Dubai Cuisine
Dubai surprisingly does not have a solid national cuisine. The city is situated in a very central area of the Middle East, and the dishes cooked here by locals tend to be fusions of many different middle eastern styles, particularly those of Lebanon and Iran.

The original staples of early Dubai were meager, mostly fresh dried fish, camel meat, and dates. It wasn't until Dubai saw huge growth by way of immigration from other areas that it began to develop a more sophisticated cuisine.

Lebanese restaurants are located all over the city, and tend to serve up some of the best food around. The style cooked in these outlets is different from its traditional food: while the ingredients are distinctly Lebanese, the cooking style and presentation is mostly influenced by the traditions of the Arabian Peninsula. Falafels, a deep fried chickpea and garlic ball, is a popular and tasty snack. Homous, a chickpea, garlic and lemon dip, is also common.

Iranian food tends to be quite spicy, and is often served with nuts and raisins adorning the dishes. Kebab stands are all over the city, and kebabs are served with a variety of side dishes, including rice, yoghurt, lettuce, tomatoes, cabbage and onions. Most Iranian restaurants serve Koresh, a delicious meat stew. Naan, a flat loaf of bread, is a staple here and is delicious, especially when eaten with Lebanese Homous.

While visiting Dubai be sure to try the local coffee. Gahwa, the Arabic name for coffee, is green or greenish-brown in color, a hue that comes from the Cardamom it is flavored with. This coffee tends to be extremely strong, and is served in tiny cups that only hold a few sips' worth. Turkish coffee is also popular in Dubai, which is very thick and strong, and should be drank with a fair bit of sugar.