Snack your way across 5 South East Asian and Iranian stops in the back alleys of the Spice and Gold Souks in Dubai.
- Travel back in time with our stories and local tidbits to truly appreciate the transformation that Dubai, once a humble fishing settlement, has gone through over five decades.
- Taste snacks made by the oldest communities that have seen the rise of Dubai from the early 20th century pre-oil era: the Indians and Iranians, from stuffed breads fresh out of a streetside oven to a wildly crunchy wafers that the neighborhood Indian jewelers love to dunk into green chutney.
- Dive into an aromatic alley of the Spice souk with a quick and fun game of ‘Crack the Secret Chai Masala’ where you must decode a top secret chai masala.
- Try exquisite, locally crafted chocolate in the Gold Souk and what role it plays when drivers who buy a brand new G-Wagon!
Please note: Abra (boat) ride is not featured on this tour but we start/finish steps away from it, so you can always take one before/after the 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.
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. (G)
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.
Locally Crafted ChocolatesÂ
Experience this sweet luxury of the desert, made entirely in the UAE. (D)
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.
Iranian Flatbread
Watch how this crunchy ‘handful’ bread is made on a griddle and topped with some unique and umami-filled condiments. (G)
*During May-Sept, this stop may be replaced with our favourite street side wrap in a more covered part of the souk. (G)
Sample a traditional, refreshing Iranian dessert doused in rose syrup and lemon juice from the oldest cafeteria in the souk.
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.
On public tours, 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.
On private tours, the flex option may be either (a) rescheduled or (b) partially refunded (70% of total price paid), anytime up to 24 hours before the tour commences. Within 24 hours of the tour start time, no changes are possible on a flex ticket.
Shared Tour:
- Non-refundable option: AED 255 per person
- Flex option: AED 293.25 per person
- Child ticket: AED 150 per child of 4 – 8 years
Private Tour:
For children in private tour groups:
- We recommend this tour for children 4 years and above. However we do take children younger than 4 years on the tour if their parent/guardian feel they can manage through the duration of the experience.
- Children 4 years and above are to be included as regular guests in the group size. Children below 4 go free.
- We do offer children discounts for children between the ages of 4 and 8. This option will be provided while booking the tour online.
- Diaper changing facilities are not available on the tour.
Rates per group based on group size below:
Non-Refundable Option:
1 guest – AED 1,260.00
2 guests – AED 1,470.00
3 guests – AED 1,575.00
4 guests – AED 1,974.00
5 guests – AED 2,047.00
6 guests – AED 2,142.00
7 guests – AED 2,205.00
8 guests – AED 230.00
9 guests – AED 2,450.00
10 guests – AED 2,520.00
11 guests – AED 2,772.00
12 guests – AED 3,024.00
13 guests – AED 3,276.00
14 guests – AED 3,528.00
Flexible Option:
1 guest – AED 1,386.00
2 guests – AED 1,617.00
3 guests – AED 1,732.50
4 guests – AED 2,171.40
5 guests – AED 2,251.70
6 guests – AED 2,356.20
7 guests – AED 2,425.50
8 guests – AED 253.00
9 guests – AED 2,695.00
10 guests – AED 2,772.00
11 guests – AED 3,049.20
12 guests – AED 3,326.40
13 guests – AED 3,603.60
14 guests – AED 3,880.80
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
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 3.5mm 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.
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