15 top food trends in Dubai

by Visit Dubai

From Instagram-friendly plates and expert-led masterclasses to innovative vegan menus, Dubai's gastronomic scene always has plenty to astound.

Supper club sessions

Discerning diners on the lookout for intimate culinary experiences can seek out supper clubs that often take place in the host's house. Insider status is secured the moment you book, as these pop-ups usually stay under the radar. Whether you're after The Curry Bureau's Indian coastal cuisine, Haya's Kitchen's Palestinian feasts, Spanish-accented menus by Tano's at 8, chef Jesse Black's modern Middle Eastern delights at @EyeHeartRabbit, or Girl & The Goose's Nicaraguan delicacies, there's a table in Dubai to satiate your craving.

Show up for superb eat-ertainment

What could be better than a sumptuous dinner at one of Dubai's best restaurants? Adding in the extra draw of a spectacular show. Many venues are specifically designed to display a theatrical on-stage performance, from DIFC's Babylon to Westin Mina Siyahi's Papillon, The St.Regis Downtown's TABU and Address Beach Resort's DREAM joining established stalwarts like Billionaire Dubai, La Casa del Tango and Guy Manoukian's The Theater. And if you're looking for a more immersive retro vibe, then Paramount Hotel's Flashback Speakeasy fulfils a roaring 1920s brief.

Billionaire Dubai
FOOD & DRINK
Taj Hotel, Burj Khalifa Blvd, Downtown Dubai

Snap up Instagram spots

Fans of molecular gastronomy will be wowed by the intricate presentation, billows of smoke, bubbling concoctions and curious 'coffee stones' served by chef Himanshu Saini's Tresind Studio. And there are plenty of other eateries that urge you to keep your cameras ready for social media-worthy culinary reveals. Photogenic plates are served up at cafes like the floral-focused Saya, electric pink is the overarching hue at DIFC's VIBE while Farzi Cafe continues to innovate with a chaat trolley dispensing snacks.

Trésind Studio
FOOD & DRINK
East Wing Rooftop, Nakheel Mall, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai

More greens, please

Many may eschew meat during Veganuary, but plant-based diets are now a permanent fixture for a multitude of diners. It's picking up such momentum that restaurants in Dubai are officially tweaking their offerings or adding special standalone menus. Dubai's eateries have been quickly adopting green-friendly recipes, while dedicated vegetarian and vegan spots like SEVA, Teible at Jameel Arts Centre, Bounty Beets and Comptoir 102 continue to serve up delicious meat-free feasts, packed full of flavour.

SEVA
FOOD & DRINK
Street 27B, Jumeirah 1, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai

Tableside theatrics

Whether it's being sliced, fired up or constructed, restaurants are determined to add drama to your evening by putting on tableside entertainment. Nus.ret's meats get a final buttery flourish after being served, while chefs at Mott 32 slice up their trademark Peking duck in front of your eyes. And DIFC-based Josette adds fancy French flair to proceedings with their signature crêpe Josette flambéed for guests to record.

Mott 32
FOOD & DRINK
Address Beach Resort, JBR, Dubai - United Arab Emirates

Burger bonanza

Dubai's appetite for burgers has resulted in a multitude of new spots mushrooming up across the city. From Twice in Al Safa, which specialises in wagyu beef smash burgers, to Asian-flavoured Ugly Burger and Emirati-owned She Burger, there's something for every taste. Other additions include celebrity chef Burak Özdemir's CZN Burak Burger, Dubai Design District's trendy G.O.A.T. eatery, and new High Joint and Pickl branches that cater to a growing legion of fans.

She Burger
FOOD & DRINK
Dar Al Wasl Mall, Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah, Dubai

Charcoal bites

Charcoal may not necessarily be the ingredient you think of when whipping up a treat, but chefs are going all-out to incorporate dark hues into Insta-friendly plates around town. Once the preserve of drinks and desserts like Scoopi's activated charcoal ice cream, you can now feast on TABU's black tempura calamari, Ossiano's legine fish fillet, Galleria Mall-based Juan's inked prawns and pizzeria Moon Slice's black orbed arancini with truffle sauce. Plus, there are a host of black buns popping up on burgers like those served up by Salt Bae.

Where to barbecue in Duba
iFOOD & DRINK

Fabulous food halls

Diners looking for elevated offerings, premium ingredients and artisanal fare – with the added bonus of fast service, casual seating and lots of choice – are flocking to gourmet food halls popping up across the city. Upscale spaces like Depachika at Nakheel Mall have been joined by the lunchtime favourites Downtown Kitchens, South Market Food Hall and Motor City's Neighbourhood Food Hall so discerning diners can try boutique culinary concepts all under one roof.

Nakheel Mall
SHOPPING
Center of Palm Jumeirah, Dubai - United Arab Emirates

Always truffle season

You'd expect Italian restaurants to be shaving truffles onto pastas, but the prized fungi is now being brandished on all cuisines. There is even a Truffle House with everything an epicurean might want at Dubai Hills Mall. From the truffle-laden Turkish pide at Orfali Bros Bistro, to croque monsieur sandwiches at La Cantine du Faubourg, Parker's burgers and Hutong's Peking duck, everyone is utilising this prized ingredient. The most innovative of them all? Chef Gregoire Berger's sweet-savoury 'truffle truffle' at Ossiano.

Ossiano
FOOD & DRINK
Atlantis, The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, United Arab Emirates

New age blends

Dubai restaurants are not shy to break convention, which is why we’re celebrating experimental mocktails taking a rightful place on menus. Pioneering BOCA was one of the first to adopt refreshing alternatives – try the Alhambra Garden, a standout mix of apple, cucumber, lemon, local mint and elderflower. Most top eateries have similar sophisticated offerings that are worth discovering across the city, including 11 Woodfire that won a 2022 Gault&Millau award for their housemade blends.

BOCA
FOOD & DRINK
Gate Village 6, DIFC

See more food trends in Dubai > Here

Reference
Provided by Visit Dubai

※ Picks respects the rights of all copyright holders. If you do wish to make material edits, you will need to run them by the copyright holder for approval.

Visit Dubai

Visit Dubai

New tourist attractions in Dubai that you must check out

2024-12-28 00:00:00
Visit Dubai

Book a table for two at Dubai's most romantic restaurants

2024-02-18 00:00:00
Visit Dubai

24 hours in Downtown Dubai

2024-01-02 00:00:00
Visit Dubai

The ultimate Dubai retreat for couples

2023-11-11 00:00:00

BEST STORIES

ETX

Greener weddings: ways to choose more eco-friendly wedding dress

2025-04-19 00:00:00
KoreaJoongAngDaily

Of love, peace and BTS: Coldplay 'sings magic for every heart' in Korea

2025-04-20 00:00:00
Knowable Magazine

Shared mobility: Making travel easier for all

2025-04-18 00:00:00
Inven Global

Hanwha Life Esports Emerges as Championship Favorite at LCK Media Day

2025-04-16 00:00:00

Food

Visit Dubai

Top 10 delicious Arabian dishes to try

2022-10-08 00:00:00
Visit Dubai

All the Dubai restaurants on the World's 50 Best MENA list

2022-07-17 00:00:00
Visit Dubai

A guide to all the Michelin-starred restaurants in Dubai

2022-06-25 00:00:00
Visit Dubai

Dubai's best foodie experiences and dining highlights in April

2022-04-16 00:00:00