What to buy at the Dubai Spice Souk? A guide to the best spices and souvenirs

Souvenirs from Dubai – spices, oils, teas

Spice bazaar Dubai Spice Souk is one of the most aromatic and atmospheric places in Dubai. This traditional market is located in the historic district of Deira and has been at the heart of the Middle Eastern spice trade for decades. Even in ancient times, Dubai was a key point on the trade route connecting Asia, Africa and Europe. That is why today, at the Dubai Spice Souk, you will find a wide range of products from India, Iran and Morocco, among others. This is where you can do your best shopping in Dubai, such as Arabic herbs and spices.

If you are in Dubai or will be there soon, you absolutely have to try the famous Dubai chocolate with kataifi pastry, which you can get at the shop at Arafat. It is a real treat for gourmets!

Which spices should you buy at the Dubai Spice Souk?

If you are looking for oriental spices in Dubai, the Dubai Spice Souk is the perfect place to discover the Middle East's rich flavours and aromas. You will find both classic ingredients of Arabic cuisine, such as saffron, cardamom, cinnamon and za'atar, as well as unique spice blends imported from India, Iran and North Africa. This bazaar is famous for its extremely intense scents that fill the air, creating a truly magical atmosphere.

Are you wondering what to buy at the spice market in Dubai? In addition to spices, it is worth paying attention to herbs and teas from Dubai, which are often chosen by tourists as souvenirs from Dubai. Many stalls also offer local blends such as baharat, sumac or biryani mixes, which are perfect for enhancing the flavour of home-cooked meals. Not to forget aromatic spices from Dubai such as exceptionally high-quality saffron or locally produced Arabic coffee blends.

The Dubai Spice Souk is a place that attracts both professional chefs and culinary enthusiasts who want to take the authentic taste of Dubai home with them.

Spices in Dubai – what is worth buying at the market? The secret of Middle Eastern cuisine

At the Dubai Spice Souk, it is worth paying attention to ready-made spice mixes, which are the secret of the Middle East's intense and aromatic dishes. Many of them are carefully composed combinations of herbs and spices that have been used in Arabic cuisine for centuries. If you want to enrich the flavour of your dishes with authentic Middle Eastern notes, be sure to try these blends:

• Baharat - a spicy blend ideal for meat and stews, often used in Arabic and Turkish cuisine.
• Za'atar – a mixture of dried thyme, sumac and sesame seeds, which goes well with pita bread, cheese and salads.
• Ras el Hanout – a Moroccan blend of several spices, used to give couscous and lamb dishes a deep and rich aroma.

At the bazaar, you can also find other Dubai specialities at the Dubai Spice Souk, such as unique spice mixes for Arabic coffee, local versions of garam masala or special spices for grilled meat and fish.

If you want to get to know the city better, go to our attractions in Dubai tab and check out our range of tours. You will find suggestions that will allow you to discover the most interesting places in the city.

What are the prices of spices at the Dubai Spice Souk?

Prices at the Dubai Spice Souk vary and depend largely on your ability to negotiate. Bargaining is the norm here, so it's worth taking the time to get a better deal. Vendors often offer spice samples, allowing you to judge the quality before buying.

Sample prices:

• Saffron – from AED 10 per gram depending on quality,
• Cardamom – approx. 40-60 AED per 100 g,
• Za'atar – approx. 15-30 AED per 100 g,
• Dried fruit and dates – from 20 AED per 500 g,
• Fragrance oils – from 50 AED per small bottle.

It is also worth buying in larger quantities, as many traders are happy to give discounts on larger transactions. Remember that prices may vary depending on the season and availability of products.

Where can you find the best spices in Dubai?

The Dubai Spice Souk is, of course, the place to find the widest selection of spices, teas and souvenirs, but if you are looking for alternative places, it is also worth visiting:

• Global Village – an international market where you can find spices from all over the world, from aromatic saffron to exotic Asian blends.
   
• The Dubai Mall – Souk Arabic – a luxurious version of a bazaar in a shopping centre, ideal for those looking for high-quality products in an atmospheric, elegant environment.
• Souk Madinat Jumeirah – a modern interpretation of an Arabian market with high-quality products, offering not only spices but also exclusive oils, local sweets and handicrafts.
   
• Arafat's shop is a family-run business with a long tradition, where you can find a wide range of spices, herbs and teas from Dubai, as well as aromatic blends that perfectly reflect the taste of the Middle East.

It is also worth visiting traditional food markets such as the Waterfront Market in Deira, where local traders offer fresh spices and dried herbs at attractive prices. Regardless of the place you choose, spices from Dubai are a perfect souvenir that will allow you to recreate Middle Eastern flavours in your home kitchen.

What should you buy as a souvenir from the Dubai Spice Souk?

If you are wondering what to buy in Dubai at the Dubai Spice Souk, here is a list of the best suggestions:

• Saffron and other oriental spices - high-quality spices such as cinnamon, cardamom and cumin are a must-have for lovers of aromatic cuisine.
• Arabic teas and herbal blends – a wide selection of teas, from classic black to unique herbal and floral blends.
• Dates and sweets – fresh Medjool dates, stuffed with almonds or covered in chocolate, are one of the most popular delicacies.
• Fragrance oils and perfumes – oriental oils such as oud or amber are a great alternative to traditional perfumes.
• Natural cosmetics and soaps – handmade soaps, argan oils and other natural cosmetics are a great gift choice.

The best souvenirs from Dubai Spice Souk are not only aromatic spices and teas, but also unique products that reflect the Middle Eastern atmosphere. When you buy here, you can be sure of authenticity and high quality. If you want to discover more amazing places in Dubai, check out our guide to attractions in Dubai and plan an unforgettable trip!

Summary: Dubai Spice Souk – souvenirs and spices

The Dubai Spice Souk is one of the best places to shop in Dubai, offering a wide selection of spices, teas and oriental souvenirs. If you are wondering which spices are popular at the Dubai Spice Souk, saffron, cardamom and spice mixes are definitely worth a look. Bargaining is the norm here, so it's worth negotiating prices to get the best deal.

If you want to combine a visit to the bazaar with other attractions, take advantage of the tours organised by Two Continents, which will give you an unforgettable experience in the heart of Dubai.

Questions and answers - FAQ

• Which spices are popular at the Dubai Spice Souk?

  The most frequently bought spices are saffron, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, za'atar, baharat and sumac.

• Which teas are popular at the Dubai Spice Souk?

  Teas with saffron, hibiscus, mint, cardamom and the traditional Arabic karak tea are popular.

• What oriental spices can be bought in Dubai?

  At the market, you will find turmeric, star anise, nutmeg, Szechuan pepper, ras el hanout and za'atar spice mixes.