Street eats in Dubai

Street food is everyone’s little guilty pleasure. While Dubai probably isn’t the first place to come to mind while thinking of dining on a budget, it is pleasantly surprising and definitely worth it. Street food is often associated with food trucks and food stalls, but with the hot and humid weather in Dubai selling food outdoors is impossible. So the experience is not just different but unique, with small cafeterias and food shops in the bustling streets of Dubai.

Complete your holiday experience in Dubai, the most popular travel destination within various UAE holidays, by indulging in its delicious street food.  Save the big money for shopping and check out the following 5 food joints that serve cheap and addictive food to die for. 

Persian Cafeteria 

This little falafel place is an all-time favourite in Dubai. It is one of the oldest joints in the area, located in the heart of Old Dubai within the Indian-centric street of Meena Bazaar. They are known for their unique tastes and unbelievably low prices (one falafel sandwich costs only AED 2.5). 

Persian’s falafels are quite different from the classic ones, which is what makes them so popular. A blend of flavours unlike any other and inspired by a mix of cultures, the sandwich consists of a wrap of traditional Lebanese bread, deep fried falafel, some vegetables, and a mildly spiced Indian style dip. When you go there, don’t expect to find a place to park your car, a place to sit, or even a menu. Don’t let that get in the way though, you won’t regret it.

Bu Qtair 

Bu Qtair is a small seafood shack along Jumeirah Beach Road offering fresh delicious shrimps and hammour fish depending on the catch of the day. You cannot find fresher seafood anywhere else. The experience is new, different, and surreal. Bu Qtair is quite popular, so it is no surprise that people wait for hours in queues to enjoy what they have to offer. The best time to go is in the early evening (first come/first served basis) as it gets quite busy after 8 pm. Bu Qtair is definitely a must-visit.

Al Mallah Cafeteria 

Many consider Dubai’s street food to be defined by Al Mallah Cafeteria (“Mariner” in Arabic), another old icon in Dubai located in the Qusais area. Serving delicious Lebanese fast food tastes from shawarmas to manakeesh and falafel to taboulah, this historic restaurant cannot be missed during your stay. You are guaranteed a cost of as little as AED 60 for two full meals and don’t forget to try their amazing cheese breads for just AED 6, two plump slices of hot white bread sealed together with melting cheese. This food spot is quite busy all the time and the best choice for a late-night top-notch taste of Lebanon.

Sind Punjab Restaurant 

One of the oldest and most popular restaurants in the UAE, Sind Punjab dishes out a hearty fare at reasonable prices. They are known for their classic Tandoori chicken, butter chicken, and dal makhni, but any dish there will not disappoint and if you have room for dessert try  their tasty Gulab jamun. Sind Punjab will provide the authentic taste of India. The restaurant is conveniently located in Karama, AlSouq, in Dubai.

Avon Cafeteria 

This small cafeteria is a hidden gem within Dubai’s Gold Souq in Deira. Avon is a very old food joint within the area, so quite popular. They are known for their typical Mumbai breakfast and countless snacks ranging from samosas, kachi dabehli, ghatiya, and batata vada to a range of Indian sweets as well, perfect for a quick bite. They also have a monstrous chips sandwich that will leave you in awe. 

By Amal Ahmed