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 (10:30AM) tour as a delicious (and air-conditioned) diversion—complete with a secluded spot to get a bird’s eye of the Dubai fountains. 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.

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.
• Wrap up with a dessert that boasts clouds of clotted cream, fragrant with orange blossom and studded with nuts. It seems so plain on the menu, you’d easily glance right over it.

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! What’s more, if you cringe at the thought of hopscotching over the evening herds to glimpse the Dubai fountains, then how about a shady spot to get a bird’s eye view sans the masses? It’ll just be us, soaking up the dancing fountains at a time when most of the mall isn’t even aware they’re going off.

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:

We offer 2 ticket types. The non-refundable ticket may not be changed/refunded for any reason once booked.

On public tours, the flex ticket may be either (a) rescheduled or (b) refunded minus an AED 35 cancellation fee per ticket, anytime up to an hour before the tour commences. Within an hour of the tour start time, no changes are possible on a flex ticket. Once rescheduled, a flex ticket will become non-refundable/non-reschedulable.

• Non-refundable option: AED 485
• Flex option: AED 533.50
• Child ticket (6 years – 12 years): AED 165
• Children under 6 years: Free

Private Tour:

Rates per private group based on group size below:

6 guests or fewer – AED 3188
For every additional guest after 6 guests – AED 485/person

Refund/Rescheduling Policy on Private Tours:

• 21 days or more before tour date: All tickets may be fully refunded or rescheduled.
• 8 to 21 days before tour date: Tour may either (a) be rescheduled for a fee of AED 25% of the original group ticket price paid or (b) partially refunded (70% of total price paid).
• 7 or less days before tour date: No changes possible.
• Only one date reschedule possible per private group booking, depending on availability.
• In the case of reductions in the group size, the same refund policy as above applies. A full refund 21 days or more before tour date; partial refund (70% of the difference) 8 to 21 days before tour date; no changes 7 days or less before tour date.
• If gift cards or gifted tickets have been used for any portion of the private tour booking, any full or partial refunds due will be made to the original gift card or gifted ticket.

As an example, if the tour is on the 25th of November:

• Full refunds/free rescheduling is possible up until the 4th of November only (= 25th Nov minus 21 days)
• Between the 5th of November and 17th of November ( = 25th Nov – 7 days), the partial refund/pay-to-reschedule policy applies.
• 18th November onwards, no changes would be possible.

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 3188
For every additional guest after 6 guests – AED 485/person

Refund/Rescheduling Policy on Private Tours:

• 21 days or more before tour date: All tickets may be fully refunded or rescheduled.
• 8 to 21 days before tour date: Tour may either (a) be rescheduled for a fee of AED 25% of the original group ticket price paid or (b) partially refunded (70% of total price paid).
• 7 or less days before tour date: No changes possible.
• Only one date reschedule possible per private group booking, depending on availability.
• In the case of reductions in the group size, the same refund policy as above applies. A full refund 21 days or more before tour date; partial refund (70% of the difference) 8 to 21 days before tour date; no changes 7 days or less before tour date.
• If gift cards or gifted tickets have been used for any portion of the private tour booking, any full or partial refunds due will be made to the original gift card or gifted ticket.

As an example, if the tour is on the 25th of November:

• Full refunds/free rescheduling is possible up until the 4th of November only (= 25th Nov minus 21 days)
• Between the 5th of November and 17th of November ( = 25th Nov – 7 days), the partial refund/pay-to-reschedule policy applies.
• 18th November onwards, no changes would be possible.

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

• 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?

• If you’re running late, please WhatsApp the number provided in your confirmation email. We’ll share a live location pin. Keep in mind, responses might be delayed once the tour starts, but we’ll guide you to join us as soon as possible.
• In case you arrive after the tour has begun, please make your way to the group. Our guide might not be reachable by phone during the tour, and we appreciate your understanding that latecomers are responsible for catching up with the group. While late arrivals might miss some food and information, rest assured, we’ll do our best to ensure you enjoy the remaining part of the tour.
• For private groups, please note that a delay of up to 20 minutes can be accommodated. However, if the group is more than 20 minutes late, the tour may be shortened or cancelled without refund or rescheduling options. Your punctuality helps us provide a great experience for everyone.

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.