If you have not had an Arabic breakfast then where have you been hiding? If you live in the Middle East or have been lucky enough to visit someone who lives here, chances are that you have been able to sample what is commonly called an Arabic Breakfast. Basically this refers to a selection of many small dishes, served on a tray. The choice of dishes depends on the country! Common dishes usually include hummus, falafel, bread, olives, cheese and vegetables like cucumber & tomatoes.
You may know these as mezze, or small share plates, so that there is something for everyone but there is still love in the act of sharing- Arab culture is big on sharing. Breakfast is no different, and I find the variety of tastes and textures such an inspiring way to start the day. If you want to know more about different breakfasts in different regions, read through this article.
Forget the sponsored lists and gibberish reviews on Facebook groups; I have compiled a definitive list of my top 4 picks of places to have an Arabic breakfast in Dubai. They all make for a perfect place to take out of town guests because the quality of food is excellent and the décor makes for pretty Instagram photos too!
Note: Prices are based on meals for 2 people and 2 non-alcoholic drinks. None of my meals at these restaurants were sponsored and I paid full price.
Arabian Tea House
Perhaps the BEST place for a wide variety or Arabic breakfast options is this one. Both locations are pretty but if its your guests’ first time in the Middle East, definitely take them to the Bastakiya branch for the outdoor/indoor garden- you will see what I mean when I go there. They have quite a few platters to please the palate so you’re sure to find something you like. Just remember that one platter serves around 3 people so don’t order too many things.
Panda recommends you order: The Egyptian Breakfast Tray
Polar recommends you order: The Liver Breakfast Tray (not for me thanks!)
Cost: 150AED for 2 people
Panda’s Rating out of 5:
Mum’s Table Restaurant
A recent find of mine while on the hunt to find an Arabic breakfast in Dubai led me to this gem.
The restaurant is very quirky, decorated to feel like an outdoor terrace and they are open 24/7 and offer breakfast all day. Also, situated in Dubai Design District, the restaurant is in heart of one of Dubai’s trendiest neighbourhoods offering colourful murals and stellar views of the Burj Khalifa. While the food itself isn’t anything to write home about, I still think its worth a visit!
Panda recommends you order: The karak tea
Cost: 200 AED for 2 people
Panda’s Rating out of 5:
Sikka Cafe
Sikka Cafe at La Mer is one of my favourite options for an Arabic breakfast in Dubai. The decor is stunning, the food is scrumptious and La Mer itself is a wonderful place to admire the quirky art and pristine beach. I also love the fact that you can choose the way you want your eggs to be cooked when you order the breakfast platter. A definite winner when I am looking for a place to take guests!
Panda recommends you order: The iced karak tea
Polar recommends you order: The paratha served with butter & gravy
Cost: 200 AED for 2 people (or use the Entertainer app to avail the buy 1, get 1 free offer)
Panda’s Rating out of 5:
Mama’esh
One of the most down to earth, reasonably priced places to eat food at in Dubai this place specialises in Palestinian home-cooked fare. Their breakfast come served on a tray and you can order a variety of flatbreads to accompany it. With free wifi, charging cables you can borrow and free tea refills ( yes you heard it right!), what’s not to love? While not the most Instagram worthy, the restaurant makes you feel like you are in a friend’s home enjoying their mum’s delicious food. Don’t forget to snap a photo outside their flowery restaurant!
Panda recommends you order: The Mama’esh Breakfast Platter with Karak tea
Polar recommends you order: The chicken & cheese fatayer
Cost: 100AED for 2 people
Panda’s Rating out of 5:
Caring for yourself means fuelling your body for the day ahead. For me, breakfast is, undoubtedly the most important meal of the day. But there are only so many avocado smashed toasts you want to photograph— there’s a whole world of thrilling morning meals out there. Rest assured that my Arabic breakfast in Dubai recommendations will satisfy your brekkie cravings whether its breakfast for one, a leisurely meal with your partner or somewhere you need to go to entertain the guests.
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Do you enjoy a good Arabic breakfast? Or is it something you are keen to try? Let me know in the comments below!
4 Comments
Im ready to book a flight just for that Karak tea 😭😭
Some days I think this tea is the only keeping me in the Gulf!!
did you stand on a chair to get those photos? asking for a short friend aka expatpenguin
I used a certain tall white bear to help me out!