Dubai is a Muslim traveler’s food paradise. As an Islamic city in the UAE, virtually everything is halal by default, from street shawarma to Michelin-starred restaurants. This guide helps you navigate Dubai’s incredible dining scene. For more guides, see our halal food hub.
Halal Food Overview in Dubai
Dubai provides unmatched halal accessibility - it’s the easiest destination in the world for Muslim travelers.
| Aspect | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Halal Availability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Everything halal |
| Variety | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | World cuisines |
| Fine Dining | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Michelin options |
| Street Food | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Excellent value |
| Overall | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Food paradise |
Best Areas for Food
Downtown Dubai
Home to Burj Khalifa:
- Dubai Mall: 200+ restaurants
- Souk Al Bahar: Waterfront dining
- Fine dining: Multiple options
- International cuisines: Every type
- Fountain views: Premium dining
Dubai Marina / JBR
Waterfront lifestyle:
- The Walk JBR: Beach restaurants
- Marina Walk: Waterfront cafes
- Casual to upscale: All ranges
- International mix: Great variety
- Sunset dining: Beautiful views
Deira
Traditional Dubai:
- Gold Souk area: Street food
- Authentic Arabic: Local favorites
- Indian/Pakistani: Excellent options
- Budget-friendly: Best value
- Local atmosphere: Real Dubai
Bur Dubai
Historic district:
- Al Fahidi: Heritage area cafes
- Meena Bazaar: Indian quarter
- Iranian food: Traditional options
- Pakistani: Karahi specialists
- Affordable: Great prices
DIFC
Financial district:
- Fine dining: Premium restaurants
- Celebrity chefs: World-famous
- Business dining: Upscale
- Rooftop venues: City views
Al Karama
Budget-friendly hub:
- Indian restaurants: Dozens
- Filipino food: Large community
- Cheap eats: Best prices
- Authentic: Local workers’ area
Types of Cuisine Available
Arabic/Middle Eastern
Local and regional:
- Emirati: Machboos, harees, luqaimat
- Lebanese: Mezze, grills, fattoush
- Syrian: Shawarma specialists
- Egyptian: Koshari, foul
- Yemeni: Mandi, traditional
Indian Subcontinent
Huge presence in Dubai:
- North Indian: Butter chicken, biryani
- South Indian: Dosa, idli
- Pakistani: Karahi, nihari
- Bangladeshi: Traditional dishes
- Street food: Chaat, pani puri
International Fine Dining
World-class options:
- Japanese: Multiple Nobu locations
- French: High-end establishments
- Italian: Authentic trattorias
- American: Steakhouses
- Peruvian: Ceviche and more
Fast Food (All Halal)
Every major chain:
- McDonald’s: Halal certified
- KFC: Halal certified
- Burger King: Halal certified
- Subway: Halal certified
- Five Guys: Halal certified
- Shake Shack: Halal certified
Street Food
Affordable excellence:
- Shawarma: Everywhere, excellent
- Manakish: Za’atar flatbread
- Falafel: Fresh and cheap
- Samosas: Indian style
- Karak chai: Must-try tea
Popular Restaurants by Category
Fine Dining
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Price |
|---|---|---|
| At.mosphere | International | ££££ |
| Zuma | Japanese | ££££ |
| Pierchic | Seafood | ££££ |
| La Petite Maison | French | ££££ |
Casual Dining
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Salt | Burgers | ££ |
| Operation Falafel | Middle Eastern | £ |
| Ravi Restaurant | Pakistani | £ |
| Al Mallah | Lebanese | £ |
Street Food / Cheap Eats
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Al Ustad Special Kebab | Iranian | £ |
| Bu Qtair | Seafood | £ |
| Firas Sweets | Lebanese | £ |
| Any shawarma stand | Arabic | £ |
Dubai Mall Dining
200+ options including:
Food Court
- International chains
- Quick service
- Affordable
- Family-friendly
Restaurants
- The Cheesecake Factory: American
- P.F. Chang’s: Asian
- Texas Roadhouse: Steakhouse
- Lebanese restaurants: Multiple
Waterfall Views
- Premium restaurants
- Fountain show dining
- Reserve ahead
Halal Shopping
Supermarkets (All Halal)
- Carrefour: Huge selection
- Lulu Hypermarket: Indian products
- Spinneys: Premium options
- Choithrams: Neighborhood stores
Butchers
- Supermarket counters: Fresh meat
- Pakistani butchers: Bur Dubai
- Premium butchers: Specialty cuts
Markets
Waterfront Market:
- Fresh seafood
- Meat section
- Cook-to-order service
- Local experience
Dubai for Muslim Visitors
Tourist Attractions & Food
Burj Khalifa:
- At.mosphere restaurant (122nd floor)
- Dubai Mall dining below
- Fountain show dinner
Dubai Frame:
- Cafe on-site
- Zabeel Park area
- Nearby restaurants
Museum of the Future:
- Cafe inside
- Emirates Towers dining nearby
Palm Jumeirah:
- Atlantis restaurants
- Beach clubs
- Resort dining
Desert Safari:
- BBQ dinner included
- Traditional Arabic
- Belly dancing entertainment
Friday Brunch Culture
Dubai’s famous tradition:
- Many hotels offer Friday brunch
- Halal options everywhere
- Book in advance
- Family-friendly versions available
Prayer Facilities
Dubai has mosques everywhere:
- Jumeirah Mosque: Iconic, tours available
- Every mall: Prayer rooms
- Every neighborhood: Multiple mosques
- Prayer times: Respected citywide
Practical Tips
- Don’t ask about halal: Everything is halal
- Pork labeled clearly: Only in licensed venues
- Friday brunch: Book ahead
- Deira for value: Best budget food
- Dubai Mall overwhelming: Plan which restaurants
- Reservations: Essential for popular spots
- Dress code: Smart casual for upscale
- Ramadan: Special iftar/suhoor experiences
- Delivery apps: Talabat, Careem, Deliveroo
- Summer deals: Great restaurant promotions