Dubai is more than gleaming skyscrapers, luxury malls, and desert safaris—it’s also a paradise for food lovers. Families traveling to this global hub are spoiled for choice, from sizzling shawarmas on bustling street corners to fragrant rice dishes served in traditional restaurants and irresistible sweets that complete every meal. Embarking on family food adventures in Dubai means sharing dishes that bring people closer, while exploring the city’s cultural roots and modern flair on every plate.
Whether you’re strolling along Jumeirah Beach, wandering through Deira’s spice souks, or exploring the glittering Dubai Marina, food is a constant companion. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential dishes every family should try, complete with travel-friendly dining tips and a sprinkle of insider know-how.
Shawarma: Dubai’s Most Beloved Street Bite
No family food journey in Dubai is complete without shawarma. This Middle Eastern staple is everywhere—tiny kiosks, local eateries, and even mall food courts. Families love it for its portability and affordability. Soft pita bread is stuffed with juicy slices of marinated chicken or beef, topped with tahini, garlic sauce, pickles, and sometimes fries.
For families with kids, shawarma makes the perfect meal-on-the-go after sightseeing or shopping. You’ll find locals grabbing one late at night just as easily as tourists enjoying it for lunch. To taste one of Dubai’s best shawarmas, head to Al Mallah in Satwa, where generations of families have flocked for decades.
Al Harees: A Dish Rooted in Tradition
Tip for families: Order a mix of chicken and beef so everyone gets their favorite. Pair it with fresh juices—mango and pomegranate are particularly refreshing in Dubai’s warm climate.
While shawarma is the face of modern Dubai street food, Al Harees takes you deep into Emirati tradition. This slow-cooked wheat and meat dish is simple but rich in flavor. It’s often served during Ramadan, weddings, and national celebrations. Families visiting Dubai can taste Al Harees in heritage restaurants and learn how food connects Emiratis to their history.
Its porridge-like texture is ideal for children who may be picky eaters, while adults will appreciate its comforting, hearty taste. Restaurants like SMCCU (Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding) serve authentic Al Harees during cultural meals, giving families not just food but a story behind the dish.
Travel tip: Pair a visit to the cultural center with a walking tour of the Al Fahidi Historical District. It’s a great way to combine sightseeing with a memorable food experience.
Machboos: The Heart of Emirati Dining
If you want a dish that feels like a family feast, Machboos is your go-to. This spiced rice dish, often made with chicken, lamb, or fish, resembles biryani but has its own fragrant character thanks to saffron, cardamom, and dried lemon (loomi). Served in generous portions, Machboos is best enjoyed with the whole family gathered around the table.
For travelers, Machboos offers a chance to experience Dubai’s Emirati roots in a homely setting. Many restaurants across the city prepare it, but the family-run Local House Restaurant in Al Fahidi district is a favorite spot for an authentic meal.
Tip for families: Order a side of fresh salads and yogurt dip to balance the spices, ensuring both kids and adults enjoy the dish fully.
Luqaimat: A Sweet Bite of Dubai
Of course, no family food adventure in Dubai is complete without sweets. And among them, Luqaimat holds a special place. These golden, deep-fried dough balls are drizzled with date syrup or honey and sprinkled with sesame seeds. Light and crispy on the outside but soft inside, they’re an instant hit with kids.
Luqaimat is often associated with Ramadan evenings, when families gather after breaking their fast. Tourists, however, can enjoy them year-round in food festivals or traditional restaurants. Visit the annual Dubai Food Festival to sample Luqaimat along with dozens of other Emirati delicacies.
Family tip: Buy a sharing box of Luqaimat—it disappears faster than you think, and the kids will ask for seconds!
Kunafa: Cheese and Sweet, Middle Eastern Style
Another dessert that families fall in love with is Kunafa. This layered pastry combines thin noodle-like dough with sweetened cheese and syrup, creating a stretchy, sweet, and savory treat. Watching it being pulled apart is an event in itself—kids are always fascinated by the cheese strings.
Kunafa is widely available in Dubai, with bakeries and Middle Eastern dessert shops offering variations topped with pistachios or cream. For an indulgent family evening, try it in Deira’s many sweet shops or at upscale spots like Firas Sweets.
Travel tip: Order Kunafa after dinner at a local restaurant—it’s large enough to share and makes for a perfect end to your meal.
Falafel & Hummus: Plant-Based Classics
Families looking for vegetarian-friendly options won’t be disappointed in Dubai. Falafel (crispy chickpea fritters) and Hummus (a creamy dip made of chickpeas, tahini, and lemon) are staples that everyone enjoys. These dishes are healthy, flavorful, and perfect for sharing.
Falafel wraps are an easy choice for kids, while hummus paired with warm pita bread works as a light snack. Many Lebanese and Mediterranean restaurants across Dubai serve falafel and hummus, making it easy to find while exploring the city. A recommended stop is Zaroob, a popular eatery for casual Middle Eastern bites.
Family tip: Order a mezze platter that includes hummus, falafel, baba ghanoush, and tabbouleh—it’s a fun way for kids to sample small portions of many dishes.
Dates & Arabic Coffee: The Hospitality Duo
To truly feel the warmth of Dubai’s hospitality, families must try the iconic pairing of dates and Arabic coffee (gahwa). Traditionally offered to guests in Emirati homes, this combination is deeply rooted in local culture. The mild bitterness of the coffee balances the natural sweetness of dates, making it enjoyable for adults while kids munch on the dates alone.
You’ll find this pairing in hotels, cultural centers, and even airport lounges, making it one of the most accessible cultural experiences in Dubai.
Travel tip: When offered coffee, remember that shaking your cup gently signals you’ve had enough—a cultural etiquette lesson kids find fascinating.
Wrapping Up the Family Feast
From shawarma to luqaimat, Dubai’s culinary landscape is an adventure in itself. Families visiting this vibrant city will find dishes that cater to every taste—savory, sweet, spicy, or mild. Exploring Dubai’s food is not just about eating; it’s about storytelling, tradition, and connection.
So, when planning your next family trip, make sure to carve out time for a food adventure that spans street stalls, cultural centers, and modern restaurants. You’ll leave Dubai not just with shopping bags or desert photos, but with flavors that linger in your memory long after the trip ends.
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