The Top most ordered dishes in Dubai: What's Dubai ordering online?

Dubai's vibrant food delivery scene has transformed the emirate into a culinary hub where diverse global flavors meet through the convenience of smartphone apps. With the UAE's online food delivery market valued at $720.7 million in 2024 and projected to reach $1.87 billion by 2025, understanding what Dubai residents crave most reveals fascinating insights into the city's multicultural appetite.

The Top 5 Most Ordered Food Items in Dubai

1. Shawarma - The Undisputed King

Shawarma dominates Dubai's food delivery landscape as the most popular street food and delivery item. This Arabic delicacy features thinly sliced marinated meat (chicken, lamb, or beef) cooked on a rotating spit, wrapped in warm pita bread with tahini or garlic sauce, pickles, and fresh vegetables. Priced between AED 5-7, shawarma's affordability and authentic Middle Eastern flavors make it the go-to choice for locals and expatriates alike. Top-rated shawarma outlets include Al Mallah, Zaroob, and Shawafel, with many operating 24/7 to satisfy late-night cravings.

Shawarma - in the heart of every Emirati!

2. Biryani - The Indian Crown Jewel

Indian cuisine accounts for 34% of all dining-related searches in Dubai, with biryani leading as the most ordered Indian dish. This aromatic rice dish layered with spiced meat or vegetables has become a staple in Dubai's food delivery ecosystem. Popular chains like Flavours of India and numerous local Indian restaurants dominate evening orders between 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM. The dish's popularity stems from Dubai's significant Indian expatriate population and the city's appreciation for complex, flavorful cuisine.

Biryani takes up 34% of the total dining searches in DUBAI!

3. Pizza - International Comfort Food

Pizza consistently ranks among the top ordered items, particularly during weekend evenings and family gatherings. Naughty Pizza Dubai and other local pizzerias have adapted to local tastes while maintaining international appeal. The versatility of pizza toppings allows restaurants to cater to diverse dietary preferences, from halal options to vegetarian specialties, making it a crowd-pleaser across Dubai's multicultural demographic.

4. Manakish - The Lebanese Breakfast Champion

Manakish, the Lebanese flatbread topped with za'atar, cheese, or meat, has carved its niche as Dubai's favorite breakfast delivery item. Unlike other cuisines, Arabic food shows a unique ordering pattern with peak delivery times between 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM for traditional breakfast items. Priced at AED 8-12, Manakish appeals to health-conscious consumers and those seeking authentic Middle Eastern breakfast options.

5. Pad Thai and Asian Noodles

Asian cuisine, particularly Pad Thai, has secured its position among Dubai's most ordered dishes. Restaurants like The Noodle House with multiple locations across Dubai (City Walk, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Palm Jumeirah) have capitalized on Dubai's love for Asian flavors. The combination of sweet, sour, and spicy tastes in Pad Thai resonates with Dubai's international palate, especially during the peak ordering hours of 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM.

Market Dynamics and Consumer Behavior

Dubai's food delivery market exhibits unique characteristics driven by the city's diverse population and lifestyle preferences. 70% of UAE diners rely on social media to choose restaurants, while 52% of UAE consumers dine out three times per week. The peak ordering time spans 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM for most cuisines, except Arabic food which sees morning peaks for breakfast items.

The market demonstrates strong growth potential with mobile food delivery orders growing 30% during H1 2025 and forecasts predicting that mobile-based orders will exceed 80% of total food delivery by end of 2025. This digital transformation reflects Dubai's status as a tech-savvy city where convenience and variety drive consumer choices.

Seasonal patterns significantly impact ordering behavior, with Ramadan in March 2025 showing the first major peak, followed by summer months (June-September) when extreme heat drives increased delivery demand. This cyclical behavior demonstrates how Dubai's climate and cultural events shape food consumption patterns.

The combination of international cuisines, local favorites, and advanced delivery infrastructure positions Dubai as a leading market for food delivery innovation, where traditional Middle Eastern dishes like shawarma coexist with global comfort foods, creating a unique culinary ecosystem that serves the emirate's cosmopolitan population.