A diverse collection of cultures has come together in Dubai. This results in a unique street food scene that features everything from traditional Emirati dishes to international food. With its long list of hidden and authentic gastronomic gems, Dubai is certainly a paradise of different tastes. Each eatery presents a new venture through the original dishes of its respective country. Below is a rundown of the best street food spots in Dubai that are irreplaceable competition.
Sultan Dubai Falafel – The Palestinian Delights
In Deira on Al Muraqqabat Road, Sultan Dubai Falafel is the place to taste real Palestinian food. Their falafels, glowing green, are especially packed with parsley, coriander, and dill. Thus, giving birth to a new level of exciting street food. Have them with a puffy pita bread from the humongous bakery next door. Spice up your meal with slow-cooked fava beans, tangy chili sauce, pickles, and fried vegetables. The experience actually gets better with their caramel-like hummus glazed with green pepper and lemon juice.
Opening Hours: Daily from 7 AM to 1 AM
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Must Try Flavors: Falafel
Contact: +971 4 227 5559
Falafel Alzaeem – Smoked Eggs and Jerusalem-style Ka’ak
The signature Jerusalem-style ka’ak bread at Falafel Alzaeem is another street food option to try. It is a great introduction to the authentic Middle Eastern flavors that are present at this Deira and Jumeirah outlet. Their bread, which is covered in sesame seeds, is filled with cheese, chili shatta, za’atar, and smoked eggs. The latter here is an exclusive option. Smoked for six hours, they impart a smoky flavor with every mouthful.
Opening Hours: Daily from 8 AM to 1 AM
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Must-Try Flavors: Ka’ak bread
Contact: +971 4 330 0735
Sind Punjab – Exciting Chicken Tikka Since 1977
It is located in Meena Bazaar. Sind Punjab has been a long-serving Indian street food restaurant in Dubai since its inception. This is known for its smoky, charcoal-grilled chicken tikka. It also entertains its guests with the creamy butter chicken with mild spiciness and also chana masala. The meal is best enjoyed with a side of flaky lachha parathas and a refreshing drink of lassi. Or you can have a serving of fresh-pressed sugarcane juice.
Opening Hours: Daily from 8 AM to 1:30 AM
Cuisine: Indian
Must-Try Flavors: Butter chicken
Contact: +971 4 352 5058
Rangoli – Scrumptious Indian Chaat
If you love authentic vegetarian Indian street food, then the best place to be is Rangoli in Karama. This eatery that serves crispy pani puri is a hit that consists of crunchy dough, spicy chili water, mung beans, and tangy chutneys. Other preferred choices are bhel, dabeli, and jalebi fried fresh. The setting is simple, but the combination of flavors in every bite far outweighs it.
Opening Hours: Daily from 9 AM to 11:30 PM
Cuisine: Indian
Must-Try Flavors: Pani puri
Contact: +971 4 323 6075
Hajar Al Madina Bakery – Cream Cheese and Za’atar Bread
This little bakery in the Hor Al Anz neighborhood of Deira is the Mecca for all bread lovers. Tender rotis and crunchy tandoor bread are excellent with lentil stews or can be served as snacks. For a special delight, their stuffed bread with cream cheese and za’atar or with sticky honey and cheese is to try.
Opening Hours: Daily from 7 AM to Midnight
Cuisine: Indian/Middle Eastern
Must-Try Flavors: Traditional breads
Contact: +971 4 220 9195
Al Habesha Ethiopian Restaurant – African Comfort Food
In Abu Hail, Al Habasha is the place to try doro wat, which is an authentic Eritrean dish. You can also try traditional spongy injera along with. Lentils and chickpeas also have their vegetarian options, which are very enjoyable. As a part of traditional practice, you can take part in a coffee ceremony after your meal.
Opening Hours: 24/7
Cuisine: Ethiopian
Must-Try Flavors: Red chicken stew
Contact: +971 50 281 3581
Foul Abu Al-Abbas – Fava Bean Specialties
This Sudanese marvel in Karama is where you can find fava beans fried in the slow oven. Then topped with white cheese and served with hot-dog-style buns. Another entertaining option is their spicy Sudanese sausages. This combines well with hibiscus juice for cooling purposes.
Opening Hours: 7 AM–midnight. Closed between 11:30 AM and 1 PM on Fridays.
Cuisine: Sudanese
Must-Try Flavors: Fava beans
Contact: +971 4 396 0665
Spice Souk Cafeteria – Egg Rolls with Chips Oman
This cafeteria is hidden right behind Deira’s Spice Souk. It has become famous for its egg paratha rolls with flaky flatbread. Also try fluffy omelets and of course spicy Chips Oman. Taste their edgy, sweet cardamom-infused chai for a truly unforgettable street food experience.
Opening Hours: Daily from 7:30 AM to 9:30 PM (varied on Fridays)
Cuisine: Indian
Must-Try Flavors: Egg rolls
Shiraz Nights – Spicy Chicken Shawarma
Shiraz Nights, which is located in the Deira Baniyas area, is the place for Iranian-style shawarma. The thin wraps keep the focus on their juicy chicken filling and chili-garlic aioli. Be sure to accompany the meal with a tall glass of fruit cocktail.
Opening Hours: 7 AM–1 AM daily
Cuisine: Iranian
Must-Try Flavors: Shawarma
Contact: +971 4 222 7720
Pars Iranian Restaurant – Homemade Persian Cuisine
Pars Iranian Restaurant is next to the Trade Centre roundabout. It has a signature dish named below kabab Sultani. This is served with saffron rice and fresh side dishes. Clean your palate with their feta and mint salad and finish off your meal with a hot Persian tea.
Opening Hours: 9 AM–Midnight daily
Cuisine: Persian
Must-Try Flavors: Chelow kebab
Conclusion
The street food in Dubai offers impressive culinary offerings. It is simply like a treasure cove for everyone. Retrieve the charms of the Middle East and seek out the spicy notes of Indian, Sudanese, or Ethiopian cuisines. These are just two reasons to give such off-the-beaten-track streets a chance. Additionally, these places do not merely dish out enticing food but they also possess a rich essence of cultural background. Thus, the experience becomes grand in this way.
FAQs
What are the opening hours of these restaurants?
Most restaurants listed operate daily with varying hours, typically opening in the morning and closing late at night.
Are these restaurants budget-friendly?
Yes, all these restaurants are known for offering affordable and authentic street food.
Do these restaurants offer vegetarian options?
Yes, many of them, such as Rangoli and Al Habasha, have vegetarian-friendly dishes.
Can I find gluten-free options at these restaurants?
Some dishes like hummus, falafel, or certain stews are naturally gluten-free.
Do these restaurants provide takeaway options?
Yes, most of these eateries offer takeaway services.
Are these restaurants family-friendly?
Yes, all of them are family-friendly and cater to diverse dining preferences.
Is parking available near these locations?
Most of these restaurants are located in areas with street parking or nearby parking facilities.
Are these restaurants accessible via public transport?
Yes, all are situated in well-connected areas accessible by Dubai’s public transport system.
Do these restaurants accept card payments?
Smaller eateries only accept cash, so it’s good to carry some just in case.
Are reservations required for dining?
Generally, reservations are not required for these casual street food spots.