Middle Eastern Food & Culture Walk in Old Dubai
Active
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Join a friendly resident food-lover and certified guide who will take you through our favorite Middle Eastern restaurants and shops in the bustling district of Murraggabat in Deira. We walk from one restaurant to another, sampling Palestinian, Lebanese, Syrian and Iraqi treats while sharing stories of Dubai and of food along the way.
Our food tour route covers a spectrum of flavours from across the Middle East – herb green falafels and creamy hummus from the Levant, delicious Syrian fare (both vegetarian and non vegetarian options!), cardamom-scented Arabic coffee from the Gulf and traditional Iraqi food that will either be a giant smoked fish with tangy mango pickle or juicy lamb kebabs (depends on group size). In addition, we experience the time-tested customs of Arabic coffee and sample fresh sweet cheese pastry right off the stove.
**The Syrian stop is omitted during summer months of May - September.
Available options
Regular Food Walk
What's included
Use of our audio receiver system and free earphones to hear the guide more clearly.
Bottled water
Food tasting at 3 restaurants, 1 falafel cafe & 1 baklava shop.
Professional licensed guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Meet our friendly food tour guide steps away from the Al Rigga Metro station in Deira (on the Diva Gents Salon side of the road). Our friendly guide will be wearing a "Keep Calm" t-shirt.
2
Corner Palestinian Falafel Cafeteria
Design your own falafel sandwich using delicious ‘stuffed’ falafels and all the trimmings: hummus, fried eggplant and cauliflower, three kinds of sauces and pickles. Also sample a sweet cheese pastry made just for us, fresh off the fire. This decadent pie is topped with crunchy noodles and pistachios.
3
Syrian Restaurant
Visit a popular Syrian eatery for a popular meaty snack and for our vegetarian guests, we’ll bring out freshly baked za’atar and cheese flatbreads.
**Not featured during Jun-mid-Sept.
4
Iraqi Restaurant
Partake of ancient Iraqi culinary customs with a traditional wood-fire smoked Iraqi fish* OR kebabs*.
*Food selection varies based on group size.
5
Lebanese Baklava Shop
Experience the timeless customs of local Arabic coffee or ‘gahwa’ with a pressed date cookie and pistachio ‘cookies and cream’. Mixed boxes of baklava and Arabic cookies also available for purchase.
What's not included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Substitutions in case of allergies/restrictions
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.9
8 reviews
5★
7
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
4.9
202 reviews
5★
195
4★
5
3★
0
2★
0
1★
2
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Minimum age is 12 years
Please advise of any specific dietary requirements or serious food allergies at the time of booking or at least 48 hours in advance of the tour
A moderate amount of walking is involved approximately 2km with stops
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
Not suitable for those with serious food allergies including gluten, nuts and dairy
Tour may be cancelled if there are less than 3 participants and rescheduling options or full refund provided.
All food is ordered in advance and we may be unable to provide substitutions in case of allergies/restrictions.
Please do message us after booking if you have any dietary restrictions/allergies.
Meeting point
Kindly meet us at the bike stands outside Diva Gents Salon on Rigga Road. Guide in "Keep Calm - I'm Your Food Tour Guide" t-shirt. Starts promptly on time! If late, WhatsApp number provided for location. Guide may not answer calls during tour. Latecomers take the responsibility to join group.
Important notes
(1) Should we need to cancel the tour for any reason, we will message you through Viator. Please ensure you check your messages before leaving for the tour!
(2) All food is ordered in advance and we may be unable to provide substitutions in case of allergies/restrictions.
Kindly meet us at the bike stands outside Diva Gents Salon on Rigga Road. Please note, the guide can't wait for late arrivals. If you're running late, WhatsApp us at +971564718244.
About Dubai
Dubai is a city of superlatives, known for its futuristic architecture, luxury shopping, and vibrant culture. It offers a unique blend of traditional Arabic heritage and modern innovation, making it a captivating destination for travelers.
Top Attractions
Burj Khalifa
The tallest building in the world, offering breathtaking views from its observation decks.
Architecture
1-2 hours
AED 149-500 (USD 40-140)
Dubai Mall
One of the largest shopping malls in the world, featuring a vast array of retail stores, dining options, and entertainment venues.
Shopping
Half day to full day
Free entry, activities vary in cost
Palm Jumeirah
A man-made island shaped like a palm tree, featuring luxury resorts, residential areas, and the iconic Atlantis The Palm resort.
Architecture
Half day to full day
Varies by activity
Old Dubai (Al Fahidi)
The historic district of Dubai, showcasing traditional Emirati architecture, museums, and cultural experiences.
Historical
2-3 hours
Free to explore, museum entry AED 3 (USD 0.80)
Dubai Creek
A historic waterway that divides Dubai into two main sections, offering traditional abra rides and access to souks.
Cultural
2-3 hours
AED 1 (USD 0.30) for abra ride
Dubai Marina
A modern waterfront district featuring luxury yachts, high-rise buildings, and a vibrant dining and nightlife scene.
Waterfront
Half day to full day
Free to explore, activities vary in cost
Must-Try Local Dishes
Al Harees
A traditional Emirati dish made from wheat and meat, slow-cooked to a porridge-like consistency.
Main Course
Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians.
Machboos
A spiced rice dish cooked with meat, typically chicken or lamb, and flavored with saffron and cardamom.
Main Course
Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians.
Luqaimat
Sweet dumplings made from a batter of flour, yeast, and cardamom, deep-fried and drizzled with date syrup.
Dessert
Vegetarian, contains gluten.
Kahwa
A traditional Arabic coffee flavored with cardamom and served with dates.
Drink
Contains caffeine, can be prepared with or without sugar.
Popular Activities
Dune bashing
Skydiving
Hot air ballooning
Skiing at Ski Dubai
Beach lounging
Spa treatments
Yacht cruises
Shopping
Best Time to Visit
November to March
This is the best time to visit Dubai, with pleasant weather ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city hosts numerous events and festivals during this period.
20-30°C
68-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Arabic
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED)
Time Zone
GMT+4
Electricity
220-240VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Very safe
Dubai is generally very safe, with low crime rates and a strong police presence. However, travelers should still exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings.
Important Precautions:
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps
- • Be cautious when using ATMs
- • Avoid sharing personal information with strangers
Getting there
By air
- Dubai International Airport • 5 km from city center
- Al Maktoum International Airport • 50 km from city center
By bus
Al Ghubaiba Bus Station, Gold Souk Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Modern, efficient, and air-conditioned. Uses a contactless payment system (Nol Card).
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Careem
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Downtown Dubai
Jumeirah
Deira
Dubai Marina
Day trips
Abu Dhabi
140 km from Dubai • Full day
The capital of the UAE, offering a mix of modern architecture and traditional heritage sites.
Hatta
115 km from Dubai • Half day to full day
A picturesque mountain area with a dam, heritage village, and outdoor activities.
Musandam Peninsula
200 km from Dubai • Overnight
A stunning coastal area known as the 'Norway of Arabia' for its fjords and clear waters.
Festivals
Dubai Shopping Festival • January-February
Dubai World Cup • March
Dubai Food Festival • February-March
Pro tips
- Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and heat.
- Use the Nol Card for easy and discounted access to public transport.
- Bargain when shopping in souks, but do so politely and respectfully.
- Try traditional Emirati dishes at local restaurants for an authentic culinary experience.
- Book tickets for popular attractions, such as the Burj Khalifa, in advance to avoid long queues.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
