Dubai Food Tour: 4 Cuisines, Souks & Street Bites

Exploring Dubai’s food scene can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the city’s culinary influences. This food tour by OceanAir Travels offers an excellent way to sample authentic dishes, explore traditional markets, and gain insider knowledge, all in a manageable and well-paced format. Whether you’re a foodie eager to taste local flavors or a traveler wanting cultural insights, this tour offers a balanced mix of taste and culture.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the variety of cuisines—Lebanese, Iranian, Emirati, and street snacks—ensures you get a broad taste of Dubai’s multicultural palate. Second, the insightful guides bring the history, spices, and stories behind every dish to life, making each bite more meaningful. Third, the tour includes visits to iconic souks, offering vibrant sights and smells that are quintessential Dubai. Yet, a potential consideration is the physical nature of the tour—comfortable shoes are a must as you’ll be walking through markets and streets.

This tour is perfect for those who enjoy immersive, authentic experiences over touristy attractions. If you love discovering new flavors within a cultural setting, or simply want a flavorful introduction to Old Dubai’s culinary scene, this journey will satisfy your curiosity. It’s especially suited if you’re visiting Dubai for the first time and want to combine sightseeing with genuine local tastes.

Contents show

Key Points

Diverse cuisines from Lebanese, Iranian, Emirati, and street foods ensure a well-rounded taste experience.
Guided visits to Gold and Spice Souks offer insight into Dubai’s bustling market culture.
Authentic restaurant stops like Kabab Al Ustad and Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant highlight regional specialties.
Food tastings include classic dishes such as shawarma, kebabs, Majboos, and street bites like samosas.
Cultural commentary and local knowledge from guides enrich the experience, making it educational as well as delicious.
Flexible options including pickup and drop-off make logistics easier, with a reasonable price point of $69.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Dubai Food Tour Experience

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Dubai

Meeting Point and Schedule

Your journey begins at Sharaf DG Metro Station (Exit 1), an easy-to-reach location in Old Dubai, making it accessible whether you’re staying nearby or traveling via metro. The tour typically lasts several hours, during which you’ll explore multiple culinary stops and markets, walking at a comfortable pace that allows you to soak in the sights and sounds of Dubai’s traditional districts.

First Stop: Lebanese Cuisine

The tour kicks off with Lebanese mezze—a spread of cold appetizers like hummus and moutabal—paired with the ever-popular shawarma. This starter isn’t just about flavors; it sets the tone of the tour by showcasing Dubai’s appreciation for Middle Eastern staples. The positive reviews highlight how knowledgeable guides, like Mohammed, explain the significance of each dish and the spices used, making it more than just eating but also understanding.

Iranian Kebab Experience

Next, you visit Kabab Al Ustad, a renowned local spot famous for its Iranian kebabs. Here, you’ll enjoy a mixed platter of juicy grilled meats, complemented by traditional Iranian soup. Guests rave about the food quality and the guide’s insights—one reviewer, Joseph, mentioned the guide’s knowledge of where to go and the good pacing of the tour, which kept the experience engaging without feeling rushed.

More Great Tours Nearby

Emirati Heritage and Flavors

A visit to Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant introduces you to Emirati cuisine. The highlight? Lamb Majboos, a fragrant rice dish with tender meat, paired with Luqaimat (sweet dumplings) and aromatic Arabic coffee. The setting is heritage-themed, adding a cultural layer to your meal. Visitors note this stop as a real highlight, with one emphasizing how the restaurant’s authenticity enhances the experience.

Hungry for more Dubai flavors? We've covered these other food and drink spots

Street Food & Market Walk

After the sit-down meals, you’ll hit the streets to sample street bites like samosas (sambousak), pani puri, and pakora, alongside a warming Karak tea—a favorite local beverage. This segment gives a quick, delicious taste of Dubai’s vibrant street food scene. The reviews mention how guides like Mohammed are well-versed in explaining the origins and spice blends of each snack, adding context that elevates the tasting.

Souks: Gold and Spice

No trip to Dubai is complete without experiencing its markets. Your guide takes you through Gold and Spice Souks, two of the city’s most iconic and colorful areas. Expect to see gleaming gold jewelry, fragrant spices, and a lively atmosphere filled with haggling and local chatter. Visitors like Bev describe it as “amazing” and mention how the guide’s local knowledge helps you navigate and appreciate the market’s history and culture.

Tour Inclusions & Practical Details

For $69, this tour offers generous food tastings covering four distinct cuisines, entry to key restaurants, and a guided walk through historic markets, making it a good value. Bottled water is provided, and optional pickup and drop-off services add convenience. The tour’s group size is manageable, ensuring a personalized experience without feeling crowded.

What to Expect

Expect a walkable itinerary with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and take photos. The pace is rated as good, though you’ll want to wear comfortable shoes and carry sun protection. The tour is not suited for infants, wheelchair users, or those with mobility issues, mainly due to walking and market navigation.

Authenticity & Guest Experience

According to reviews, guides like Mohammed are very well spoken and possess a wealth of local knowledge, making the experience both educational and enjoyable. Guests appreciated how guides answered all questions and shared stories behind each dish, adding authenticity and personal touches.

Why This Tour Works Wonderfully for Food Lovers and Culture Seekers

This experience offers a taste of Dubai’s diverse culinary landscape in a relaxed, guided format. You won’t just eat—you’ll learn about the cultural backgrounds of each dish, making the flavors more meaningful. The visits to historic souks amplify the sensory experience, with sights, smells, and sounds creating an immersive atmosphere.

The price point is quite reasonable considering the number of tastings and the inclusion of entry fees. For travelers wanting an introduction to Middle Eastern and Emirati cuisine without the hassle of planning multiple restaurant visits, this tour hits the sweet spot. It’s particularly suited if you enjoy small group tours with insightful guides, as it ensures personalized attention and local stories.

However, it’s worth noting that the tour involves some walking through markets and streets, so those with mobility concerns might find it less suitable. Also, the focus on food and markets means it may not appeal to travelers seeking a more sightseeing-centric or shopping-free experience.

Final Thoughts

This Dubai Food Tour truly offers a well-rounded, flavorful glimpse into Old Dubai’s culinary and market culture. For foodies eager to taste regional specialties and culture lovers wanting authentic market experiences, it delivers in both quantity and quality. The knowledgeable guides elevate the experience, making each stop more meaningful, and the variety of dishes ensures you leave with a broader understanding—and a happy belly.

At just $69, it’s an accessible way to explore Dubai’s multicultural food scene, especially if you’re short on time but want an authentic taste. It’s a fantastic option for first-time visitors or anyone eager to combine sightseeing with genuine local flavors.

FAQs

How long does the tour last?
The tour typically lasts several hours, allowing enough time to enjoy each food stop and explore the markets comfortably.

Where do we meet for the tour?
You’ll meet your guide at Sharaf DG Metro Station (Exit 1), a central and easy-to-find location.

Is transportation included?
Pickup and drop-off are available if you select that option, otherwise, you’ll need to meet at the designated spot.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection like sunglasses or a sun hat, and lightweight clothing are recommended for walking and outdoor exposure.

Are children allowed?
This tour is not suitable for infants or young children, particularly those with mobility issues.

What food is included?
You’ll enjoy tastings of Lebanese, Iranian, Emirati, and street foods like samosas and karak tea, plus sweets and Arabic coffee.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in your travel plans.

This guided food adventure in Dubai offers a flavorful, cultural, and authentic experience tailored to foodies and curious travelers alike. With a perfect blend of dishes, markets, and stories, it’s a memorable way to see and taste Dubai beyond the typical tourist spots.