Must-Try Street Food Spots in Dubai for an Unforgettable Culinary Adventure!

Saturday, 22 March 2025

Dubai is a food lover’s paradise, offering a mix of fine dining experiences and mouthwatering street food delights. The city’s vibrant street food scene reflects its multicultural population, bringing Flavors from around the world to its bustling streets. Whether you’re a local foodie or a traveller eager to explore Dubai’s culinary gems, we’ve rounded up the must-try street food spots for an unforgettable gastronomic adventure!

Table of Contents

• Falafel Alzaeem – Smoked Eggs & Freshly-Baked Ka’ak
• Sultan Dubai Falafel – Palestinian-Style Street Food
• Sind Punjab – Iconic Chicken Tikka & Indian Street Food Since 1977
• Rangoli – Authentic Indian Chaat & Street Food in Dubai
• Al Habasha Ethiopian Restaurant – Authentic African Comfort Food in Dubai
• Hajar Al Madina Bakery – Freshly Baked Afghan & Pakistani Breads in Dubai
• Spice Souk Cafeteria – Egg Rolls with a Dubai Twist
• Shiraz Nights – Spicy Chicken Shawarma Delight
• Pars Iranian Restaurant – Homestyle Persian Delights
• Frequently asked questions

1.Falafel Alzaeem – Smoked Eggs & Freshly-Baked Ka’ak

Despite its name, Falafel Alzaeem is best known for its freshly baked Jerusalem-style ka’ak bread, generously sprinkled with crunchy sesame seeds. This popular Deira eatery serves up authentic Middle Eastern flavors, with a standout dish featuring ka’ak bread smeared with cheese, spicy chili shatta, fragrant za’atar, and boiled eggs smoked over woodchips for six hours.

Why Visit Falafel Alzaeem?

• Authentic Middle Eastern Cuisine – A must-visit for traditional flavors.
• Signature Ka’ak Bread – Freshly rolled, warm, and deliciously seasoned.
• Unique Smoked Eggs – Slow-smoked for six hours for an unforgettable taste.

Essential Information

• Location: Al Doha St – 24 St – Dubai
• Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 1:00 AM (Daily)
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern
• Must-Try Dish: Ka’ak bread with smoked eggs & za’atar
• Contact: +971 4 330 0735

2.Sultan Dubai Falafel – Palestinian-Style Street Food

Located on Al Muraqqabat Road in Deira, Sultan Dubai Falafel is a hidden gem serving some of the best Palestinian falafel and hummus in Dubai. Unlike ordinary falafels, their version is moist, vibrant green, and packed with fresh herbs like parsley, coriander, and dill. Pair it with their freshly baked puffy pita (khubz) from the sister restaurant next door, and craft your own perfect sandwich.

Why Visit Sultan Dubai Falafel?

• Authentic Palestinian Flavors – Enjoy traditional Middle Eastern street food.
• Herb-Infused Falafels – Crispy on the outside, soft and green on the inside.
• DIY Pita Sandwiches – Load up on hummus, fava beans (foul), pickles, fried eggplant, and chili sauce (shatta).
• Pro Tip – Smash and spread falafels inside the pita before adding toppings for the best flavor.

Essential Information

• Location: 24 Al Muraqqabat St, Deira, Dubai
• Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 1:00 AM (Daily)
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern
• Must-Try Dish: Falafel with hummus & tatbeela sauce
• Contact: +971 4 227 5559

3.Sind Punjab – Iconic Chicken Tikka & Indian Street Food Since 1977

Nestled in the heart of Meena Bazaar, Dubai, Sind Punjab has been a go-to spot for Indian street food since the 1970s. Known for juicy, charcoal-grilled chicken tikka, this legendary eatery is a favorite among the local Indian community. But the flavors don’t stop there—visitors also indulge in their creamy butter chicken, spicy chana masala, and flaky laccha parathas. Pair your meal with a refreshing lassi or fresh sugarcane juice for the ultimate experience.

Why Visit Sind Punjab?

• Authentic Punjabi Flavors – Enjoy rich, spice-packed dishes made with traditional techniques.
• Charcoal-Grilled Chicken Tikka – Tender, smoky, and marinated to perfection.
• Must-Try Dishes – Butter chicken, chana masala, and crispy laccha parathas.
• Refreshing Drinks – Cool down with lassi or fresh sugarcane juice with lime.

Essential Information

• Location: 29 A St, Al Fahidi, Dubai
• Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 1:30 AM (Daily)
• Cuisine: Indian
• Must-Try Dish: Butter Chicken & Chicken Tikka
• Contact: +971 4 352 5058

4. Rangoli – Authentic Indian Chaat & Street Food in Dubai

Located in Karama, Dubai, Rangoli is a must-visit for Indian vegetarian street food lovers. While it may not be fancy, the Flavors speak for themselves. Known for crispy pani puri, this spot is a favourite among Indian families who love authentic chaat. Other crowd-pleasers include spicy puffed rice bhel, tangy dabeli, and crispy, sweet jalebi. If you’re craving bold, street-style Flavors, Rangoli is the place to be!

Why Visit Rangoli?

• Authentic Indian Chaat – Enjoy classic flavors straight from the streets of India.
• Signature Pani Puri – Crisp puris filled with spicy water, chutney, and mung beans.
• Must-Try Snacks – Bhel puri, dabeli, and freshly made jalebi.
• Affordable & Flavour-Packed – Perfect for a quick bite or a full street food feast.

