The best desserts and sweets in Dubai

Planning your time wisely is the key to a successful Dubai tour. With our Two Continents website , you'll plan both a tour of top attractions and breaks for lunch or dessert.

Table of Contents:
 

• Dubai's traditional desserts
   
• Luxury sweet specialties in Dubai
   
• Best patisseries - where to buy sweets in Dubai?
   
• Questions and answers (FAQ)
   
  • 1. what traditional Arabic desserts are worth trying in Dubai?
     
  • 2. what are the popular confectioneries in Dubai?
     
  • 3. what are the best desserts to try in Dubai?
     

Traditional desserts of Dubai
 

Traditional Arabic sweets are distinguished by intense flavors, with nuts, honey, cardamom, pistachios, dates and saffron playing a major role. Here are some of the unique desserts you should enjoy during your stay in Dubai.
 

Kunafa
 

This is a subtle kadayif pastry dish, served warm, filled with soft cheese and topped with sweet syrup. Kunafa is one of the most famous Arab desserts and comes in different versions depending on the region. In Dubai, it is often enriched with pistachios or saffron, which gives it a unique flavor.
 

Baklava
 

This is a true masterpiece of Middle Eastern confectionery art. This unique dessert consists of delicate layers of crisp filo pastry, layered with finely chopped nuts, usually pistachios or walnuts. The whole thing is soaked in an aromatic syrup of honey and rose water, which gives it its characteristic sweetness and moistness. In Dubai, baklava is often served as an elegant finale to a meal or as an accompaniment to afternoon coffee.
 

Challah
 

This creamy dessert is a real gem among Arab sweets. Its base is tahini sesame paste, which gives it a distinctive nutty flavor and smooth texture. Traditional challah from Dubai has a fibrous texture and gently melts in the mouth. It comes in different variants, such as with pistachios, almonds and even chocolate. The challah is not only tasty, but also very filling, as it contains a lot of protein and healthy fats derived from sesame.
 

Luqaimat
 

These miniature doughnuts, golden in color, are an integral part of Ramadan. Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, these delicacies are prepared by deep-frying. They gain their unique character from being coated in honey or date syrup. Sprinkled with sesame seeds, they are the perfect accompaniment to aromatic Arabic coffee.
 

Umm Ali
 

“Mother Ali,” or Umm Ali, is a unique Middle Eastern rendition of the classic bread pudding. Made with delicate filo dough, milk and the addition of nuts and raisins, baked to a golden color, it is enduringly popular with locals and tourists.

Luxury sweet specialties in Dubai
 

Confectioneries in Dubai serve both classic Arabic sweets and desserts inspired by cuisines from around the world. Of particular interest are those places that combine local flavors with modern confectionery techniques.
 

Desserts with the addition of gold
 

24-karat edible gold adorns Dubai's most exclusive desserts, and an example of this extravagance is the “Gold Ice Cream” at Scoopi Cafe. This unique treat, which combines Madagascar vanilla, truffles and saffron with gold flakes, is the quintessential example of the luxury and sophistication for which the Emirati metropolis is famous.
 

Camel milk ice cream
 

Among Dubai's specialties, camel milk ice cream - an ingredient with centuries of tradition in Arab cuisine - deserves special attention. Produced by the Al Nassma brand in a variety of flavors, from saffron to chocolate and pistachio, they delight not only with their milder taste and lower fat content than regular ice cream, but also with their high nutritional value.
 

“Dubai Miracle” - chocolate fondant.
 

The classic Dubai chocolate fondant gets an oriental touch thanks to regional additives - aromatic saffron, sweet honey or juicy dates. The city's exclusive restaurants offer even more sophisticated versions of this dessert, decorating it with edible gold or combining it with exotic fruits characteristic of the region.
 

The best patisseries - where to buy sweets in Dubai?
 

Dubai abounds with places where you can enjoy both classic Arabian desserts and modern sweets. Here are some recommended pastry shops that have a wide selection of local specialties on offer:
 

Mado Café: famous for its Turkish ice cream. This is the perfect place to try ice cream desserts with an oriental flair. In addition to ice cream, the menu includes traditional Turkish baklava and other sweet treats.
 

Bateel: is an exclusive brand that is mainly famous for its wide selection of dates, presented in stylish packaging. It also offers a variety of sweets, including filled dates and chocolates with unique flavors.
 

Le Gourmet: this well-known patisserie serves both classic Arabic sweets and modern desserts inspired by global trends. You can find unusual cakes, macarons and ice cream desserts that are prepared with the highest quality ingredients.
 

Al Samadi Sweets: is a patisserie that focuses on traditional Middle Eastern sweets. Baklava, kunafa, challah and many other delicacies are made here according to classic recipes, ensuring their authentic taste.

Questions and answers (FAQ)
 

1. What traditional Arabic desserts are worth trying in Dubai?
 

In Dubai, you can enjoy a variety of classic Arabic desserts that showcase the richness of the region's culture and culinary traditions. Here are some of the most famous sweets to include in your trip: kunafa, baklava, challah, luqaimat and “Mother Ali,” or Umm Ali
 

2. What are the popular candy shops in Dubai?
 

Dubai is a real heaven for fans of sweets, with a wide range of confectioneries serving both classic Arab desserts and modern baked goods. Here are some of Dubai's well-known pastry shops worth checking out: Mado Café, Bateel, Le Gourmet and also Al Samadi Sweets.
 

3. What are the best desserts to try in Dubai?
 

Dubai provides a wide selection of unique desserts that harmoniously combine Middle Eastern traditions with modern influences. Here are some sweets that are definitely worth tasting: luqaimat, crispy doughnuts with date syrup, kunafa, filo pastry cookies with nuts, and Arabic ice cream.