Dubai Street Food: 8 Must-Try Dishes

This is a small corner shop next to the City Walk that sells New York-style artisanal pizza. It opened in 2023 and quickly became one of the neighborhood’s trendiest street food spots. The menu features only six pizzas, all sold in large slices. The standout is The Red, with a classic tomato base, creamy stracciatella, and hot honey. However, it’s hard to say which of Za Za Slice’s pizzas isn’t a bestseller; in particular, Pepp with pepperoni and a signature cheese blend and the truffle pizza are nearly as popular.

A Dubai branch of the popular French project inspired by New York street food culture, Homer Lobster is a quintessential street joint offering a compact menu. The highlight of this menu is the brioche lobster roll. You can customize your sandwich order with additional sauces and other extras, and you can adjust the spiciness level, but for your first visit, try the classic version with signature mayo, lime, and chives, which became a sensation in Paris several years ago. This is one of the best places in the DIFC for a quick lunch.

The founders of Rascals made their debut in 2022 at the Sole DXB festival, where they sold their TLT (turkey, lettuce, tomato) sando at a sandwich stand. They hardly expected that over the next two years, their startup would become one of Dubai’s most popular street food projects. Nonetheless, the permanent venue they opened a year later at Wasl Square next to Safa Park, predictably replicated the success story of their original pop-up. Initially, it was impossible to get in as the lines stretched out the door, and today, it’s rare to meet someone in Dubai who hasn’t visited Rascals. Moreover, with their new special, The Philly, the sandwich shop is experiencing a new wave of popularity. People now flock here for the perfect hoagie bun with ribeye steak and an exceptional blend of melted cheeses, fried onions, and pepper aioli.

The spicy tuna hand roll is one of the five bestselling dishes on the small yet eye-catching menu at Kokoro sushi bar, which recently opened in the Al Quoz neighborhood. It is a true masterpiece that introduced Emiratis to Japanese-American fast food temaki sushi. We recommend visiting Kokoro during daytime on weekdays because they do not reserve tables, and during peak hours, it is difficult to find a seat.

One of Dubai very few tea boutiques sells rare teas, fresh homemade bread and pastries. It also serves excellent casual food. Pekoe was opened in 2021 by the local tea guru Manish Bhargava, who aimed to introduce locals to all existing varieties of Asian tea. A year after its opening, the menu was updated to include the city’s best breakfast burger, which can be slightly customized to your taste. The burger includes the following ingredients: tender milk buns, sunny-side-up eggs, beef or veal bacon, or chicken sausage, along with slightly pickled cabbage and mayo with Korean gochujang soy paste. According to fans, it pairs perfectly with a bottle of freshly brewed iced tea.

The classic Margherita and the signature Pepperoni Primo pizzas are constantly competing for the bestseller spot on the menu at Pitfire Pizzeria. According to the chain’s founders, it all depends on the location. For example, Pepperoni Primo has historically been the leader at the Souk Al Bahar food market in downtown Dubai – and for a good reason. The local Pepperoni is arguably Dubai’s best halal version of the classic New York pizza. To make it, the pizzeria uses top-quality Italian beef pepperoni that curls at the edges and the legendary artisanal 72-hour dough. A perfect 10 out of 10 rating is only to be expected.

The iconic Spanish street dessert is crafted by Shaw Lash, the founder and chef of a renowned Mexican cuisine bistro. At Lila Taqueria, known for its exceptional street food version of Al Pastor taco with lamb in the mornings and respect for street food in general, they serve churros with a delectable homemade salted caramel dip or a sauce made from artisanal chocolate by the local brand Mirzam and sprinkle them with a traditional blend of sugar and cinnamon. This is one of the best desserts you can enjoy in Jumeirah on your way from the beach.

The most unique pizza on the list can only be found at Blu. As the name suggests, Musakhan is inspired by the traditional Palestinian street food of the same name. Traditionally, it consists of a wheat taboon flatbread topped with chicken fried with onions, sumac, allspice, saffron, and pine nuts. Although it has been somewhat forgotten in recent years, the pizza-style Musakhan is experiencing a revival in Dubai and is equally popular with both locals and tourists. This dish is exceptionally flavorful, offering a classic sweet-and-spicy Arab twist.