Food tours in Dubai offer the perfect introduction to both traditional Emirati cuisine and the city’s international food scene. The best experiences last 3-4 hours, combining walking tours through atmospheric souks and backstreet neighborhoods with stops at family-run eateries and local institutions.
I especially recommend tours that focus on Old Dubai’s authentic food spots. The morning tours – when markets are bustling and bread is fresh from the oven – provide the most rewarding experience. Look for guides who share personal stories about growing up in the Emirates; they offer the deepest cultural insights.
Let’s explore our favorite Dubai food tours that consistently earn top marks from fellow travelers.
Key Points
- Dubai’s food tours offer immersive cultural experiences, featuring tastings of traditional Emirati dishes and international cuisines in iconic locations like the Spice Souk and Al Fahidi Fort.
- Guided by knowledgeable locals, these tours provide personalized attention and engaging storytelling, enhancing visitors’ understanding of Dubai’s culinary heritage and urban evolution.
- Tours range in duration from 3 to 4 hours and often include additional experiences, such as abra boat rides across Dubai Creek and opportunities to learn local haggling techniques.
- Pricing for food tours in Dubai varies from $19.69 to $165, with flexible payment options and generally positive traveler reviews highlighting the value of these unique culinary adventures.
- Highlights of Dubai’s food tours include camel burgers, saffron ice cream, shawarma wraps, mutton kebabs, and other local specialties, as well as evening tours showcasing the city’s vibrant night markets.
PRIVATE Food Tour: The 10 Tastings of Dubai With Locals
Typically, the PRIVATE Food Tour: The 10 Tastings of Dubai With Locals offers an immersive culinary experience, showcasing the city’s multicultural cuisine.
The 3-hour guided tour features 10 tastings, including local delicacies like camel burgers and saffron ice cream. Knowledgeable local guides provide authentic insights into Dubai’s culture and cuisine, while guests explore iconic sites like the Spice Souk.
Feedback highlights the value of a well-prepared guide, whose engaging interactions and storytelling can enhance the overall experience.
However, inconsistencies in guide performance and unmet expectations around food offerings have led to some negative reviews.
The tour remains popular among foodies and cultural explorers seeking a deeper understanding of Dubai’s vibrant culinary landscape.
Read our full review: PRIVATE Food Tour: The 10 Tastings of Dubai With Locals Review
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Dubai Souks, Food & Culture Walking Tour
Setting out on a holistic exploration of Dubai’s rich history, culture, and culinary delights, the Dubai Souks, Food & Culture Walking Tour offers an immersive experience for discerning travelers.
The 4-hour tour showcases the city’s vibrant Old Dubai, providing instant mobile tickets and English-language guidance.
Visitors can expect a focus on food and cultural experiences, including visits to spice and textile souks, tastings of traditional Emirati dishes, and an abra boat ride across the creek.
The tour is inclusive of bottled water, snack stops, a sit-down meal, and professional expertise, ensuring a well-rounded, memorable journey through Dubai’s captivating heritage.
Read our full review: Dubai Souks, Food & Culture Walking Tour Review
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Middle Eastern Food & Culture Walk in Old Dubai
This 3.5-hour Middle Eastern Food & Culture Walk in Old Dubai offers an immersive exploration of the vibrant Murraggabat district.
The tour includes visits to 3 restaurants, 1 falafel cafe, and 1 baklava shop, providing opportunities to taste Palestinian, Lebanese, Syrian, and Iraqi dishes. Highlights include freshly made falafels, hummus, and Arabic coffee.
The tour is conducted in English by a professional licensed guide, who provides insights and information using an audio receiver system.
Hotel pickup and drop-off services are included, and dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.
Participants must be at least 14 years old, and the tour may be canceled if fewer than 3 people sign up.
Read our full review: Middle Eastern Food & Culture Walk in Old Dubai Review
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Discover Dubai Old Town,Culture, History,Street Food and Souks
Enjoy the vibrant history and captivating culture of Old Dubai on this comprehensive tour. Priced at $19.69 per person, you’ll explore the historic streets, visit the Al Fahidi Fort, and ride a traditional abra boat on Dubai Creek.
