The Best Seafood-Based Street Food in Dubai & How to Make It at Home

The Best Seafood-Based Street Food in Dubai & How to Make It at Home

Table of Contents

Introduction

Dubai is renowned for its vibrant street food scene, offering a unique fusion of Middle Eastern, Indian, and international flavors. Among these, seafood-based street food stands out for its freshness, variety, and exquisite taste. Whether you’re a visitor exploring the bustling food markets or a home chef looking to recreate these delights, this guide will take you through the best seafood street food in Dubai and how to prepare it at home.

Why Dubai’s Seafood Street Food is a Must-Try

Dubai’s coastal location and well-established seafood markets provide access to an abundance of fresh fish, shrimp, crabs, and shellfish. The city’s seafood street food is a fusion of Emirati, South Asian, and Mediterranean flavors, making it an unforgettable culinary experience. From grilled fish to spiced shrimp, each dish reflects the city’s rich gastronomic heritage.

The Best Seafood-Based Street Food in Dubai

Grilled Hammour

One of the most popular seafood dishes in Dubai, grilled Hammour (a type of grouper fish) is seasoned with Arabic spices and cooked over an open flame. The result is a smoky, tender, and flavorful dish best enjoyed with flatbread and a side of tangy tahini sauce.

Spicy Prawn Majboos

Majboos, a fragrant rice dish, is a staple in Emirati cuisine. When prepared with succulent prawns, the dish takes on a delightful seafood twist. Infused with saffron, dried limes, and traditional spices, it offers a perfect balance of heat and aroma.

Samak Mashwi (Charcoal-Grilled Fish)

Samak Mashwi is a classic dish found in street-side stalls across Dubai. Whole fish, often caught fresh from the Fish Market Dubai, is marinated in a blend of local spices and grilled to perfection over charcoal, giving it an irresistible smoky flavor.

Crispy Calamari

A favorite among seafood lovers, crispy calamari is deep-fried to golden perfection and served with zesty garlic sauce. The combination of crunchy texture and flavorful seasoning makes it an excellent street food snack.

Shrimp Shawarma

A unique take on the traditional shawarma, shrimp shawarma combines marinated shrimp wrapped in soft Arabic bread with garlic sauce, pickles, and spicy chili paste. The fusion of flavors creates a mouthwatering bite-sized treat.

How to Make Seafood Street Food at Home

Choose Fresh Seafood

To recreate authentic Dubai-style seafood, sourcing fresh ingredients is crucial. Visit a reputable fish market like the Fish In Dubai to ensure you get the best catch of the day. Opt for fresh prawns, calamari, or Hammour fish for a true taste of Dubai.

Prepare the Marinade

For an authentic Emirati flavor, use a mix of spices including:

  • Turmeric
  • Coriander
  • Cumin
  • Paprika
  • Garlic paste
  • Lemon juice Mix these ingredients with olive oil to create a thick marinade.

Marinate the Seafood

Coat the seafood thoroughly with the spice mixture and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to penetrate, enhancing the dish’s taste.

 Cooking Methods

  • Grilling: Ideal for fish and prawns, grilling over an open flame adds a smoky essence.
  • Deep Frying: Perfect for calamari, creating a crispy, golden texture.
  • Pan-Searing: Works well for shrimp shawarma, locking in the marinade’s flavors.

Serve with Authentic Sides

Pair your seafood dishes with Emirati-style flatbread, tahini sauce, or zesty garlic dip to elevate the flavors and complete the street food experience.

FAQs

Q: What is the best seafood dish to try in Dubai?

A: Grilled Hammour, Shrimp Majboos, and Samak Mashwi are among the top choices due to their bold flavors and cultural significance.

Q: Where can I buy fresh seafood in Dubai?

A: The best places to buy fresh seafood include the Fish Market Dubai and various local seafood markets across the city.

Q: Can I make seafood street food at home without a grill?

A: Yes, you can pan-sear or oven-bake the seafood while still achieving delicious results.

Q: What spices are commonly used in Dubai’s seafood dishes?

A: Cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, and garlic paste are commonly used to create rich, aromatic flavors.

Q: How do I ensure my seafood remains tender and juicy?

A: Avoid overcooking, and use marinades with acidic components like lemon juice to help tenderize the seafood.

Order Fish

Recent Blogs

Slot Games

Slot Games You Can Play Without Downloading

Want to enjoy slot games right away without filling up your phone or computer? You’re not alone. Many people today prefer to skip the long process of downloading apps and still have fun playing their favorite games. If you’re someone who wants to play slot games with just a few

Read More »
Fishing Slot Games

Top 5 Fishing Slot Games to Try This Season

Fishing is more than just a sport—it’s a tradition, a passion, and for many across the UAE, a beloved way to unwind. Whether casting a line into the Gulf or reminiscing about a perfect catch, the love for the sea runs deep. But what if you could experience that same

Read More »
Remove Fish Bone from Throat

How to Remove Fish Bone from Throat?

To remove a fish bone from throat safely, you can try coughing forcefully, eating soft foods like banana, or drinking olive oil. These home remedies often work for minor cases. However, if the bone causes severe pain, bleeding, or breathing difficulty, seek medical help immediately. A stuck fish bone requires

Read More »
Make Cajun Sauce for Seafood

How to Make Cajun Sauce for Seafood?

To make Cajun sauce for seafood, combine butter, garlic, Cajun seasoning, and fresh herbs with lemon juice to create a rich, flavorful sauce. This versatile preparation enhances shrimp, crab, crawfish, and other seafood with the bold, spicy taste of Louisiana cuisine. The balance of heat, butter, and aromatic spices creates

Read More »
Go to Deira Fish Market

How to Go to Deira Fish Market by Metro?

Going to Deira Fish Market by metro is straightforward, with several convenient stations serving the area. Dubai’s efficient metro system provides easy access to this vibrant seafood hub where locals and tourists alike can experience the freshest catches from the Arabian Gulf. Metro Stations Serving Deira Fish Market Several metro

Read More »