If you love traveling and trying new foods, Dubai is a fantastic place to explore! Not only is it a city filled with tall buildings and fun activities, but it also has some amazing street foods that are delicious and good for you!
Let’s take a tasty journey through the streets of Dubai and discover some healthy must-try treats!
Grilled Halloumi Wraps
Where to find it: Look for food carts or stalls in busy markets or near popular tourist spots. Cost: Around 10 to 15 AED (United Arab Emirates Dirham)
What it tastes like: Imagine biting into a warm, cheesy wrap with a hint of smoky flavor! The grilled halloumi cheese is slightly salty and oh-so-creamy, and when combined with fresh veggies and tangy tahini sauce, it becomes a delightful burst of flavors!
Halloumi cheese is a great source of protein, which helps our bodies grow and stay strong. Fresh veggies give us vitamins and minerals to keep us healthy and happy! Plus, the wrap provides wholesome carbohydrates for energy.
Falafel Salad Bowl
Where to find it: Many food trucks and local restaurants offer this tasty dish.
Cost: Approximately 12 to 20 AED
What it tastes like: Picture crispy and flavorful falafel (made from chickpeas) resting on a bed of crunchy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and yummy pickles. It’s all drizzled with a zesty lemon-tahini dressing that makes your taste buds dance!
Falafel is a nutritious and plant-based protein option. The salad greens provide fiber, which helps our tummies feel good, and the dressing gives us healthy fats to keep our bodies strong. The salad bowl is a nutrient-packed and refreshing meal choice.
Fresh Fruit Chaat
Where to find it: Seek out colorful fruit stalls at popular beaches or busy streets.
Cost: Around 5 to 10 AED
What it tastes like: Sweet, juicy, and a little bit tangy! Fresh watermelon, pineapple, papaya, and other yummy fruits are mixed with chaat masala, a special spice blend that makes this treat a tropical flavor explosion!
Fresh fruits are packed with vitamins and natural sugars that give us energy and keep our immune systems strong. Plus, chaat masala is made from healthy spices like cumin and coriander, which are good for our bodies.
Whole Wheat Shawarma
Where to find it: Shawarma shops are scattered throughout the city, and you can spot them by their mouth-watering aromas!
Cost: Approximately 8 to 15 AED
What it tastes like: Close your eyes and imagine warm, tender grilled chicken or falafel wrapped in a soft whole wheat pita. Add some fresh veggies and a cool yogurt-based dressing, and you’ve got a delightful combination of flavors and textures!
Whole wheat provides more nutrients and fiber than regular white bread, and grilled chicken or falafel gives us protein for strong muscles. The veggies add vitamins, and the yogurt dressing is a healthier alternative to heavy sauces.
Stuffed Vine Leaves (Dolma)
Where to find it: Head to traditional restaurants or local food markets for this Middle Eastern delight.
Cost: Around 15 to 25 AED
What it tastes like: These stuffed vine leaves are like little parcels of goodness! Inside, you’ll find seasoned rice mixed with herbs and spices, all wrapped in tender grape leaves. The combination of flavors is simply amazing!
Dolma is a vegan-friendly option and one of the best healthy foods in Dubai. Dolma means it’s made entirely from plants. Rice gives us carbohydrates for energy, and the grape leaves offer vitamins and minerals to keep our bodies happy and healthy. The dish is also low in fat and a good source of dietary fiber.
Hummus with Pita Bread
Where to find it: Almost every street food vendor or restaurant offers this Middle Eastern classic.
Cost: Approximately 8 to 12 AED What it tastes like: Creamy and nutty, hummus is made from blended chickpeas, tahini (sesame paste), lemon juice, and garlic. It’s served with soft pita bread for dipping.
Why it’s healthy: Hummus is rich in plant-based protein, which is excellent for our muscles. Chickpeas are also high in fiber, which keeps our tummies happy and helps with digestion. The dip is a nutritious and satisfying snack option.
Shawarma Salad
Where to find it: Look for shawarma stands that offer this salad variation.
Cost: Around 15 to 20 AED
What it tastes like: All the delicious flavors of shawarma without the bread! This salad features slices of seasoned chicken or lamb, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a drizzle of tangy dressing.
The salad is low in carbohydrates but high in protein and fiber. The fresh veggies provide essential nutrients, and the dressing adds a burst of flavor without being too heavy on calories.
Grilled Corn-on-the-Cob
Where to find it: Street vendors and beachside stalls often sell grilled corn.
Cost: Approximately 5 to 10 AED
What it tastes like: Juicy, sweet, and smoky! Corn-on-the-cob is grilled to perfection and often served with a sprinkle of salt and a squeeze of lime.
Corn is a good source of vitamins and minerals, like vitamin C and potassium. It’s also low in fat and calories, making it a guilt-free and delicious snack option.
Fruit Smoothies
Where to find it: Smoothie stands, and juice bars are scattered across the city.
Cost: Around 15 to 25 AED
What it tastes like: Cool, refreshing, and bursting with fruity goodness! These smoothies are made from a blend of fresh fruits, ice, and sometimes yogurt.
Fruit smoothies are a great way to enjoy a variety of fruits and their vitamins. They also provide hydration and are a delicious and nutritious way to cool down in Dubai’s warm weather.
Grilled Fish Skewers
Where to find it: Seek out seafood stalls or traditional Arabic restaurants.
Cost: Approximately 20 to 30 AED
What it tastes like: Tender, flaky fish marinated in herbs and spices, then grilled to perfection. Served on skewers with a side of salad or rice.
Fish is an excellent source of lean protein and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Grilling the fish keeps it low in fat, making it a smart and delicious choice for a meal.
Conclusion
There are many healthy foods in Dubai that you can try on the streets. These foods are not only delicious but also good for your body. What’s great is that the people who make this street food take special care to keep everything clean and safe. So you don’t need to worry about getting sick when you eat there.
When you try these street foods, it’s like discovering new and exciting flavors from different places around the world. Every bite is a fun surprise. Remember, it’s important to eat balanced meals and enjoy your food. So if you get a chance, go on a food adventure in Dubai and try these healthy street foods. Your taste buds and your body will thank you for it!
