United Arab Emirates
Dubai · Abu Dhabi
Old souks, new ambition, one table.

A note from the editor
Dubai and Abu Dhabi might seem all glitz and glamor, but for real local Emirati flavor or the cuisines of their Middle Eastern neighbors, you’ll want the hidden gems residents actually frequent: hole-in-the-walls to family-style sit-downs, none of them paying for marketing. I asked insiders for the real deal.
— Irene Koo, founder & editor
What's inside
Everything this guide covers
- Restaurants & establishments31
- Local food & drinks4
Chebab · Machboos · Arabic Gahwa & Dates · Shawarma
- Scoop collections8
Boozy Brunch · Middle Eastern-Style Seafood · Land of Lebanese Delicacies · Irresistible Indian in the UAE · Can I Drink Alcohol in Dubai? · What is Emirati Cuisine? · Outdoor Dining in Dubai · Machboos vs Biryani
- Eat-ineraries3
Day Around Dubai’s Old Town · Shopping and Sightseeing in Al Barsha · Day Trip to Abu Dhabi
- Interactive mapIncluded
Preview
A preview of the guide

Afghan Khorasan Kabab
(أفغان خراسان كباب) Located in an unassuming plaza in Al Quoz is Afghan Khorasan Kabab, a …

Al Bait Al Qadeem Emirati Heritage Restaurant
(مطعم البيت القديم) Known for its delicious shawarma, Al Bait Al Qadeem Emirati Heritage R…

Al Fanar Seafood Market
(سوق الفنار للمأكولات البحرية) Recognized for its showcase of Emirati culture and cuisine,…
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