Discover Old Dubai's authentic flavors and stories on a cultural walking tour celebrating UAE National Day with Frying Pan Adventures and Rove Hotels.
Special thanks to Rove Hotels for supporting the cost of this tour for any explorers who’re keen to join this tour!
Embark on a culinary and cultural adventure in Old Dubai with the 2nd edition of our UAE National Day Tour, brought to you by two homegrown brands passionate about helping people connect deeper with the soul of Dubai: Frying Pan Adventures and Rove Hotels.
Thanks to Rove Hotels, skip the hassle of juggling the traffic and parking situation at the Spice Souk! Instead, conveniently park for free and freshen up at Rove City Center Deira where you’ll meet your tour guide and the founder of Frying Pan Adventures, Arva, and board the bus to the Spice Souk. We’ll get you kitted with our signature tote bags and all the essentials you need to hit the back alleys of Old Dubai.
This small-group walking tour invites you to explore the historic creek side and celebrate the diverse flavours and stories of Dubai’s communities.
- Enjoy a tissue-thin bread made on the spot with adventurous toppings
- Pair deep-fried nostalgic snacks with almond chai served in traditional clay pots (yours to take home!) from iconic 1970s cafeterias.
- Unwind at the end of the tour over a sumptuous Yemeni meal with fragrant rice, succulent meat, and flaky bread perfect for dipping into a hearty stew.
- Take a traditional abra ride across the creek, offering a unique way to relive the old times.
- Immerse yourself in the soul and vibe of Old Dubai through engaging games, surprises, and charming hidden alleys.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the authentic heart of the city in the least touristy way possible.
After the tour, you’ll board the bus back to Rove City Centre.
Option 2: Friday, Dec 1st, 4:30PM to 8:45PM
Meet & Greet at Rove
Kickstart your culinary adventure at Rove Hotel Deira City Center with convenient free parking, where you’ll meet our knowledgeable guide and fellow food enthusiasts.
Journey to Spice Souk
Hop on our comfortable bus as we head towards the aromatic heart of Al Ras, the Spice Souk.
Iranian Bread Making
Witness the artistry of an Iranian female chef at a unique cafeteria, where traditional bread is made right before your eyes, accompanied by a blend of familiar and exotic toppings (G).
Spice Souk Game
Engage in an enticing game at the spice souk that promises to tantalize your senses and test your spice knowledge – expect the unexpected!
Timeless Souk Cafeteria
Quench your thirst with a choice of rose lemonade or dive into the past with a quirky, nostalgic beverage at the oldest cafeteria from the 1950s.
Experience Dubai’s historic waterway with a scenic abra boat ride across the Deira creek, a tradition woven into the city’s fabric.
Textile Alley Treats
In the lively textile souk, savor the crunchiest samosas (G) paired with special chai served in clay pots (D).
Explore the Textile Souk
Stroll the back alleys of the textile souk and learn about some interesting economic and religious twists in Dubai’s past.
Communal Yemeni Dinner
Relax and connect over a communal Yemeni meal featuring a meaty rice pilaf (P/M), beans, and flaky Yemeni bread (G).
Bid farewell to the vibrant alleys of Al Ras and return to Rove City Centre.
Allergens Key: Contains G-Gluten; D-Dairy; N-Nuts; M-Meat (Beef/Lamb); P-Poultry; F-Fish; S-Shellfish. We regret that there may not be substitutes for dishes. Even if specific dishes do not contain these ingredients, we cannot guarantee against cross-contamination of allergens in the restaurant kitchens.
Rove City Centre (map location here). Please be on time so you don’t miss the demo or the bus leaving to Al Ras!
You may either drive to Rove City Centre or take the metro to City Centre Deira (red line) and walk across (~5 minutes)
How much does the tour cost?
The tour costs AED 375.25 per person including all the food ordered by our guide, however we are pleased to offer a special National Day rate of AED 175 per person thanks to the support of Rove Hotels.
Should I join this tour if I am vegetarian?
Yes. Every stop has veggie-friendly options.
How do I get to the tour?
You may either drive to Rove City Centre or take the metro to City Centre Deira (red line) and walk across (~5 minutes)
Do we only walk around and sample food?
Absolutely not! Our walking food tours are immersive experiences that combine food tastings with history, culture and personal stories of the city.
What should I bring with me?
Earphones with a 3.5mm jack for the portable audio system that helps you hear the guide clearly.
Please don’t carry anything too heavy as we will be walking. If you plan to purchase edible souvenirs during the tour, please make sure to carry both cash/your credit card (most, but not all, locations accept credit card).
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, toilet facilities are available on most of our tours at selected stops – however we do recommend using a restroom before arriving at the tour as not all tours will have a toilet break at the start.
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?
The tours are very rarely cancelled due to bad weather. We will email you at least 4 hours prior to the tour should it not be advisable to walk outside due to a thunderstorm or sandstorm; please make sure to check your email if you are aware of bad weather. We also advise you to check weather conditions for your tour and dress appropriately and carry an umbrella if required.
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 emailing us at munch@fryingpanadventures.com so we can let you know in case any spots open up for your preferred date and time.
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.
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