Over the years, Dubai’s culinary scene has expanded far beyond traditional Arabic cuisine, to a city that caters for almost every taste – and budget - under the sun.

Visitors to the city will find a multitude of experiences right on their doorstep, from honey tasting from the African continent, to award-winning world brunches and fine dining created by Michelin star chefs.

The concept of dining out is a major pastime of not just tourists, but also locals in Dubai - the restaurant scene is booming, in a reflection of the city itself.

Visitors will often find themselves eating beside a sea view or from the peak of a sky-high tower – that’s what Dubai sells itself on, after all.

But, street food is also a huge local tradition. Step out on a Saturday afternoon (it’s Sunday in the U.A.E.) and invite yourself to one of the many food markets selling freshly made expat-inspired delights – for a friendly price.

Capture one of Dubai's water shows along the creek, every night after 8pm (
Image:
Emma Munbodh)

Locals eat late. If you reserve a table before 8pm, you’ll be eating only with other tourists. The work hours are long, and you’ll rarely find residents dining before 9pm.

The Arabs – and Emiratis – which make up around just 12% of the population, tend to join the crowds after 10pm.

At many of the traditional venues, located by the canals, you’ll also find light and water shows decorating the city after 8pm – these experiences can be enjoyed for free.

Mix art with food at the XVA Hotel

If you're interested in art, a visit to the XVA hotel and nearby galleries is a must

Located in the downtown Al-Fahidi area, the XVA boutique hotel is home to one of the most distinguished galleries in the Middle East, specialising in contemporary Arabic and Iranian art.

The hotel itself is adorned with fine Arabic décor, and is also home to Gordan Ramsay’s favourite café in Dubai – which rumour has it offers some of the best cheesecake in town.

If you’re popping in for an afternoon, browse the arts with a local Indian tea - karak chai - or the café’s renowned mint lemonade in hand.

If you're stopping by for an al fresco lunch, be sure to try its famous mint lemonade

For a light al fresco lunch, the menu offers a wide-ranging Middle Eastern inspired vegetarian selection, comprising of beetroot and eggplant hummus, and couscous mint and halloumi wraps, all grilled to your liking.

Check the website ahead of your visit to discover the exhibitions taking place on your chosen date.

The café opens for breakfast at 7am and last orders are at 9pm.

Address: XVA Al Fahidi Neighborhood, Bur Dubai, P.O. Box 37304, Dubai, U.A.E.

Contact: www.xvahotel.com , telephone: +9714 3535383, email: hotel@xvagallery.com .

Superfood Saturdays at the Ripe Market, Zabeel Park

The Ripe Market is the place to be on a Saturday in Dubai

Unlike in the UK, the weekend starts on a Friday in the U.A.E and Sunday falls on our Saturday.

On a Saturday afternoon, the city plays host to a number of Ripe Markets.

Here, you’ll find locals and tourists merged into one open park space, dining on street foods, soaking up the sunshine and of course, shopping.

The Ripe Market is home to some of the best foodie experiences

Hosted mostly by the local expats, the Ripe Market is a community event supporting local businesses. There’s something for everyone (not just in terms of food) from the botanist, to the geologist and even children with its fairground rides.

You’ll also find the Ripe Organic stand at the entrance, selling fairtrade organic superfoods sourced by local farmers.

Tourists can also take part in live cooking food stalls and taste testing. Visit the RAW honey stall for a taste of the ‘white honey’ – which is said to be one of the purest kinds on earth.

Address: Across the U.A.E., visit Ripe Markets U.A.E to find your local.

Contact: ripeme.com/the-ripe-markets , telephone: +971 4 315 7000, email: markets@ripeme.com.

Fine dining on the Bateaux Dubai

Enjoy luxury foods while you soak up the views in the heart of the city

It’s no secret that Dubai sells itself as the home of luxury, and so a trip wouldn’t be complete without a gourmet meal on a glass-roofed boat overlooking the serene sunset.

Yes, all that as you sail along the Dubai Creek – a 14km stretch of water running from the northeast to the southwest of the city, on the Bateaux Dubai.

A popular experience for those celebrating in the city, the two-hour experience includes four meals and a live pianist to add to the atmosphere.

During your excursion, you’ll see the Floating Bridge, the Clock Tower, Dubai’s twin towers, the Grand Mosque and more. There’s a short break in between courses where guests are invited to the top deck to snap up the views.

Address: Bateaux Dubai is moored in Deira side of the creek, on the Baniyas Road.

Contact: jaresortshotels.com/BateauxDubai , telephone: 971 4 814 5553, email: mail@bateauxdubai.com.

Go chocolate tasting at Mirzam

The Mirzam chocolate factory is a one of a kind in Dubai

Not quite a lunch alternative, but if you live for your sweet tooth, you’ll have to pay a visit to the Middle East’s only bean to pack, chocolate factory.

