Dubai’s best food & drink

Al Karama is home to a large proportion of Dubai’s South Asian population, and some of the city’s best food. Head here for a food safari through flavours from Kerala, Hyderabadi biryanis, Indian street foods, and much more.

A hole-in-the-wall on Jumeirah Beach Road, this is the spot to try regag bread, a type of local crepe cooked on a hot skillet. Go for the cream cheese, Chips Oman and chilli sauce version for the real deal.

A delightful former trader’s house in Al Fahidi where you could spend hours sitting in the atmospheric courtyard beneath the shady tree, sipping a mint lemonade or sweet karak tea.

Balqees stocks honey from many diverse locations, but their selection of Yemeni honey, renowned as being some of the best in the world, as well as Emirati honey, is worth saving space in your suitcase for.

Bateel’s dates are second to none. Choose from various gourmet varieties, or go for dates stuffed with candied ginger, caramelised macadamia, roasted cashew, and much more. Available at various spots around the city including the Mall of the Emirates and the Dubai Mall.

Drive out to this dairy camel farm on the outskirts of Dubai to visit the dromedaries and watch them being milked. Sample fresh camel milk, as well as flavoured milks and ice cream. Its creamy flavour belies the fact that it’s 50% lower in fat than cow’s milk.

A chocolate factory making everything from bean to bar in Dubai, Mirzam’s creations feature regional ingredients and rich storytelling, involving everything from ancient maritime trade routes and sea monsters to Emirati traditions. Don’t miss the lovely cafe in the Al Quoz neighbourhood..

While some stores feel a little touristy, locals really do stock up on spices here too. From Iranian saffron to piles of chilis, cloves and spice mixes, the shopkeepers will be happy to tell you about their stock and how you can use the spices back home.

While on the surface this may appear to be a less-than-glamorous supermarket, it’s one of the best places to pick up food souvenirs to take home. Spices, zaatar, dates, cheeses, Arabic coffee and more are all available at affordable prices and high quality. Venues across the city.