Dubai

In Dubai, shawarma is everyday food: cheap, fast and everywhere, from old cafeterias in Deira and Karama to modern grills in new neighborhoods. It's the city's unofficial late-night meal.

The local style

Dubai shawarma is usually rolled tight in thin Arabic bread with garlic sauce, pickles and sometimes fries, then toasted. Chicken is the default; beef and lamb are common too. Some places serve it on Iranian or Turkish breads or in samoon rolls, reflecting the city's mix of communities.

Where to look

• Deira and Bur Dubai: the older parts of the city, packed with long-running cafeterias.
• Karama and Satwa: classic neighborhood spots known for quick, inexpensive wraps.
• Newer districts: modern grills and chains, often open past midnight.

What to order

A chicken shawarma in Arabic bread with garlic sauce is the benchmark. Order two, because they're small and cheap, and try a fresh juice on the side the way locals do.

We're building this guide

We haven't listed Dubai spots yet. Suggest a spot you'd recommend and we'll add it to our list to visit. Meanwhile, explore the cities we cover in the restaurant finder.