Stay by Yannick Alleno

It's no secret, I am a huge fan of the food scene in Dubai. As a multi-cultural, cosmopolitain city, the variety of restaurants and cuisines is unmatched. And it’s not just Michelin stars and bottomless champagne brunches. There are so many surprises in this city, including delicious low-key eateries, that cater to the many different nationalities that make up the UAE's population. Whether you want to eat local Emirati food, try Yemeni or Ethiopian, or enjoy Indian food bursting with flavour, there is so much to discover. Japanese, Thai, Chinese and Korean cuisines in particular have been trendy in Dubai for years, ranging from the authentic to modern fusion. The restaurant scene is so competitive, it has started to attract creatives and celebrity chefs from all over the world who want to make their mark in the city. This being said, Dubai is also a minefield where you can find yourself in a soulless restaurant, that looks the part, but serves average food for haughty prices. To help you navigate the city, I’ve made a list of places that I would honestly recommend, sharing some of my personal favourites, my secret spots as well as classic Dubai institutions that HAVE to be mentioned. Below you'll find both cheap-eats and luxury catering and many options that are veggie and vegan friendly.

As an anthropologist, I love to go into deep dives about places that I know and love - especially in the Middle East. However, I appreciate that not everyone has the time, or patience, to read long passionate travel posts. So for those who want to skim through the highlights, I have created a quick summary of my tips and tricks for your holiday in Dubai to be as awesome as possible!