INDIA | 24th OCTOBER 2025: Embarking on a cultural food tour in Old Dubai has been named as one of the top global experiences for 2026 in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel, spotlighting Dubai’s diverse and unique culinary scene.
A city built upon heritage and traditions, Dubai is home to a variety of gastronomical experiences appealing to all budgets and preferences, influenced by the tastes of nearly 200 nationalities represented within its resident population. In Dubai’s oldest neighbourhoods such as Bur Dubai and Deira, located along the historic Dubai Creek, restaurants favour local ingredients, value and authenticity, making a food tour a must-do activity for residents and visitors alike.
Awarded by Lonely Planet’s panel of expert contributors, Dubai’s experience is one of 50 essential picks for 2026, made up of 25 places and 25 experiences. With the entire city previously named as one of the world’s best for travellers to visit in the Best in Travel 2020 list by Lonely Planet, this year’s nod marks the first time a specific area in Dubai has been recognised.
Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Visit Dubai), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), said: “Underscoring Dubai’s position as a global cultural hub and a gastronomy capital, this recognition is a testament to the city’s rich heritage and vibrant culinary scene. As one of the most trusted travel guides in the world, Lonely Planet’s acknowledgment aligns with our ongoing objective of making Dubai the world’s best city to visit, live and work in. This celebration of Dubai’s culinary landscape specifically highlights the long-standing commitment and efforts of industry experts and their dedication to providing unique experiences to visitors and residents alike. As we continue to grow our global appeal, especially to those seeking authentic cultural offerings, this is a segment we are truly committed to further developing.”
Tom Hall, Vice President of Lonely Planet, said: “Our Best in Travel list for 2026 seeks out the top experiences that will stay with visitors long after they’ve returned home. Taking a cultural food tour of Old Dubai is the perfect example of this. Strolling through Dubai’s oldest neighbourhoods on a food and drink themed walking tour offers an insight into a historic side of Dubai, revealing what our writer describes as ‘a rich tapestry of flavours shaping the diverse cuisine scene that defines the city today’. We’re always looking to offer surprising and authentic experiences in the world’s top destinations, and there’s no doubt that eating, drinking and exploring your way through historic neighbourhoods and souks set along Dubai Creek is the perfect way to do that.”
Whether foodies opt for an organised tour with a certified guide, or choose to build their own itinerary, the experience not only entails culinary treasures, but also a journey through the heart of Dubai’s cultural centre. Featuring restaurants in both Bur Dubai and Deira, here’s a pick of the best places to eat on a cultural food tour in Old Dubai.
WheretoeatinBurDubai
Bur Dubai is one of Dubai’s most historical and cultural districts. It features the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, with traditional architecture and museums, and the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) for cultural immersion. Bur Dubai is part of the Dubai Historic District, a development projectwhichaimstopreservetheemirate’srichhistoryandbecomeaculturalhubforvisitors.
- AlKhaymaHeritageRestaurant:Botha restaurantandmuseum,AlKhayma HeritageRestaurant inAl FahidiHistoricalNeighbourhoodreflectsthecity’srichculinaryheritageandholdsaMICHELINBib TherestaurantservesdishesthathaveaparticularfocusonEmiratiflavoursandculinary practices. Dishtotry: lamb machboos – lamb pieces marinated with Emirati machboos spices with saffron rice.
- AlUstadSpecialKabab: One of the oldest restaurants in Dubai, Al Ustad Special Kabab, close to Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, isknown for its authentic Persian cuisine with generous portion sizes. Visitors canenjoyreasonablepricesandincredibleflavours.Dishtotry:kababkhas–specialkebabchickenor
- Arabian Tea House: Serving authentic Emirati and Arabic cuisine since 1997, diners can enjoy traditional dishes as well as many varieties of tea and drinks. With a charming and cosy setting reminiscent of an old Arabian home, the venue in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood is not just a food destination, but also a key pointofinterest forpeoplevisiting theemirate.Dishtotry: biryani deyay/laham – freshchickenor lamb
- BaytAlWakeel:Oneofthecountry’soldestestablishments,openedin1935,BaytAlWakeelonDubai Creekprovidesstunningviewswhileservingupauthentic Arabiccuisine.Dishtotry:grilledhammour–
- BhavnaVegetarianDeluxRestaurant:Havingrecentlycelebratedits50thanniversary,Bhavna,inBur Dubai, is long regarded as a gem of Old Dubai’s culinary scene. ServingGujarati vegetarian fare, this quaint restaurantis the place to go for comfort food.Dishtotry:panipuri–hollow, crispy semolina or wheat shellsfilledwithamixtureofspicedmashedpotatoes,chickpeas,andtangytamarindchutney.
- Karachi Darbar: This popular Pakistani restaurant is known for its authentic cuisine, including biryanis and Dish to try: Peshawari chicken karahi – served with coriander seeds, a rich tomato base and green chilipeppers,cilantro,andginger.
- LocalHouseRestaurant: A longtime favourite for both residents and visitors, Local House in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, has a menu featuring Emirati flavours and a range of seafood, starters, salads, sandwiches,burgersanddesserts–including camelicecream.Dishtotry:camel burger –camelpatty served in bun.
