Dubai Street Food 2025-2026: Best Local Flavors, Night Markets & Must-Try Dishes

Dubai has always been famous for its sparkling skyline and luxury experiences, but what makes the country more special is the Dubai street food, offering different flavours of the city. Whether you are exploring the food stalls at Global Village or roaming through Deira’s narrow alleys, the street food in Dubai caters to every palate and budget. Right from tasting the Middle Eastern street dishes to the Indian cuisines, the Dubai street food is one you must not miss. Listening to the popular street food dishes, like Shawarma, Falafel, and Manakish, you will definitely get hungry! Turning around any corner of the streets, you will find authentic food, featuring different flavours in every district. This guide will move you around the best street food in Dubai, top places to explore the dishes, and tips for eating. 

Why is Dubai Street Food so Special?

The Dubai street food is special around the world for its quality and cleanliness, and along with this, it reflects an adventure that attracts visitors with authentic flavours of all cultures. The local food in Dubai is cheap, and here you can experience the extensive selection of foods that are affordable for all. Not only this, but the street food of Dubai also features an attractive fragrance, which makes it more special for food lovers. 

Top Street Food Dishes to Try in 2025-2026

If you are a street food lover and looking for which are the dishes you should try in 2025-2026, here are some of the best Dubai street food dishes: -

Shawarma: Dubai’s most iconic street snack

The Shawarma is a Middle Eastern dish and is considered the best street food in Dubai. This wrap is combined with juicy chicken, vegetables, and sauces, and is served in pita bread. You can taste Shawarma at various places, like the AL Mallah, AL Safadi, and other food trucks. 

Luqaimat- Sweet fried dumplings (traditional Emirati dessert)

Do you want to taste the Emirati street food in Dubai? If yes, then you must try the Luqaimat, an Emirati dessert, also known as the fried mini donuts. This street food is sweet and deep-fried dough balls combined with date syrup, honey, and sesame seeds. Luqaimat is especially served during Ramadan and on special occasions, and is sold at food carts and markets. 

Manakish- Lebanese-style flatbread with cheese or za’atar

When choosing dishes from the Dubai street food, you must taste the Manakish, a famous Middle Eastern flatbread, and include the ingredients, like herbs, sesame seeds, cheese, and meat. Manakish is best for breakfast, and to taste this dish, you must visit AL Reef Lebanese restaurant, the best known for its Middle Eastern pastries. 

Falafel and Hummus wraps- Vegetarian favorites

Falafel is not just a normal Dubai street food, but is much more than that. It is crispy on the outside and soft inside, while dipped in creamy hummus with herbs. The Falafel and Hummus wraps are a perfect vegetarian street food to taste in Dubai, as they are made from fava beans, herbs, and spices. One of the best places to enjoy this street food is the Zaroob Restaurant and the Karam Beirut. 

Harees

This is a slow-cooked wheat and meat dish, traditionally eaten during Ramadan. When travelling in the winter in Dubai, you will find the Harees dish in local neighbourhoods and at different food events. 

Madrouba 

Exploring the Dubai street food, you must taste Madrouba, a rice porridge dish, which includes overcooked rice with shredded chicken breast, herbs, spices, and tomatoes. In Dubai, this dish is mostly served at local food stalls during Ramadan or during the Emirati food festivals. 

Grilled Kebabs and Tikka- Juicy meat skewers

Grilled Kebabs are one of the most popular Dubai street foods and are a favorite dish for all, as they come with juicy flavors. If you are a meat lover, you must taste the grilled Kebab, which is packed with minced meat and herbs. When exploring the streets in Dubai, you can find different kinds of grilled kebabs, such as Turkish-style lamb kebabs and Indian chicken kebabs. Apart from this, the Dubai street food also includes Tikka, and one of the famous ones is the chicken tikka and beef tikka skewers. 

Regag Bread- Emirati crispy bread with eggs or honey

The Regag bread is a traditional Emirati street food and is a homemade bread, which is best served during breakfast or dinner. The Regag street food is always included with other dishes during Ramadan. While the bread is cooking, the toppings are cheese, eggs, honey, and mhyawa. What makes the Regag bread more efficient is its benefits, as the dish is rich in fiber and includes nutrients, such as vitamin B and iron. 

Samboosa- Arabic samosas during Ramadan and fairs

Isn’t it great to taste the best Indian street food in Dubai? For this, the street food in Dubai is Samboosa, which tastes similar to the Indian Samosa. The Samboosa is a triangle-shaped savory, stuffed with beef, meat, or exotic vegetables. Visiting the street food markets in Dubai and other restaurants in the city, you can enjoy flavored Samboosa, and once you taste this dish, you will get addicted and will be delighted every time you taste the triangular Samboosa. 

Shish Tawook Sandwich

Another popular street food in Dubai is the Shish Tawook Sandwich, which is made of cubes of chicken that are roasted, then skewered, and finally grilled. This is a local food in Dubai that is served with salad and rice. Along with this, there are French fries, hummus, and roasted vegetables. 

