Jumping straight into Dubai’s food scene, you’ll find the best cultural bang-for-your-buck in the city’s organized food tours. The standout experiences center around the historic Spice Souk and traditional Emirati neighborhoods, where local guides make sense of the dizzying array of Middle Eastern flavors and customs.
I especially love the Middle Eastern Food & Culture Walk – it’s the closest you’ll get to having a local friend show you around their neighborhood. The Dubai Souks & Food Tour is another winner, perfectly combining market exploration with authentic tastings. For families or small groups, the Private 10 Tastings tour lets you set your own pace while sampling everything from street food to upscale bites.
Let’s look at our favorite food tours that showcase the best of Dubai’s culinary traditions.
Key Points
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Dubai offers a range of immersive food tours that highlight the city’s vibrant culinary landscape, showcasing authentic local cuisine beyond typical tourist spots.
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These tours provide opportunities to explore the Spice Souk, sample traditional Emirati dishes and local specialties, and learn about the fusion of local and Indian culinary influences.
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Popular food tour options include the Middle Eastern Food & Culture Walk, Dubai Souks, Food & Culture Walking Tour, and Flavors of Arabia – Traditional Local Emirati Food Tour.
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The tours emphasize the cultural significance of food in Dubai, engaging with local vendors and artisans to offer authentic experiences and insights into traditional cooking methods.
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Tour details include duration, booking options, attire recommendations, safety measures, and contact information to help interested participants plan their culinary adventure in Dubai.
Middle Eastern Food & Culture Walk in Old Dubai
On this Middle Eastern Food & Culture Walk in Old Dubai, participants embark on a captivating journey through the vibrant heart of Deira.
Spanning approximately 2 km with moderate walking, the tour offers an immersive experience, showcasing the rich diversity of Middle Eastern cuisine and culture.
Travelers indulge in food tastings at 3 restaurants, 1 falafel cafe, and 1 baklava shop, guided by a professional licensed guide using an audio receiver system.
With a maximum group size of 12, the tour provides a personalized experience and is highly recommended by 99% of travelers.
Dietary requirements can be accommodated, and the tour is suitable for those aged 14 and above.
Read our full review: Middle Eastern Food & Culture Walk in Old Dubai Review
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Dubai Souks, Food & Culture Walking Tour
Travelers embark on a captivating exploration of Dubai’s vibrant souks, diverse cuisine, and rich cultural heritage on the Dubai Souks, Food & Culture Walking Tour.
This highly-rated, 3.4-kilometer walking tour takes guests through the lively Deira neighborhood, offering an immersive experience.
Highlights include tasting Emirati dishes, playing spice bingo, and learning about cultural influences from knowledgeable guides.
The tour includes an abra ride across the creek, bottled water, and a sit-down meal. Fully customizable to dietary needs, this 3-hour experience earns a 5.0-star rating from 122 reviews.
With a maximum of 12 participants, the tour provides an intimate, personalized encounter in the heart of Dubai.
Read our full review: Dubai Souks, Food & Culture Walking Tour Review
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PRIVATE Food Tour: The 10 Tastings of Dubai With Locals
Visitors embark on a private culinary adventure through Dubai’s vibrant neighborhoods with the “PRIVATE Food Tour: The 10 Tastings of Dubai With Locals.”
This highly-rated, 4.5-star experience allows guests to enjoy the city’s diverse flavors and cultural heritage. The tour includes 10 high-quality food and drink tastings, with vegetarian alternatives available.
Travelers explore local specialties, visit the Spice Souk, and haggle for herbs and spices. Guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, though some guests felt misled about the food quantity and quality.
The operator encourages direct feedback to resolve issues and improve future tours.
Read our full review: PRIVATE Food Tour: The 10 Tastings of Dubai With Locals Review
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Dubai Inside Burj Al Arab Tour Including Food and Transfer Option
The Dubai Inside Burj Al Arab Tour provides guests a chance to explore the iconic luxury hotel, offering a range of package options to enhance their experience.
Priced from ₹6,855.55 per person, the tour includes a guided exploration of the hotel’s interiors. Guests can choose to add a soft beverage, premium beverage, gold cappuccino, signature cocktail, or a pizza/club sandwich.
Gratuities and hotel pick-up/drop-off are included. However, the tour isn’t wheelchair-accessible and isn’t recommended for travelers with certain medical conditions.
While some guests found the tour informative and the hotel beautiful, others reported issues with ticketing and rude staff, suggesting booking directly for a better experience.
Read our full review: Dubai Inside Burj Al Arab Tour Including Food and Transfer Option Review
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Flavors of Arabia – Traditional Local Emirati Food Tour on Foot
On this Flavors of Arabia – Traditional Local Emirati Food Tour on Foot, you will explore Dubai’s historic sites and learn about Emirati culture through the lens of food.
The tour includes visits to spice and textile souks, an abra ride on Dubai Creek, and a tea tasting at a local spice shop.
Travelers will sample iconic dishes like Persian frozen dessert Falooda and Gulf chips, and enjoy a sit-down Emirati dinner at an award-winning restaurant.
