How to Enjoy Dubai’s Local Cuisine – Best Emirati Flavours

Dubai is a melting pot of experiences. Enjoy your time there exploring the modern facades, the Old Quarter, and of course, the souks. Most of all enjoy your time being a foodie in Dubai. Savour the best of Emirati cuisine coupled with regional favourites, as well as contemporary twists of traditional dishes at the various Dubai restaurants. This article updates you on which restaurants to visit to enjoy the best local cuisine in Dubai. 

1. Logma for Authentic Arabic Khaleeji 

Logma is located at the popular Boxpark Mall. If you love traditional Arabic Khaleeji cuisine do not miss a visit to the place. You can head over there for breakfast before your shopping spree. Favourites are the Arabic-style pancakes called Chabab, or you could feed your sweet tooth desires with a dish of khameer, which is a flatbread accompanied with loads of creamy cheese and sweet date syrup. Savoury favourites include chicken and rice cooked in authentic Emirati fashion bursting with the flavours of exotic spices and herbs. There are, of course, plenty of fresh salads and filling sandwich options to choose from, a must-try is the popular saffron milk cake. 

2. Jigsaw Restaurant 

This one is located within the Avani Deira Dubai Hotel and is a popular option for people looking for variety. A range of both western and traditional dishes are on offer there, which you can savour for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Easily one of the top restaurants in Dubai, Jigsaw caters to all taste buds. Apart from enjoying the treats available in this restaurant as a guest of the hotel, you can make use of the excellent location, which offers you a chance to explore both the traditional side of Dubai and visit other restaurants in the area. 

Image via Avani Deira Dubai Hotel

3. Aseelah for Contemporary Twists of Traditional Flavours 

Located in Old Dubai, Aseelah is a fine dining restaurant offering a range of traditional dishes given a modern twist. Favourites like samak, a fish, and rice dish are on the menu; a colourful and innovative list of mouth-watering dishes. Traditional dishes are given a European twist to cater to modern palates. Must try favourites include poached lobster with herbs and pilaf rice. You will love the chic ambience of the restaurant too, emulating the rustic colours of the desert. 

4. SMCCU for a Range of Emirati Cuisine 

The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) is one of the best places to check out the range of Emirati cuisine available in Dubai. The centre is located within the Al Fahidi Historical District and is a great place for dining and soaking up history as well. The centre conducts tours for tourists, offering them a chance to enjoy a traditional breakfast, lunch, or dinner in combination. The spread is quite an elaborate feast, served in the traditional style where you sit on elegant cushions and dine in true Bedouin fashion. Mind you, the dishes are prepared according to traditional methods and offer one the authentic flavours of Emirati cuisine. 

5. Siraj for that Arabian Nights Adventure 

Arabic calligraphy and traditional themes make up the décor of this exotic restaurant. Located in downtown Dubai, Siraj is popular for its selection of Emirati-Levantine dishes. On the menu are delights such as chicken biriyani served wrapped in soft flatbread, lobster kibbeh, which is balls of dough stuffed with tender meat, and Lebanese milk pudding called mouhalabiya. 

6. Al Fanar Restaurant & Café for Rustic Charms 

This very authentic restaurant is designed on traditional Arabic architectural lines, complete with a wind tower. Savour the traditional ambience of this eatery offering you a menu packed with all the traditional favourites from baby shark cooked in Arabic spices to decadent regional desserts.