24 Hours in Dubai? Don’t Leave Without Trying These Iconic Dishes
Dubai has rapidly risen to become one of the world’s most vibrant food destinations. With over 2 million Instagram posts and 127,900 TikTok videos showcasing its cuisine, it now ranks among the top global foodie hubs. If you’ve just got 24 hours in the city, these must-try dishes will make your visit unforgettable.
Start Strong: Traditional Emirati Breakfast & Coffee
Kick off your morning like a true local by visiting a spice-filled souk and sipping on cardamom-brewed Arabic coffee paired with fresh manousheh (a za’atar flatbread). It’s the perfect fragrant and energizing way to begin your culinary journey.
Mid-Morning Street Bites: Shawarma & Kebabs
As you wander Dubai’s colorful marketplaces or trendy food trucks (like Last Exit or Marina Walk), don’t miss out on:
- Chicken shawarma from renowned street vendors (like Qalat Baalbak) – savory, juicy, rolled in warm bread
- Al Ustad Special Kebabs in Al Fahidi – simple, flavorful, and historic Iranian-style kebabs beloved by locals
Noon: Emirati Soul Food—Al Harees & Machboos
By lunchtime, explore Emirati comfort dishes:
- Al Harees, a slow-cooked porridge with tender meat and wheat
- Al Machboos or Mandi, rice dishes rich with spices, nuts, and lamb or fish — truly soul-warming
These staples reflect Dubai’s Bedouin roots and are a delicious way to connect with local tradition.
Afternoon Delight: Knafeh & Pistachio Magic
Dubai’s dessert culture has gone next-level:
- Knafeh, the gooey cheese pastry with rose syrup, is irresistible—especially from Al Baba Sweets.
- Don’t skip the Pistachio Kunafa Chocolate by Fix Dessert Chocolatier—an ASMR-worthy, viral confection that tops Deliveroo’s global trending list and sparked a pistachio craze worldwide.
This treat launched a global pistachio trend, inspiring Starbucks, Lindt, and Trader Joe’s to create their own versions .
Evening Feasts: Rooftop Dining & Global Flavors
As night falls, dive into Dubai’s cosmopolitan food scene:
- Indulge in flaming shawarma at spots like Allo Beirut—a dramatic, fiery twist that’s both delicious and Instagrammable.
- Dare to try truffle pizza at The Artisan—luxurious, earthy, and one of Dubai’s most decadent shares.
For a refined bite, savor black cod miso at Zuma or creamy burrata at LPM—top-tier Michelin-loved plates.
Late-Night Munchies: Falafel, Cloud Bread & Ice Cream
Dubai never sleeps, and neither does your appetite:
- Falafel wraps from Bur Dubai food stalls are crispy, warm bites that are simply unforgettable
- Try cloud bread infused with rosewater or saffron—light, dreamy, and visually stunning for TikTok fame
- Cap the day with camel milk gelato from NOUQ or gold-dusted soft serve at Scoopi Café—exotic, luxurious, and utterly photogenic
Don’t forget to sip mint lemonade at spice market stalls—a refreshing cooldown after a full plate adventure.
Dining Dubai’s Trends: What’s Next in 2025
Dubai’s food scene keeps innovating, driven by social media and global fusion:
- Gold-dusted desserts and Instagrammable plating—luxury eating meets visual spectacle
- A strong movement toward plant-based, vegan fine dining, plus fusion menus blending Japanese, Middle Eastern, Italian, Mexican influences
- Cloud kitchens and delivery apps like Kitopi are making gourmet food accessible day and night
Why Dubai’s Food Scene Delights Everyone
- Its diversity offers everything from Bedouin staples to sushi-taco hybrids—reflecting Dubai’s multicultural soul
- Social media-friendly dishes ensure that every bite is not only delicious but also share-worthy—with massive impact on trends and tourism .
- The fusion of tradition and innovation keeps food fresh and exciting, with chefs constantly experimenting .
Final Bite: Your 24‑Hour Eats in a Snapshot
| Time of Day | Must-Try Dish | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Cardamom Arabic coffee + manousheh | Traditional, aromatic start |
| Mid‑Morning | Shawarma & kebabs | Beloved street-food classics |
| Lunch | Al Harees, Machboos | Heartwarming Emirati staples |
| Afternoon | Knafeh & Pistachio Kunafa Chocolate | Trendsetting desserts, viral worldwide |
| Evening | Flaming shawarma, truffle pizza | Dramatic, global flavors with Instagram impact |
| Late Night | Falafel, cloud bread, camel ice cream | Street snacks and creative sweets to end your day |
Final Thoughts
From the fragrant aromas of traditional dishes to the flashy gold desserts and viral pistachio sweets, Dubai’s 24‑hour food trip is a whirlwind of flavor, culture, and innovation. It’s the kind of experience that lingers long after your flight departs.
Do follow UAE Stories on Instagram
Visiting Dubai in Summer? Your Ultimate Guide to Beat the Heat
