A Culinary Journey: Exploring Global Cuisine at Global Village Dubai

Dubai is known for its iconic landmarks, such as the Burj Khalifa and the Palm Jumeirah, an artificial island shaped like a palm tree. These architectural marvels showcase the city’s ambition and innovation.

Besides its impressive skyline, Dubai is also famous for its shopping scene. Additionally, Dubai is known for its world-class dining scene, with many restaurants offering cuisines from around the globe. One such destination for foodies is Global Village in Dubai.

Global Village in Dubai showcases pavilions, culture, entertainment, shopping and cuisine from over 80 countries. With dozens of restaurants and food kiosks dotted across its vast grounds, tasting your way through Global Village is a highlight for many visitors. From regional Emirati flavours to international cuisines,

Here are the best places to eat in Global Village Dubai.

Emirati Cuisine at Hyatt Restaurant

Head to Hayat Restaurant, located in the UAE pavilion, for an authentic taste of Emirati food. The restaurant’s decor takes you right into a traditional majlis setting with cushions on the floor, window screens known as mashrabiyas and Arabic music playing in the background.

On the menu are classic Emirati dishes like harees (wheat and meat porridge), madrooba (chicken stuffed with rice), machboos (biryani), legaimat (sweet dumplings) and more. End your meal with khabisa, traditional cardamom-flavoured Arabic coffee from a dallah pot.

Lebanese Mezze at Beirut Restaurant

Lebanon’s pavilion hosts the popular Beirut Restaurant, offering a taste of authentic Lebanese cuisine. Their hot and cold mezze platters present an array of traditional starters like hummus, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, stuffed grape leaves, and falafel.

Opt for the shish taouk (chicken kebabs) or mixed grill with juicy lamb kofta and shrimp for mains. Lebanese desserts like asafeer, osmalieh and namoura add a sweet ending. The restaurant’s laidback atmosphere lets you linger over conversation and shisha post-dinner.

American Diner Food at Route 66

Channel a retro American diner experience at Route 66 with neon signage, a jukebox playing 1950s hits, chrome accents and a life-size Elvis statue. Their menu features classic burgers, hot dogs, fries, pancakes and milkshakes reminiscent of a slice of Americana.

Kids’ meals are also available. For dessert, enjoy a banana split, brownie sundae or Oreo cheesecake. With hearty portions, fun ambience and reasonable prices, Route 66 is a hit with visitors of all ages.

South Indian at Saravana Bhavan

Saravana Bhavan restaurant in the India pavilion brings the best vegetarian South Indian cuisine to Global Village in Dubai. Known for dosas, the restaurant serves fluffy lentils and rice crepes in versions like masala, paneer, onion and ghee podi dosa paired with creamy lentil stews called sambar.

Other specialities include vada, crisp fried lentil doughnuts served with coconut chutney; idli steamed lentil rice cakes in a spicy vegetable stew; and upma toasted semolina sprinkled with peas and carrots. Complete with filter coffee, the food at Saravana Bhavan is affordable yet authentic.

Turkish Grills at Pinar Restaurant

Pinar Restaurant is tucked in Turkey’s pavilion, preparing succulent Turkish meat dishes and kebabs on flaming charcoal grills. Highlights include Adana kebab, spicy minced meat patties; Urfa kebab, skewers of tomatoes and pepper; Iskender kebab drenched in tomato gravy and yoghurt.

Balance the hearty grills with lighter kisir, a bulgur salad with tomatoes, onions, and parsley. And no Turkish meal is complete without baklava, the syrupy layered pastry, for dessert.

With its vibrant open seating and quick service, Pinar Restaurant makes Turkish cuisine easily accessible. Among Global Village restaurants, this Turkish restaurant is quite popular.

Sweets from Around the World

Global Village has entire food kiosks dedicated to sweets from various nations. Pick up the flaky, nut-filled pastries by weight at the cashew baklava stall in Turkey’s pavilion. Germany’s stand sells baked goodies like streusel, fruit tarts and donuts.

Russia delights in blini pancakes served with sweet and savoury fillings. The candy stall in Italy offers chocolates, nougats, marzipan and more. You can also browse the honey, date and dried fruit stores in the UAE area.

With so many sweets, Global Village is a paradise for those with sweet teeth. You should go here if you wonder what to eat at Global Village Dubai.

Latin American Snacks at El Taco

For a quick bite on the go, El Taco in Mexico’s section serves up tacos, quesadillas, nachos, and other Tex-Mex fare. Their chicken, beef and bean tacos come topped with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and spicy salsa on warm tortillas.

Loaded nachos are piled with melted cheese, jalapenos, salsa, and sour cream for a messy, cheesy treat. And you can’t miss the churros, Latin America’s beloved crunchy, fried dough pastry coated in sugar.

Outdoor stalls, wallet-friendly prices and generous portions make El Taco a convenient pitstop. Among restaurants in Global Village Dubai, El Taco provides a great place to enjoy Mexican food.

Thai Street Food at Mr. Pong

Transport your tastebuds to Thailand’s bustling street markets at Mr. Pong stall in the Far East pavilion. Amid colourful signage, you can watch cooks stir-fry traditional Thai dishes in sizzling woks.

The extensive menu includes tom yum soup, spicy papaya salad, chicken satay skewers, green curry, pad thai noodles, fried rice and more.

Thai iced tea and mango sticky rice make refreshing desserts. With its open kitchen, quick service and authentic Thai flavours, Mr. Pong brings Bangkok’s chaotic street food stalls to Global Village.

Japanese Treats at Harajuku Bazaar

In Japan’s pavilion, Harajuku Bazaar recreates Tokyo’s iconic Takeshita Street with its bright colours, neon lights and kawaii culture. The bazaar offers classic Japanese fast food and snacks alongside Japanese plush toys and souvenirs.

Savour fluffy Japanese pancakes drizzled with honey, crispy tempura, takoyaki octopus balls, yakitori chicken skewers and ramen noodles. Don’t miss the uniquely flavoured KitKat chocolate bars only found in Japan.

Grab your food in takeaway boxes and find a spot on the pavilion’s fun Harajuku-style seating. The bazaar’s laidback, youthful vibe makes it a popular hangout.

Final words

Whether you are craving Emirati, American, Indian or Turkish, Global Village combines cuisines worldwide under one roof.

With restaurants, stalls and kiosks celebrating diverse flavours, Global Village promises a culinary adventure through cultures across its 27 pavilions. Follow your tastebuds to discover authentic dishes and international comfort foods as you explore this one-of-a-kind Dubai attraction.