Essential Information

• Location: 10 4A St, Al Karama, Dubai
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 11:30 PM (Daily)
• Cuisine: Indian (Vegetarian)
• Must-Try Dish: Pani Puri
• Contact: +971 4 323 6075

5. Al Habasha Ethiopian Restaurant – Authentic African Comfort Food in Dubai

A bustling hotspot in Deira’s Abu Hail area, Al Habasha Ethiopian Restaurant is a go-to spot for authentic Ethiopian cuisine. Owned by the charismatic Sara, the restaurant sources traditional ingredients like fermented injera bread and Ethiopian butter. Whether you’re a meat lover or a vegetarian, this cozy eatery offers flavourful, spice-packed dishes.

Why Visit Al Habasha?

• Authentic Ethiopian Cuisine – A favourite among Ethiopian diners in Dubai.
• Signature Doro Wat (Spicy Chicken Stew) – Served over injera, this dish is a must-try.
• Vegetarian Delights – Enjoy misir (lentils) and shiro (chickpea stew), perfect for fasting days.
• Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony – Experience rich black coffee with incense and popcorn.
• Spicy or Mild Options – Order aib (homemade cottage cheese) to balance the heat.

Essential Information

• Location: Hor Al Anz East, Dubai
• Opening Hours: Open 24/7
• Cuisine: Ethiopian
• Must-Try Dish: Doro Wat (Red Chicken Stew)
• Contact: +971 50 281 3581

6. Hajar Al Madina Bakery – Freshly Baked Afghan & Pakistani Breads in Dubai

Nestled in Deira’s Hor Al Anz district, Hajar Al Madina Bakery is a hidden gem for freshly baked traditional bread. This small, no-frills bakery specializes in piping hot, flavourful flatbreads, perfect for pairing with lentil stews or enjoying on their own straight from the oven.

Why Visit Hajar Al Madina Bakery?

• Authentic Afghan & Pakistani Breads – Baked fresh in traditional ovens.
• Two Types of Ovens – Pizza-style for soft rotis, and tanoor for chewy, crunchy breads.
• Must-Try Stuffed Breads – Choose between savory cream cheese and za’atar or sweet honey and cheese.
• Live Baking Experience – Watch as the dough is slapped against the hot oven walls and puffs up to perfection.

Essential Information

• Location: 23 26B St, Deira, Dubai
• Opening Hours: 7 AM – Midnight daily
• Cuisine: Indian / Middle Eastern
• Must-Try Flavour: Traditional stuffed breads
• Contact: +971 4 220 9195

7.Spice Souk Cafeteria – Egg Rolls with a Dubai Twist

Tucked away behind Deira’s iconic Spice Souk, this small yet legendary cafeteria is famous for its flaky, egg-filled parotta rolls. Perfect for a quick, flavourful street food experience, the cafeteria’s signature dish is a fluffy chili-infused omelette wrapped in a Kerala-style parotta, complemented with cream cheese, hot sauce (daqoos), and the nostalgic crunch of Chips Oman.

Why Visit Spice Souk Cafeteria?

• Authentic Street Food Experience – Popular among locals and visitors.
• Eggy Parotta Rolls – A delicious fusion of Indian and Emirati flavors.
• Chips Oman Twist – A crunchy, spicy surprise inside your roll.
• Perfect Pairing – Best enjoyed with their strong, cardamom-infused chai.

Essential Information

• Location: 26 34 St, Al Ras, Deira, Dubai
• Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 9:30 PM daily (varies on Fridays)
• Cuisine: Indian
• Must-Try Flavour: Egg Rolls with Chips Oman
• Drink Recommendation: Traditional sweet chai

8. Shiraz Nights – Spicy Chicken Shawarma Delight

Located in Deira’s bustling Baniyas area, Shiraz Nights is a go-to spot for shawarma lovers. This Iranian street food gem is in fierce competition with its neighbour, Hatam Al Tai, but many loyal customers swear by Shiraz Nights’ thin, lacy Iranian bread that enhances the Flavors of their chicken shawarma.

Why Visit Shiraz Nights?

• Signature Chicken Shawarma – Wrapped in authentic Iranian bread.
• Spicy Option Available – Topped with chili-garlic aioli (spicy towm).
• Affordable Iranian Desserts – Try the traditional halwa for just AED 5.
• Perfect Pairing – Enjoy a layered fruit cocktail with your shawarma.
• Alfresco Experience – Grab your food and head to Naif Park for an outdoor meal.

Essential Information

• Location: Deira – Al Rigga, Dubai
• Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 1:00 AM daily
• Cuisine: Iranian
• Must-Try Flavor: Spicy Chicken Shawarma
• Contact: +971 4 222 7720

9. Pars Iranian Restaurant – Homestyle Persian Delights

Nestled near Trade Centre roundabout, Pars Iranian Restaurant is a hidden gem serving authentic Persian cuisine. Known for its juicy Chelow Kebab Sultani, this spot is perfect for families and Persian food lovers. Regulars flock here, so booking ahead for weekend dinners is recommended.

Why Visit Pars Iranian Restaurant?

• Signature Dish – Chelow Kebab Sultani with saffron butter rice.
• Perfect Pairing – Try the feta and mint salad for a refreshing twist.
• Homestyle Atmosphere – A favourite family-friendly dining spot.
• Popular with Regulars – Best to book in advance for weekend evenings.

Essential Information

• Location: 2nd of December Street, Al Dhiyafa Rd, Al Jaffiliya, Dubai
• Opening Hours: 11:30 AM – 11:30 PM daily
• Cuisine: Persian
• Must-Try Flavour: Chelow Kebab Sultani
• Contact: +971 4 398 8787

Dubai’s street food scene is a vibrant mix of Flavors, cultures, and traditions. From smoky falafels and spicy shawarmas to juicy kebabs and crispy Indian chaats, every bite is a culinary adventure. Whether you’re a local foodie or a traveller, these must-visit spots promise an unforgettable taste of Dubai. So, skip the fine dining and explore the city’s best-kept street food secrets!