dishes. Arrive with an empty stomach to get the most out of the experience.
Embrace New Flavors: Dubai's cuisine offers a fusion of influences. Be open to trying new dishes and ingredients you might not encounter at home.
Ask Questions: Don't hesitate to ask your tour guide about the history and significance of the dishes you're trying. Learn about the food culture that adds another layer to the experience.
Pace Yourself: Food tours involve multiple tastings. Pace yourself to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Take breaks and enjoy the conversation with your fellow food enthusiasts.
Bring Wet Wipes or Hand Sanitizer: Maintaining hygiene is important, especially when trying street food.
Bring a Camera: Capture your tour's delicious food highlights and beautiful surroundings.

Dietary Restrictions:

Communicate in Advance: If you have any dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, allergies), inform the tour operator beforehand. This helps them choose appropriate options for you.
Be Flexible: Some street food stalls, or traditional restaurants might have limited options for specific dietary needs. Be prepared to be flexible and adjust your expectations.
Download Offline Maps: Having offline maps on your phone can be helpful to navigate between tour stops or find restrooms.

Know Before You Go

What to Bring

Comfortable Shoes: Walking is an integral part of most food tours. Opt for comfortable walking shoes that can handle different terrains, from bustling streets to restaurant floors.
Loose-fitting Clothing: Dubai's weather can be warm, so pack breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Loose-fitting clothes will allow for comfortable movement and accommodate potential food indulgence.
Small Backpack: A compact bag keeps your belongings organized and accessible while navigating bustling streets and crowded restaurants.
Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated throughout the tour with a reusable water bottle. This is an eco-friendly option and saves money on bottled water.
Wet Wipes or Hand Sanitizer: Maintaining good hygiene is important, especially when trying street food. Pack wet wipes or hand sanitizer for quick cleaning between stops.
Camera: Capture the mouthwatering dishes and vibrant atmosphere of your food tour. Don't forget to snap photos for those food-loving social media posts!
Cash (Optional): While most tours cover food tastings, some might not include additional beverages, snacks, souvenirs, or tips. Extra cash will help you cover for these extras.
Offline Maps (Optional): Download offline maps on phone can help navigate between tour stops or find restrooms.

What not to Bring

Bulky Bags: A compact bag is key. Leave your large suitcase or backpack at the hotel for a lighter and more enjoyable experience.
Formal Wear: Dubai's food scene is diverse, ranging from casual street food stalls to mid-range restaurants. Formal wear is unnecessary and might feel out of place.
Expensive Jewellery: Leave valuable jewellery at home to avoid any worries. Food tours involve walking and navigating crowds, so it's best to minimize valuables.
Heavy Electronics: Focus on enjoying the sights, smells, and tastes of the tour. Limit electronic devices like laptops or tablets. Your phone with a camera is enough.
Too Much Cash: Unless you plan on extensive souvenir shopping, carrying a large amount of cash isn't necessary. Most restaurants and shops accept credit cards.

Getting There

Pre-booked Transfers: Consider pre-booking a car or ride-sharing service to take you directly to the meeting point.
Metro: Dubai's metro system is clean and efficient, especially if your tour starts in a central location. Check the route beforehand to ensure you reach the meeting point on time.
Taxi: Taxis are readily available and metered, ensuring fair fares. Look for taxis with the RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) logo.
Ridesharing Apps: Popular ridesharing apps like Uber operate in Dubai. Check the app for availability and pick-up options.

Food & Drinks