Ultimate Guide to UAE’s Top Food Trucks and Street Eats in 2025

  • March 10, 2025
  • 05:46 Minutes

Index

The UAE has become a foodie paradise, blending local Emirati flavors with global street food influences. From gourmet food trucks to hidden street eats, the vibrant country offers a lively dining culture that caters to all tastes. 

Additionally, if there are any changes or additions to the budget as per the plan for ads, please incorporate those as well.But where to find the best food trucks and street eats in Dubai in 2025?

This blog discusses some of the most popular street foods, where to find them, and which food trucks are visited the most in Dubai. 

An Overview of the UAE’s Food Culture & Street Foods

The UAE’s food culture is a diverse and evolving mix of traditional Emirati cuisine, Middle Eastern influences, and global flavors. Traditional Emirati dishes, based on Bedouin traditions, often feature rice, meat, and seafood spiced with saffron, cardamom, and turmeric. 

The country’s strategic location as a trade hub has brought additional influences from Indian, Persian, and Levantine cuisine. Modern fusion food has emerged recently, with Emirati chefs blending traditional recipes with global techniques to establish Dubai as a leading culinary destination.

Popular Street Foods in the UAE

The UAE’s street food scene is an exciting mix of local Emirati flavors and international favorites. Some of the most beloved street foods include:

  • Shawarma: A Middle Eastern staple featuring slow-roasted chicken or beef wrapped in Arabic bread with tahini or garlic sauce.
  • Luqaimat: Sweet Emirati dumplings, crispy on the outside and soft inside, drizzled with date syrup.
  • Regag Bread: A traditional Emirati thin, crispy bread, often topped with cheese, eggs, or honey.
  • Karak Chai: A strong, spiced tea with milk, a favorite among locals and expats alike.
  • Manakish: A Lebanese-inspired flatbread topped with cheese, za’atar, or minced meat.
  • Samboosa: A UAE take on the classic Indian samosa, filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables.
  • Falafel: Deep-fried chickpea fritters, often served in a wrap or on a platter with hummus.

Top 5 Must-Try Food Trucks in the UAE (2025 Edition)

The UAE’s food truck culture has skyrocketed in recent years, bringing gourmet meals to the streets. Here are five must-try food trucks in 2025:

Salt

Iconic SALT food truck offering street eats in UAE.

A pioneer in Dubai’s food truck scene, Salt is known for its delicious wagyu beef sliders, crispy fries, and indulgent lotus soft-serve. With locations across the UAE, it remains a top choice for burger lovers. They are located at various locations, including Kite Beach, La Mer, Al Hudayriat Island (Abu Dhabi), and various pop-ups across the UAE.

Moylo’s Burgers

Moylo’s famous burger truck, popular for street eats in UAE.

Moylo’s is all about handcrafted burgers made with premium ingredients. Their truffle burger and signature Moylo’s Special are must-tries for burger aficionados. You can find them at Jumeirah 3 near Sunset Mall.

Rascals

Brightly-colored Big Rascals food truck, popular street eats in UAE.

If you love loaded sandwiches, Rascals is the food truck for you located at Alserkal Avenue in Dubai. Known for their gourmet subs and unique flavor combinations, their Philly cheesesteak and spicy chicken sub are customer favorites.

Curbside

Curb Side food truck serving popular street eats in UAE.

A fusion food truck bringing a mix of American, Mexican, and Middle Eastern flavors, Curbside is known for its tacos, gourmet fries, and juicy brisket sandwiches. These are found at various food truck parks, including Last Exit and pop-ups across Dubai.

Piazza 17

La Piazza serving Italian pizza, a favorite street eat food truck in UAE.

For those craving Italian flavors on the go, Piazza 17 at City Walk serves up some of the best wood-fired pizzas from a food truck. Their truffle mushroom pizza and classic Margherita are must-tries.

Best Street Eat Destinations in Dubai 2025

Dubai’s street food culture thrives in its lively markets and dedicated food hubs. Here are five of the best spots to explore in 2025:

Last Exit

Vibrant night scene at Last Exit’s top food trucks in UAE.

