Old Dubai is one of the world's most underrated food destinations. While the city's gleaming malls and hotel restaurants get the headlines, the neighbourhoods of Al Satwa, Deira, Meena Bazaar, and Al Karama hide extraordinary street food from Nepal, Ethiopia, Palestine, the Philippines, India, and beyond — most of it priced well under Dhs100. These are the ten spots that locals know and tourists almost never find.
1. Gorkha, Al Satwa — Nepalese Momos
A quiet hidden gem in the heart of Al Satwa, Gorkha serves some of the best Nepalese food in Dubai. The chicken fried momo (Dhs17) is the must-order: crispy-bottomed dumplings packed with spiced minced chicken, served with a fiery dipping sauce. Cheap, filling, and genuinely excellent Old Dubai street food.
2. Walid Mohammad Bakhit Bakery, Al Satwa — Iranian Flatbread
This Iranian bakery is famous in Al Satwa for its ragag bread, baked fresh and filled with Chips Oman, egg, and cheese — a breakfast combination that sounds unlikely and tastes unforgettable. Arrive early; it often sells out.
3. Sind Punjab, Meena Bazaar — Punjabi Since 1977
Few Dubai restaurants can claim nearly five decades of continuous operation, but Sind Punjab in Meena Bazaar is one of them. Open since 1977, it remains a benchmark for North Indian and Punjabi cooking in the city. Order the chicken tikka (Dhs28) and follow it with a mango lassi (Dhs11).
4. Zagol, Al Karama — Ethiopian Cuisine
Zagol brings authentic Ethiopian cooking to Al Karama. The Zagol special platter (Dhs55) arrives on a bed of injera — the spongy sourdough flatbread — topped with slow-cooked stews and lentils. Eat with your hands, as tradition demands.
5. Sultan Dubai Falafel, Deira — Palestinian Falafel for Dhs9
At Dhs9, the falafel and hummus breaded sandwich at Sultan Dubai Falafel in Deira is one of the city's greatest bargains. The falafel is freshly fried, the hummus is smooth, and the bread is pillowy. A staple of authentic Old Dubai street food culture.
6. Dampa Seafood Grill, Deira — Filipino Seafood
Dampa Seafood Grill brings the flavours of Manila's bayside seafood markets to Deira. The fish seared with Cajun spice (Dhs139 for four) is the signature dish — smoky, spiced, and ideal for sharing.
7. Al Shaab Restaurant, Old Souk Market — South Indian Street Food
Tucked into the Old Souk Market, Al Shaab is the place for South Indian street food staples: pani puri, pakoras, and freshly fried snacks as good as anything you'd find in Chennai or Mumbai.
8. Al Qbabh Seafood, Al Aweer — Authentic Emirati
For an authentic Emirati seafood experience, Al Qbabh Seafood in Al Aweer delivers. The mixed seafood platter (Dhs89+) is the main event: generous portions of fresh fish and shellfish, simply prepared.
9. Little Lamb Hotpot & BBQ — Mongolian Hotpot
With locations in Deira, Dragonmart, and Dubai Marina, Little Lamb Hotpot & BBQ has brought Mongolian hotpot to the masses. The spicy hotpot (Dhs40) lets you cook your own ingredients in a simmering, chilli-laced broth — great value and a fun group experience.
Old Dubai's Iconic Historic Spots
No Old Dubai food guide would be complete without the institutions:
Ravis (Al Satwa, since 1978): A Pakistani institution beloved for its mutton biryani (Dhs16) and butter chicken (Dhs32). Queues form at dinner time for good reason.
Al Ustad Special Kabab (since 1978): One of Dubai's oldest Iranian restaurants, the mixed grill (Dhs38) remains a landmark dish in Old Dubai.
Arabian Teahouse, Al Bastakiya (since 1997): Set in one of Old Dubai's most beautiful heritage courtyards, the Arabian Teahouse serves machboos rice with chicken (Dhs62) alongside traditional Emirati teas and sweets.
Want a Guided Tour?
For a more structured introduction to Old Dubai street food, Frying Pan Adventures offers a specialised guided food tour at Dhs435 per person. It's an excellent way to cover multiple neighbourhoods and hear the stories behind each spot.
