What Is Dubai Official Food?

While Dubai does not have one single “official dish,” the city is known for several traditional Emirati foods that represent local culture. These dishes are commonly served during festivals, weddings, family gatherings, and national celebrations. So when people ask about Dubai official food, they are usually referring to these well-known traditional meals.

These foods are made using local ingredients such as rice, meat, fish, dates, spices, and saffron. They reflect the lifestyle of early Emirati families who relied on simple, natural ingredients available in the region.

Here are some of the top dishes that showcase the rich flavor of Dubai’s local cuisine:

• Al Machboos: Machboos is considered one of the most traditional food of Dubai. It’s a flavorful rice dish made with chicken, lamb, or fish, mixed with tomatoes, onions, spices, and dried lemon (loomi). The dried lemon gives the dish a unique taste that many visitors love.
• Al Harees: Harees is a slow-cooked dish made from wheat and meat, usually chicken or lamb. It has a smooth, porridge-like texture and is commonly eaten during Ramadan and special occasions. Harees is simple but very comforting, making it a must-try Dubai local cuisine.
• Majboos / Kabsa: This dish is similar to Machboos but typically spicier and richer in flavor. It is widely popular in Emirati households and considered one of the famous food in Dubai for tourists.
• Luqaimat: These are small, sweet dumplings that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They are usually served with date syrup and sesame seeds. Luqaimat is one of the most loved Emirati desserts and is commonly eaten during Ramadan.
• Balaleet: Balaleet is a unique dish that mixes sweet and savory flavors. It includes sweet vermicelli topped with an omelette. Many locals eat it for breakfast, making it one of the most interesting dishes to try when exploring Dubai local cuisine.

If you are planning your food journey and wondering what to eat in Dubai, here are some dishes that you should not miss:

• Shawarma: Though not originally Emirati, shawarma has become one of the most widely eaten foods in Dubai. It is made of sliced meat, wrapped in Arabic bread with garlic sauce, vegetables, and pickles.
• Mandi: Mandi has Yemeni roots but is deeply loved in Dubai. It is made with meat cooked in a tandoor underground oven, served with fragrant rice and spices. Many Emiratis enjoy mandi for lunch or dinner.
• Grilled Fish (Jash or Hammour): Dubai’s coastal history means seafood plays an important role in local cuisine. Hammour (a type of local fish) grilled with spices is a classic Emirati dish.
• Dates and Arabic Coffee: No meal in Dubai is complete without dates and traditional Arabic coffee. These two items are an important part of Emirati hospitality.

Dubai’s food today is a mix of traditional Emirati dishes and international cuisines. The city welcomes people from over 200 nationalities, making it one of the most diverse places in the world. While Emirati food remains an important part of the city’s history, Dubai is also famous for:

• Indian cuisine
• Lebanese cuisine
• Turkish cuisine
• Filipino dishes
• Global fast food and fine dining

What it does: But even with all these international choices, the famous food in Dubai still includes unique local flavors that every visitor should experience.

The answer is simple: Dubai does not have one specific “official” dish, but the city is famous for several signature Emirati foods such as Machboos, Harees, Luqaimat, and Balaleet. These dishes reflect the history, culture, and traditional lifestyle of the UAE. If you want to taste the real flavor of Dubai, make sure to try its traditional food of Dubai, explore local restaurants, and experience the warm Emirati hospitality.