Importing from the likes of Kenya and Indonesia, each cocoa bean is roasted, cracked down into nibs, tempered, left to rest, and eventually packaged for your tastebuds.

If you want to take your experience one step further, opt for a chocolate tasting masterclass. During this one-hour workshop, you’ll be invited to try the seven different bars made in the factory – with your task to match each to its country of origin though its hidden flavours – including honey, smoked whiskey and citrus.

For lunch after your session, take a straight left to the Wild & The Moon superfood restaurant for a reviving smoothie and healthy snack.

Address: Warehouse 70, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz Dubai, U.A.E.

Contact: mirzam.com , telephone +971 4333 5888

Try ALL the food at the Etisalat Beach Canteen

Emma finds the beach-side canteen is a food lovers' paradise

As part of Dubai’s annual Food Festival, which falls on the final week of February and opening week of March, the city’s Sunset Kite Beach hosts an open-air food carnival.

Over the fortnight, guests are invited to try out Lebanese, Thai, British, American, Japanese, Indian, Turkish and many more street foods, freshly made on the doorstep of the golden Jumeirah coastline, overlooking much of Dubai’s highlights.

If you happen to be in the area during this time of year, try the Lebanese shawarma grilled wrap. It’s served with sweet chilies, hummus, a fresh salad and fries – and could well be the best kebab you’ll ever eat.

But, it’s not just food on show. You’ll also find a host of kids’ rides, L’Occitane and fashion boutiques, a volleyball pitch and a kite show all for your participation.

Address: Kite Beach, Umm Suqeim, just off Jumeirah Beach Road, near Jumeirah Beach Hotel - Dubai – U.A.E.

Contact:visitdubai.com/en/dff/events/etisalat-beach-canteen, telephone: +971 4 317 3999.

Emirati dinner at Al Fanar restaurant

Enjoy all the local delicacies at the traditional Al Fanar restaurant

For traditional cuisine, head to Festival City, where you’ll find the most renowned Emirati restaurant in town – Al Fanar.

This 1960s themed restaurant prides itself as delivering a true taste of ‘authentic Emirati cuisine’ and the architecture is true to its theme. Al Fanar’s décor tells a story of desert life, with goats, camels and Arabian trade workers covering its walls.

Trade workers during this period would feed on mostly meats, grains and dairy. Expect more lamb than beef, lots of turmeric, thyme, saffron, and golden rice.

Dishes to try include the Machboos Deyay – yellow rice simmered with chicken, Arabic spices and citrus notes. The portions are huge, so you may want to share a dish.

For dessert, try the fried dough balls with dates syrup – it’s called Leqaimat, and the traditional Emirati tea – Khabisah – which tastes like a hot clove-infused tea. Glance over the menu here.

If you’re out for an evening meal, ask for an outside seat for views of Dubai’s award-winning light show, where colours and shapes adorn the city’s sky scrapers every night after 8pm.

After your meal, take a stroll through the restaurant’s roofed souk – a traditional Arab bazaar - where saffron, spices, jewels and sweets are sold in the old shops.

Address: Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe – Town Center, Jumeirah, 1st floor, Town Center, Jumeirah, Dubai, U.A.E.

Contact: alfanarrestaurant.com, telephone: +971 4 344 2141.

The Great Gatsby brunch at the H Hotel

Brunch in Dubai is the event of the week

Your favourite hotel is the place to be on a Friday afternoon in Dubai. It’s brunch time – the four hours of your life dedicated to treating your stomach to all the finest foods on earth, from cheese platters – yes, baked camembert is included – to sparking prosecco on tap, and every fresh cream dessert you can dream of.

You pay per head – so no need to stress about the bill at the end.

Perfect for summer visitors, you’ll be able to sip on cool drinks away from the 40-degree heat, and once you’ve had your fill, watch the sunset on the terrace as the temperature cools.

Celebrity hangout The H Hotel hosts a Gatsby themed afternoon every Friday, complete with dancers and a Bublé inspired musician.

Expect Twenties glamour in excess, along with the most divine cheese and mac balls known to earth. If this event is on your list, pack a suit, or ladies - a flapper dress, as the locals go all out.

Address: One Sheikh Zayed Road, P.O. Box 125511 Dubai, U.A.E.

Contact:welcome@h-hotel.com, telephone: +971 4 501 8888.

How to have your own Dubai foodie trip

GET THERE: Emirates flies to Dubai seven days a week non-stop from £295 one-way. Click here for more information.

STAY AT: H Hotel where prices start from £134 per night, on a room only basis. I also stayed at the Rove Hotels where prices start from £65 per night, also on a room only basis.