The 3-hour experience includes engaging local guides, tastings of street food, and lessons on haggling at the Gold and Spice Souks. Rated 5.0 out of 140 reviews, the tour offers a family-friendly and accessible adventure, with discounts available.
Discover Dubai’s past and present through this immersive cultural exploration, complete with flexible payment options and a full refund policy.
Read our full review: Discover Dubai Old Town,Culture, History,Street Food and Souks Review
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Dubais Favourite Food & Historic Walking Tour
Spend an afternoon exploring the historic heart of Dubai on this captivating food and walking tour. Over approximately 3 hours, you’ll discover Old Dubai’s roots, from fishing village to metropolis, while sampling local treats and foods.
The experience includes an abra ride across Dubai Creek and a small group size for personalized attention. Expect to taste 12 different items, such as riqaq, camel milk gelato, and an Arabic mezza platter. Bottled water is provided, and additional menu items can be purchased.
The tour starts and ends at the Al Ras Metro Station, with an English-speaking guide leading the way.
Read our full review: Dubais Favourite Food & Historic Walking Tour Review
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Dubai Souks, Museum, Street Food Walking Tour With Hotel Transfer
Set out on a captivating journey through the vibrant heart of Dubai on this comprehensive walking tour.
Explore the city’s iconic landmarks, from the Dubai Frame to the bustling gold souk, while savoring the rich flavors of local street food.
With a product code of 451115P3, this tour offers a seamless experience, including hotel transfers and knowledgeable guides to provide cultural insights.
Traveler photos showcase the tour’s highlights, and reviews offer a mixed but generally positive overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Priced at $68.00, this tour promises a well-rounded and immersive exploration of Dubai’s diverse sights, sounds, and tastes.
Read our full review: Dubai Souks, Museum, Street Food Walking Tour With Hotel Transfer Review
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Dubai Street Food Tour
Travelers often explore Dubai’s vibrant street food scene on an evening walking tour. The 3-hour experience takes visitors through Bur Dubai’s oldest districts, including souks and neon-lit markets.
Tourists sample diverse foods like hot Indian snacks, shawarma wraps, and mutton kebabs. The tour includes a visit to the Spice Souk, where guests can browse herbs, spices, sweets, and local specialties.
The experience comes with all tastings, dinner, and water. With an overall 5-star rating based on 4 reviews, the tour earns praise for its knowledgeable and personable guides, who provide insights into Dubai’s history and culture.
Priced from $165 per person, the tour is easily accessible by cab near the Al Fahidi metro station.
Read our full review: Dubai Street Food Tour Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Time of Year to Take a Food Tour in Dubai?
The best time to take a food tour in Dubai is during the cooler months from October to April when the weather is mild and pleasant, allowing for comfortable walking and enjoying the diverse culinary offerings.
Are There Any Dietary Restrictions or Allergies the Tour Guides Can Accommodate?
Many food tour guides in Dubai can accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or halal needs. Travelers should inquire about specific accommodations when booking a tour to ensure their needs are met.
Can I Purchase Souvenirs or Local Products During the Food Tours?
Yes, you can typically purchase souvenirs or local products during the food tours. Many tours include stops at local markets, shops, or stalls where you can browse and purchase unique items to take home.
Are the Food Tours Suitable for Vegetarians or Vegans?
Many food tours in Dubai can accommodate vegetarian or vegan dietary needs. Tour operators often work with local restaurants and food vendors to ensure there are suitable options for those with specialized diets.
Do the Tour Guides Provide Recommendations for Other Attractions in Dubai?
The tour guides often provide recommendations for other attractions in Dubai, giving visitors a well-rounded experience beyond just the food. They can suggest top sights, activities, and hidden gems to explore during the trip.
The Sum Up
Dubai offers a variety of exceptional food tours that allow visitors to explore the city’s diverse culinary scene. From discovering the flavors of traditional Emirati cuisine to indulging in the vibrant street food scene, these tours provide an immersive experience that showcases Dubai’s rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re a foodie or simply curious about the local gastronomy, these guided experiences are sure to satisfy your palate and provide a memorable taste of Dubai.