Dubai Mall Food Tour - guests having fun

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

Dubai Mall

11:00AM to 3:00PM (4 hours)

Mondays to Fridays during summer months only. Share your details here and we’ll let you know if we can host you on your preferred date once this launches.

All ages welcome!

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

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!

Lots of walking! Dubai mall is after all the world’s 2nd largest mall. Expect to burn all the calories consumed 😉

Please notify us of severe allergies.

Dress comfortably to walk.

The tour requires a minimum of 4 guests; we may cancel and refund tickets if the minimum is not met.

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:

Non-Refundable Ticket:
- AED 450 per person.
- This ticket cannot be changed or refunded for any reason once booked.
Flex Ticket:
- AED 495 per person.
- On public tours, this ticket may be:
  - (a) Rescheduled, or
  - (b) Refunded minus a 35 AED cancellation fee per ticket, anytime up to 1 hour before the tour starts. Once rescheduled, the ticket becomes non-refundable and non-reschedulable.
Child Ticket (6–12 years):
- AED 150 per child.

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:

6 guests or fewer: AED 3,188 per group.
Additional guests (after 6): AED 450 per person.

All prices include 5% VAT, plus food and water ordered by the guide during the tour. Soft beverages are not included.

Refund/Rescheduling Policy on Private Tours:

21+ days before tour: Full refund or free rescheduling.
8-21 days before tour: Reschedule for a fee of 25% of the ticket price or 70% refund.
7 days or less before tour: No changes allowed.
Group size reduction: Same refund policy as above.
Only one reschedule is allowed per private group booking, subject to availability.

Refunds for bookings using gift cards or gifted tickets will be credited back to the original gift card or ticket.

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

Very passionate, funny and engaging All completely new places for me and so much fun. I thought it would be far too long to spend at the mall but actually time flew by. You even showed the Chinese girl where to eat in Chinatown! The first stop was spectacular. I also connected with some great people on the tour.
read moreread less

Angela Y.
30/05/24
Knowledgable, engaging, interesting This tour has 100% outdone my expectations. Thoroughly enjoyable day, exploring a mall's food through different eyes, secret passages, bougie toilets and unbelievable food.
read moreread less

Gin W.
20/05/24
Definitely come out to do it - it’ll change your mind!! Super friendly, give you space, can answer any questions. 10/10 recommended. I’m not a fan of walking outdoors in this heat - especially with regards to bathroom breaks 😂 the mall is a game changer. I would definitely have less dessert than savoury. I would take off one dessert spot and add one savory instead perhaps. Very lovely route taken. Don’t have to walk unnecessarily - love it. Well done on curating such an amazing tour!
read moreread less

Anam F.
20/05/24
Ignore all misgivings and jump on board. The Frying Pan team have researched well and planned a memorable food tour. Each stop is a food sensation mixed with the history of each chef and a discussion of why that food stop was chosen. Impossible not to like! Ignore all misgivings and jump on board.
read moreread less

Neville R.
20/05/24
My view has changed! It’s a mall !!! But knew would learn ! My view has changed. Everything was delicious, the stories were woven in be it the chef, the history of the dish, and how we went from one side of mall to the other seamlessly and had a wide variety of cuisine. The guides were enthusiastic, always story tellers and keep the group cohesive and running on time without being forceful in any way or rushing I’ll be back and pay more attention 😉 to small places in malls
read moreread less

Victoria L.
19/05/24

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?

Contact: WhatsApp the number in your confirmation email. A live location pin will be shared. Responses might be delayed once the tour starts.
Arriving Late: Make your way to the group. The guide may be unreachable by phone. Latecomers are responsible for catching up and may miss some food and information, but we’ll ensure you enjoy the rest of the tour.
Private Groups: Delays up to 20 minutes are accommodated. If more than 20 minutes late, the tour may be shortened or canceled without refund or rescheduling. 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?

Yes, we’re pleased that it is!

Are children allowed?

Yes, we’d love to serve your children! Children under 6 years don’t need a ticket, and those between 6 and 12 would require a child ticket (AED 150).

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 review the following terms and conditions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience on our tours.

Tour Routes & Stops:
Our tour routes and featured stops, including restaurants and other establishments, are subject to change.
Unforeseen Circumstances:
Changes may occur due to unforeseen circumstances such as lack of availability, closures, or operational adjustments at any of our planned locations.
Adaptation of Experience:
In the event of such changes, our team will adapt the tour to offer a comparable experience.
No Refunds for Changes:
Please note that we do not offer refunds due to these alterations, as they are beyond our control.
Commitment to Excellence:
We appreciate your understanding and flexibility. Rest assured, we are committed to ensuring you have a delightful and memorable experience with us.

Please click here for our complete list of terms and conditions.

Dubai Mall Food Tour