How To Enjoy Dubai Food When Vacationing.

Food in the UAE is a unique and exciting mix of Levantine, Arabic and Mediterranean dishes, and Dubai is known for its world-class restaurants. Dubai Marina restaurants are perfect for travellers and locals who want to enjoy good food in a grandiose and cosy atmosphere. Seafood features prominently in many dishes you can find here, but meat, dairy and a variety of vegetables also come together to give UAE dishes their exquisite taste.

Best Dishes to Try in Dubai
The UAE is famous for elaborate dishes such as stuffed and roasted camel, but you're unlikely to see this specialty on the menu unless you attend a traditional wedding ceremony. Most meals in the UAE will start off with pita bread and hummus, and you will have to restrain yourself from filling up on this delicious, chickpea-based dip. The real decision comes when it's time to choose your main course. Most restaurants in Dubai will serve some variety of shawarma, the most popular food in the country. This is a lamb or chicken dish, wrapped in bread, and served with tomatoes, pickles, and most often fries and a garlic sauce.

Shawarma.
Photo credit: Wikipedia

If you want to get a little more adventurous, you can try al harees, a traditional meal of wheat and meat, cooked together until it reaches the consistency of porridge, and lightly flavoured with salt and herbs such as parsley. You can also try ghuzi, which is a signature Dubai dish made from roasted lamb, vegetables and nuts.

When it comes time for dessert, there are a few Dubai delights that you shouldn't leave unsampled. Chief among them are mahalabiya, a pudding flavoured with rosewater and pistachios, and esh esarya, which is a variety of cheese cake with a cream topping.

Getting By at Restaurants in Dubai
Depending on the restaurant you visit, you may get an English menu, and your server may speak English, but this isn't a guarantee, especially as you venture further afield from your hotel. You may find it difficult to communicate, but the key to enjoying yourself is to relax.

Photo credit: Masala.

Dubai is a cosmopolitan city, and people are used to visitors. It is an excellent idea to bring along a phrasebook, as you can quickly look up any menu item you're unfamiliar with. Dubai is a great place to embark on a culinary adventure, but the amount of choice available can be overwhelming. If you're not sure where you'd like to go for dinner, try taking a look at this online restaurant guides. You can search some of the best restaurants in Dubai by style and price, and get inspired before you head out to eat.