A soulful morning by the sea: traditional Emirati dishes, coastal stories, and coffee in one of Dubai’s most storied neighborhoods.
Jumeirah is the Dubai many of us grew up with — long before it became the city’s most coveted address. Beneath its glossy villas and calm beachfront is a neighborhood brimming with memories: of weekend picnics by the waves, home kitchens fragrant with cardamom and saffron, and a rhythm of life that revolved around the sea.
Join us as we slow down for half a day to experience the everyday flavors that anchor Emirati culture — from communal breakfasts and coffee rituals to a traditional seafood meal. This tour was crafted with the deep affection of our team who’ve lived in Dubai since the 80s and 90s, one of whom even went to school here. It’s our way of paying homage to the dishes and customs that have shaped this coastline for generations.
The Quick Take
- Non-Refundable: AED 472.50
- Flex Ticket: AED 519.75
- Private tours from AED 3,188.50 per group of 6 or less
- Vegetarian Options: Available on request
- Includes: All food tastings, 3 beverage tastings, water, licensed guide
- Note: Tastings include Gluten/Dairy/Nuts. We do not recommend this tour for severe allergies.
- Non-Refundable: AED 472.50
- Flex Ticket: AED 519.75
- Private tours from AED 3,188.50 per group of 6 or less
- Vegetarian Options: Available on request
- Includes: All food tastings, 3 beverage tastings, water, licensed guide
- Note: Tastings include Gluten/Dairy/Nuts. We do not recommend this tour for severe allergies.
The Juicy Bit
This traditional Dubai food tour focuses on the roots of Emirati cooking. It explores how simple ingredients like fish, grains, and dates evolved into the comforting dishes that define the local table today.
We stroll through one of Dubai’s most nostalgic neighborhoods, once a quiet coastal stretch of fishermen’s homes and now one of the city’s most elegant residential and retail areas. You will taste dishes that Emiratis have long enjoyed at home, learn about local food traditions, and understand how the coastline shaped Dubai’s culture.
Our team has lived in the city since the 80s and 90s and built this tour out of years of research and personal connection to the community. This is an intimate, sensory journey through the Dubai we call home: nostalgic, generous, and proudly grounded in its roots.
What Will You Experience?
- A Shared Emirati Breakfast
Fuel up the way Emiratis traditionally did in the morning with a communal breakfast spread of chickpeas, soft pancakes, sweet vermicelli and chai. Learn the art of eating with your hands and the importance of generosity at the table. - The Traditional Kitchen
Step inside a space where snacks are still freshly made to order. We’ll enjoy one of the city’s most loved sweet treats and drop a lesser known back story about how that addictive snack has had an identity crisis through the years. - A Loved Local Cafeteria Stop
Visit one of Dubai’s most nostalgic cafeterias to try a drink every local knows: a rich and creamy old-timers’ favorite with an unlikely fruity combination. - A Walk by the Water
Enjoy a peaceful stroll along Jumeirah’s shoreline between courses. It’s a chance to digest, reflect, and feel the timeless connection between Dubai’s people and the sea. - Gahwa and Dates
Settle down facing the waves for a cup of freshly brewed Arabic coffee, paired with sweet dates. Learn about the etiquette of the coffee ceremony and what it means if you found a knife placed in the mouth of a coffee pot. - Coastal Fare at the Harbor
End with a traditional seafood meal featuring locally caught fish served with fragrant rice. Vegetarians can enjoy an Emirati-style vegetable dish paired with a raw mango and rocket-leaf salad, a refreshing combination rooted in coastal cooking.
Why Join This Tour?
If you want to taste authentic Emirati food and understand local traditions, this tour gives you a window into the lesser-known indigenous food culture. It’s an opportunity to sit down at real tables, hear untold stories, and explore how food connects people to place.
Limited Spots Available
Limited spots are available for this traditional Dubai food tour because we keep group sizes small. If this experience feels right for you, it’s worth booking ahead so we can hold a place for you, especially during busier months.
