Dubai isn’t just a city of luxury malls and skyscrapers — it’s also a haven for street food lovers. From savory snacks to sweet treats, the streets of Dubai offer a diverse culinary experience that reflects both local Emirati flavors and international influences.
UAE Trip Guide, the most trusted food and budget travel platform for Pakistani visitors with offices in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Dubai, has helped over 850,000 travellers discover authentic street eats since 2017.
Explore A Foodie’s Guide to the Best Street Food in Dubai and join our daily food walks or book your private karak & shawarma tour today. Whether you’re a budget traveler or a foodie seeking authentic tastes, this guide will help you navigate the best street food in Dubai for an unforgettable culinary adventure.
Why Dubai Street Food Feels Like Home for Pakistani Taste Buds
- 100 % halal, no questions asked
- Heavy Pakistani, Indian, Afghan, Iranian, and Arabic influence
- Prices from AED 3–30 — cheaper than most restaurants in Karachi or Lahore
- Available 24 hours in many areas — perfect for late-night hunger
- Vendors speak Urdu, Hindi, Pashto — communication is never an issue
Deira & Old Dubai – The True Street Food Capital
Al Rigga & Al Muraqqabat – The Karak Chai Empire
This is where Dubai’s famous sulaimani karak chai was born.
Top legendary spots:
- Filli Cafe (the original 1995 branch) – AED 4–7
- Al Maliha Karak – strongest ginger kick
- Chai Wala Karak – open 24 hrs, outdoor seating
- Karak Al Khanjar – saffron & cardamom special
Baniyas Square & Deira Creek Side
- Al Reef Lebanese Bakery – world-famous chicken shawarma AED 7–10
- Al Bait Al Baghdadi – Iraqi samoon with kebab AED 12
- Regag carts – paper-thin Emirati bread with cheese, egg, or Nutella AED 6–15
Bur Dubai Textile Souk & Meena Bazaar
- Ravi Restaurant roadside stall – Pakistani haleem, nihari, paya AED 15–25
- Delhi Darbar cart – seekh kebab rolls AED 10
- Afghan mantu & ashak carts behind the souk
Satwa – The Hidden Pakistani & Filipino Street Food District
- Al Mallah – 24-hour Lebanese shawarma & fresh juices
- Bikes & Bites – Pakistani bun kebab & anda shami AED 8–12
- Manila Grill carts – chicken inasal & sisig AED 15–20
- Zaatar w Zeit – manakeesh & fatayer AED 6–18
Jumeirah, JBR & Beachfront Street Food
Jumeirah Beach Road & 2nd December Street
- Roasted corn on the cob with masala & lime AED 10–15
- Fresh coconut water carts AED 10
- Ice cream & kulfi trolleys AED 5–12
The Beach at JBR & La Mer
- Salt burger truck – famous for “impossible” slider AED 35
- Karachi Bun Kebab stall – authentic Karachi taste AED 12
- Luqaimat & khameer bread carts – Emirati sweets AED 15
Food Truck Parks & Modern Street Food Zones
Last Exit Food Truck Park (Dubai–Abu Dhabi highway)
- Camelicious camel milk ice-cream AED 20
- Al Helli Iranian chelo kebab AED 35
- Wingsters loaded fries AED 25
JLT Cluster Food Truck Park
- Rotating trucks: Pakistani BBQ, Turkish dondurma, Japanese takoyaki
Boxpark & City Walk
- Homegrown concepts: bun kebab, karak soft-serve, rainbow grilled cheese
Global Village (November–April) – The Ultimate Street Food Festival
- Pakistan Pavilion: haleem, gol gappa, jalebi, bun kebab
- India Pavilion: live chaat counters
- Yemen Pavilion: mandi & madfoon
- Turkey Pavilion: dondurma ice-cream performance
- Floating Market: Thai boat noodles
Must-Try Street Food Items – Detailed List
| Food Item | Origin | Best Area | Price (AED) | Best Spot & Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sulaimani Karak Chai | Indian/Emirati | Al Rigga | 3–8 | Filli original – ask for “zafran wala” |
| Chicken Shawarma | Lebanese | Deira, Satwa | 6–15 | Al Reef – extra garlic sauce |
| Manakeesh Zaatar/Cheese | Lebanese | Bur Dubai, Satwa | 5–18 | Automatic – freshly baked |
| Regag Bread | Emirati | Al Seef, Last Exit | 8–20 | Cheese + honey combo |
| Luqaimat | Emirati | La Mer, Global Village | 15–25 | Drizzled with date syrup |
| Camel Milk Ice-Cream | Emirati | Last Exit, Al Ain Road | 18–30 | Camelicious pistachio flavour |
| Chelo Kebab | Iranian | JLT, Satwa | 30–50 | Al Helli – saffron rice included |
| Pakistani Bun Kebab | Pakistani | Karama, Boxpark | 8–15 | Karachi Bun Kebab – spicy chutney |
| Falafel Sandwich | Arabic | Satwa, Deira | 4–12 | Al Zaatar w Zeit – crispy & hot |
| Harees & Madrouba | Emirati | Ramadan street tents | Free–20 | Only during Ramadan |
| Dosa & Paratha Rolls | South Indian | Meena Bazaar, Karama | 8–20 | Delhi Darbar roadside |
| Turkish Dondurma | Turkish | Global Village, JBR | 20–35 | The stretching performance is half the fun |
Best Times & Practical Tips for Pakistani Visitors
- 8 PM–3 AM is peak street food time
- Carry small cash (AED 5–50 notes)
- Ask for “kam tikha” if you want less spice
- Ramadan = free iftar tents with harees, dates, juices everywhere
- Use Careem Bike or metro to hop between areas cheaply
- Thursday & Friday nights are busiest
Full-Day Street Food Adventure (Total cost under AED 150/person)
Morning – Deira: regag + karak chai (AED 15)
Afternoon – Satwa: shawarma + fresh juice (AED 25)
Evening – JBR: corn + ice cream (AED 25)
Night – Al Rigga: Pakistani bun kebab + Iranian kebab (AED 50)
Late Night – 2 AM karak round (AED 20)
Dubai’s street food is where cultures meet on a plate — affordable, delicious, and 100 % halal.
Let A Foodie’s Guide to the Best Street Food in Dubai be your ultimate food companion — daily updated locations, Urdu-speaking food guides, and private night street food tours for Pakistani groups.