From gold-dusted desserts to flaming shawarma, Dubai offers a unique blend of traditional and modern culinary experiences that are perfect for your social media feed. Here are 10 TikTok food trends in Dubai that are causing a stir:
1. Gold-Dusted Desserts: A Taste of Luxury
Dubai’s passion for luxury extends to its dessert scene, and what better way to indulge than with gold-dusted sweets? Edible gold leaf has become the ultimate symbol of extravagance, turning ordinary treats into royal indulgences. TikTokers are flocking to places like Scoopi Cafe, known for their gold-dusted soft serve ice cream and gold-embellished cakes. These desserts look as good as they taste and are a must-try for anyone looking to experience the height of opulence in the city.
2. Camel Milk Ice Cream: A Local Twist
Dubai’s local food culture shines through with unique twists on classic desserts, and one of the most talked-about trends is camel milk ice cream. Made from camel’s milk, this ice cream has a distinct earthy flavor that sets it apart from traditional dairy-based treats. TikTokers are raving about the rich flavours of saffron and pistachio ice cream at Nouq, making it a must-try experience for those wanting to sample something uniquely Middle Eastern.
3. Cloud Bread (Arabic Style): Fluffy and Flavourful
Cloud bread, the light, fluffy, and colorful TikTok sensation, has been reimagined with a Middle Eastern twist in Dubai. Infused with aromatic ingredients like rosewater and saffron, cloud bread is now a trendy treat that locals are posting about on TikTok. You can find these cloud-like creations at bakeries like SugarMoo Desserts, where the flavours are as delightful as the vibrant hues, creating the perfect aesthetic for any social media post.
4. Freaky Fusion Sushi: Unlikely Pairings
Sushi has undergone a creative transformation in Dubai, where restaurants have begun combining traditional sushi with unexpected and wild ingredients. Cheetos, truffle, and even Middle Eastern spices are being used in sushi rolls to create funky fusion dishes. Popular spots like Akiba Dori and Moshi are serving up sushi rolls that are not only visually striking but also packed with bold flavours. These colourful, experimental dishes make for engaging TikTok content that highlights Dubai’s daring approach to food.
5. Over-the-Top Milkshakes: Bigger and Better
When it comes to extravagant milkshakes, Dubai goes all out. These over-the-top creations are often topped with entire donuts, candy bars, and piles of whipped cream, making them the ultimate indulgence. Black Tap in Jumeirah is known for its colossal, candy-studded milkshakes, and TikTokers can’t resist sharing their reactions to these sugar-packed, visually overwhelming treats. If you’re a fan of extravagant desserts, these milkshakes are a must-try.
6. Black Lemonade: Detox with a Dramatic Twist
For those seeking a detoxifying drink with a twist, black lemonade has become the go-to beverage in Dubai. Activated charcoal is added to lemonade to create a dramatic, jet-black drink that’s as photogenic as it is beneficial. TikTokers love sharing their experiences sipping on these detoxifying beverages, especially the ones at places like Wild & The Moon, where the charcoal lemonade not only looks cool but is said to have detoxifying properties.
7. Cheese-Pull Kunafa: A Cheesy Delight
Kunafa, the iconic Middle Eastern dessert, has been given a cheesy makeover that has taken TikTok by storm. The rich, syrup-soaked pastry is filled with gooey cheese, and the videos of the cheese pull have become some of the most satisfying content on TikTok. Al Hallab and Feras Aldiyafa Sweets are popular spots in Dubai where foodies capture the ultimate cheesy experience, making it one of the city’s most viral dessert trends.
8. Flaming Shawarma: An Exciting Show for Your Tastebuds
Shawarma is a staple of Middle Eastern street food, but Dubai has taken this classic dish to the next level with flaming shawarma. The dramatic fire display used to char the edges of the shawarma adds excitement to the dining experience, and TikTokers love capturing the fiery presentation. Spots like Allo Beirut have become popular for their visually stunning and deliciously flavourful flaming shawarmas, perfect for food lovers looking to share something unique.
9. Açaí Bowls: Instagrammable and Delicious
Açaí bowls have become a popular food trend in Dubai, combining health and indulgence in one vibrant, Instagram-worthy dish. Packed with antioxidants and topped with an array of fresh fruits, granola, and seeds, these bowls are not only nutritious but also visually stunning. TikTokers love showcasing their colourful creations, especially from spots like Brunch and Cake, where bowls are customisable with exotic toppings like coconut flakes, cacao nibs, and honey. Whether you opt for a tropical or berry-filled version, the açaí bowl is the perfect way to fuel up while sharing your healthy and aesthetically pleasing food experience on social media.
10. Dubai’s 24K Gold Burgers: Indulge in Luxury
For those who want to experience luxury in its purest form, Dubai offers 24K gold burgers. Yes, you read that right—luxurious gold foil is wrapped around these already indulgent burgers, elevating them to a whole new level of extravagance. Places like Hardee’s Dubai and The 24 Karat have embraced the gold trend, creating burgers that are as delicious as they are lavish. TikTokers love sharing their experience of sinking their teeth into a burger that’s literally gilded in gold.
