Discover Dubai's unique and delicious dessert scene. From traditional camel milk ice cream and luqaimat to modern creations like liquid nitrogen ice cream and baklava ice cream, this guide reveals the best places to find these sweet treats and karak tea-flavored delights.
Dubai is a city of culinary adventures, and while its fine dining and street food scenes are widely celebrated, the dessert landscape is equally exciting. Beyond the predictable chocolate and vanilla, a world of innovative and culturally rich sweets awaits. From ice cream made with an ancient local ingredient to classic pastries given a modern twist, here are 10 unique dessert flavors you must try in Dubai.
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Perhaps the most uniquely Emirati dessert on this list, camel milk ice cream is a creamy, slightly salty, and incredibly delicious treat. Camel milk has a long history in the Gulf as a nutritious staple, but in recent years, it has been embraced by modern food innovators. The flavor is distinct and pairs beautifully with traditional spices and sweets.
Saffron, often called "red gold," and aromatic rosewater are two of the most cherished flavors in Middle Eastern cuisine. When combined, they create a floral, fragrant, and slightly earthy flavor profile that is both elegant and unforgettable. You'll find this combination in everything from ice cream to traditional milk puddings.
Baklava is a rich, flaky pastry made of layers of phyllo dough, chopped nuts, and sweet syrup. Now imagine all that crunchy, nutty, syrupy goodness folded into creamy ice cream. It's a match made in dessert heaven, offering a mix of textures and an explosion of classic flavors.
Luqaimat are small, deep-fried dumplings that are crispy on the outside and soft and airy on the inside. They are one of the few desserts with true Emirati roots, traditionally made during festive gatherings. The dumplings are served hot and fresh, drizzled with a rich date syrup that gives them a sweet, almost caramel-like finish.
Kunafa is a warm, gooey dessert that is an essential part of Middle Eastern cuisine. It's made of a soft cheese center sandwiched between shredded phyllo dough (kataifi), then baked until golden and crunchy and soaked in a simple syrup. The pistachio version adds a nutty, rich layer to the already decadent dish.
While not a flavor itself, the process of making liquid nitrogen ice cream creates a unique texture that is incredibly smooth and dense. The "theater" of watching your ice cream freeze in a cloud of vapor makes it a must-try experience, and the flavors are often inventive.
Karak tea is a strong, sweet, and spiced tea that is a beloved everyday drink in the UAE. Its robust flavor has made its way into various modern desserts, from ice cream to milk cakes and cheesecakes. The taste is a comforting mix of black tea, cardamom, and evaporated milk.
The caramelized flavor of Lotus Biscoff cookies has taken the world by storm, and Dubai is no exception. From soft-serve ice cream to milkshakes and cakes, the sweet, spiced flavor of these biscuits is a popular choice and can be found in many cafes and dessert shops.
Dates are a cornerstone of Emirati culture and cuisine, symbolizing hospitality and sustenance. You'll find them in a variety of delicious desserts, from cakes and puddings to stuffed dates and date milkshakes. The natural sweetness of the fruit makes it a versatile ingredient.
Vimto is a popular fruit-flavored cordial, especially beloved during Ramadan. Its unique, fruity, and slightly spicy flavor has been transformed into a refreshing sorbet that is perfect for Dubai's hot climate. It’s a nostalgic and uniquely local flavor that is a must-try for anyone looking for something different.
