From tasty street food to fine dining affair in Dubai
Dubai is well known for its fine dining, with some of the best restaurants in the world being located in the city. Street food fans and culinary explorers will be pleased to find that some of the best meals in Dubai can be found on a shoestring budget; from the humble Indian and Pakistani cafeterias to the ubiquitous Lebanese hotspots, there are hidden gems at every corner.
1. An out-of-Africa experience
Located at the Expo 2020 Dubai venue, the Alkebulan Food Hall, which is made up of 10 African restaurants, puts a spotlight on the variety of cuisines served up from the continent.
The restaurants are overseen by Kenyan Cyprian Machangoh. Located in Al Wasl Square, the space also showcases the African culture, music and heritage, giving diners a truly authentic continental experience.
If you pop-in, you will also get to enjoy Kenyan celebrity chef Kiran Jethwa’s meals.
2. Dine in the sky
Voted by Forbes as one of the 10 most unusual restaurants in the world, Dinner in the Sky offers amazing dining experiences with amazing views of Dubai Marina and the Persian Gulf.
The restaurant is hoisted 50 feet into the air and caters for up to 22 guests for lunch, afternoon tea, dinner or special occasions.
3. Dusit Thani Dubai
Dine in Thai style with views of Burj Khalifa and Dubai’s glittering skyline. Experience an authentic culinary journey focused on the freshest ingredients, harmony and balance of flavours, and exquisite presentation.
So much more than a menu, Benjarong’s mouth-watering selection of Authentic Thai cuisine is a true culinary journey.
Carefully crafted and beautifully presented by expert Thai Chef de Cuisine Wichit Panyo and his team, the multi-award-winning cuisine finds the perfect harmony and balance between the five flavours of sweet, spicy, sour, salty, and creamy, by using the freshest, finest-quality ingredients.
4. Walnut Grove
Portions! Portions! Portions! A concept grown in the heart of South Africa, Walnut Grove comes to Dubai bringing along a rustic yet authentic boutique dining experience.
Known for their legacy as an exciting and interactive family-oriented concept, they have captured the hearts and taste buds of South Africa.
With their vivid and inventive cuisine, welcoming staff and family-based core values, Walnut Grove has quickly become the go-to neighbourhood spot for young and old.
Their world famous cakes and signature hand-roasted coffee bring a unique and exciting blend to the Dubai dining scene.
Walnut Grove’s bright yet intimate space plays host to endless options of culinary delights both sweet and savoury as well as an interactive and open bakery and barista station that allows you to get closer to the handmade in-house specialities.
5. World’s Instagrammable café
A visit to Dubai must include a visit to Tania’s Teahouse which is the seventh most Instagrammable café in the world.
Located near the world-famous Burj Al Arab seven-star hotel, this café serves a wide rage of customised and speciality flavoured teas, coffees and food with interesting names.
6. 2nd of December Street
Do as the locals do and head to 2nd of December Street for some cheap eats. Formerly known as Al Dhiyafa Street, this buzzing street is the place to load your plate with cuisines from India, Iran, Lebanon and more.
Discover some of Dubai’s best chicken shawarmas at Al Mallah. These are served in a bread pocket with salty pickles, French fries and a generous helping of a delicious garlic paste.
