The UAE has a rich history and a unique combination of cultures. You’ll find diversity throughout the Emirates, showcased through the country’s cuisine. With a blend of Indian, Asian, and Middle Eastern flavors, feasting street food is a must when visiting the UAE.
If you’ve never traveled to the UAE, you’re in for a real treat if you’re ready to enjoy delicious food. Street food is among the most popular because you can try authentic dishes while supporting locals at a fraction of the cost.
Whether traveling to Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Abu Dhabi, or elsewhere in the UAE, you can’t miss out on trying some of the best street food the country has to offer. Check out nine of the best street foods you must try in UAE.
1. Oman Chip Roll
If you only try one street food during your time in the Emirates, it has to be the Oman chip roll. Oman chips are a specific chip found in the country that’s popular with everyone. You can find these chips almost everywhere, but the Oman chip roll is a unique and tasty street food made with chips.
The street food is made with a combination of sausage and cheese and rolled in crushed Oman chips. It looks like tiny pieces of sushi and is by far one of the tastiest foods you’ll have during your time there.
2. Samboosa
UAE cuisine is a blend of Indian, Middle Eastern, and Asian cuisine, and it’s very apparent with samboosas. Samboosas are a take on Samosas. They’re similar in that they’re thin pastries filled with veggies, meats, and spices, but these have a Zanzibari twist.
The most popular Samboosas are filled with beef and veggies, but you’ll see all kinds of meats inside these delicious pastries. If you’re planning on trying other street food simultaneously, they make the perfect appetizer or snack between meals.
3. Karak
If you need a delicious drink to wash down the other street food you’re trying or are just thirsty when you’re exploring, Karak is the beverage you need to try. Kara translates to “black” in English and is one of the most popular drinks in the UAE.
Karak is a carbonated beverage that’s pretty sweet. It’s almost like a soda due to the carbonation, but it’s tea. While it’s great on its own, we suggest enjoying it with something sweet!
4. Shawarma
You can find shawarma throughout the UAE, but it’s different everywhere you go. So, when traveling through the Emirates, you must try shawarma from a street vendor. It’s delicious and filled with veggies, onions, and various types of meat.
The sauces help elevate the flavors, and there are several different kinds to choose from. Many people love chicken in their shawarma, but if you have the chance to try it with a roast, you have to try this Arabic delicacy.
5. Luqaimat
There’s a lot of savory street food throughout the UAE, but if you’re craving something sweet, you need to try luqaimat. Luqaimat is a dessert made with dough rolled into small pieces and then coated in sugar.
Those who make luqaimat will use the sugar to help the dough have a caramelized exterior that provides just the right amount of crunch when you bite into the dessert. The hard sugary exterior is met with a soft center that melts in your mouth. Some even offer honey and date syrup as toppings, but it’s delicious without toppings.
6. Madrouba
Madrouba is a popular Ramadan dish and is seen at festivals throughout the country, but it’s also a street food you can get almost all the time. It’s a savory rice dish that makes for a filling and delicious meal.
Traditionally, Maroubra is made with lamb fat to give it extra flavoring, but sometimes you’ll see people using butter and olive oil to make the rice creamy. They mash the rice into a creamy consistency that almost looks like potatoes, but we promise it’s rice.
7. Falafel
Falafel is a popular dish throughout the Middle East, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try it when traveling to the UAE. You’ll see several street vendors cooking traditional falafel, which will be some of the best you’ve ever had.
Much like shawarma is a popular dish for those who eat meat, falafel is arguably the most popular among vegetarians or those who don’t want something with meat. People make it with chickpeas and different veggies. You won’t regret trying this dish!
8. Kunafa
After you’ve feasted on all the savory street food the UAE offers, you have to try and save room for dessert. Another popular dessert you can try is kunafa. Some even call it the queen of desserts in the country because it’s served almost everywhere.
People make kunafa with pastries and sweet cheese. It’s a simple and delicious dish, but you’ll see several street vendors and cafes serving it with different toppings. You can see rose syrup, honey, and others worth trying on the dish.
9. Shish Taouk Sandwich
If you want to eat as the locals do, try a shish taouk sandwich. S Several restaurants and cafes serve the sandwich, but it’s a popular street food too. Most people use pork to make the dish, but you’ll see it made with chicken too.
It’s tilled to the brim with fresh spices, herbs, veggies, and pickles. It has a unique flavor combination that is wrapped in pita bread. Eating on the go is easy as you walk around and explore everything the UAE offers.
Conclusion
The UAE is filled with culture and with that comes delicious food. Street food is one of the best ways to explore a new country and appreciate its culture. When you visit the UAE, you can take advantage of their street food.
From shawarma to falafel and other delicious bites, we feel you’ll be raving about all the street food you try there for months when you return home.
