Private Dubai: Old Town Arabian Food Fest
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
From USD 144.00
Office phone number: +97 156 215 9898
Private Dubai: Old Town Arabian Food Fest
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.
Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
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Tour snapshot
Explore the flavours of old Dubai on an Arabian culinary adventure and private tour with a local. Soak up Middle Eastern customs and traditions as you feast on a vast array of tempting delights, including kebabs, falafel, tandoori meats, dates, and some knock-out sugary sweets. Take your taste buds on a magic carpet ride and discover the best food that the Persian Gulf has to offer in this multicultural culinary wonderland.
This tour is priced for a minimum group size of two travellers. A solo traveller may still book this private experience but will be charged the base rate for two travellers.
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Highlights
- Taste a real deal kebab at an authentic shawarma joint
- Indulge your sweet tooth and try the best pastries the Arabian Peninsula has to offer
- Try our favourite falafel and learn about all the different varieties plus the spices needed to make the very best falafel
- Do as the locals do and eat dinner on the floor and using your hands in a traditional old town restaurant
- Taste the juiciest dates and nuts in the city and shop for the best quality saffron with a local to help you
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Schedule details
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Meeting point:
Inside Union metro station, next to the Al Rostamani International Exchange office, near the exit to Al Maktoum Street. Both the red and green lines stop here. If you are taking a taxi, ensure you have extra time as traffic can be heavy in the afternoon.
- Starting time: 6.30 PM
- Ending point:
Al Ragga metro station.
Language: English
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, food samples as per itinerary (shawarma, falafel, fava beans, tahini, mandi, Arabic pastries, fresh juice, and water).
Exclusions: Additional food and drinks, souvenirs and personal shopping (such as nuts and dates), transportation to and from the meeting/end points, tips/gratuities for your guide.
Prepare to immerse yourself in real Arabian cuisine! This private tour will lead you to the Al Ragga, an area where a delightful mix of cultures all lives together in harmony. Today, however, we will get a feel for Middle Eastern food as we taste some of the highlights of the region.
Our first stop will be a shawarma restaurant for a kebab, the most popular fast food option in the city. Chicken dishes are usually paired with a yummy garlic aioli called toom while beef is teamed up with tahini. Veggie options are available too.
If you want to buy some of the best dates, saffron, and nuts in the city, do it with a local to ensure that you get the best product for the very best price. Thankfully, we’re here to help you, as next up we will take you to a tiny shop that sells the juiciest dates — chocolate-coated if you so desire — and the freshest nuts in the city. They also stock the best quality saffron (sagol ), too. Feel free to do some personal shopping (at your own expense) for goodies to take away with you.
Falafel is next on the menu and we think this next stop is the best Dubai has to offer. Learn all about the different types of falafel and how it is made as you scoff it down with fragrant tahini and some feisty fava beans.
Taking a stroll deeper into the old town we will discover more about the city and its origins before stopping for a fresh fruit juice in a cool juice bar with a dizzying array of fresh fruit virgin cocktails to choose from. A great way to cool off on a hot day!
Next, we will fully immerse ourselves in local customs and eat with locals at a popular mandi restaurant. This is one of the few places in town where you can observe local Emiratis chilling out with their families. Mandi is a deliciously spiced chicken dish served with nuts, rice, and yoghurt. We will do as the locals do and sit on the floor and eat using our hands, although be sure to use only your right hand (you will learn what to do with your left hand…).
Back on the streets we will seek out our dessert at a delightful pastry shop, and sample a mouth-watering smorgasbord of Arabic desserts: konafa, semolina, and dozens of different types of baklava.
Our tour will end on this fabulously sugary high. For more ways to immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of Dubai, ask your guide for more hints and tips on how to get the most out of your trip.
Note: This tour is priced for a minimum group size of two travellers. A solo traveller may still book this private experience but will be charged the base rate for two travellers.
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Additional information
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, food samples as per itinerary (shawarma, falafel, fava beans, tahini, mandi, Arabic pastries, fresh juice, and water).
Exclusions: Additional food and drinks, souvenirs and personal shopping (such as nuts and dates), transportation to and from the meeting/end points, tips/gratuities for your guide.
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.
Child Policy: Children between the ages of 6 and 11 inclusively are permitted on this tour at the rate listed above. Please select ‘child’ above when booking. Children below the age of 6 are not permitted on this tour.
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Local contact
Office phone number: +97 156 215 9898
Email address: info@dubaiurbanadventures.com
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