Best Places to Enjoy Street Food in Dubai

For the Dubai street food, you must be wondering about where to eat in Dubai. Well, there are numerous places where you can eat street food. Here are some of the following: -

Bur Dubai and Karama- Indian, Pakistani, and Emirati classics

The Karama offers the best street food at budget-friendly prices. This destination is popular for its Indian and Pakistani eateries. Different dishes are provided, such as Vada Pav, Dosa, and Pani Puri, and each of them is in different flavors. Apart from this, you must visit Bur Dubai, which is a mesmerizing place decorated with waterfront, and all the outlets provide the best local street food, like Baklava. 

Deira AL Rigga Night Market- Affordable street bites

For the cheap eats in Dubai, the best street food destination is the Deira AL Rigga Night Market, well-known for the affordable prices of the dishes. At this night market, various food stalls are available and offer Emirati street food. Not only this, but international cuisines are also served, including Thai, Indian, Korean, Filipino, and Pakistani. 

Global Village - Seasonal street food festival (open Oct-Apr)

The Global Village is one of the best places to enjoy street food in Dubai, and provides various dishes, such as Turkish Ice Cream, Thai Fruits, Churros, Spiral Baked Potato, and many more. What makes the Global Village more special is that it offers the world’s best street food, right from traditional Asian dishes, juicy fruits, spicy snacks, and desserts. 

AI Satwa- Filipino, Lebanese, and budget eats

When visiting the AI Satwa, you will find lots of food outlets, right from Sri Lankan popular dishes, Filipino barbecue, to Arabic Shawarma. The entire area is covered with small eateries and street food stalls, each of them offering a unique taste of the best cuisine. If you want to taste the best in Dubai street food, then Satwa is the ideal destination around the world. 

AI Seef and Souk Madinat- Fusion of traditional and modern stalls

To get a unique street food experience in Dubai, you must explore the AI Seef and Souk Madinat, as these are blended with traditional and modern options. When reaching the AI Seef, a diverse culinary scene is offered, catering to different tastes. At this place, you can enjoy traditional Emirati dishes to other international cuisines while sitting at fascinating heritage restaurants. Another place in Dubai where you can taste the street food is the Souk Madinat, serving sizzling street food at fine dining restaurants and food stalls. 

Average Street Food Prices (2025-2026 Update)

To know about the street food in Dubai prices, have a look below at all the prices mentioned: -

Food Safety and Hygiene Tips 

When eating the Dubai street food, it is important to maintain safety, and for this, there are some hygiene tips that one should follow: -

• Before handling the dishes from the sellers, you must maintain hygiene by washing your hands with clean water to prevent foodborne illness. 
• Look for the clean stalls that have proper waste disposal and a supply of clean water. 
• Avoid areas that are visibly unclean and have unclean surroundings. 
• Avoid food items, like pre-cut fruits and raw salads. 

Sustainable and Halal Food Trends (2025-2026 Focus)

For 2025/2026, the Dubai food market's main focus is on sustainability, as the maximum number of people are demanding products that align with environmental practices. The street food market in Dubai is continuously developing plant-based halal products, like meat substitutes, catering to all customers. Apart from this, food nutrition conferences are organised in the city on food waste and sustainability innovation. For nurturing sustainability, Gulfood 2026 has been developed. It commits to green logistics, smart sourcing, and technological innovations. 

Conclusion

Dubai is a complete culinary paradise and never fails to attract food enthusiasts by providing a diverse range of flavours and cuisines. Whether savouring Shawarma, Luqaimat, or Harees, Dubai street food promises a great culinary adventure. The street food in Dubai is not just about cheap eats, but it is also about discovering the efficient cultural diversity by tasting different flavours. So, book the Dubai tour packages now and visit this stunning city for delicious food and drinks. 

FAQs

Q1. What are the best street foods to try in Dubai in 2025-2026?

Ans. Travelling to Dubai in 2025-2026, the best street foods you must try are Manakish, Shawarma, Falafel, Kebabs, and Samboosa. 

Q2. Where can I find cheap street food in Dubai?

Ans. You can find cheap eats in Dubai at AI Karam, Deira, and Global Village. 

Q3. Is street food in Dubai safe for tourists?

Ans. Yes, street food in Dubai is safe for tourists, as hygiene and safe food standards are maintained. However, it is suggested to follow certain tips, like choosing the vendors that are popular for freshness. 

Q4. How much does street food cost in Dubai in 2025-2026?

Ans. The average price of street food ranges between AED 10 and AED 60. 

Q5. Can vegetarians find good street food options in Dubai?

Ans. Yes, there are various street food options for vegetarians, such as Falafel and Hummus wraps. 

Q6. What is the famous street in Dubai?

Ans.  The most famous street in Dubai is the Sheikh Zayed Road. Here, you can try different street foods like Luqaimat and Shawarma. 

Q7. Can you find food trucks in Dubai?

Ans. Yes, there are a lot of food trucks in Dubai, like Salt Downtown, Last Exit Dubai, and Pineapple Express Food Truck. 

Q8. Which street food places in Dubai are worth visiting in 2026?

Ans. The best street food places you must visit in Dubai in 2026 are Deira Fish Market, Bur Dubai, Meena Bazaar, and Dubai Marina.