If asked to choose one word for Dubai, we will choose ‘amazing’. Dubai displays a symphony of futuristic skyscrapers, world-class architecture, and luxurious shopping spots. Not to mention, Dubai’s neighboring deserts will lead you to experience something out of The Arabian Nights. Furthermore, we won’t leave food when talking about Dubai. A cultural melting pot – Dubai offers a myriad of international cuisines, as well as tasteful Arabian and Emirati dishes. Thus, you might want to discover the less-known and more authentic spot in Dubai when it comes to food. Well, you come to the right blog! Here are the 8 top hidden gems in Dubai for foodies!
Top Hidden Gems in Dubai – Summary
- Bait Al Mandi
- Rawabi Al-Sham
- Cafe Isan
- Hashimi BBQ
- Al Farwania
- Little Bali
- Chongqing Noodle House
- Moonrise
Bait Al Mandi
Traveling to Dubai is all about glitz and glam. However, it is also a great idea to sample some hearty Arabian dishes. Tucked a few meters away from Al Safya Park, Bait Al Mandi is secretly legendary. The family-run restaurant has been established since 2001, offering homecooked Arabian food. Thus, having a meal in this restaurant makes you feel like you are welcome in someone’s living room.
The name ‘mandi’ comes from an Arabian dish with the same name. Mandi is a spice-soaked rice and meat dish that originated from Yemen. Nonetheless, the dish plays an important role in the United Arab Emirates’ traditions, which makes it a staple. In Bait Al Mandi, you can sample this hearty dish. Moreover, you can also order madfoon and mazbi, which are mandi-like dishes topped with chicken or goat meat. Also, don’t miss Bait Al Mandi’s creamy yogurt that complements the flavorful dishes perfectly. Therefore, it is one of the top hidden gems in Dubai for foodies.
Rawabi Al-Sham
We can’t get enough of Arabic food when we travel to Dubai! Then, Rawabi Al-Sham is a must-visit. Staying off the radar, this authentic Arabian restaurant serves the best dishes. It is one of the top hidden gems in Dubai for foodies, especially if you are looking for tasty traditional food. Rawabi Al-Sham specializes in Syrian cuisine, which includes flavor-packed shawarma and falafels. So, if you are craving chicken mandi or meats with yogurt on the side, Rawabi Al-Sham is for you to visit.
Rawabi Al-Sham is a great place for casual dining or gathering. The restaurant features a comfortable seating area dominated by white colors and bright lighting. You can take your family, friends, or travel buddies to the restaurant and enjoy a delightful dinner. Imagine sitting on a table filled with juicy lamb shawarma, stuffed vegetables, and yogurt-drenched shakriya.
Cafe Isan
Dubai’s food scene is highly diverse, so finding international cuisine is no rocket science. Cafe Isan is living proof of that. Tucked on the less busy side of Jumeirah Lake Towers, Cafe Isan serves you tasteful Thai food. The restaurant was founded by Chef New, a licensed chef who brings the flavors of his hometown to Dubai. Only a few people have heard about the restaurant, making it one of the must-visit hidden gems in Dubai.
Cafe Isan brings culinary delights from Thailand’s Isan region. You can enjoy a flavor-packed Thai green curry, fresh papaya salad, or lemon-topped grilled chicken. They all come at affordable prices, starting from €8 per large plate. Moreover, Cafe Isan’s dining scene is exciting. The indoor dining place is colorful and quirky, while the outdoor dining spot looks romantic with sparkling lights and a city view.
Hashmi BBQ
Flavorful barbequed meat and affordable prices are what you can find in Hashmi BBQ. Originating from Nairobi, the restaurant brings African flavors to Dubai. Additionally, they offer classic Indian dishes like chicken tikka and tandoori. Generational recipe makes Hashmi BBQ special. Also, it serves you high-quality dishes. If you are craving delicious lamb chops or poussin chicken, Hashmi BBQ is for you to visit.
Hashmi BBQ is a nice place to eat with your travel buddies. They serve large portions of meals, fitting a group of people. The restaurant also has a good dining space. Modern furniture, warm ambiance, and clean setting will make you comfortable enjoying your meal there.
Al Farwania
You might want to get your hands on the legendary Arabian karak tea. This cardamom-spiced milk tea warms your heart as you take a sip. Then, one of the best places to get karak tea is Al Farwania. This fusion Indian-Arabian restaurant serves hearty karak tea blends. Moreover, not a lot of people know about the restaurant, making it one of the hidden gems in Dubai. You don’t have to get in long lines to grab your karak tea.
Besides karak tea, Al Farwania offers curries, muttons, and vegan options. You can order some delicious chicken biryani or vegetable gravy to enjoy with your tea.
Little Bali
Whether you want Asian or Western food, Dubai has it all. Then, Little Bali is the answer to your Indonesian food cravings. This restaurant offers authentic Balinese and Indonesian food. All of the menu is cooked with heaps of herbs and spices. You can order delicious fried rice or flavor-packed betutu chicken. Thus, not a lot of people have heard about the restaurant. It stays as one of the hidden gems in Dubai for foodies.
Chongqing Noodle House
Nobody can say no to hearty Chinese food! If you are craving Chinese food in Dubai, you must head to Chongqing Noodle House. The restaurant offers a lot of top-notch Chinese dishes, ranging from juicy beef noodles to chilli oil-drenched wontons. You will be surprised as you take a bite on the dishes as they are flavorful and tasty.
Chongqing Noodle House stays off the radar and is one of the hidden gems in Dubai. Yes, you will understand why the word ‘gem’ fits this restaurant as you try its indulgent wontons and perfectly-cooked noodles. Moreover, the prices are fairly affordable. We highly recommend this restaurant if you are looking for something quick and cheap.
Moonrise
Having a sumptuous dinner is one of the best things to do in Dubai. However, luxurious and Michelin-rated dining spots come with long waiting lists. If you want to get at the top of the waiting list, head to Moonrise. It is one of the top hidden gems in Dubai for fine dining. This omakase restaurant displays an enchanting harmony of Japanese and Middle Eastern cuisine. In Moonrise, Chef Solemann Haddad showcases his cooking techniques to craft extraordinary and delicious dishes.
Moonrise represents Dubai’s exquisite dining scene. Tucked on a residential tower in Satwa, the restaurant displays Dubai’s spectacular skyscrapers. Moreover, it is highly exclusive as it only welcomes eight guests per night. As you sit in the restaurant, you will be served several course menu with high-class plating.