Dubai’s diverse culture makes it a food lover’s dream. For expats, exploring Arabic foods is a flavorful way to connect. Here are five must-try dishes from the Arabic foods list, all served at Trove Restaurant.
Why Try Arabic Foods in Dubai?
Dubai offers both authentic and modern takes on foods in Arabic cuisine. From street eats to fine dining, each dish helps you experience the culture, values, and deep-rooted traditions of the region.
Most Arabic dishes are made for sharing, often bringing families and friends together over large, delicious meals. And the best part? Many dishes fall under healthy foods in Arabic, thanks to fresh ingredients, herbs, olive oil, legumes, and lean meats.
The Arabic Foods List Every Expat Should Start With
There are many options to explore, but if you’re just getting started, here are the top five Arabic-inspired dishes you need to try, each offering a unique taste of Middle Eastern tradition with a modern Trove twist.
1. Hummus
Let’s begin with one of the most famous Arabic foods, hummus. This smooth, creamy dip made from blended chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic is a staple across the region.
Hummus is light, nutritious, and packed with flavor. It’s served as a starter and often eaten with warm pita bread or fresh veggies. Its simplicity makes it a favorite for both locals and visitors.
At Trove Restaurant, the hummus is prepared using fresh ingredients, delivering a smooth texture and rich taste you’ll want to keep dipping into.
2. Lentil Soup
If you’re looking for healthy foods in Arabic, lentil soup is the perfect choice, especially if you need lunch in Dubai. It’s comforting, filling, and surprisingly nutritious.
Lentil soup is made with red lentils, garlic, onions, cumin, and lemon. It’s warm and soothing, perfect for Dubai’s cooler evenings or as a light starter before your main course.
Trove’s version is hearty without being heavy. It’s served with a touch of lemon and herbs, making it both flavorful and healthy.
3. Braised Beef Bulgur
While bulgur wheat might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Arabic breakfast foods or main courses, it’s a grain deeply rooted in Levantine cooking. Pair it with tender braised beef, and you have a dish that’s full of depth and tradition.
The dish combines juicy, slow-cooked beef with soft bulgur, seasoned with regional spices. It’s filling, rich, and represents the kind of home-cooked comfort food you’d find in a traditional Arabic household.
If you’re looking to explore beyond the usual kebabs and shawarma, Trove’s Braised Beef Bulgur offers a gourmet version of an everyday Arabic staple.
4. Dubai Chocolate Tahini Dome
Dessert lovers, this one’s for you! The foods in Arabic category include plenty of sweet treats, or date-filled pastries. But if you’re up for a modern twist, Trove’s Dubai Chocolate Tahini Dome is a must-try.
This dessert combines rich chocolate with the nutty flavor of tahini, creating a balanced, satisfying finish to your meal. The dome melts beautifully to reveal a luscious interior, making it as much a visual treat as it is a flavorful one.
This dish bridges East and West, showcasing how Arabic flavors can be blended into high-end dessert creations.

5. Dubai Chocolate Ice Cream
Finishing strong, let’s talk about ice cream, but with a Dubai twist. The Dubai Chocolate Ice Cream is more than just a scoop; it’s an experience.
Arabic desserts often use ingredients like saffron, rose water, pistachios, and dates. While this dish focuses on rich chocolate, it carries the bold, deep notes typical of regional sweets.
Trove’s take on ice cream brings elegance and indulgence to your table, offering the perfect end to your Arabic food journey.
Why Are Arabic Foods So Popular Among Expats?
The popularity of Arabic foods among expats isn’t just about flavor, it’s about experience. Meals are generous and designed for sharing, often featuring multiple dishes that cover the full range of flavors: salty, spicy, sour, and sweet.