Food tours in Dubai
A food tour is the quickest way to eat your way around Dubai. The most comfortable months are December to February, with highs around 77°F (25°C) and about 5 rainy days a month.
Photo: Tim Reckmann from Hamm, Deutschland, CC BY-SA 3.0
Top food tours in Dubai
Dubai Aladdin Tour: Souks, Creek, Old Dubai and TastingsFrom $27View 
Local Street Food and Guided Walking Tour of Dubai Old TownFrom $116View 
Dubai: Old Town, Souks, Street Food, Guided Tour & Abra RideFrom $18View
Tours from Viator. Good Outing may earn a commission when you book, at no cost to you.
What to eat and drink in Dubai
Expect to taste the local staples. 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 food tour
- Skip a big meal beforehand: most tours serve the equivalent of lunch or dinner across six to ten stops.
- Small groups of 12 or fewer get served faster and fit into tiny counters and bars.
- Check what's included. Some tours count drinks as stops, others charge for them on the day.
- Ask about dietary swaps before you book. Many tours can replace meat or gluten dishes if they know ahead.
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
When is the best time for food tours in Dubai?
December to February. Expect highs around 77°F (25°C) and about 5 rainy days a month. The least comfortable months are May and June.
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.
Where can I book food tours in Dubai?
The tours above book on Viator. Compare group size, duration, what is included and the cancellation terms before you pick one.