With a maximum of 15 travelers per tour, this experience offers an intimate, immersive look at Emirati cuisine and culture.
The tour is highly recommended by travelers, with a 100% rating and a Badge of Excellence.
Read our full review: Flavors of Arabia – Traditional Local Emirati Food Tour on Foot Review
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Original Street Food Tour of Dubai
Consistently, travelers embark on the Original Street Food Tour of Dubai to savor the vibrant flavors of the city’s diverse culinary landscape.
Rated 4.5 stars with a Badge of Excellence, the tour offers a comprehensive experience, including street food tastings, cultural insights, and more. Priced at €104.96 per person, the tour accommodates a maximum of 15 travelers and provides complimentary snacks, bottled water, and coffee or tea.
Though some guests have noted discrepancies between the tour description and the actual experience, the host is responsive and emphasizes flexibility in food options.
Read our full review: Original Street Food Tour of Dubai Review
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Dubais Favourite Food & Historic Walking Tour
Offering a comprehensive exploration of Dubai’s vibrant culinary and cultural heritage, the Dubai’s Favourite Food & Historic Walking Tour provides travelers with an immersive experience.
Covering multiple eateries, this 3.5-hour walking tour offers a diverse menu highlighting Emirati cuisine, including traditional Arabic crepes, camel milk gelato, and a camel burger. Guests can also sample shawarma, mezza platters, and savory Arabic sweets.
With a maximum of 15 participants, the tour ensures personalized attention from the knowledgeable guide. Highly rated with a 97% recommendation and a Badge of Excellence, this tour is a must for those seeking an authentic taste of Dubai’s rich culinary and cultural heritage.
Read our full review: Dubais Favourite Food & Historic Walking Tour Review
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Premium Desert Safari, Food Service With 4 Alcoholics Drinks
Adventurous travelers can embark on a Premium Desert Safari in Dubai, which promises an immersive experience featuring food service and four alcoholic drinks.
Boasting a Badge of Excellence, this tour has earned a 100% recommendation from 31 reviewers. Inclusions cover quad bikes, dune buggies, and a table-served dinner, with all fees and taxes covered.
Pickup options are flexible, and the tour operates daily from 3 PM to 9:30 PM. A confirmation is provided at booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.
Priced from $109 per person with a lowest price guarantee, this desert adventure offers a unique and highly-rated experience in Dubai.
Read our full review: Premium Desert Safari, Food Service With 4 Alcoholics Drinks Review
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Dubai Souks, Museum, Street Food Walking Tour With Hotel Transfer
Visitors to Dubai can enjoy the city’s vibrant cultural heritage and culinary delights through the Dubai Souks, Museum, Street Food Walking Tour with Hotel Transfer.
Priced from $68 per person, this 15-person maximum group tour offers a comprehensive experience, including traditional Arabic coffee, local tea, street food tastings, and a private boat ride.
Travelers will also visit the Dubai Frame and receive pickup and drop-off services.
While some reviewers noted limited food tastings, the tour guide’s expertise and the overall cultural insights received high praise.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option, this tour provides a convenient and immersive way to explore Dubai’s rich heritage and flavors.
Read our full review: Dubai Souks, Museum, Street Food Walking Tour With Hotel Transfer Review
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Private Dubai Street Food Tour .
Travelers seeking an immersive culinary experience can embark on the Private Dubai Street Food Tour. Priced from $219 per person, this tour offers a delightful exploration of Dubai’s vibrant street food scene.
With hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional licensed guide, and food tastings at three different locations, the tour provides a well-rounded introduction to the city’s diverse flavors.
Accessibility is a key feature, with the tour being wheelchair and stroller friendly. Dietary requirements can be accommodated, and most travelers can participate.
The tour runs at 7:00 PM, with English as the only language option during the peak months of July and August. Gratuities are included, and a limited group size ensures a semi-private, uncrowded experience.
Read our full review: Private Dubai Street Food Tour . Review
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Dubai Street Food Tour
Frequently, visitors to Dubai can embark on an immersive Dubai Street Food Tour, which offers a captivating exploration of the city’s vibrant culinary landscape.
The tour begins at the Dubai Museum/Al Fahidi Fort and includes a boat ride across the Dubai Creek. Guests will venture through the aromatic Spice Souk, sample traditional treats like ice cream and chocolate dates, and conclude with a dinner of local specialties like shawarma and mutton kebab.
Along the way, travelers gain insights into Dubai’s rich culinary heritage and the influence of Indian cuisine.
With a maximum group size of 8, this tour provides an authentic experience beyond the typical malls and skyscrapers.
Read our full review: Dubai Street Food Tour Review
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Recap
Dubai offers a variety of food tours showcasing the city’s diverse culinary heritage. From exploring the traditional souks and sampling local Emirati dishes to indulging in a luxurious desert safari experience, there’s something to suit every palate. Whether you’re a foodie or a cultural enthusiast, these tours provide an immersive and delightful way to discover the flavors and traditions of Dubai.