Craving something sweet? Explore the best desserts in Dubai, including popular local treats like camel milk ice cream and luqaimat.
Dubai ‘s finest pastries blend traditional Middle Eastern sweets with creative innovations. From syrup-soaked gooey pastries to internet-famous chocolate creations, the city’s dessert scene offers a well-known array of authenticity and modern luxury.
Try kunafa, a local favorite, made of layers of shredded dough with sweet cheese and syrup, or sample luqaimat, crispy golden fritters soaked in date syrup. For a truly indulgent dessert, try Dubai Chocolate Cake, a decadent treat inspired by Dubai’s famous chocolates and filled with pistachios. If you’re wondering about recommended desserts in Dubai, this guide will offer some truly worthwhile options.
1. Dubai Chocolate
With the rise of local brands and chocolatiers offering everything from whole grains to chocolate bars, chocolate has become one of Dubai’s most popular desserts. Don’t miss the iconic Dubai chocolate bar, famously made by Fix Dessert Chocolatier. This milk chocolate bar, generously filled with a creamy pistachio and tahini paste and crispy qatayef pastry pieces, has become a Dubai favorite. Due to its popularity, many local chocolatiers and even some cafes now offer their own versions.
How do you eat the best chocolate in Dubai?
Look for artisanal chocolate shops like Fix in the confectionery boutiques of Jumeirah and Downtown. It’s best enjoyed chilled, especially during Dubai’s summer.
2. Dubai Chocolate Cake
Dubai boasts a diverse array of cakes, from saffron-infused milk cakes like Tres Leches to date cakes infused with cinnamon and cloves. While not traditional Emirati desserts, these cakes reflect Dubai’s modern and varied influences. One of Dubai’s most popular treats is the Dubai Cake, inspired by the iconic chocolate bar. It features layers of soft chocolate cake with a rich pistachio filling, all covered in luxurious chocolate.
How do you eat the best cake in Dubai?
Look for Dubai cakes in bakeries and pastry shops in Jumeirah and City Walk. They are usually sold by the piece, and some varieties come with a drizzle of melted chocolate or gold leaf for a more luxurious experience.
3. Bites
Luqaimat are deep-fried pancakes, golden and crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. They are one of the few desserts in Dubai with truly Emirati roots, traditionally prepared during Ramadan and at festive gatherings. The batter is lightly spiced, usually with cardamom and saffron, and then the luqaimat are drizzled with date syrup or sometimes sesame seeds or honey.
How to eat the best bites in Dubai?
Luqaimat are best enjoyed hot and fresh, and can be found at stalls in places like Global Village, the Expo City food fairs, or the weekend markets in Al Shindagha. They are usually sold in paper trays and come in small portions, making them ideal for sharing.
4. Camel milk ice cream
Camel milk has a long history in the Gulf region, but in recent years it has found its way into desserts in Dubai, especially ice cream.Camel milk is slightly saltier and less fatty than cow’s milk, adding a subtle depth to dishes. You’ll find it in classic ice cream flavors like chocolate and vanilla, as well as in regional flavors like Arabic coffee, saffron, and dates.
How to get the best camel milk ice cream in Dubai?
Try an ice cream scoop from a specialty kiosk in Downtown Dubai or City Walk, which are often located near Emirati dessert shops. Most places allow you to sample a variety of flavors before choosing one.
5. Kunafa
Kunafa is one of Dubai’s most popular desserts, and it’s a Levantine favorite. It consists of soft cheese or clotted cream layered under shredded phyllo pastry, then deep-fried in butter until crispy and dipped in orange blossom syrup. A rich and sticky treat, it’s best enjoyed warm. You’ll see kunafa made fresh to order at kiosks with glass windows, where the cheese melts right before your eyes. Kunafa is also featured in other desserts, such as kunafa-topped ice cream and kunafa-filled croissants.
How to eat the best kunafa in Dubai?
Kunafa is often found in Dubai at night, in areas such as Satwa, Deira and Al Rigga, which come alive after dark.