How to Eat Like a Local in Dubai - Must-Sample Local Treats During a Trip to Dubai city

Considered the heartland of Emirati cuisine, a trip to Dubai allows tourists the chance to dig into some truly delicious local treats. Influenced by regional culinary styles and the city's expat community, wining and dining in Dubai will be a fascinating experience for foodies the world over. From local snacks to unique cocktails served in the city's top bars, here's a rundown of the top meals and drinks to savour on a holiday in the city.

1. Luqaimat

When it comes to tea/coffee time snacks and local treats that are widely available in local cafes, the humble Luquaimat cannot be forgotten. Called Dubai's version of doughnuts, these balls of wheat flour dough are piled on top of one another and drizzled with date sauce and sprinkled with sesame seeds. Known for its chewy centre and crispy exterior, one of the best places to sample this local treat is at Jumeirah's Local Bites Cafe where a basket of these warm dumplings often accompanies a cup of coffee.

2. Knafeh

Knafeh Dessert  | Image via Wikimedia Commons

As a dish that traces its origins to Palestine, Knafeh has become a staple in local households and cafes thanks to its unbelievable flavour. This sour cheese dish features a smooth dough and sugar syrup and is another delicacy that's often prepared to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Homes across Dubai city lay out plates full of Knafeh for their post-fasting feast. Tourists based at Oaks Liwa Heights and other similar suites in Dubai can order this dish at Deira's Qwaider Al Nabulsi restaurant.

3. Cocktails from Turkey

Although Dubai is a city in an Islamic nation, it doesn't mean that all those who reside in the modern metropolis are teetotallers. Turkish cocktails are a big hit with locals and travellers who frequent Dubai's bars including the highly popular Ruya Bar. Known for combining classic Turkish ingredients such as pomegranate, rose and hibiscus, cocktails such as the Anatolian Fizz are made using a variety of local spices, mint, honey and citrus.

4. Samboosa

If Dubai had a favourite pastry, the Samboosa triangles would certainly vie for top honours. This pastry is served piping hot and is considered an appetiser in most local eateries. Believed to have been invented in India, the Samboosa can rightly be described as the Arabic version of Samosa as it features a crispy and flaky exterior and a meat and veggie-filled interior. Dubai's version of this dish, however, also features 3 cheese varieties in the filling, making it a far more decadent and rich snack than the Indian incarnation.

5. Margoogat

Those who love a hearty stew must order a bowl of Margoogat the next time they are in Dubai. This chicken and veggie dish cooked in a thick tomato base is spicy and aromatic thanks to the generous use of cumin, turmeric and a local type of Garam Masala called Bezar. Served in a wide-rimmed bowl, this dish is a wholesome meal with classic Arabian flavours that also comes with different meat options

6. Chebab

Pancake fans based in Dubai will find that the city is a great place to enjoy their favourite breakfast dish with an Emirati twist. Infused with sour cheese and doused in sticky and excessively sweet date syrup, Chebab is served warm. Tasting like a rich Fondue, one of the top local eateries where Chebab is on the menu is Logma.

7. Coffee

Arabic coffee is revered across the world but there's no better place to savour the authentic flavour of a bitter Arabic cup of coffee than Dubai's Café Bateel. A cup of coffee at this cafe would come spiced with cardamom and served with a plate of local dates. Drinking coffee here is arguably the best way to start your day during a trip to Dubai.