Dubai is renowned for its penchant for innovation and trendsetting across various domains, including its dynamic food culture. Its food culture constantly evolves, fueled by a passion for innovation and a desire to entice taste buds. In recent years, social media platforms have become a catalyst for the viral spread of food trends, turning once-hidden gems into must-try experiences for food enthusiasts. Discover the mouth-watering food scene in Dubai with these seven viral food items that have captured the attention of locals and visitors, showcasing the city’s diverse culinary creativity.
1. Tiramisu From PUBLIC
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Indulge in the viral tiramisu hailed as the best in town, offering a taste of Italy with a Dubai twist. Savour this delectable treat with the iconic Burj Khalifa as your backdrop, available to the Public for just AED 34. Perfect for sharing between two, this rich dessert boasts layers of delicious cocoa and coffee flavours that enchant you from the first bite. Experience the melt-in-your-mouth delight of Public’s viral tiramisu, a culinary gem in Downtown Dubai.
Where: Emar Dubai Mall – Downtown Dubai
When: Mon to Thurs from 9 to 1 am and Fri to Sun from 9 to 2 am
Cost: AED34
2. Matilda Cake From Parkers
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Parker’s Matilda Cake has become an Instagram legend since its debut in 2020, gracing the menus of cafes across the UAE. Inspired by the iconic scene from Roald Dahl’s “Matilda,” this towering slice of chocolate fudge indulgence is a nostalgic treat that evokes childhood memories with every bite. Join the Instagram hype and dig into this irresistible dessert at Parker’s today.
Where: Emar Dubai Mall – Downtown Dubai
When: Mon to Thurs from 9 am to 11:30 pm and Fri to Sun from 9 am to 12:30 am
Cost: AED75 small and AED210 big
Also read: 8 New Restaurants In Dubai To Head To This Month
3. Rose Milk Cake From Forever Rose Cafe
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The Iconic Forever Rose Cafe, renowned for its 2D monochrome styling from tables to plates, boasts the viral Rose Milk Cake as its star dessert. This irresistible treat features a soft, moist cake complemented by a luscious rose milk poured on top for the ultimate indulgence. For a taste sensation, pair it with their Rose Latte. Offering a diverse range of flavours, including Pistachio, Rose, Classic, and Saffron, Forever Rose Cafe ensures there’s a delightful option for every palate.
Where: Boxpark , 467 Al Wasl Rd
When: Mon to Thurs from 8 to 12 am and Fri to Sun from 8 to 12 am
Cost: AED38 per slice and AED400 for an entire cake
4. Lavashak From Global Village
Lavashak, a traditional childhood snack from Iran, has recently gained TikTok fame for its irresistible sour taste. Made from tart cherries, plums, apricots, and pomegranates, the fruit is pureed, cooked with sugar and spices, and rolled into a thick paste. It offers a tangy and sweet flavour topped with pomegranate molasses and seeds. You can find this sour treat at the Iran Pavilion in Global Village or spice shops in Al-Seef or Deira Souq.
Where: Iran Pavilion In Global Village
When: 6:00 pm – 2:00 am (Ramadan Timing)
Cost: AED50
5. One Metre Shawarma From Sultana Al Arab
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Dubai’s penchant for extravagance has reached new heights with the viral sensation of one-metre-long shawarma from Sultan Al Arab Restaurant in Al Barsha. Double the size of their original Sultan shawarma, this colossal creation has been causing a stir online. This epic meal deal exclusively during Ramadan includes dates, two fatayers of choice, fries, and drinks, all for just AED65. Join the hype and experience this monumental culinary adventure in Dubai.
Where: Nada Building, Al Barsha
When: Every day from 12 pm to 3 am
Cost: AED65
6. Soya Sauce Chicken From Hawker Chan
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Famously known as “The World’s Most Affordable Michelin Star Meal,” Hawker Chan was started in 2016 by celebrated chef Chan Hon Meng as a humble stall in Singapore and grew into a successful venture through the years. The Frugal meal that everyone gushes about is the Soya Sauce Chicken, priced just for AED 20.
Where: Chinatown Food Court, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Mall
When: Mon to Thurs from 10 to 12 am and Fri to Sun from 10 to 1 am
Cost: AED20
Also Read: Middle East’s Largest Chinatown Will Be Built In Dubai
7. Viral Chiffon Cake From Luckin Spring Bakery
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Unlike its counterpart, the sponge cake, the chiffon cake is softer and has a rich texture. Even the ingredients used in making chiffon cake differ from those used in sponge cake. Its unique light and fluffy texture results from beating the egg whites to form stiff peaks. Luckin Spring Bakery incorporates this process, thus creating a wide range of flavourful options. These include airy and sweet chiffon cakes topped with a contrasting tangy flavour, among the most Instagrammable and viral on your social media feeds.
Where: Chinatown Food Court, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Mall
When: Mon to Thurs from 10 to 12 am and Fri to Sun from 10 to 1 am
Cost: AED18 Onwards
Each dish tells a story of tradition, creativity, and Instagram-worthy indulgence, from towering Matilda cakes to one-metre-long shawarmas and from nostalgic Lavashak to viral chiffon cakes. Whether you’re seeking a taste of nostalgia, a culinary adventure, or simply an opportunity to tantalise your taste buds, Dubai’s viral food items offer something for everyone.
Cover Image Courtesy: Forever Rose Cafe
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