1. Foul W Hummus
Foul, hummus, falafel and fattah is essentially Levantine (Lebanese/Syrian/Jordanian/Palestinian) food. But this humble spot right here in the Al Barsha area of Dubai does it the best outside of that region. Boasting an authentic and comprehensive menu that will impress any connoisseur. You’ll be welcomed with varieties of hummus you never knew existed. A proper local favourite not to be missed! A nice touch they’ve got is that they even offer free food to people who cannot afford to pay. How generous is that!?
2. Tibba Mandi Restaurant
One of, if not the favourite dish of Dubai locals is Mandi or Madhbi, Yemeni classics. Essentially it’s meat on rice. Mandi is the slow cooked meat version and Madhbi is the chargrilled chicken version. There are a number of Mandi spots scattered around the city and we’ve tried a lot of them. This spot right here is yet to be beaten though. A must visit!
3. Ravi Restaurant
When Adidas choose you and only you from the country to collaborate with, you know you’ve got some cultural significance. That is exactly what happened here with Ravi. The Pakistani legendary restaurant in Dubai has served the locals for decades and this recognition and fame comes as no surprised to Dubai foodies. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner you’re after, this has to be on your list!
4. Pickl
The best Nashville chicken burgers in the world. Hands down. Get the Nashville chicken sando. You’re welcome.
5. Salt & Parkers
Two women: an Emirati and a Saudi are the brains and founders behind these two absolute legends of the modern food scene. Both have interesting concepts and stories behind them and both have delicious instagram-worthy food too!
6. Laffah
Arab fast food is broast chicken, shawarma and fries. Very few in the city do it better than these guys. Technically this was made in another Emirate, but hey it still counts right?
7. Aaraamam Restaurant
Another cult restaurant here in Dubai. This Keralan restaurant is local favourite with more Google reviews than one can count. They specialise in Keralan food and astonishingly they’re always busy regardless of when you visit. A testament to their quality. Make sure you get the beef fry here! Game changer!
8. Arabian Tea House
We can’t make this list and not feature an Emirati spot. There are a few now in the city: Al Fanar, Al Jalboot and this one right here probably top the list for popularity. Arabian Tea House is our favourite because of the setting, menu and breakfast spreads, especially the Al Fahidi branch.
9. Stomping Grounds
The best boujee/Australian style brunch we’ve had in Dubai. It’s a bit expensive, but that’s what you’d expect from such places and location. It’s well worth it though.
10. Feras Aldiyafa Sweets
The best kunafa in town can be found here. Hands down. No competition.
11. Bu Qtair
Bu Qtair is an inspirational story we can all learn from. Before we get to the story, let’s tell you a little about this legendary Dubai restaurant. Bu Qtair is a fish restaurant that has an extremely simple menu: fried fish or prawns with a side or paratha or rice and curry sauce. That’s it. It is as simple as that, but the crowds it attracts shows the quality if not anything else. And when I say crowd, I’m referring to Indian expats, Emirati high flyers and Western tourists including the infamous Anthony Bourdain. I mean even those residing at the nearby Burj Al Arab come here to sample what they refer to as the best fish they’ve ever had. All flock to this once humble fish shack to dine on the aforementioned dishes.
12. Al Ustad Special Kebab
Al Ustad Special Kebab is a family-run restaurant that is one of the oldest restaurants in Dubai as they were established in 1978. Not many restaurants in Dubai can claim to be around for 4 decades. Ask any local for their top 5 Dubai restaurants and it is extremely likely that this restaurant will be on that list. What’s so special about them I hear you ask? Two things: the food and the pictures.
