Dubai’s dining scene is your foodie passport – no visa, no flights, just vibes
With over 200 nationalities in the mix, Dubai’s food scene is as global as its skyline. Think grandma’s secret recipes next to street food classics reworked by world-class chefs — all packed with culture and serious flavor. Craving a cultural deep dive? You could legit taste your way around the world in one weekend, no passport needed.
Spain: Cochinillo Eterno Asado de Segovia at Lola Taberna Española
HOLA! Go full-on Spanish with Lola’s Cochinillo — a classic whole roasted suckling pig straight outta Segovia. It’s 5kg of crispy-on-the-outside, melt-in-your-mouth-on-the-inside goodness, perfect for sharing with 6 to 8 food lovers. Dine in or take it home, just make sure to reserve 24 hours ahead — this iconic dish needs a little heads-up.
Location: Lola Taberna Española
Operating Hours: Daily from 1pm to 11:30pm
Cost: Dhs1199
Contact: (0)4 247 6688, @lolataberna
England: Weekend Roast at Dhow & Anchor
HELLO! Craving a proper British roast? Dhow & Anchor’s Weekend Roast has you covered — think crispy roast potatoes, tender slow-cooked meats, and the ultimate MVP: a golden Yorkshire pudding. Served in a fully air-conditioned summer tent with epic Burj Al Arab views, this comfort-packed feast features roast beef, lamb leg, veggie options, and classic Brit desserts to wrap it all up.
Location: Dhow & Anchor, Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Time: Sat and Sun, 12pm to 10pm
Cost: Dhs125 (main), Dhs165 (main + dessert)
Contact: 800 323232, @dhowandanchor
Greece: Thalassa Brunch at Ammos, Rixos JBR
YA! Thalassa — Greek for “sea” — comes to life every Friday night, channeling the laid-back vibes of the Aegean coast right here in Dubai. Set by the moonlit shoreline, this dreamy brunch serves up a feast of fresh seafood, shareable plates, and Greek faves like grilled octopus and sizzling saganaki. Pure Mediterranean magic.
Feel the island energy and Opa to good food and great greek vibes.
Location: Ammos, Rixos Premium Dubai JBR
Time: Fridays, 8pm to 11pm
Cost: Dhs395 (house beverages), Dhs495 (premium drinks)
Contact: (0)52 777 9473, @ammosdubai
China: After Dark Brunch at Mott 32
NI HAO! Dive into modern Chinese flavors at Mott 32’s After Dark brunch — a bold, award-winning twist on classic dining, perched 73 floors up with skyline views that’ll have you feeling like you’re in Shanghai or Hong Kong.
The curated menu features must-try bites like free-range Chicken Soup Dumplings, Kung Pao Prawns, and fiery Ma Po Tofu — straight from the streets of China to your plate. Pair it with two hours of free-flow drinks, including house favorites and killer Chinese-inspired cocktails like the Sichuan Margarita. Add live DJ sets and roaming performers, and you’ve got a seriously vibrant night out.
Location: Mott 32, Address Beach Resort JBR
Time: Every Thursday, 8pm to 10pm
Cost: Dhs345 per person (includes two-hour drinks package)
Contact: (0)4 582 8888, @mott32dubai
South Africa: Hyperama Diner & Store
HOWZIT! Hyperama’s bringing South African flavor straight to Dubai with a menu packed full of classics like Bunny Chows, Gatsby sandwiches, and perfectly grilled boerewors. Think hearty, authentic street food and home-cooked vibes served up in a cozy, chill spot.
Right next door, their South African store is a snack lover’s dream — loaded with biltong, droëwors, Simba chips, and specialty sauces, so you can take that true South African taste home with you.
Location: Hyperama Diner, Al Shafar Building, Al Quoz, Dubai
Operating Hours: Daily, 8 AM – 11 PM
Contact: (0)58 108 8786, @hyperamauae
India: Punjab Grill
NAMASTE! Straight from the royal kitchens of North India, Punjab Grill brings a regal vibe to Dubai’s dining scene. Think tandoori lobster, juicy lamb chops, and chaats that pop with spice and color — every dish a celebration of rich Indian heritage. Expect bold curries, smoky grills, and classic flavors with a fresh, modern twist, all served in a luxe setting inspired by India’s palace grandeur. Whether it’s an intimate dinner, a flavor-packed lunch, or a weekend brunch bursting with masala, music, and modern Indian magic, this spot’s got your cravings covered.
Location: Punjab Grill, Anantara Downtown Dubai, Business Bay
Operating Hours: daily, 11:30am to 11:30pm
Contact: (0)50 194 1107, @punjabgrilldubai
