Food in Dubai in the Summer: What to Order in the Heat and Where it’s Comfortable to Eat at +40°C

Forget the heat: learn how to eat, drink, and save money in summer Dubai like a local.

Summer in Dubai. The thermometer reads +40°C, the asphalt melts, and the air shimmers with heat. It seems that thoughts of food should take a backseat to dreams of air conditioning. But what if we told you that it’s precisely under these conditions that a gastronomic adventure becomes even more exciting? It simply changes the rules. Instead of just “surviving” the Dubai heat, we’ll teach you how to enjoy it. This guide is your ticket to a world of cool restaurants, clever delivery hacks, refreshing dishes, and honest prices. Get ready to discover summer Dubai from its tastiest and surprisingly most comfortable side.

Oases of cool: Restaurants and cafes where the heat stays outside the door

Let’s be honest: in summer in Dubai, when choosing a restaurant, you first look for the word “air conditioning” in the reviews—and only then “cuisine.” All those charming terraces and verandas that are so enticing in winter turn into a branch of hell on earth in July. That’s why our priority is clear: we’re seeking refuge in cool, stylish dining rooms with panoramic windows, where you can enjoy views of the sun-drenched city while staying in absolute comfort.

The most reliable places to find such oases are in large hotels and central districts like Downtown. In mid-range and upscale establishments, it’s important to keep two key points in mind. First, many reputable restaurants and bars have a smart casual dress code: smart everyday attire, closed-toe shoes, and no beachwear, especially in the evening. Second, making a reservation is not a whim but a necessity, particularly for popular spots with great views.

Gastronomy without leaving your room: the magic of delivery and supermarket treasures

In the height of a summer day, the very thought of heading out for lunch seems insane. This is when your main allies, delivery services, step onto the scene. Apps like Talabat and Deliveroo become a magic wand that teleports food from the city’s best restaurants straight to your door. It’s your personal ticket to a comfortable lunch without breaking a sweat.

And if you're in the mood for something quick, varied, and budget-friendly, your destination is the food sections of giants like Carrefour or Lulu Hypermarket. Forget about meager shelves—these are true gastronomic bazaars under one roof, where you can put together a full dinner from a dozen of the freshest dishes from Arab, Indian, and Asian cuisines at ridiculously low prices.

Dubai's summer menu: What to eat and drink to beat the heat

Lightness on the plate: what to order to stay refreshed

Your body knows better than any dietitian how to cope with the heat—it craves lightness. And Levantine cuisine responds in kind. Your table should look like this:

• Cool mezze appetizers: Imagine silky, creamy hummus that you scoop up with a crispy flatbread; smoky, slightly tart eggplant mutabbal; and an explosion of freshness in every spoonful of tabbouleh salad with its juicy greens, lemon, and bulgur grains.
• Crispy salads: Be sure to try fattoush—a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables, herbs, and toasted pita pieces topped with a sweet-and-sour dressing. Every bite is crunchy and refreshing.
• Grilled Seafood Delights: Forget heavy sauces. The perfect choice is tender fish or firm shrimp, fresh off the grill and drizzled with lemon juice. Simple, clean, and just right.

The main tip: avoid heavy, fatty, and fried foods that place extra strain on your body in hot weather.

Liquid rescue: what to drink to beat the heat

Proper hydration is key to survival, but why limit yourself to plain water? Discover a world of local beverages. Imagine an ice-cold, freshly squeezed mango or watermelon juice. Try one of the countless cocktails—such as the classic “Lemon with Mint,” which energizes better than any energy drink. And for the adventurous, enjoy a refreshing, slightly salty ayran or laban—traditional fermented milk drinks that quench your thirst surprisingly well.

Desserts that don’t weigh you down

Even at +40°C, you still crave something sweet. To ensure your dessert brings pleasure rather than heaviness, opt for lighter options. The ideal choices include plates of juicy exotic fruits, light sorbets with berry or citrus flavors, and traditional Middle Eastern milk puddings such as muhallabiyah with rosewater and pistachios, which are always served chilled.

Practical planning: Your gastronomic guide to Dubai

Cultural code: Ramadan, Halal, and dietary considerations

If your trip falls during Ramadan

If you find yourself in Dubai during the holy month of Ramadan for Muslims, it’s important to show respect for local traditions. During daylight hours (from dawn to sunset), believers observe a strict fast. During this period, tourists should refrain from eating, drinking, and smoking in public places. For the convenience of visitors, most hotel restaurants and designated, curtained areas in shopping mall food courts continue to operate as usual.

As the sun sets, Iftar begins—the evening meal that turns into a true gastronomic celebration. Many restaurants and hotels offer luxurious “iftar buffets” in a buffet-style format. Attending such a dinner is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and sample dozens of dishes from traditional Arab cuisine.

Halal, vegetarianism, and allergies: what you need to know

Almost all food in Dubai is, by default, halal, meaning it is prepared in accordance with Islamic dietary laws (without pork or alcohol). Pork dishes can be found in special “For non-Muslims” sections in large supermarkets (such as Spinneys) and on the menus of hotel restaurants that hold the appropriate license. Thanks to the strong influence of Indian and Levantine cuisines, Dubai is a true paradise for vegetarians. Hummus, falafel, vegetable curries, and lentil soups are available almost everywhere. In addition, the city boasts numerous specialized vegan cafés.

If you have food allergies, staff at Dubai’s restaurants are generally very attentive.

• Always inform the waiter about your allergies when placing your order.
• For severe dietary restrictions, opt for restaurants located in major international hotels.
• Avoid buffet-style dining due to the risk of cross-contamination.

Approximate daily food budget in Dubai

Financial literacy at the table: How to read a bill and leave tips

What makes up the bill: taxes and fees

Now for the moment that has broken more than one tourist’s heart (and budget)—the final restaurant bill. Here’s the main financial rule in Dubai that you need to memorize: the price on the menu is not the total cost. Always, and we mean always, three magical lines will be added to the price, turning your expected 100 dirhams into a final total of 122.

• 5% VAT (Value Added Tax)
• 7% Municipality Fee (Municipal fee)
• 10% Service Charge (Service charge)

As a result, the final amount on the bill will be about 22% higher than what you expected when looking at the menu.

Tips and payment: local etiquette rules

Tipping in Dubai is an act of goodwill, not an obligation. However, if you are satisfied with the service, it is customary to leave a small gratuity on top of the bill, even when a service charge is already included. The best way to do this is in cash, as this ensures that the money goes directly to the employee.

Dubai may seem like a kingdom of "plastic," where cards are accepted at every turn. And that's almost true. But having a small stash of dirhams in your pocket is your superpower. It’s precisely cash that will come to your rescue when you want to leave a sincere tip for the waiter, buy spices at the market, grab an ice-cold juice from a street kiosk, or pay for a taxi where the terminal “happens” to be out of order. Don’t overlook this safety net.

Dubai’s heat is not a sentence, it’s an invitation to get creative

As you can see, summer gastronomy in Dubai isn’t about survival; it’s about knowing how to play by its rules. A cool restaurant with a view of the scorching city, a dinner made from supermarket treasures in your air-conditioned hotel room, an ice-cold cocktail by the pool—these are not compromises but a special kind of pleasure available to those who are prepared. Now you know that the heat isn’t a wall but merely a backdrop. Behind it lies the same incredibly tasty, diverse, and welcoming Dubai. And you definitely know how to get the most out of it, regardless of what the thermometer says. Bon appétit!