- Mazmi Coffee&More:CoffeeisacentralpartofDubai’sDNAandatMazmiCoffee&Morevisitorscanget thechanceto experiencethe beveragewithstunning viewsofDubaiCreek.Dishtotry:Arabic coffee – coffee infused with cardamom. Homemade ice creams –popularGulf flavours includingpistachio, dates, and saffron.
- NihalRestaurant:Tucked into Meena Bazaar in Bur Dubai, Nihal Restaurant is a humble, beloved spot known for its hand-made, flaky parathas. Dishtotry:koki paratha – a crisp, onion-studded variant enjoyed withabowloflentildaal
- PakoraLane–HamadKhalfanAlDalilandAlShaab: With a name coined by enthusiast street food lovers, ‘Pakora Lane’, in Souk Al Kabeer, consists of two Kerala eateries serving up a variety of deep-fried snacks.AnecessarystoponanyOldDubaifoodtour,thealleywayisperfectforthoseseekingtraditionaland Dishtotry:pakora–deepfriedvegetablefritters.
- SangeethaVegetarianRestaurant:ThesouthIndianeateryistheplacetoenjoyanarrayoftraditional
vegetariandishes, packed with flavours in a casual but homely atmosphere.Dishtotry:dosa– a thin, savoury crepe which makes a great breakfast with coffee.
- Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding(SMCCU): At this popular centre in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, visitors can enjoy cultural meals while learning about the UAE’shistoryandtraditionsthroughinteractionswithlocalhosts.
- SreerajLassi:TheexpertsinIndia’sfavourite yoghurtbaseddrink, lassi,SreerajLassifeaturesawiderange Dishto try:matkalassi–yoghurtserved in an earthenware pot.
WheretoeatinDeira
Located on the northern side of the Creek, Deira is one of the oldest parts of Dubai. Here, visitors can find everything fromfinediningtoaffordableanddeliciousstreetfood.Deiraisalsohometosomeofthecity’smarketsand traditional souks.
- AlBaitAlQadeem:LocatedneartheGoldSouk,AlBaitAlQadeemoffersauthenticArabiccuisineina setting reminiscent ofanoldArabianhome.Dish to try: shawarma –featuringthinlyslicedmeatwrappedintraditionalkhubz
- Al-KarmelSomaliRestaurant: Nestled in Deira’s Al Muraqqabat/Al Ras area, Al-Karmel Somali Restaurant Dishtotry:Somalisuqaar–tender cubedbeef(orlamb)sautéedwithonions,peppers,andaromaticspices.
- AlSamadiSweets:VisitorscanenjoydeliciousArabicdessertsandtreatsatAlSamadiSweetsonAl Muraqqabat Street.Dishtotry:ma’amoul– spiced date cookie.
- AroosDamascusRestaurant:ForSyriandelicacies,headtoAroosDamascusinAlMuraqqabat,a restaurantthat’spopularwithbothresidents andvisitors.Dishtotry:kebaborfali– meatball-stylekebab served with rice.
- BaitAlMandi: The restaurant on Al Muraqqabat Road featured in season six of Bourdain’s popular travel and food show, NoReservations. Dishtotry:muttonmandi– riceand mutton.
- DelhiRestaurant:LocatedinNaif, DelhiRestauranthasbeendelightingDubaidinerssince 1978with its hearty NorthIndianandPakistanifare.It’s ago-to forauthentic, flavour-packedmeals.Dishtotry:beef nihari–slow-cookedtotenderperfectioninaromaticspices.
- FalafelAlaKaifak:NestledinDeira,Falafel Ala Kaifak offers a casual, street-foodvibewhich makes it a Dishtotry:falafel–pairedwithhummusorspicypepper sauceandservedinwarmpitawithtahini,pickles,andcrispvegetables.
- JaferBimanAliCafeteria:LocatedintheSpiceSouk,and openformorethan65years,JaferBimanAli Cafeteriaistheperfectstoptograbajuiceorabitebeforebrowsing thespicestalls.Dish totry: falooda –
- KababErbilIraqiRestaurant: Located in Al Muraqqabat, Kabab Erbil offers an inviting taste of Iraqi cuisine with gracious hospitality. Dish totry:masgouf – grilled river fish seasoned with tamarind and spices served withrice,freshsalad,andbread.
- Sadaf Restaurant: The beloved Persian establishment, located in Al Rigga, has served generations while staying true to its roots. From signature kebabs to flavourful desserts, SadafRestaurant is a must on any Dishtotry:falooda–colddessertmadewithvermicelli.
- Souksandmarkets:Aswell as restaurants and cafes, Deira is also home tomany traditionalsouks and Near to the Gold Souk is the Spice Souk, which doesn’t just offer spices, but also herbs, rice, dried fruitandothercommoditiesamongitsfragrantarches.Meanwhile,theDeiraWaterfrontMarketisgreat foradventurousdinersseekingfresh seafood.
Formoreinformation,pleasevisit:www.lonelyplanet.comandwww.visitdubai.com
