Snack your way across 5 South East Asian and Iranian stops in the back alleys of the Spice and Gold Souks in Dubai.
Explore one of the most historic neighborhoods of Dubai — Al Ras — on a history and food walk through the back alleys of the Spice and Gold Souks. This tour is a lighter 2 hour intro to our usually ‘heavy weight’ 4 hour experiences!
Dive right into the aromatic alleys of the souk with a quick and fun game of ‘Crack the Secret Chai Masala’ where you must decode a secret chai masala that ‘Um Rashid’ has asked you to prepare.
Once you’ve decoded the masala, earn your delicious rewards on a mini snack tour. The snacks featured are made by the oldest communities that have seen the rise of Dubai from the early 20th century pre-oil era: the Indians and Iranians. Taste our favourite ‘mash-up’ sandwich roll paired with steaming hot chai, stuffed breads fresh out of a streetside oven, a sweet-savory wildly crunchy combo that the neighborhood Indian jewelers love for breakfast and then an exquisite chocolate that’s proudly crafted in the country. Cool down with an icy Persian treat from one of the oldest cafeterias in the area.
All through the tour, we will be sharing the stories and local tidbits that will make you travel back in time and truly appreciate the transformation that this humble fishing settlement has gone through over five decades.
Please note: Abra (boat) ride is not featured on this tour.
Meet Your Frying Pan Adventures’ Guide
Meet our friendly guide at the historic Spice Souk & learn about the significance of the Al Ras neighbourhood.
Crack the Secret Chai Masala!
Play a quick fun game through the alleys of the souk to decode a secret chai masala that ‘Um Rashid’ has asked you to make.
Tuck into Egg Rolls & Tea
Fuel up with an Old Dubai nostalgic treat washed down with sweet milky tea in the back alleys of the souk. (G/D)
Sink your teeth into a piping hot cheese and za’atar pastry made in a closet-sized bakery that flips out staggering stacks of bread for the neighborhood community.
Taste Local Chocolates
Experience this sweet luxury of the desert, made entirely in the UAE.
Sample Gujarati Snacks
Enjoy a sweet-savoury combination that’s very popular with the Gujarati jewelers in the Gold souk at one of the oldest surviving restaurants in the area.
Sample a traditional, refreshing Iranian dessert doused in rose syrup and lemon juice.
Return back to our starting point and bid farewell to the vibrant alleys of Al Ras.
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.
All prices below include 5% VAT and all the food and water that the guide orders for the group on the tour. Soft beverages are not included.
Ticket Types:
We offer 2 ticket types. The non-refundable ticket may not be changed/refunded for any reason once booked. The flex ticket may be either (a) rescheduled or (b) refunded minus a 35 AED 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.
Shared Tour:
- Non-refundable option: AED 252 per person, AED 125 per child of 6 years or below.
- Flex option: AED 287 per person, AED 160 per child of 6 years or below.
Private Tour:
Rates per group based on group size below:
Non-Refundable Option:
1 guest – AED 1890
2 guests – AED 1960
3 guests – AED 2030
4 guests – AED 2100
5 guests – AED 2170
6 guests – AED 2240
7 guests – AED 2310
8 guests – AED 2380
9 guests – AED 2450
10 guests – AED 2520
11 guests – AED 2772
12 guests – AED 3024
13 guests – AED 3276
14 guests – AED 3528
Flexible Option:
1 guest – AED 1925
2 guests – AED 2030
3 guests – AED 2135
4 guests – AED 2240
5 guests – AED 2345
6 guests – AED 2450
7 guests – AED 2555
8 guests – AED 2660
9 guests – AED 2765
10 guests – AED 2870
11 guests – AED 3157
12 guests – AED 3444
13 guests – AED 3731
14 guests – AED 4018
We meet right by the Grand Souk Information Center at the Spice Souk parking lot exit (near the intersection).
GPS link: https://goo.gl/maps/ekJ62x7G9ZtXJ1xQ8
Please be on time, we don’t wait for latecomers! Given traffic and limited parking, we strongly recommend that you take the metro rather than driving to the trail. If you plan to take a taxi, please budget extra time for traffic.
Nearby metro: Al Ras (15 minute walk to the starting / ending point)
Nearest parking: Paid multi-storey parking is available right by the Spice Souk here.
Here’s What Past Guests on This Tour Are Saying
Such a fun experience, 100% recommend it. I got to discover and enjoy so many hidden gems in one go. Every curious foodie should take this tour. • Arva, our guide’s enthusiasm was contagious. She had so much knowledge about the food and history. She also had answers... read more 
How much does the tour cost?
The tour costs AED 252 per person for a non-refundable ticket, which includes all the food ordered by our guide (soft beverages not included). For children of 6 years and below, the price is AED 125 per child.
Should I join this tour if I am vegetarian?
Yes. All the snacks are veggie-friendly. The ‘Dubai wrap’ contains an omelet which can be omitted from the sandwich upon request.
How do I get to the tour?
We recommend taking the metro to Al Ras (green line) and walking over to the Spice Souk (10-15 minutes). Alternatively, if you choose to drive, there is a multi-storey parking available right next to the Spice Souk here.
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 35mm jack for the portable audio system that helps you hear the guide clearly. You can also purchase these while booking the tour.
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, there is a public toilet available at the start and end of the tour.
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. Our experiences, typically, sell out quickly during the peak season (November to April). 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.
Other Tours You May Like
Middle Eastern Food Pilgrimage
Experience the flavours and stories of our favourite Middle Eastern mezze, specialty dishes and desserts on our longest-running food tour.
Little India Food Tour
Visit Dubai’s oldest Indian neighbourhood to sample the best street food and popular dishes from the North and South Indian communities in the city.