A Local's Guide to Places with the Best Street Food in Dubai

Today’s topic is very interesting, especially if you love street food. I’m sure when you think of Dubai, the first thing that comes to mind is the tall skyscrapers, beautiful streets, and the vibrant energy all around the place. 

But if you’ve paid more attention, you must have noticed the street smelling nice in different spots. Yeah, I’m talking about the aroma of street food. 

The street is where you want to be at night. You can enjoy all sorts of traditional cuisines and a few of them across the globe. 

I’m usually not surprised that I get easily drawn to the sight and smell at night. 

So, in today’s blog post, I will share some places with the best street food in the UAE.    

What is so Unique About Street Food?

Before we dive into the places I want to share with you, there is one question we really have to answer. What’s the thing that makes street food so unique? I mean, why should you even want to try it in the first place? 

Well, for starters, street food is not just about the food. It’s an experience. You get the feeling like you’re tasting what your mom used to prepare when you were younger. You get the point, right? 

And aside from the food, you get to have good conversations with folks you just might for the first time. There are smiles all around, and people from all walks of life are there, and you just feel that warm welcome in the air. 

You get to try local dishes that have been passed over from one generation to the next with flavors you’ve never even heard about. 

7 Top Places With the Best Street Food in the UAE

As you've read up to this point, I'm sure you now know why street food has a place in our hearts. 

And, if you're a visitor here, you might share in our experience too. So, with that said, let's move on to our list of the places with the best street food experience in the UAE. 

1. 2nd of December Street (formerly Al Dhiyafah Road)

Satwa is a dynamic area that is truly alive at night and multi-cultural. The street foods of Satwa are formed around Second December Street.

From Pakistani and Indian grills to Filipino favorites and Emirati specials, you can find just about anything here. 

This place gets you great variety, a fantastic buzz about the place, and incredible prices.

• Must-try dishes: Seekh kebabs, parathas, and sweet mil.
• Drinks: fresh sugarcane juice and fruit juice.
• Special features: This is where the true taste of the multi-cultural UAE exists.

2. Al Rigga Street, Deira

Deira, one of the oldest established neighborhoods in Dubai, keeps the street food tradition alive. 

Al Rigga Street can throw you into a shock of small eateries, each delving into a mix of Middle Eastern flavors. 

Take a walk down these streets for a truly old-school Dubai experience, where food spots that go back centuries find their place alongside more modern vendors.

• You have to try the dishes: shawarma (grilled on a rotating spit), grilled fish, and falafel (fried chickpea patties).
• Drinks: fresh juices and traditional Arabic coffee. 
• What makes it special: It's a treasure trove of history in the making, with tantalizing flavors echoing its cultural roots.

3. Al Mura

Just off Al Rigga Street in Al Muraqqabat Street, this is another great location for street snacks that is not too well known. 

The Middle Eastern flavors will still be there in plenty, but here, you will also discover a range of treats that are absolute gems of Southeast Asia. 

This is the place to go if you have already tried the classics and want to try something new.

• Things to try: The scrumptious samosas, spiced noodles, and chicken skewers are up for grabs.
• Beverages: fresh coconut water or a sweet, hot cup of chai.
• What makes it special: Hidden gem status with a side of adventure

4. Al Karam

If you want to know how locals eat, this is the spot. This residential neighborhood has tiny restaurants and cafés serving good and affordable street food. 

Maybe it is a bit less 'polished' than other places, but this is probably the whole charm of Al Karama.

• Meals you should try: sizzling kebabs fresh off the grill, biryani, and curries.
• Drinks: Lassis and the legendary karak chai.
• What makes it special: It's authentic, down-to-earth, and where you'll truly dine like the Dubai locals.

5. La Mer Beachfront Street food with a view

It is a beachfront destination, a fashionable hangout full of chic cafes and food stalls with pop-up concepts. You will get more modern street food here. In fact, you will be spoiled for choice like gourmet burgers, artisan pizzas, and specialties from food trucks. 

• Must-Eat: Whatever you're craving! You can find just about everything from an array of fresh seafood to loaded hotdogs. 
• Drinks: craft sodas, iced tea variations, specialty coffee, and more. 
• What Makes it Special: This is where the beach vibes and the cool street eats all come together.

Conclusion

A lot has been said so far, and I'm sure you now see why the UAE offers some of the most epic food experiences. 

You could be a visitor who just wants the traditional cuisine experience the Emirates offers. You really need to visit some of the places I've listed above. 

And if you're a local looking for someone here who is nice to enjoy a meal with your spouse, you'll find these places really amazing, too. 

Don't forget, the best part of it all is the experience you'd have along the way.