Got a few hours to kill at Dubai Mall? Experience Dubai's culinary melting pot on our mall food tour: 10+ tastings, global flavors, homegrown talent!
The Quick Take
- Non-refundable option: AED 450
- Flex option: AED 495
- Child ticket (6 -12 years): AED 155
- Children under 6 years: Free!
- Private tours: AED 3,188+
- Extra veggie options at an additional fee
The Juicy Bit
Stuck at Dubai Mall? Discover More Than Just Shops!
Got a spare couple of hours before heading up to the Burj Khalifa?
Or you’re a resident, dragged into playing host at the mall by your guests?
Perhaps your partner has embarked on an epic shopping spree, leaving you to wander aimlessly?
Maybe you’re with family who will neither brave the heat for a local food adventure nor agree on which one of Dubai Mall’s 120 restaurants to eat at—until everyone resigns in a hangry puff at the mall food court.
Killing time at a mall can be painful, especially when you’re a food enthusiast and explorer at heart. We’ve been there too.
That’s why we’ve curated this unconventional late morning (11:00AM) brunch tour as a delicious (and air-conditioned) diversion! Let’s transform your Dubai Mall experience from mundane to memorable!
Let’s Get Real
As locals, Dubai mall is not the first place that comes to mind when we think of authentic food. We’re not about the typical mall fare. But this year, we set a challenge for ourselves. Could we find flavours in the mall that our veteran food tour leaders would vouch for?
Yes we could!
We tasted our way through the haystack of food options at the Dubai Mall, so you visit only those spots worth your precious stomach space. No need to struggle over what to order or have FOMO when you look at the other tables. We’ll take care of all the details, not just cherry picking the best dishes from lengthy menus but even ordering them in advance so you don’t have to wait around.
We understand that Dubai Mall is on most visitors’ checklists, whether voluntarily or grudgingly. If you have to go, why not turn it around into something fun and delicious? We’ve scoured every nook and cranny to do just that.
Don’t take it from us.
Hear what Dubai residents have to say about this tour.
Sneak Peek of What’s Cooking
- Kickstart with a peck of something a little naughty. We’ll console ourselves that it’s even richer in history than it is in butter and sugar.
- Experience a different, edible kind of dancing fountain at Dubai Mall…best ‘viewed’ with chopsticks.
- Sample an edible souvenir that makes for the perfect made-in-UAE gift. (hint: it was recently featured on a Netflix show that we were a part of, Somebody Feed Phil)
- Of course you won’t leave Dubai mall without shawarma. But this one ‘unwraps’ your typical notion of what this popular sandwich should be.
- Hunt down the most butter-happy French pastries by one of the city’s most renowned resident chefs. The location is not obvious.
- Ramp up your appetite again for a lip-singing bowl of noodles. We’ll extinguish the fire with a 72-hour fermented drink.
More Than Just Eating
Our tour isn’t just about eating; it’s about exploring Dubai Mall the way we locals do. Skip the evening crowds and learn our secret shortcut to navigating the best spots. We’ll even turn bathroom breaks into whimsical Instagram-worthy stops!
Plus if you’re still peckish after the tour, we’ll share our top picks amongst the city’s best homegrown brands at the food hall next door.
Why Us?
Sure, you don’t need a guide in the mall. But Dubai Mall can be overwhelming. It’s a lot of walking and easy to miss out without someone who knows their way around. Our local guides are not just experts in navigation but are storytellers who’ve spent years uncovering the stories behind the food and the people.
Forget the typical mall stroll where you get sucked into Cheesecake Factory because your feet are sore and no one can decide where to eat. With us, you get an experience that’s as flavorful and authentic as the city itself. Ready to turn your mall visit from routine to remarkable? Join us, and let’s make your mall day unexpectedly exciting!
All prices below include 5% VAT and all the food and still water that the guide orders for the group on the tour. Soft beverages are not included.
Shared Tour:
We offer 2 ticket types. The non-refundable ticket may not be changed/refunded for any reason once booked.
On public tours, the flex ticket may be either (a) rescheduled or (b) refunded minus an AED 35 cancellation fee per ticket, anytime up to an hour before the tour commences. Within an hour of the tour start time, no changes are possible on a flex ticket. Once rescheduled, a flex ticket will become non-refundable/non-reschedulable.
- Non-refundable option: AED 450
- Flex option: AED 495
- Child ticket (6 years – 12 years): AED 150
- Children under 6 years: Free
Can I book this tour out as a private experience?
Yes we’d love to serve you and your group privately!
Rates per private group are based on group size as below (include 5% VAT and all the food and water that the guide orders for the group on the tour. Soft beverages are not included):
- 6 guests or fewer – AED 3188
- For every additional guest after 6 guests – AED 450/person
Refund/Rescheduling Policy on Private Tours:
- 21 days or more before tour date: All tickets may be fully refunded or rescheduled.
- 8 to 21 days before tour date: Tour may either (a) be rescheduled for a fee of AED 25% of the original group ticket price paid or (b) partially refunded (70% of total price paid).
- 7 or less days before tour date: No changes possible.
- Only one date reschedule possible per private group booking, depending on availability.
