Street Foods in Dubai: Your 2025 Guide to the City’s Best Local Bites

• Dubai’s street food scene is a cultural melting pot, offering everything from Middle Eastern classics like shawarma and falafel to Indian chaats and camel meat delicacies.
• Deira, Al Karama, and Global Village are top hotspots for cheap, authentic, and flavorful street eats.
• Vegetarians are well-catered to, with widespread availability of plant-based dishes like manakish, samosas, and chole bhature.
• Most street food in Dubai is affordable and hygienic, with prices starting as low as AED 5, and strong food safety regulations are in place.

Dubai’s multicultural population has created a rich fusion of cuisines across its streets. What sets Dubai apart is the diversity, because on one street, you’ll find shawarma stands, and on the next, spicy Indian curries or Filipino street BBQ. And best of all, most dishes cost under AED 15, making them ideal for budget travellers and foodies alike.

And if you're into photography or capturing the energy of night markets, don’t miss our guide to the Dubai photography spots!

Here are some of the best street foods in Dubai that you should not miss in 2025:

• A Dubai classic and arguably the most iconic street food.
• Typically filled with grilled chicken or beef, garlic sauce, and pickles, wrapped in pita.
• Where to eat shawarma in Dubai: Try Al Mallah (Satwa), Automatic Restaurant (Al Rigga), or any busy corner stall in Deira.

• Deep-fried chickpea fritters, crispy outside and fluffy inside. Often served in a wrap or on a plate with tahini.
• Great vegetarian street food option in Dubai.
• Available widely in Al Karama and near metro stations.

• Levantine flatbread topped with za’atar, cheese, or minced meat.
• A delicious grab-and-go option, especially popular for breakfast.
• Head to Zaroob or Baker & Spice for a freshly baked manakish.

• From pani puri and samosas to spicy pav bhaji and kebabs, Indian street food stalls are everywhere.
• Especially popular in Bur Dubai, Meena Bazaar, and Karama neighbourhoods.
• These Dubai Indian street food stalls are often vegetarian-friendly.

• Marinated chicken grilled on skewers, wrapped in flatbread with garlic sauce and pickles.
• Found in Lebanese and Arabic food stalls, especially in Deira and JLT.

• A thick Emirati porridge made with fish, spices, and flour.
• Commonly served at local food stalls during Ramadan or Emirati food festivals.

• Sweet, deep-fried dough balls drizzled with date syrup or honey and sesame seeds.
• A beloved Emirati dessert, often sold at food carts and markets.

• Slow-cooked wheat and meat dish, similar to porridge, traditionally eaten during Ramadan.
• Available in local neighbourhoods and food events, especially during winter.

• Known for affordable prices and high foot traffic.
• You’ll find cheap street food in Deira, from falafel joints to juice bars.
• Visit Baniyas Square for authentic Lebanese and Iranian bites.

• A local favourite for budget eats.
• Offers a mix of Indian, Pakistani, and Filipino street food.

• A multicultural food hub with stalls representing 70+ countries.
• Great for trying Dubai camel meat street food, Turkish kunafa, or Indonesian satay.

• Slightly upscale, but still home to gourmet street-style food trucks and weekend markets.
• Pairs well with visiting attractions near the area

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• Hygiene: Dubai enforces strict food safety laws. Stick to busy stalls where food turnover is high.
• Payments: Carry cash (AED 10–50) for smaller stalls. Larger vendors may accept cards.
• Spice levels: Middle Eastern food tends to be mild, but Indian/Pakistani dishes can be spicy.
• Best time to visit: Evening hours (6 PM–11 PM) are ideal for ambience and fresh food.
• Seasonality: Outdoor food festivals and markets are most active from October to April.

Street food in Dubai isn't just about cheap eats, it’s about exploring the city's rich cultural diversity through flavour. Whether you’re a vegetarian, a meat lover, or just someone looking to dive into local culture, the Dubai street food guide 2025 offers an unforgettable culinary experience.

Book your Dubai package, hop on the plane and visit this amazing city for mouthwatering culinary delights!