Much like its nightlife and skyline, Dubai’s cuisine is every bit as extravagant as you’d imagine. The city is a wild concoction of flavours from across the globe – not to mention its own distinct Middle Eastern allures – making it a must-visit for food lovers everywhere. Here’s five dishes to try whenever you’re next in the City of Gold…
Mekong chicken burger
Drawing influence from Southeast Asia, this succulent mix of Vietnamese slaw, peanut sauce, and breaded chicken – all drizzled with lime for good measure – tickles your taste buds at all times. It’s best served with a side of gyoza – an oriental form of dumpling – and a light serving of rice paper rolls. Close your eyes and let these zesty essences take you to a higher place.
Financier cakes with tropical sorbets
Yep, you read that correctly. As if this french delight couldn’t any better, Dubai’s chefs have added a dollop of mango and passion fruit sorbet served with lime jelly – the perfect way to stay refreshed even in the heat of the day! If you’ve got a sweet tooth – or even if you don’t – you can indulge in this in the opulent La Serre Bistro & Boulangerie.
Koshari
This dish is from a little closer to home, and served by both restaurants and street venders. Originally from Egypt, it’s a mixture of rice, macaroni, and lentils, relished with spicy tomato sauce, garlic vinegar, chickpeas and crispy onions. It’s a meal largely made up of carbs, so you’ll be nicely fueled up for a day of exploring the buzzing metropolis of Dubai. Koshari is usually meat-free, but pleases veggies and carnivores in equal measures.
Chicken shawarma
Like much of the Middle East, street food here is world renowned. Chicken schawarma – sliced meat marinated in smoky flavours all nestled within a floury wrap – is, quite simply, a joy to eat. There’s always a good portion of yogurt lathered over the meat, which’ll keep your mouth cool even with the spiciest of plates!
Fried calamari coated in plantain
As a port, Dubai’s marine life makes up for a lot of the city’s seafood platters. Fried calamari is a firm favourite for fish-lovers worldwide, but remember that Dubai’s a trendsetter, so chefs here have taken this delicacy one step further and glazed it with plantain. Fill your boots first time, but this usually accounts for more than one of people’s meals in Dubai.
Smoked peppered mackerel spread
They say simplicity is best, and in this instance the saying still stands. This goes well on artisan loafs, and is a frequent starter for diners across the city, with the delicate texture of the bread complimenting an already mouth-watering snack. Feast upon a few slices before seeing what other tastes you can find in the city.
Food in Dubai is the highlight of many people’s time here. When you can spend your dinner looking up at a famed skyline from luxury glassed buildings, it’s hard to imagine another evening even coming close to topping it. Visit for yourself, and see what Dubai holds in store for you…
