Best Food and Restaurants in UAE Food and Cuisine: Arabic and International
If you want the best food and restaurants in the UAE, focus on three pillars: authentic Emirati food, classic Middle Eastern cuisine, and world-class international dining in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. From slow-cooked rice dishes like khuzi and machboos to celebrity-chef tasting menus, the UAE offers some of the most diverse dining in the Middle East, while remaining very accessible for Singapore travellers and investors.[3][2]
This guide is a focused cluster article that complements Homejourney’s broader UAE Food & Travel pillar, especially UAE Food & Cuisine Guide: Arabic & International | Homejourney UAE Food & Cuisine Guide: Arabic & International | Homejourney . Here, we zoom in on where to eat and what to order – with practical, Singapore‑centric tips on budgets, neighbourhoods and how this all links back to Singapore property and lifestyle decisions.
Why UAE Food Matters for Singapore Travellers and Investors
As someone who splits time between Singapore and Dubai each year, I see more Singaporeans and UAE-based expats using food as a lens to decide where to live, work and invest. In both markets, dining clusters often mirror property hotspots – think Dubai Marina vs. Singapore’s Marina Bay, or Downtown Dubai vs. Orchard/River Valley in terms of lifestyle expectations.
For Homejourney users, understanding the UAE food and restaurant landscape helps in two ways: it makes your trip smoother, and it gives context if you later compare living in Dubai or Abu Dhabi with Singapore, whether for work, study or property investment.
Quick Destination & Dining Overview
The UAE (especially Dubai and Abu Dhabi) is one of the Middle East’s top dining hubs. Traditional Emirati food draws on desert Bedouin, coastal fishing and oasis farming cultures, using ingredients like rice, lamb, fish, dates, camel milk and fragrant spices such as saffron, cardamom and turmeric.[2][3] At the same time, you can find almost every major global cuisine, from Japanese omakase to fine French and modern Indian.[3]
From Singapore, direct flights to Dubai or Abu Dhabi typically take about 7–8 hours on full‑service carriers. The UAE dirham (AED) is pegged to the US dollar, so Singapore travellers usually find prices comparable to central Singapore for mid‑range dining and higher for fine dining. Homejourney’s currency‑aware tools support AED and SGD, which helps if you are also exploring property deals across both markets.Bank Rates
Core UAE & Emirati Dishes You Should Try
To truly understand UAE food, start with traditional Emirati cuisine before branching into broader Middle Eastern food.
Signature Emirati Dishes
- Khuzi (or Ghuzi) – Widely regarded as the national dish of the UAE, this is spiced roasted lamb or mutton served over fragrant rice, often topped with nuts, potatoes and dried fruits.[2][3] It is mild, aromatic and excellent for first‑timers.
- Machboos – A rice dish somewhat similar to biryani, cooked with chicken, lamb or fish and a blend of spices and dried limes.[3][4] If you enjoy Singapore briyani, machboos feels familiar but more citrusy.
- Saloona – A comforting tomato‑based stew with meat or fish and vegetables.[2] Great with rice or bread; think of it like a lighter, spiced stew.
- Harees – Wheat slow‑cooked with meat into a porridge‑like dish, topped with ghee or butter.[2][3] Popular during Ramadan and special occasions.
- Grilled Gulf fish – Hamour, sheri and kingfish are common in Emirati recipes, normally marinated with spices and grilled, served over rice.[2][3]
- Balaleet – Sweet vermicelli cooked with cardamom, cinnamon and saffron, topped with an omelette – a distinctive Emirati breakfast.[1][2]
- Chebab / Chabab – Emirati pancakes spiced with cardamom and saffron, served with cheese or date syrup – perfect if you like kaya toast and pancakes in Singapore.[2][3]
Classic Arabic & Middle Eastern Food in the UAE
Beyond Emirati food, the UAE is saturated with Middle Eastern food from the Levant, Iran and the wider Arab world – you will easily find hummus, falafel, tabbouleh, kebabs and mezze everywhere.[3][8]
- Mezze (small sharing plates) – Hummus, moutabbal (smoky eggplant dip), fattoush, tabbouleh, stuffed vine leaves.
- Grilled meats – Shish tawouk (chicken skewers), lamb kofta, mixed grills.
- Arabic sweets – Kunafa, baklava, luqaimat (deep‑fried dough balls drizzled with date syrup).[6]
Best Areas for Food in Dubai & Abu Dhabi
If you know Singapore’s food neighbourhoods (Tiong Bahru for cafés, Geylang for late‑night eats, Joo Chiat for heritage), the UAE has similar “food clusters” that also tie into residential and investment districts. Here are the main areas I consistently recommend to Singapore‑based clients and friends.
Old Dubai: Best for Authentic Emirati & Budget Eats
Neighbourhoods like Al Fahidi (Al Bastakiya), Bur Dubai and Deira are where you should start for traditional Emirati food at local‑friendly prices. Think of this as a mix of Singapore’s Kampong Glam and Arab Street – heritage shophouses, museums and family‑run eateries.
- Arabian Tea House (Al Fahidi) – One of the oldest and best‑known Emirati restaurants, opened in 1997 to showcase local food culture.[1][2] Famous for its traditional Emirati breakfast platters with balaleet, dates, sheep’s cheese and fresh breads.[1] Expect roughly AED 60–90 per person for a hearty meal (similar to a mid‑priced café in Tiong Bahru).
- Local cafeterias – Countless tiny cafes serving shawarma, grills and juices, often for under AED 20–30 a meal. Great if you’re used to Singapore hawker prices and want value.
Downtown Dubai & Business Bay: Upscale & Trendy Dining
Around Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and Business Bay, you will find a cluster of high‑end Dubai restaurants, lounge dining and hotel‑based concepts – very similar to Marina Bay Sands and Orchard in Singapore.
- Expect celebrity‑chef and Michelin‑listed restaurants, modern Middle Eastern tasting menus, and rooftop bars with Burj Khalifa views.
- Main courses often range from AED 120–250; tasting menus can go above AED 500 per person, comparable to high‑end Singapore fine dining.
Dubai Marina, JBR & Palm Jumeirah: Beachfront & Brunch Scene
If you love staying near Singapore’s East Coast Park or Sentosa for lifestyle reasons, you’ll likely gravitate to Dubai Marina, JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence) and Palm Jumeirah.
- Endless international restaurants – Italian, Japanese, Peruvian, steakhouses – alongside premium shisha lounges and beach clubs.[3]
- Weekend brunch buffets (often 3–4 hours, food + free‑flow beverages) are a signature experience. Prices are typically AED 250–600 depending on venue and drinks.
Abu Dhabi: Refined Emirati & Family-Friendly Options
Abu Dhabi’s dining is slightly calmer than Dubai’s but excellent for families and travellers who prefer a slower pace.
- Al Mrzab Traditional Restaurant – A popular Emirati restaurant in Abu Dhabi, known among locals for dishes like harees, saloona and grilled sea bream.[2]
- Hotel clusters on Saadiyat and Yas Island offer international buffets, beachside grills and family brunches, similar to Singapore’s Sentosa and Marina Bay hotel dining.
