A Dubai desert safari is an experience like no other—breathtaking dunes, thrilling activities, and, most importantly, a delicious feast under the stars. If you’re a food lover, your safari is incomplete without indulging in authentic Arabic cuisine. From smoky grilled meats to creamy hummus and decadent desserts, the Bedouin-inspired buffet offers a true taste of the Middle East.
In this guide, we’ll explore the must-try Arabic dishes during your desert safari dinner, so you know exactly what to fill your plate with!
1. Appetizers: Start with Classic Arabic Mezze
Mezze, a selection of small dishes served as appetizers, is a staple of Arabic dining. These flavorful bites are perfect for warming up your palate before the main course.
🍽️ Must-Try Mezze Dishes
- Hummus – A creamy blend of chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, and lemon juice.
- Baba Ghanoush – Smoky roasted eggplant mashed with garlic, tahini, and olive oil.
- Fattoush – A refreshing salad with crispy pita, fresh veggies, and sumac dressing.
- Tabbouleh – A light and herby bulgur salad with parsley, tomatoes, and lemon.
- Stuffed Vine Leaves (Warak Enab) – Grape leaves filled with rice, herbs, and spices.
- Samosas – Flaky, deep-fried pastry stuffed with spiced meat or vegetables.
Why You Should Try It: These starters offer a variety of textures and flavors—creamy, crunchy, tangy, and smoky—all in one plate!
2. Grilled Delicacies: The Heart of Arabic Cuisine
Nothing beats the aromatic, smoky flavors of grilled meats, prepared fresh at the live BBQ stations on your desert safari. These dishes highlight the region’s love for perfectly spiced, flame-grilled meats.
🔥 Must-Try Grilled Dishes
- Shish Tawook – Marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection.
- Lamb Kofta – Minced lamb mixed with herbs and spices, grilled on skewers.
- Beef Kebab – Tender cubes of beef, marinated with garlic, cumin, and olive oil.
- Grilled Hammour Fish – A local fish delicacy seasoned with Arabic spices.
- Chicken Shawarma – Thinly sliced, rotisserie-grilled chicken served with garlic sauce.
Why You Should Try It: The smoky, char-grilled aroma combined with rich Middle Eastern spices makes these dishes a highlight of the desert safari experience.
3. Hearty Arabic Main Courses
After enjoying your appetizers and grilled meats, it’s time for some wholesome, traditional Arabic main dishes. These dishes are slow-cooked, aromatic, and packed with deep flavors.
🍛 Must-Try Main Dishes
- Lamb Ouzi – A showstopper dish, this is slow-cooked, spiced lamb served over fragrant rice and nuts.
- Chicken Mandi – A Yemeni-inspired dish, featuring tender chicken infused with Arabic spices and cooked with saffron rice.
- Biryani – A flavorful rice dish layered with spiced chicken or lamb, saffron, and caramelized onions.
- Koshari – A unique Egyptian street food made with lentils, pasta, rice, and spiced tomato sauce.
- Vegetable Salona – A traditional Emirati stew, slow-cooked with zucchini, carrots, and bell peppers.
Why You Should Try It: These dishes are packed with deep, rich spices, slow-cooked for maximum flavor, and offer an authentic taste of Arabic home-style cooking.
4. Decadent Arabic Desserts
No meal is complete without a sweet finale, and Arabic cuisine is known for its rich, syrupy, nutty, and creamy desserts. Whether you love crunchy pastries or warm puddings, there’s something for everyone!
🍮 Must-Try Desserts
- Luqaimat – Arabic-style golden fried dumplings drizzled with date syrup.
- Kunafa – A sweet and crispy shredded pastry filled with melted cheese or cream, soaked in rosewater syrup.
- Umm Ali – The Arabic version of bread pudding, made with milk, nuts, and raisins.
- Baklava – Flaky filo pastry layered with nuts and honey syrup.
- Basbousa – A moist semolina cake, soaked in fragrant syrup and topped with almonds.
Why You Should Try It: These desserts are rich, indulgent, and the perfect ending to a flavorful meal.
5. Traditional Arabic Beverages
Pair your meal with some refreshing Arabic drinks that complement the spicy and smoky flavors of the dinner.
🥤 Must-Try Drinks
- Arabic Coffee (Gahwa) – Served with dates, this cardamom-infused coffee is a staple of Emirati hospitality.
- Karak Tea – A strong, spiced tea made with black tea, milk, and cardamom.
- Jallab – A cooling drink made with dates, grape molasses, and rosewater.
- Laban – A salty, yogurt-based drink that aids digestion after a rich meal.
Why You Should Try It: These drinks provide a refreshing balance to the rich, flavorful dishes served during the dinner.
A Culinary Experience to Remember
Your desert safari is more than just an adventure—it’s a gastronomic journey into Arabic cuisine. From creamy mezze platters to sizzling grilled meats, slow-cooked lamb ouzi, and indulgent kunafa, every dish tells a story of Middle Eastern heritage.
If you’re planning a desert safari in Dubai, make sure to savor these incredible flavors under the starlit sky.
📌 Want to know the full dinner menu? 👉 Check out our Desert Safari Dinner Menu for a complete breakdown of all dishes available!
🔥 Which dish are you most excited to try? Let us know in the comments!