What Food To Try in Ras Al Khaimah and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Ras Al Khaimah for 2024.
National currency: Dirham, symbol — Dh (international currency code AED).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Ras Al Khaimah cafes and restaurants
$5.4
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $2.72
$21.8
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $12.25
$6.8
Combo Meal
Starting from $3.27
What to Try in Ras Al Khaimah
Must-try Dishes
Shakshuka - Eggs in Spicy Tomato Sauce - Poached eggs simmered in a fragrant mix of tomatoes, bell peppers, and spices. Locals often enjoy it for breakfast, served alongside warm, fluffy bread for dipping.Shawarma - Spiced Meat Wrap - Thinly sliced marinated meat (usually chicken or lamb) wrapped in pita with garlic sauce and pickles. Often found at street stalls, it's a quick and satisfying meal, especially popular among office workers and students.
Al Harees - Wheat and Chicken Dish - A creamy blend of wheat and tender chicken cooked slowly to a porridge-like consistency. This dish is typically served during special occasions and festive gatherings, showcasing traditional cooking methods.
Manakish - Flatbread with Za'atar - Soft flatbread topped with a mixture of za'atar, olive oil, and sometimes cheese, baked until golden. Enjoyed as a casual lunch, it's common to see families sharing this at local bakeries.
Fattoush - Fresh Vegetable Salad - Crunchy vegetables like radishes and cucumbers mixed with toasted pieces of pita bread, all dressed in a tangy vinaigrette. This refreshing salad is a staple at family dinners, offering a vibrant contrast to heavier dishes.
Cheese Samboosa - Savory Pastry - Crispy pastry filled with a rich mixture of local cheeses and herbs, deep-fried to golden perfection. A popular street food, it's often enjoyed during Ramadan as a pre-iftar snack.
Jasheed - Fish and Rice with Tomatoes - A hearty dish of spiced fish served over rice, often accompanied by a tangy tomato sauce. Locals savor it particularly during cooler months, as the warmth adds to the comfort of the meal.
Mandi - Fragrant Spiced Rice and Meat - Long-grain rice cooked with marinated chicken or lamb, infused with saffron and other spices. Commonly served during festive gatherings, it's customary to eat this dish with your hands, accompanied by the spices of the season.
Desserts & Drinks
Arabic Coffee - قهوة (spiced coffee) - A rich blend of lightly roasted Arabic coffee beans flavored with cardamom, traditionally served in small cups. Locals enjoy it throughout the day as a gesture of hospitality, often accompanied by dates for sweetness.Mint Lemonade - عصير الليمون بالنعناع (refreshing drink) - A zesty concoction made from freshly squeezed lemons, mint leaves, and sugar, served chilled over ice. Perfect for hot afternoons, it's a common choice at outdoor gatherings, and don’t be surprised if you find it a bit sweeter than you expect!
Ras Al Khaimah Beer - بيرة رأس الخيمة (local craft beer) - Crafted using local ingredients, this beer features a refreshing taste complemented by traditional Emirati spices. Best enjoyed with friends at gatherings or BBQs during the cooler months. Note: Alcohol is only available in licensed venues.
Baklava - بقلاوة (nutty pastry) - Flaky layers of pastry filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup, ensuring a perfect balance of texture and sweetness. It’s often served during special occasions, such as weddings and festivals, and pairs wonderfully with Arabic coffee.
Ras Al Khaimah Date Ice Cream - آيس كريم التمر (frozen dessert) - Creamy, indulgent ice cream made with local dates, resulting in a caramel-like flavor. Typically enjoyed during the hot summer months, it’s a delightful treat available at many local ice cream parlors, capturing the essence of the region in every scoop. By the way, don’t skip trying it with a drizzle of date syrup on top!
