10 Things to eat in Dubai and where

The emirate of Dubai is one of the most popular destinations for tourists of luxury and grandeur. In this country, everything stands out for being grand and majestic, such as the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest skyscraper, or the New Year celebrations with the impressive fireworks display and the world's tallest hotel.
Dubai's many attractions have made it one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the Emirates, but that's not all: Dubai is also home to more than 80 per cent foreigners. That's why a food tour can be a pleasantly varied experience full of surprises. Here we have selected the 10 dishes you absolutely must not miss in Dubai.

1 - Dates

Plantations of these dates are located in Saudi Arabia, which produces over 20 varieties. They are great for breakfast, but beware: it is true that they are fat-free, but they are a very high-calorie food! The dates from Bateel are famous, in very fine establishments, but in general they can be bought in supermarkets and markets.

• Recommended for: breakfast, snack

• Average cost: about 30 Euro per portion

• Main ingredients: dates

2 - Camel

Similar to cow's milk but slightly saltier, camel milk is low in fat and increasingly popular. In Dubai, you can taste the cappuccino made using this very product.

• Recommended for: breakfast, snack

• Average cost: about 5 Euro

• Main ingredients: camel milk, coffee, spices

3 - Harees

Photo by Krista. One of the cornerstones of Arabian cuisine, this dish consists of a kind of pudding made of wheat and meat, usually beef. A long and patient preparation is required to achieve the ideal consistency. Every region has its own recipe, enriched with cardamom, onion or turmeric and cinnamon.

• Recommended for: lunch, dinner

• Average cost: about 9 Euro

• Main ingredients: wheat, beef, spices

4 - Falafel

Now also customs-cleared in Europe, these are the famous legume meatballs, which are then fried and spiced. To prepare them, chop up broad beans, chickpeas and beans, add onion, garlic, cumin and coriander.

• Recommended: lunch, dinner, snack

• Average cost: about 2 Euro per portion

• Main ingredients: legumes, onion, garlic, spices

5 - Shawarma

This is none other than the well-known kebab, a dish brought to Europe by the Turks. In Dubai, it is prepared on a large skewer and consists of a mix of lamb, sheep, chicken, goat or beef, also covered in sheep fat.

• Recommended for: lunch, dinner

• Average cost: approx. 3 Euro

• Main ingredients: lamb, sheep, chicken, goat and beef

6 - Kabsa

This is a rice dish with the addition of meat, spices, but also vegetables and dried fruit. The meat can be kid, lamb, camel or the more traditional chicken and beef. Instead of meat, there can also be fish or shrimps. The dish can be prepared using the'mandi' technique, where the meat is cooked in a hole in the ground, or by following the'mathbi' method, which involves cooking on stones heated by a brazier, or the'madghut' method, which involves the use of a pressure cooker. Spices are essential: cardamom and saffron, pepper, bay leaf, cinnamon and many others are used, as well as onions, sultanas and pine nuts.

• Recommended for: lunch, dinner

• Average cost: approx. 5 Euro

• Main ingredients: rice, kid, lamb, camel, chicken and beef, fish, shrimps, dried fruit

7 - Balaleet

These are very thin disks of dough made using ingredients such as eggs, onions, cinnamon, with added sugar and oil. This dish is typical for breakfast.

• Recommended for: breakfast

• Average cost: about 5 Euro

• Main ingredients: eggs, onions, cinnamon, sugar and oil

8 - Koshari

Photo by Dina Said. Vegetarian dish with chickpeas, lentils, macaroni, rice, served with a tray of tasty condiments.

• Recommended for: lunch, dinner

• Average cost: approx. 4 Euro

• Main ingredients: pulses, spices

9 - Baklava

You've probably tasted it by ordering it in some kebab place, this typically Middle Eastern sweet can also be found in the Balkan tradition. The sweet is prepared with a few simple ingredients: phyllo dough, sugar syrup (or honey) and, according to the different variants, pistachios, walnuts or hazelnuts. In Dubai, it is used as a gift to give to guests.

• Recommended for: breakfast, snack

• Average cost: about 2 Euro

• Main ingredients: filo pastry, sugar or honey, dried fruit

10 - Cous cous

A dish originating in North Africa, but now widespread all over the world, cous cous is made from durum wheat semolina. The recognisable grains are steamed and then rehydrated before consumption. There are several variations, including vegetables, but also meat, fish and fruit.

• Recommended for: lunch, dinner

• Average cost: about 4 Euro

• Main ingredients: durum wheat semolina, vegetables, meat, fruit

Where to eat: best restaurants, typical places and street food

Dubai, a modern and cosmopolitan city, does not renounce its traditions in the culinary sphere. Alongside establishments offering international dishes, in fact, there are restaurants offering meat and fish cooked in the old-fashioned way and small bars ideal for street food based on falafel, shawarma and other specialities.

While the Marina area is home to fine and luxurious places, in the Deira and Bur districts one can still find small places serving exquisite street food.

1 - Al Fanar

• Description: a restaurant inspired by the Emirates' past, featuring a red ceiling and traditionally dressed waiters. The menu is illustrated and based on typical dishes

• Speciality: rice with lamb, fish sautéed in sauce

• Average price: from AED 42.00 (about €10.40) per person

• Address: Ground Floor, Dubai Festival City Mall, Near P.F.Chang's, Canal Walk - Get directions

2 - 101 Lounge & Bar

• Description: inside a private harbour pavilion at One &Only The Palm with a Dubai skyline view is ideal for aperitifs, lunch and dinner; the price is rather high

• Specialities: grilled fish, paella

• Average price: from AED 150.00 (approximately €37.00) per person

• Address: West Crescent, Palm Jumeirah One&Only The Palm - Get directions

3 - Sind Punjab

• Description: Indian restaurant opened in 1977 in Meena Bazaar, the atmosphere is homely and the food excellent.

• Specialities: butter chicken and dal makhni (lentil and bean stew)

• Average price: from AED 40.00 (about €10.00) per person

• Address: Bukaz Bldg, 29 Al Esbij St - Get directions

4 - Al Ustad Special Kebab

• Description: a place frequented by sheiks and shoe shiners that has always pleased everyone's palate with its excellent kebabs; the waiters are fast and serve in a room covered with photographs

• Speciality: kebabs, marinated yoghurt chicken with rice

• Average price: from AED 35.00 (about €8.50) per person

• Address: Al Musallah Rd - Get directions

5 - Ravi

• Description: five-star chefs, taxi drivers and ordinary people come to this restaurant in the Jumeirah area to sample the Pakistani specialities on offer; the prices are rock-bottom, the ambience simple but you won't be disappointed

• Specialities: mutton tikka and chicken masala biryani

• Average price: from AED 25.00 (about €6.00) per person

• Address: At Satwa Rd, Satwa - Get directions