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.
Shared Tour:
- Non-Refundable Ticket:
- AED 472.50 per person.
- This ticket cannot be changed or refunded for any reason once booked.
- Flex Ticket:
- AED 519.75 per person.
- On public tours, this ticket may be:
- (a) Rescheduled or
- (b) Refunded minus a 35 AED cancellation fee per ticket, anytime up to an hour before the tour starts.
Can I book this tour out as a private experience?
Yes we’d love to serve you and your group privately!
- 6 guests or fewer: AED 3,188.50 per group
- Additional guests: AED 519.75 per person
All prices include 5% VAT, plus food, 3 beverage tastings chosen by the guide and water ordered by the guide during the tour. Additional soft beverages are not included.
Refund/Rescheduling Policy on Private Tours:
- 21+ days before tour: Full refund or free rescheduling.
- 8-21 days before tour: Reschedule for a fee of 25% of the ticket price or 70% refund.
- 7 days or less before tour: No changes allowed.
- Group size reduction: Same refund policy as above.
- Only one reschedule is allowed per private group booking, subject to availability.
Refunds for bookings using gift cards or gifted tickets will be credited back to the original gift card or ticket.
For Children in Private Tour Groups:
- Recommended for children 12+, but younger children can join if parents/guardians feel they can manage.
- Children 4+ count as regular guests; kids under 4 join free.
- Discounts for kids aged 4-8 are available during online booking (AED 125 discount per child.)
- Diaper-changing facilities are not provided on the tour.
Included:
- Friendly, passionate and licensed tour guide
- All food tastings
- 3 beverage tastings as chosen by the guide
- Unlimited still water
- Audio system (please bring your own wired earphones)
Not Included:
- Transport to/from the meeting point
- Souvenirs or additional food/drink items
- Sparkling water or beverages beyond those provided
We’ll gather outside Kochi.dubai gents salon in Umm Suqeim 2, Jumeirah. RTA street side paid parking available. To ensure we can start on time, please arrive promptly—our tours begin right on schedule!
Nearby metro: None, sorry! 🙁
Tips:
- If you are unable to find parking, you may park by Umm Suqeim Public Beach or in the RTA parking across from Al Souq Shopping Complex, and walk over to the starting point (about 16-18 minutes).
- Please budget extra time for traffic.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking (and the beach!)
- Don’t forget to bring a hat or sunscreen for sunny days!
Is this tour suitable for vegetarians?
Yes. A vegetarian version of the final meal is available, and several tastings along the route are naturally vegetarian. However this tour is not suitable for vegans.
How do I get to the tour?
We recommend driving or taking a taxi to the tour meeting point. RTA street side paid parking is available, but if you are unable to find parking, you may park by Umm Suqeim Public Beach or in the RTA parking across from Al Souq Mall, and walk over to the starting point (about 16-18 minutes).
Do we only walk around and sample food?
Our walking food tours are immersive experiences that go beyond eating. We 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.
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 cash (local AED currency) or your 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, toilet facilities are available at most stops on this tour.
Is the tour offered in different languages?
At this time, the tour is only offered in English.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
While the restaurants on this tour are wheelchair accessible, the restrooms are not accessible. However there is a wheelchair friendly public restroom along our route on the beach.
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.
Is the tour suitable for children?
We recommend this tour for ages 12 and above due to duration and pace.
How much walking is involved?
This is a walking tour with seated tastings at each stop. Expect a total walking distance of around 1.5 km with breaks in between.
Can we book this privately?
Yes, we’d love to serve you and any companions on a private tour! We need a minimum of 2 people to run this tour as a private experience. You may book out an existing date on our tour calendar as a private tour if no one else has already booked spots on it. Alternatively, please email us at munch@fryingpanadventures.com with your preferred dates so we may schedule a private tour for you.
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