This December 3rd, get a taste of Dubai's most historic neighbourhood on this special edition National Day tour in collaboration with Project Chaiwala & Rove Hotels.
Special thanks to Rove Hotels for supporting the cost of this tour for any explorers who’re keen to join this tour!
Experience this limited edition tour that brings together 3 homegrown brands that are deeply passionate about exploring the city and showcasing flavours of the street: Frying Pan Adventures, Project Chaiwala and Rove Hotels. Each partner will bring their unique touch to the tour.
Start off at the Rove City Centre (Deira) where you’ll grab a steaming hot cup of milky chai brewed by the popular Dubai-born chai brand, Project Chaiwala (free parking available on site).
With your chai in hand, come aboard our National Day bus as we head off to one of the most historic neighborhoods of Dubai — Al Ras — to experience a history and food walk with Frying Pan Adventures through the historic alleys by the Spice Souk. Our founder Arva Ahmed will be your guide on a tour that’s 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. 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 jewelers love for breakfast and then an exquisite chocolate that’s proudly crafted in Dubai. Cool down with an icy Persian treat from one of the oldest cafeterias in the area.
All through the tour, Arva 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.
After the tour, you’ll board the bus back to Rove City Centre.
Meet & Greet at Rove
Meet our group of fellow explorers at Rove City Center (free parking available).
Project Chaiwala Demo
Learn the art of brewing a quality cup of chai from a master chaiwala.
Travel to Al Ras
Board our bus to Al Ras where our Frying Pan Adventures tour will take place.
Meet Your Frying Pan Adventures’ Guide
Meet our friendly founder and tour guide, Arva Ahmed, 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.
Bid farewell to the vibrant alleys of Al Ras and return to Rove City Centre.
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.
Rove City Centre (map location here). Please be on time so you don’t miss the demo or the bus leaving to Al Ras!
You may either drive to Rove City Centre or take the metro to City Centre Deira (red line) and walk across (~5 minutes)
How much does the tour cost?
The tour costs AED 301.25 per person including all the food ordered by our guide, however we are pleased to offer a special National Day rate of AED 125 per person thanks to the support of Rove Hotels.
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?
You may either drive to Rove City Centre or take the metro to City Centre Deira (red line) and walk across (~5 minutes)
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.
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, toilet facilities are available on most of our tours at selected stops – however we do recommend using a restroom before arriving at the tour as not all tours will have a toilet break at the start.
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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