Dubai, a city renowned for its opulence, attracts travelers from around the world. Many come here to revel in the midst of towering skyscrapers and beautiful beaches. However, beyond its dazzling facade lies an extraordinary culinary experience that deserves to be explored more deeply. Let’s delve into the culinary scene of this city on an unforgettable taste adventure.
BOCA: Sustainability in Every Bite
Located in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), BOCA was recently awarded a green star at this year’s Michelin ceremony for its dedication to sustainable dining. With a focus on taste, the environment, and presentation, BOCA has crafted an unparalleled culinary experience.
On its menu, you can find dishes like kingfish ceviche with sweet potato hummus, tomato and strawberry gazpacho, and chicken with roasted spiced potatoes and padron peppers. Every bite is an experience that celebrates flavors while also considering its positive impact on our planet. BOCA operates on 100 percent renewable energy and strives to produce as little waste as possible. By using locally sourced ingredients, they pay homage to the environment and local culture.
Delve Deeper into Emirati Cuisine
Dubai is the perfect place to savor authentic Emirati cuisine. In a walking tour through Dubai’s famous souks, you can discover delicious snacks that reflect Emirati culture and traditions. Starting with paratha filled with omelet, cream cheese, and spicy chips known as chips Oman, all of it is doused in a spicy sauce and washed down with a fragrant cup of tea. Don’t forget to try regag, a popular Emirati snack that consists of flatbread filled with cream cheese and zaatar. Exploring Emirati cuisine is a perfect way to get closer to this rich and diverse culture.
Al Ustad: Hiding Delicious Kebabs
One of the popular spots in the city is the delicious Persian kebab restaurant, Al Ustad. Located near the textile souk, this restaurant is a favorite among both locals and tourists. Here, you can watch chefs grill various types of kebabs, ranging from minced lamb (koobideh) and saffron-marinated chicken (joojeh) to lamb fillet (barg). The true delight at this restaurant is the signature kebab, juicy chunks of grilled lamb or chicken marinated in yogurt before being grilled. Adorned with photos of customers over the past four decades, Al Ustad is a place full of character and authentic flavors.
Orfali: Stories in Every Dish
Orfali is a restaurant run by three brothers, Mohammad, Wassim, and Omar, celebrating their roots and experiences in food, travel, art, and culture. The restaurant was recently named the best restaurant in the Middle East and North Africa in 2023. Here, every dish has its own story.
From the burnt leek and truffle pide to red tuna salsa with fermented tomato, every dish that comes out of Orfali’s kitchen is a delicious work of art. In every bite, you can feel the warmth and dedication of the chefs who strive to provide the best for their guests. Furthermore, Orfali takes pride in the diversity of its kitchen team, with Executive Chef Patricia Roig leading the team with exceptional skill and expertise. With a variety of mouthwatering dishes, environmentally conscious decor, and an exceptional ethos, Orfali sets a remarkable example for restaurants.
Time Out Market: Deep Street Sensations
Dubai, as a city that celebrates various international cuisines, has Time Out Market as the perfect place to explore deep street food sensations. Located in the heart of Dubai, this market offers various food concepts from around the world. With 17 diverse food concepts, you can indulge your taste buds with delicious dishes that reflect global culinary diversity.
When visiting Time Out Market, be sure to try the delectable soft-shell crab bao, which can be paired with crispy Brussels sprouts from BB Social. Don’t miss out on the liquid nitrogen-frozen ice cream from Scoopi, which is sure to satisfy dessert lovers. Time Out Market is a place that combines culinary sensations with a touch of luxury, featuring gold leaf garnishes and activated charcoal as some of its attractions.
Authentic Emirati Food
Getting to know and taste local food is an essential part of exploring the culture of a place. When in Dubai, don’t miss the opportunity to experience authentic Emirati cuisine. In a walking tour through Dubai’s famous souks, you can discover delicious snacks that reflect Emirati culture and traditions.
One of the snacks you must try is paratha filled with omelet, cream cheese, and spicy chips known as chips Oman. This paratha is then drenched in a spicy sauce and washed down with a fragrant cup of tea. It’s a perfect example of the rich and varied flavors of Emirati cuisine.
In addition to paratha, you can also try regag, a popular Emirati snack that consists of flatbread filled with cream cheese and zaatar. Regag is commonly found in local homes and snack shops in Dubai. Furthermore, you can sample various other Emirati dishes such as mandi, harees, and luqaimat. All these dishes have a unique flavor and are an integral part of Emirati culinary culture.
Exploring International Flavors at Time Out Market
Dubai is renowned as a city that celebrates various international cuisines. On your culinary journey to Dubai, don’t miss the opportunity to explore a wide range of dishes from around the world at Time Out Market. Located in the heart of Dubai, Time Out Market is the perfect place to explore international cuisine all in one spot.
This food market offers a variety of food concepts from different parts of the world, including Asian, European, Middle Eastern, and American dishes. You can savor delicious dishes such as fresh sushi, authentic Italian pizza, and crispy Middle Eastern falafel. Be sure to try the American barbecue burger that will tantalize your taste buds. Time Out Market is the perfect place to sample a variety of international cuisines without having to travel far.
Authentic Emirati Food
Getting to know and taste local food is an essential part of exploring the culture of a place. When in Dubai, don’t miss the opportunity to experience authentic Emirati cuisine. In a walking tour through Dubai’s famous souks, you can discover delicious snacks that reflect Emirati culture and traditions.
One of the snacks you must try is paratha filled with omelet, cream cheese, and spicy chips known as chips Oman. This paratha is then drenched in a spicy sauce and washed down with a fragrant cup of tea. It’s a perfect example of the rich and varied flavors of Emirati cuisine.
In addition to paratha, you can also try regag, a popular Emirati snack that consists of flatbread filled with cream cheese and zaatar. Regag is commonly found in local homes and snack shops in Dubai. Furthermore, you can sample various other Emirati dishes such as mandi, harees, and luqaimat. All these dishes have a unique flavor and are an integral part of Emirati culinary culture.
Enjoying Vegetarian Cuisine at Avatara
If you’re a vegetarian food lover, Dubai has something for you too. Avatara is the first and only fine-dining vegetarian restaurant in Dubai. With a 16-course tasting menu led by Chef Rahul Rana, the restaurant has earned a Michelin star. At Avatara, you’ll explore a world of flavors in every dish served.
The tasting menu at Avatara includes a variety of dishes designed to tantalize your taste buds. Starting with naivedhya (a sacred offering) consisting of makan malai, popping mishri, and panchamrita. This sweet snack is a form of offering to deities during worship rituals. You’ll be treated to dishes like cucumber granita and beetroot sorbet in buttermilk, horse gram curry with ragi bhatura (a North Indian deep-fried bread), and jakhiya aloo (mountain-spiced potatoes). All dishes at Avatara are served with precision and tenderness that awaken the senses.
In addition to incredible flavors, Avatara also imparts knowledge about the ingredients used in each dish. Each dish is accompanied by a brief description and stories about the ingredients used. It’s an educational and palate-pleasing culinary experience. During this flavor journey, you’ll discover how vegetarian cuisine can be both delicious and nutritious.
Culinary exploration in Dubai is an unforgettable journey of taste. From authentic local cuisine to tempting international dishes, Dubai has something for everyone. As you explore this city, don’t miss the opportunity to savor various flavors and taste delicious dishes that will tantalize your palate. Enjoy exploring the deep world of flavors in Dubai!