A haven for food truck lovers, Last Exit offers a collection of gourmet food trucks serving everything from burgers and tacos to desserts. Each location has a unique theme, making it a fun dining experience.

Popular Foods: Wagyu sliders from Salt, Smoked BBQ brisket from Big Smoke Burger, Loaded fries from Operation Falafel, and Decadent milkshakes from Milkshake Lab. 

Location: Multiple locations (E11 Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Khawaneej, Al Qudra, and Al Ain)

Global Village

Visitors exploring Global Village's top street eats in UAE.

A seasonal attraction featuring street food from over 90 countries, Global Village is the ultimate spot for diverse culinary experiences. From Emirati classics to Korean street food, it has something for everyone.

Popular Foods: Emirati Luqaimat at Logma, Turkish Kebabs from Mado, Indian Pani Puri and Dosa from India pavilion, and Japanese Sushi rolls from Yatta Sushi. 

Location: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Dubai (Open till May 2025)

Al Seef

Traditional Al seef market in UAE known for street eats.

Located along Dubai Creek, Al Seef combines history with modern street food vendors, serving delicious Emirati and Middle Eastern dishes in a charming waterfront setting.

Popular Foods: Traditional Regag bread with cheese and honey at Arabian Tea House, Grilled Seafood platters at Al Fanar Restaurant, Indian Deli Food from Kailash Parbat, and Turkish tea from Mado.

Location: Dubai Creek, Bur Dubai

Ripe Market

the Colorful Ripe food market featuring top street eats in UAE.

A weekend market that blends organic produce with a vibrant food scene, Ripe Market is home to food stalls offering everything from artisanal pastries to fusion street food.

Popular Foods: Avocado toast and smoothie bowls from Wild and the Moon, Sourdough pizzas by Pinza, Homemade pasta and ravioli by House of Pasta, and Middle Eastern mezze platters from Zou Zou Turkish Restaurant. 

Location: Academy Park (outdoor), Times Square Center (indoor)

Karama Street Food Lane

Crowd in Karama Street Food Lane one of the most popular traditional street eats

A hidden gem known for its affordable and authentic eats, Karama’s food scene is a melting pot of Indian, Pakistani, and Middle Eastern street food, including samosas, parathas, and kebabs.

Popular Foods: South Indian Dosa from Venus, Pakistani Seekh Kebab from Ravi, Filipino Chicken Insal & Halo-Halo by Max’s Restaurant, Afghani Pulao from Afghan Darbar, and Indian Thali from Rasoi Ghar.

Location: Al Karama, near BurJuman

Upcoming Food Festivals in Dubai 2025

If you are looking to dive deeper into Dubai’s food culture, these upcoming festivals are a must-visit:

Food Festival Dubai 2025 by Taste of Dubai

A top event for food lovers, this festival showcases Dubai’s best restaurants, celebrity chefs, and interactive food experiences blended with fun activities and music. Expect gourmet tastings, street food vendors, and live cooking demonstrations.

When: 14th to 16th February 2025

Where: Media City Amphitheater, Taste of Dubai

Gulfood 2025

As one of the world’s largest food and beverage trade shows, Gulfood brings together industry experts, culinary innovators, and food trucks, offering a taste of what’s trending in the food world.

When: 17th to 21st February 2025

Where: Dubai World Trade Center, UAE

The Bottom Line

If you’re a street food lover, now’s the time to explore the best of UAE’s mobile and traditional eats! And when dining out with friends, splitting the bill is easier than ever with Payit’s Split Bills feature. No more awkward calculations or chasing payments—simply divide the cost instantly through the app and enjoy your street food adventure hassle-free!

FAQs

What is the most popular food in food trucks?

The most popular food in food trucks is typically gourmet burgers, tacos, and fusion dishes.

What are the most popular food truck cuisines in Dubai?

Dubai’s most popular food truck cuisines are American, Mexican, Asian, and Middle Eastern.

What is the most popular street food in Dubai?

Shawarma is the most popular street food in Dubai.

Which place is best for street food in Dubai?

The best places for street food in Dubai are Al Karama and Global Village.