United Arab Emirates

Dubai · Abu Dhabi

Old souks, new ambition, one table.

Irene Koo, editor

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 preview
Al QuozMiddle Eastern$$

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 preview
Al RasMiddle Eastern,Emirati$$

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 preview
Al FahidiSeafood,Emirati$$

Al Fanar Seafood Market

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

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