- In the case of reductions in the group size, the same refund policy as above applies. A full refund 21 days or more before tour date; partial refund (70% of the difference) 8 to 21 days before tour date; no changes 7 days or less before tour date.
- If gift cards or gifted tickets have been used for any portion of the private tour booking, any full or partial refunds due will be made to the original gift card or gifted ticket.
As an example, if the tour is on the 25th of November:
- Full refunds/free rescheduling is possible up until the 4th of November only (= 25th Nov minus 21 days)
- Between the 5th of November and 17th of November ( = 25th Nov – 7 days), the partial refund/pay-to-reschedule policy applies.
- 18th November onwards, no changes would be possible.
All prices below include 5% VAT and all the food and still water that the guide orders for the group on the tour. Soft beverages are not included.
Inclusions:
- Friendly, passionate and knowledgeable tour guide who has grown up in Dubai. Licensed by Dubai Tourism.
- 7 stops, which include a combination of over 10 tastings that range between sweet, savory and sippable, and from sit-down meals to grab-and-go. You won’t leave hungry!
- Water at the restaurants
Exclusions:
- Transport to/from the tour
- Souvenirs purchased at the mall
- Sparkling water or beverages other than what is mentioned under Inclusions
Here’s What Past Guests on This Tour Are Saying
- We meet by our first stop in the mall, which will be shared in your booking confirmation email.
- Our guide will be wearing a t-shirt which says “Keep Calm – I’m Your Food Tour Guide.” It looks like this.
- We start promptly on time! Details on what to do if you’re running late below.
Running Late?
- If you’re running late, please WhatsApp the number provided in your confirmation email. We’ll share a live location pin. Keep in mind, responses might be delayed once the tour starts, but we’ll guide you to join us as soon as possible.
- In case you arrive after the tour has begun, please make your way to the group. Our guide might not be reachable by phone during the tour, and we appreciate your understanding that latecomers are responsible for catching up with the group. While late arrivals might miss some food and information, rest assured, we’ll do our best to ensure you enjoy the remaining part of the tour.
- For private groups, please note that a delay of up to 20 minutes can be accommodated. However, if the group is more than 20 minutes late, the tour may be shortened or cancelled without refund or rescheduling options. Your punctuality helps us provide a great experience for everyone.
How much does the tour cost?
The tour costs AED 450 per person including all the food ordered by our guide. Private group rates start at AED 3,188 and upwards based on the group size.
Should I join this tour if I am vegetarian?
Yes! We offer an extra veggie option at every stop at an additional cost of AED 150.00/person, which gives you 3 extra veggie dishes across the tour.
Should I join this tour if I am gluten-intolerant?
Yes, we will have gluten-free options throughout the tour. If your allergy is of a severe nature, please let us know in advance.
How do I get to the tour?
We recommend driving to the mall and parking in Grand Parking (lower ground) or taking the metro to Dubai Mall.
What should I bring with me?
Souvenirs are not included, so if you plan to shop, please make sure to carry your credit card/cash. Please don’t carry anything too heavy as we will be walking.
What if I have dietary restrictions or allergies?
Please be sure to let us know if you (or anyone in your group) have a dietary restriction (e.g. vegetarian, diabetic, allergy, etc.) when you purchase your tickets. In most cases, nuts, lactose and gluten may be in the foods featured on our experiences and there is a risk of cross-contamination. If you have a serious allergy, we recommend contacting us at munch@fryingpanadventures.com prior to purchasing tickets to enable us to advise you if our tours are suitable for you.
Are toilet facilities available on the tour?
Yes, Dubai mall has the best toilets in the city!
Is the tour offered in different languages?
At this time, the tour is only offered in English.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Are children allowed?
What do we do in case of bad weather?
This tour takes place indoors, so it’s very unlikely to be cancelled unless the government issues a no-travel warning due to bad weather. Please make sure to check your email at least 4 hours before the tour if you receive a bad weather alert from the government.
Do I need to purchase tickets in advance?
Yes, advance ticket purchase is required through this website. This experience sells out quickly! To maximize your chances of getting the date, time, and number of tickets you prefer, please book well in advance.
If a tour is sold out, can I get on a waiting list?
If the date and time of your choice is sold out, we recommend signing up on our waitlist here.
What are the change policies on my booking?
Please review our cancellation policies under our Terms and Conditions here.
Do I need to tip?
Gratuities are always appreciated but are not mandatory.
Please note that our tour routes and featured stops, including restaurants and other establishments, are subject to change. These changes can occur due to unforeseen circumstances such as lack of availability, closures or operational adjustments at any of our planned locations. In the event of such changes, our team will adapt the tour to offer a comparable experience. However, we do not offer refunds due to these alterations, as they are beyond our control. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility, and are committed to ensuring you have a delightful and memorable experience with us.
Please click here for our complete list of terms and conditions.
Other Tours You May Like
Middle Eastern Food Pilgrimage
Experience the flavours and stories of our favourite Middle Eastern mezze, specialty dishes and desserts on our longest-running food tour.
Little India Food Tour
Visit Dubai’s oldest Indian neighbourhood to sample the best street food and popular dishes from the North and South Indian communities in the city.