Food and Groceries in Ras Al Khaimah
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $1.18 |
| Oranges | $1.33 |
| Potatoes | $0.85 |
| Apples | $1.91 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.58 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $3.4 |
| Imported Beer | $4.08 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $13.61 |
Various Groceries
| Chicken | $5.44 |
| Rice | $1.71 |
| Local Cheese | $7.26 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
The hustle and bustle of the local markets in Ras Al Khaimah reveal a fascinating eating pattern: locals often grab their meals right from food stalls throughout the day. It's not uncommon to see everyone from office workers to families stopping for a quick bite around noon, with popular options like shawarma costing around AED 12–15. This casual street food dynamic is quite distinct from the sit-down culture in many other cities worldwide.
Meal times here are typically spread throughout the day, with locals enjoying breakfast around 8-10 AM, lunch around noon, and dinner anywhere from 7 PM to as late as 10 PM. In the Al Nakheel area, bustling food courts often host a lively lunch crowd, while quieter evenings can be a great time to experience a more laid-back dining atmosphere.
In terms of pricing, street food remains relatively affordable, particularly in areas like Al Qawasim Corniche, where meals might cost between AED 10 to AED 25. For a more upscale meal in a restaurant, you could easily pay AED 100 or more for a full course. Seasonal variations do play a role—during the cooler months from October through March, outdoor dining becomes more popular, and prices for al fresco options might creep up just a bit due to demand.
Payment customs are pretty straightforward, with cash still being the preferred method in many local eateries, although card payments are increasingly accepted. Oh, and before I forget, unlike in some cultures where tips are mandatory, here, tipping is usually optional but appreciated—rounding up your bill or leaving 10% is a common practice.
A notable local habit is the preference for sharing meals. It's typical for groups to order a variety of dishes to share, a reflection of the communal spirit in dining. One mistake tourists often make is assuming they must eat only at formal restaurants; venturing into food stalls often yields the most authentic flavors.
For high-demand spots, making reservations can be wise, especially during weekends or holidays. This particularly applies to restaurants in popular districts like Al Hamra, which can get waitlisted quickly during peak times.
As the dining culture here continues to evolve, there's a distinct shift towards health-conscious eating, showing how younger locals are more inclined to explore lighter, traditional dishes with an emphasis on freshness. This blossoming trend adds a new layer to the already rich culinary mosaic of Ras Al Khaimah and keeps things interesting!
Meal times here are typically spread throughout the day, with locals enjoying breakfast around 8-10 AM, lunch around noon, and dinner anywhere from 7 PM to as late as 10 PM. In the Al Nakheel area, bustling food courts often host a lively lunch crowd, while quieter evenings can be a great time to experience a more laid-back dining atmosphere.
In terms of pricing, street food remains relatively affordable, particularly in areas like Al Qawasim Corniche, where meals might cost between AED 10 to AED 25. For a more upscale meal in a restaurant, you could easily pay AED 100 or more for a full course. Seasonal variations do play a role—during the cooler months from October through March, outdoor dining becomes more popular, and prices for al fresco options might creep up just a bit due to demand.
Payment customs are pretty straightforward, with cash still being the preferred method in many local eateries, although card payments are increasingly accepted. Oh, and before I forget, unlike in some cultures where tips are mandatory, here, tipping is usually optional but appreciated—rounding up your bill or leaving 10% is a common practice.
A notable local habit is the preference for sharing meals. It's typical for groups to order a variety of dishes to share, a reflection of the communal spirit in dining. One mistake tourists often make is assuming they must eat only at formal restaurants; venturing into food stalls often yields the most authentic flavors.
For high-demand spots, making reservations can be wise, especially during weekends or holidays. This particularly applies to restaurants in popular districts like Al Hamra, which can get waitlisted quickly during peak times.
As the dining culture here continues to evolve, there's a distinct shift towards health-conscious eating, showing how younger locals are more inclined to explore lighter, traditional dishes with an emphasis on freshness. This blossoming trend adds a new layer to the already rich culinary mosaic of Ras Al Khaimah and keeps things interesting!