What Food To Try in Al-fujairah and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Al-fujairah for 2024.
National currency: Dirham, symbol — Dh (international currency code AED).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Al-fujairah cafes and restaurants
$5.4
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $2.72
$32.7
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $12.25
$6.8
Combo Meal
Starting from $3.27
What to Try in Al-fujairah
Must-try Dishes
Al-Fujairah Ghuzi - Traditional Rice with Lamb - A aromatic dish made with tender lamb cooked over basmati rice, infused with spices and topped with nuts. Locals often enjoy it during family gatherings, especially on weekends.Shawarma - Marinated Meat Wrap - Thinly sliced, marinated chicken or beef wrapped in pita bread with garlic sauce and pickles, creating a flavorful bite. It's a popular quick street food option, perfect for a late-night snack after a long day.
Osh Ghalay - Hearty Meat Stew - A rich stew featuring lamb, vegetables, and spices, slow-cooked to achieve deep flavors. Commonly enjoyed for lunch, it pairs well with rice and is often made for special occasions in local homes.
Mandi - Spiced Rice and Chicken - Infused with saffron and other spices, this dish combines tender chicken with fragrant rice cooked to perfection in a clay pot. Locals frequently order it when hosting guests, and it has become a centerpiece in festive meals.
Spicy Shakshuka - Egg and Tomato Dish - This unique combination features poached eggs simmered in a spicy tomato sauce with peppers. Enjoyed at breakfast, it's best when paired with warm bread to soak up every bit of goodness.
Al-Harees - Wheat and Meat Porridge - A classic dish made of coarsely ground wheat and meat, cooked until creamy and served hot. Locals traditionally eat it during Ramadan, emphasizing community and shared meals.
Paratha with Karak - Flaky Bread with Tea - Crispy, layered bread served alongside sweet, spiced tea is a surprising combo but widely loved. Best enjoyed during breakfast or as an afternoon snack, it makes for a comforting treat.
Freekeh - Roasted Green Wheat Dish - Young green wheat roasted and cracked, served with chicken and spices, providing a smokey flavor. Locals often savor it during winter months, celebrating its warmth during cooler weather.
Desserts & Drinks
Karak Tea - كرك شاي (spiced tea) - Strong black tea brewed with cardamom, evaporated milk, and sugar, simmered until rich and fragrant. Often enjoyed in the afternoon with family or friends, it's a staple at many gatherings, served in small cups.Qamar al-Din - قمر الدين (apricot juice) - A refreshing drink made from dried apricot pulp, rehydrated and sweetened, served cold. Commonly enjoyed during hot summer days, it's particularly popular during Ramadan when breaking the fast.
Brahim - براهيم (local beer) - A light lager brewed locally, it's usually served chilled in restaurants and is perfect for social gatherings. While you might find it at select places, many locals enjoy it during sports events or family barbecues.
Baklava - بقلاوة (nut pastry) - Flaky layers of pastry filled with nuts and drenched in syrup, offering a delightful crunch. Often savored during festive occasions such as Eid, many locals enjoy it with Arabic coffee to balance the sweetness.
Ghalyoun - غليون (ice dessert) - A frozen delight made with milk, sugar, and various flavors like rose or pistachio, often garnished with nuts. You'll find it served from street vendors during warmer months, making it a perfect treat after a long day in the sun.
By the way, be prepared for the strong sweetness of some of these items; locals enjoy their drinks and desserts quite sweet!
Food and Groceries in Al-fujairah
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $1.21 |
| Oranges | $1.33 |
| Potatoes | $1.04 |
| Apples | $1.91 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.61 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $3.4 |
| Imported Beer | $3.54 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $13.61 |
Various Groceries
| Chicken | $5.76 |
| Rice | $1.72 |
| Local Cheese | $7.26 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
I was at a local spot the other day for lunch, and it struck me just how different the dining habits are here compared to bigger cities like Dubai. While there, lunch usually kicks off around 1 PM, in Al-Fujairah, it feels like the crowd begins to gather around 12:30 PM, making the place lively (and noisy) almost immediately. You'll see families piling in, and it’s common to find three generations sitting around the same table, which is such a beautiful aspect of our food culture.
A misconception I often encounter from visitors is that dining here is limited to expensive, high-end restaurants. Sure, you can find some extravagant options, but honestly, you can have a fantastic meal for around 30 AED if you know where to go. I paid 25 AED yesterday for a hearty plate of biryani from one of the small eateries near the waterfront, and it was rich, flavorful, and piled high. Compare that to a similar meal at the Marina area, and you’re looking at around 50 AED for less authentic versions. Quite a difference for a similar dish, right?
As for payment customs, it’s pretty straightforward—most places accept cash, but a surprising number now take card, especially in the more touristy spots. Oh, and before I forget, when it comes to tipping, if the service is good, dropping 5-10% is appreciated, but it’s not mandatory. Keep in mind that in local joints, tipping might only happen if you feel extra generous, since the workers are often more focused on the hustle than the fancy service.
One of my favorite local eating habits is the communal sharing of food. It’s common to order a variety of dishes to share. It creates a really inviting atmosphere, and you get to try a bit of everything. On the flip side, I often see tourists making the mistake of ordering too much food just for themselves—tending to assume they need to match the extravagant portions seen in some restaurants elsewhere. A big plate of kabsa can easily serve two to three people, but they still end up getting a whole plate to themselves!
For anyone visiting, I’d recommend making reservations if you’re planning to dine during peak hours, especially on weekends. Places fill up fast, and waiting for a table isn’t always an option. As the sun sets, the dining vibe changes, fireworks sometimes illuminate the sky, and the streets fill with locals enjoying the cooler evening air.
Just remember to explore beyond the beaten path—sometimes the most fulfilling meals await in the simplest places. You'll leave not just with a full stomach, but with a heart warmed by the communal dining spirit of Al-Fujairah.
A misconception I often encounter from visitors is that dining here is limited to expensive, high-end restaurants. Sure, you can find some extravagant options, but honestly, you can have a fantastic meal for around 30 AED if you know where to go. I paid 25 AED yesterday for a hearty plate of biryani from one of the small eateries near the waterfront, and it was rich, flavorful, and piled high. Compare that to a similar meal at the Marina area, and you’re looking at around 50 AED for less authentic versions. Quite a difference for a similar dish, right?
As for payment customs, it’s pretty straightforward—most places accept cash, but a surprising number now take card, especially in the more touristy spots. Oh, and before I forget, when it comes to tipping, if the service is good, dropping 5-10% is appreciated, but it’s not mandatory. Keep in mind that in local joints, tipping might only happen if you feel extra generous, since the workers are often more focused on the hustle than the fancy service.
One of my favorite local eating habits is the communal sharing of food. It’s common to order a variety of dishes to share. It creates a really inviting atmosphere, and you get to try a bit of everything. On the flip side, I often see tourists making the mistake of ordering too much food just for themselves—tending to assume they need to match the extravagant portions seen in some restaurants elsewhere. A big plate of kabsa can easily serve two to three people, but they still end up getting a whole plate to themselves!
For anyone visiting, I’d recommend making reservations if you’re planning to dine during peak hours, especially on weekends. Places fill up fast, and waiting for a table isn’t always an option. As the sun sets, the dining vibe changes, fireworks sometimes illuminate the sky, and the streets fill with locals enjoying the cooler evening air.
Just remember to explore beyond the beaten path—sometimes the most fulfilling meals await in the simplest places. You'll leave not just with a full stomach, but with a heart warmed by the communal dining spirit of Al-Fujairah.