Global Village packs over 90 cultures into one buzzing space, and with that comes an overwhelming amount of food. It’s mind-boggling. Where do you even start? Most people head straight for the viral food stalls, but we think that approach misses the point. You can actually experience an authentic food tour here if you know where to go.
This list is our tried-and-tested guide to the most flavorful spots we’ve discovered over the years. We’re not chasing trends or Insta-virality. We’re just here for the real deal—the dishes that deliver on flavor, across different cultures, year after year. Scroll down for the video and our curated picks.
Gate of the World, by P1 parking.
Hit this first, gets chaotic later. Spicy, be warned.
- 10/10 for grilled baby octopus** with coriander lime dip from Zaab Zaab; can convert even those with tentacle phobia.
- Thai grilled mussels with lemon-basil. Skip the overly sweet Thai spicy sauce.
- Coconut Ice Cream from Koi topped with peanuts and palm jelly. Do not skip the toppings.
Retrace steps towards the floating market, past the Gate of the World for:
- Bun kebabs. Chicken, chana daal and an overdose of garam masala smacked between soft buns. Chutneys: chilli tamarind, raita, ketchup.
- Claypot chai,** revive yourself before conquering the other pavilions.
Artisanal sweets made fresh. Sneak in samples of freshly spun buttery pistachio brittle, aka sohan.
- All the za’atar, especially the pomegranate, spicy, and mountain aka jabali ones that Palestinians are banned from picking due to an inane Israeli law. Grilled olives, olive oil, chilli sauce, preserved Nabulsi cheese, and other pantry treasures. Went in to support a cause, and totally fell in love. This isn’t about sympathy, those ingredients are genuinely irresistible even in a political void.
- Figs in olive oil. Absolute treasure.
Takoyaki, custardy spheres of octopus shaped with skewers in a cast iron pan, a mesmerizing process. Request restraint on toppings. Tasty only when piping hot. Chicken and shrimp options are available.
Tends to be super carby, but if you must, either keep it simple with a simit stuffed with cheese and tomato or gozleme, a thin flatbread filled with anything from spinach and cheese to meat. Gozleme is rolled fresh and sold near the main entrance, not in the pavilion though.
Kottu Roti. Layered bread chopped (with a fair bit of drama) and tossed with chilies, veggies, egg, and spices. Make sure to ask for extra gravy and pour liberally over.
Kahi Wa Gheymar. Freshly rolled phyllo pastry drenched in sugar syrup and drizzled with either date molasses (better option), honey, or both (best). The star is the thick wad of buffalo milk clotted cream aka gheymar dolloped on top.
Not a pavilion, but a stall in Fiesta Street. Grab the chili and sugar-dusted fried plantains with lemony guacamole and sour cream. The plantain lasagna looked intriguing too.
Usually, we skip the iconic lugaimat (fried globes of dough) at Global Village. Not this year. They’ve switched it up. Four toppings in one box—traditional date syrup and sesame, pistachio cream, Nutella, and Kinder. Go with pistachio cream, the others don’t stand a chance.
Below is a complete video guide on everything you can try out at the Global Village Dubai 2024.
With so much to explore, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed at Global Village. That’s why a little planning—and a solid game plan—goes a long way. Here are a few tips to make the most of your visit:
- Bring friends. More people means more dishes to try and split costs.
- Don’t get caught up in viral trends. We’ve tried some—they’re often underwhelming.
- Stick to the simple, authentic dishes. The flavors always deliver.
- Ask around. People who’ve been before can point you to hidden gems.
- Use this guide as your starting point—our tried-and-tested picks over the years.
Prayers for Palestine,
Arva Saleem Ahmed
Founder and Chief Executive Muncher
Frying Pan Adventures
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.
