Cooking classes in Dubai
A cooking class is one of the best ways to take Dubai home with you. Classes run all year, so the weather matters more for the rest of your day: Dubai is warmest in August at about 108°F (42°C).
Photo: Tim Reckmann from Hamm, Deutschland, CC BY-SA 3.0
Book cooking classes in Dubai
What to eat and drink in Dubai
Classes here usually build the menu around local dishes. Ones to look for:
- Shawarma
- Spit-roasted meat shaved into a wrap with garlic sauce and pickles.
- Luqaimat
- Small crisp dumplings drizzled with date syrup, popular during Ramadan.
- Biryani
- Spiced rice layered with meat or vegetables and cooked slowly so the flavours mingle.
- Dates
- Sweet dried fruit of the date palm, offered with Arabic coffee as a sign of welcome.
How to pick a good cooking class
- Check whether you cook every dish yourself or watch a demonstration. Hands-on classes usually cap groups at 10 to 12.
- Morning classes often start with a market walk to buy ingredients; afternoon ones go straight to the kitchen.
- Tell the host about allergies or a vegetarian diet when you book, not on the day.
- Look for a class that sends the recipes home with you, so you can cook them again.
Dubai month by month
Averages for Dubai, 1991–2020.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F (°C) | 75 (24) | 77 (25) | 86 (30) | 93 (34) | 100 (38) | 104 (40) | 107 (42) | 108 (42) | 103 (40) | 98 (37) | 88 (31) | 79 (26) |
| Low °F (°C) | 58 (14) | 60 (16) | 65 (18) | 71 (22) | 77 (25) | 80 (27) | 86 (30) | 87 (30) | 82 (28) | 75 (24) | 68 (20) | 61 (16) |
| Rainy days | 6 | 5 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| Sunset (15th) | 5:50 pm | 6:12 pm | 6:27 pm | 6:41 pm | 6:56 pm | 7:10 pm | 7:12 pm | 6:54 pm | 6:23 pm | 5:52 pm | 5:31 pm | 5:31 pm |
Questions
What food is Dubai known for?
Shawarma: spit-roasted meat shaved into a wrap with garlic sauce and pickles. Luqaimat: small crisp dumplings drizzled with date syrup, popular during Ramadan. Biryani: spiced rice layered with meat or vegetables and cooked slowly so the flavours mingle.
How long does a cooking class take?
Most classes run three to four hours including the meal; ones that start with a market visit take closer to five.
Where can I book cooking classes in Dubai?
The link above searches Viator for cooking classes in Dubai. Compare group size, duration, what is included and the cancellation terms before you book.
