The Global Village in Dubai is, in my humble opinion, one of the best family friendly experiences in Dubai. In an Emirate full of activities and things to do and places to visit and sights to see and foods to sample, the Global Village stands out for me. And it has done so ever since my first visit many many years ago. Since then, I have been numerous times and have as a result watched it grow over the years, while still maintaining that amazing family friendly vibe. It is a place that can be enjoyed by young, old, male, female, local, tourist, single (except the family day) and families. There are numerous things to do, see and eat for anyone and everyone. It truly is a wonderful way to spend a late afternoon/ evening here in Dubai. I cannot think of a better way to be honest.
What is it? For those who have never visited, it is a large piece of land that is made of many different pavilions. These pavilions represent a particular country and inside them you’ll find that particular country’s foods, clothing, things you can buy and so on. It is basically meant to be a snapshot of a country and its culture. How cool is that? So, you can visit and get a glimpse of numerous countries all while still being in Dubai. That’s not it though; there are plenty of other areas of this place that are dedicated to other things such a food street, children’s play area, entertainment areas, grass to sit on and have a picnic, and a cool Thai style floating market too. If there’s a better one stop has it all kind of place here, then I’ve yet to see it! Anyway, that’s the iconic, the legendary Global Village, this post is actually about the specific foods you can and should try. Now, there are many many things you can try here and this list could’ve easily been doubled if not tripled, but I’ve kept it to 20 and to the ones that I managed to try on my two visits here this year.
1. Luqaimat
Think mini doughnuts covered in date syrup and you’re thinking of luqaimat. The UAE’s national dessert is a must try when in the country, so why not from here. If you’ve ever been to Greece, it’s similar to their Loukoumades.
Where: just as you enter before the pavilions
2. Regag
Another authentic Emirati must try dish when in the country. The best version of this is definitely from here, but if you haven’t tried it, again here will be a good place to do so. It’s like a savoury pancake almost dosa like, but very distinctive at the same time. This and the luqaimat will be found from the same stall. You’ll see older women sitting on the floor cooking them live in front of everyone, much like how it used to be out the desert.
Where: just as you enter before the pavilions
3. Turkish dessert
They’re very loud and cannot missed. Turkish desserts are some of the best desserts in the world in my humble opinion. Here you’ll be able to try baklava, kunafa, milk cake and the famous Turkish ice cream too!
Where: just as you enter before the pavilions / also in the Turkish pavilion
4. Chai
The best karak or masala chai in Dubai is in old Dubai (al karama to deira), but if you’re not heading that way, then try it out here. You’ll see a few guys doing it and you can keep the matka cup too! I’ll warn you though: it’s very overpriced, almost ten times more than what you’d pay in the city.
Where: just as you enter before the pavilions / also in the Indian pavilion
5. Vada Pav
This is a classic Indian street food dish. It’s almost like a spicy mash potato burger. A must try here!
Where: just as you enter before the pavilions / also in the Indian pavilion
6. Kunafa in a kaak
This is a legendary dish uniquely found in Lebanon and Palestine. They combine two classics into one: the cheesy dessert – kunafa and kaak bread. And the result is a unique and wonderful creation: a kunafa sandwich! If you thought a kunafa couldn’t get any better, you have to try this! Warning though – it is quite heavy, so you’ll need a few pair of hands to help you with this one. Surprisingly, this is had for breakfast by some in Lebanon!
Where: Palestinian pavilion
7. Toast with burnt sugar and coconut ice cream
Tell me this doesn’t just look super pretty? Thick toast with a burnt sugar coating plus a dollop of coconut ice cream. You’re not dreaming… this is real! It tasted as good as it looked
Where: Railway Market
8. Bosnian Pljeskavica (kebab)
There’s a few Bosnian kebab spots scattered around the Global Village, but this one was a bit different. Most of the ones are doing the smaller thinner kebabs, but this one near Fiesta Street was doing these flat and wide kebab that looked unique. It is place in like a pitta bread and onions and sauces are added. It looked and smelt like it might be a tad meaty, but it actually didn’t taste like that whatsoever. It was delicious! Ended up being one of the best things we tried here.
Where: near the Fiesta Street
9. Iranian cheese cake ice cream
If you don’t know, this Iranian cheese cake ice cream has gone super viral in Dubai. It is only available in certain supermarkets, but as of late they have been very very difficult to find due to their popularity and viral status. When we heard you can find them here, we had to try it out. How did it taste? Small bitesize cubes of ice cream filled rose flavoured goodies. A must must try!
Where: Iranian pavilion
10. Pho
One of my food weaknesses is a good soup noodle dish and Pho is one of the best and most popular ones out there. This Vietnamese classic is a must. It is a heart, soul and stomach warmer. And they do it well here!
Where: in the East Asian alley near the Chinese pavilion
11. Street noodles
If soup noodles aren’t your thing, you have no taste. No just joking. But if soup noodles aren’t your thing, you can try dry noodles. There’s a few scattered around the Global Village. Pick whichever one tickles your fancy. We did, but it actually wasn’t a very good one even though it looked real good!
Where: anywhere
12. Mango sticky rice
Mango sticky rice is just a Thai dessert classic, but this one right here at the Global Village was absolutely amazing. Stunning in its look and stunning in taste too. The fresh mango with sticky rice and coconut ice cream was just insanely good. And with the addition of the toasted puffed rice… chef’s kiss! Everything worked so harmoniously well together. This is probably the one dish that we had no problems whatsoever devouring and finishing very very quickly despite being full.
Where: Railway Market
13. Chimney cake
The chimney cake is a unique dessert that is from Hungary. A cuisine that hasn’t travelled too far, but this is something taking over the foodie world in countries far and beyond. I’ve seen it in England and now it is here too in the Global Village.
Where: Railway Market
14. Retro Emirati crisps
These old school crisps have taken over social media and this is literally the talk of town in Dubai. They are apparently very nostalgic for the locals and especially those born and bred in the country. The crisps are so old school that they can’t be found anymore. So, how they’ve dug em out and brought them back to the people of Dubai, I do not know!
Where: Emirati pavilion
15. Fried chicken sandwich from Chiki
Chiki is one of the spots that has gone viral on TikTok. They do a fried chicken sandwich. Crispy and nicely flavoured fried chicken in good quality toasted bread and you’re onto a winner. It isn’t too big either, so easy to consume this even while on the go.
Where: Fiesta Street
16. Japanese peach Fanta
There’s a small convenience store in the Japanese pavilion and for those unaware, Japan and that part of the world is known for convenience stores and unique finds therein. One such unique find in this one is this peach Fanta. They also have coke, but it was the normal flavour and so I’m not sure if it’s any different. This peach Fanta, however, was unique and boy was it delicious! It was almost worth the money spent on it!
Where: in the Japanese pavilion
17. Hot chocolate from Casa Pons
This hot chocolate went super viral this time last year in Dubai and even though the hype has died down a bit now, it is still something worth trying. Especially if you are a hot chocolate fan. They make it in front of you too, allowing for some good social media shots.
Where: Railway Market
The following we did not try due to time and stomach space, but looked interesting nonetheless. One rib sandwich interestingly named cola ribs, one massive Tunisian doughnut and the last one an absolute levantine classic, Baleela, a twist on hummus.
18. Short rib sandwich from Cola Ribs – fiesta street
19. Bambaloni – fiesta street
20. Baleela – in the Syrian pavilion
Getting there:
Google Maps Location link: click here
