Dubai Mall is a marvel of shopping and entertainment, but let’s be real—its food court doesn’t always scream authentic culinary adventure. So, what if I told you there’s a side to Dubai Mall that you’ve probably never explored? A side where global flavors meet cultural traditions, and where every bite tells a story.
If you’re ready to ditch the food court and dive into Dubai Mall’s hidden culinary treasures, here’s how you can do it:
👉 Grab the Dubai Mall Food Tour Guidebook for insider tips and exclusive discounts to explore solo.
👉 Or join us for the full experience with a guided Dubai Mall Food Tour and let us show you the magic firsthand.
Now, let’s dive into seven incredible food stops you can’t miss.
Katmer – A Turkish Wedding Dessert
Start your food journey on a sweet note with Katmer, a decadent Turkish dessert made of crispy phyllo, pistachios, and clotted cream. In Turkey, it is traditionally served as a wedding morning treat, this dish is a rich and flaky masterpiece.
- 📍 Where? Kadayıfzadeh, Ground Floor, Fashion Avenue
- 👉 What to Order: Katmer
- 🎉 Pro Tip: Share it (or don’t)—it’s decadent enough to turn anyone into a Turkish dessert fan.
Eating Katmer at Kadayıfzadeh
Dancing Fountain Roll – An Ode to the Dubai Mall Fountains
Most people miss this spot, but it’s one of the mall’s best-kept secrets. KATA combines incredible food with jaw-dropping views of the dancing Dubai Fountain. The highlight here is the Dancing Fountain Dish, featuring Hamachi, Furikake, and Eel Sauce.
- 📍 Where? Near the Dubai Fountain, next to Din Tai Fung
- 👉 What to Order: Dancing Fountain Dish
- 💡 Pro Tip: Arrive before sunset to snag a seat and enjoy dinner with the fountain show.
Dancing Fountain Dish
Camel Milk Chocolates – Edible Souvenirs
Why leave without a unique, edible souvenir? Al Nassma’s camel milk chocolates are rich and creamy, offering a luxurious twist on traditional chocolate. Pair it with detox soaps from The Camel Soap Factory for a thoughtful gift.
- 📍 Where? Al Jaber Gallery, Lower Ground Floor, near At The Top
- 👉 What to Buy: Camel milk dark chocolate and pistachio white chocolate
- 🎁 Pro Tip: Both the chocolates and soaps make great gifts for family and friends.
At Al Jaber Gallery
Beef Shawarma – A Middle Eastern Twist
Among the various Shawarma spots in Dubai, this one truly stands out. Owned by two Emirati women, Somewhere blends Middle Eastern and global flavors seamlessly. Their Beef Shawarma is served with beetroot rice and tahini instead of a traditional wrap, giving it a bold, innovative twist.
- 📍 Where? Somewhere, Fashion Avenue
- 👉 What to Order: Beef Shawarma
- 💡 Pro Tip: Don’t skip this if you’re a fan of fusion food—it’s shawarma like you’ve never seen before.
At Somewhere
Also read: The Ultimate Veggie Middle Eastern Food.
Dan Dan Noodles – Sichuan’s Street Food Star
Dan Dan Noodles at Zheng Dong
When you are in Dubai, you can not miss out on a good bowl full of noodles from some of the famous restaurants. For a taste of authentic Sichuan street food, head straight to Zheng Dong Noodles in the Chinatown section. Their Dan Dan Noodles packs a punch with chili oil, Chinese sesame paste, and the signature mala sensation of Sichuan peppercorns.
- 📍 Where? Chinatown Food Court
- 👉 What to Order: Dan Dan Noodles
- 🔥 Pro Tip: This is a spice lover’s paradise—be prepared for some heat!
Cranberry Snowflake Crisp – A Sweet Treat
Craving something sweet but not too heavy? Chun Xing Bakery’s Cranberry Snowflake Crisp is the perfect pick. Chewy, crunchy, and just the right amount of sweetness, this dessert will keep you reaching for more.
- 📍 Where? Chun Xing Bakery, Chinatown Food Court
- 👉 What to Order: Cranberry Snowflake Crisp
- 🎉 Pro Tip: Grab a few packs—they’re great for snacking later or as a gift.
At Chun Xing Bakery
Yemeni Sidr Honey – Nature’s Gold
Wrap up your culinary journey at Balqees Honey, where Riyadh, the honey expert, introduces you to raw Yemeni honey. Their Sidr honey, sourced from remote parts of Yemen, is the crown jewel—rich, smooth, and perfect as a gift or a personal indulgence.
- 📍 Where? Balqees Honey, Galleries Lafayette
- 👉 What to Buy: Yemeni Sidr honey
- 🍯 Pro Tip: Taste before you buy—each variety has its own distinct flavor profile.
At Balqees Honey
Bonus Tip: DIY or Guided Adventure?
If you want to experience all these stops without missing a beat, check out our Dubai Mall Food Tour for a guided adventure. Prefer to explore solo? Our Dubai Mall Food Tour Guidebook has all the insider tips, exclusive discounts, and hidden gems to make your visit unforgettable.
Final Words
Dubai Mall is more than just a shopping haven—it’s a culinary destination that reflects the city’s multicultural soul. Whether you’re savoring Turkish desserts, slurping Dan Dan noodles, or indulging in Yemeni honey, there’s something here for every palate. So next time you’re at the mall, ditch the food court and discover the magic waiting around the corner.
Apart from Dubai Mall, here are our recommendations to eat at the Global Village Dubai.
Arva Ahmed is the co-founder of Frying Pan Adventures, Dubai’s first food tour company, and a celebrated food explorer known for uncovering Dubai’s hidden culinary gems. Her expertise in the city’s diverse food scene has been featured in prominent publications such as CNN, Khaleej Times, BBC Travel, The Sun, The Independent and countless more. She also hosts Ditch the Silver on YouTube. Through her immersive tours and storytelling, Arva brings Dubai’s rich flavors and vibrant cultures to life.
