Food at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Food History

The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, housed within the Dubai Mall, is one of the city's top tourist attractions and naturally caters to a diverse international audience. While the aquarium itself does not have a historical food tradition, the surrounding area in the mall offers a wide range of culinary options that reflect Dubai's cosmopolitan nature. Over time, dining at The Dubai Mall, where the aquarium is located, has become an integral part of the visitor experience, offering an array of dishes from local Emirati cuisine to a plethora of international foods.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes

When visiting Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, tourists should consider indulging in the following top 10 food dishes available in the vicinity, which include a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options:

1. Shawarma (Non-Veg): A Middle Eastern favorite, consisting of chicken or other meats, wrapped in a soft flatbread with vegetables and sauce.
2. Hummus (Veg): A creamy dip made from chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic, often served with fresh pita bread.
3. Tabbouleh (Veg): A refreshing salad made with bulgur wheat, finely chopped parsley, mint, tomato, and seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt.
4. Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolma) (Veg): Grape leaves stuffed with a delicious mixture of rice, pine nuts, and spices.
5. Falafel (Veg): Deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, commonly served in a pita with salads, pickled vegetables, hot sauce, and a drizzle of tahini-based sauces.
6. Fattoush (Veg): A Levantine bread salad made from toasted or fried pieces of pita bread combined with mixed greens and other vegetables, such as radishes and tomatoes.
7. Kebabs (Non-Veg): Various kinds of grilled meat dishes, often served on skewers or as platters with vegetables and dips.
8. Umm Ali (Veg): A warm and rich bread pudding, made with milk, nuts, and dried fruits - a delightful dessert option.
9. Manakish (Veg): A kind of flatbread, typically topped with za'atar and olive oil, cheese, or minced meats.
10. Grilled Halloumi Cheese (Veg): A firm and slightly salty cheese that holds its shape when grilled or fried, often served with vegetables.

Top Famous Restaurants in Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

Within the confines of The Dubai Mall, there are several top restaurants where you can savor delicious dishes after exploring the aquarium:

1. Al Hallab Restaurant & Sweets

   Address: The Dubai Mall - Financial Center Rd - Downtown Dubai - Dubai

   Famous Food: Grilled meats (Non-Veg) and Baklava (Veg)

2. The Cheesecake Factory

   Address: Ground Level, near the Aquarium - The Dubai Mall - Dubai

   Famous Food: Cheesecake varieties (Veg) and Pasta (Veg/Non-Veg)

3. Eataly

   Address: Lower Ground Level - The Dubai Mall - Dubai

   Famous Food: Wood-fired pizzas (Veg/Non-Veg) and Fresh pasta (Veg/Non-Veg)

4. Wafi Gourmet

   Address: Lower Ground Level - The Dubai Mall - Dubai

   Famous Food: Lebanese Mezze (Veg/Non-Veg) and Kebabs (Non-Veg)

5. Joe's Crab Shack

   Address: The Dubai Mall - Dubai

   Famous Food: Seafood platters (Non-Veg)