Dubai is known for its diverse and international cuisine, and African food is no exception. In recent years, African restaurants have been popping up all over the city, offering a variety of traditional dishes from various regions of the continent. In this article, we will explore the best African restaurants in Dubai, discuss how many African restaurants are in Dubai, determine the oldest African restaurant in Dubai, and examine the different types of African cuisines available in the city.
Topics Covered:
- How many African restaurants are in Dubai?
- What is the Oldest African Restaurant in Dubai?
- How Many Types of African Cuisines are there?
- What are the Best African Restaurants in Dubai?
- Gursha Dubai
- The Meat Co.
- Larte Dubai
- The Farm Restaurant, Al Barari
- Tribes Dubai Mall
- Tribes Mall of The Emirates
- Enish Nigerian Restaurant & Lounge
- Grand Grill
- Chop House Restaurant
- Mpombo African Restaurant – Dubai
- Africana Home Restaurant Gold Land
- African Kingdom Restaurant
- African Dishes Restaurant Dubai
- Biggy African Restaurant
- Closing Thoughts on the Best African Restaurants in Dubai
How many African restaurants are in Dubai?
When it comes to African cuisine, Dubai is hosting over 50 African restaurants. From traditional Ethiopian dishes to West African specialties, the city has a wide range of options for anyone looking to experience the rich and diverse flavors of the continent.
One popular African restaurant in Dubai is Kiza, located in the heart of Dubai’s financial district. This restaurant specializes in East African cuisine, serving up dishes like nyama choma (grilled meat) and ugali (a type of cornmeal porridge). Another popular spot is Mama Tani, which offers a fusion of West and East African cuisine. Here, diners can enjoy dishes like jollof rice (a popular West African rice dish) and samosas (a common snack in East Africa).
For those looking for a taste of North African cuisine, there is Tagine, located in the One&Only Royal Mirage Hotel. This restaurant serves up traditional Moroccan dishes like tagine (a stew cooked in a clay pot) and couscous.
In addition to these restaurants, there are also several African-themed cafes and lounges in Dubai. One such spot is Tribes, which offers a unique dining experience with its African-inspired decor and live music performances.
Overall, it is clear that African cuisine has a strong presence in Dubai, with a variety of restaurants and cafes offering a taste of the continent’s diverse culinary traditions. Whether you’re a fan of spicy West African dishes or savory North African stews, there is something for everyone in this vibrant and multicultural city.
What is the Oldest African Restaurant in Dubai?
While Kiza Restaurant and Lounge is the oldest African restaurant in Dubai, its history is relatively short compared to the long and rich history of African cuisine. African cuisine is as diverse as the continent itself, with each country and region boasting its own unique flavors and cooking techniques.
Despite being a relatively new addition to the Dubai dining scene, Kiza has quickly become a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The restaurant’s sleek and modern decor provides the perfect backdrop for its contemporary take on African cuisine. From the rich and spicy flavors of Nigerian jollof rice to the fragrant and aromatic dishes of Ethiopia, Kiza’s menu is a culinary journey through the many flavors of Africa.
In addition to its delicious food, Kiza is also known for its lively and vibrant atmosphere. The restaurant’s lounge area is the perfect place to unwind after a long day, with live music and entertainment that celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Africa.
But Kiza is not the only African restaurant in Dubai. In recent years, the city has seen a surge in the number of African restaurants, each offering its own unique take on the continent’s cuisine. From the traditional flavors of East Africa to the bold and spicy dishes of West Africa, there is no shortage of delicious African food to be found in Dubai.
So whether you’re a seasoned foodie or simply looking to try something new, Dubai’s African restaurants are sure to satisfy your taste buds and provide a culinary experience unlike any other.
How Many Types of African Cuisines are there?
Africa is a continent that is rich in culture, traditions, and history. One of the most significant aspects of African culture is its diverse and delicious cuisine. There are 5 main African cuisines: North African, South African, West African, East African, and Central African cuisine. African cuisine is a reflection of the continent’s history, geography, and cultural diversity. With each region and country having its unique cuisine, there is no shortage of delicious dishes to try.
- North African cuisine is known for its bold and spicy flavors. The cuisine is heavily influenced by Arabic, French, and Mediterranean flavors. Some of the most popular North African dishes include couscous, tagine, and harissa.
- West African cuisine is known for its rich and hearty stews. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the use of local ingredients such as yams, cassava, and plantains. Some of the most popular West African dishes include jollof rice, egusi soup, and fufu.
- South African cuisine is known for its love of barbeque or braai. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the country’s multicultural heritage, with dishes such as bobotie, biltong, and boerewors being popular.
- East African cuisine is known for its unique blend of spices and flavors. The cuisine is heavily influenced by Indian and Arabic flavors, with dishes such as injera, samosas, and pilau being popular.
- Central African cuisine is known for its use of root vegetables, such as cassava and yams. The cuisine is heavily influenced by French and Portuguese flavors, with dishes such as moambe chicken and maboke being popular.
In Dubai, you can find a variety of African cuisines, such as Ethiopian, Nigerian, Ghanaian, South African, and Moroccan, among others. Each restaurant offers a unique dining experience, with dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Whether you are a foodie looking to explore new and exciting flavors or someone who wants to experience the rich and diverse culture of Africa, African cuisine is sure to satisfy your cravings. So why not try something new and explore the delicious world of African cuisine?
What are the Best African Restaurants in Dubai?
Now that we’ve discussed the number and variety of African restaurants in Dubai, let’s take a closer look at some of the best.
1. Gursha Dubai
One standout is the Ethiopian restaurant, Gursha Dubai, which offers traditional dishes like injera bread and doro wat. The restaurant’s decor and atmosphere are also worth mentioning, as they transport you straight to the heart of Ethiopia.
Type of cuisine: Ethiopian
Location: 01 Club Vista Mare, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai United Arab Emirates
Website: N/A
Phone number: +971 4 554 2665
Gursha Dubai Instagram Account
2. The Meat Co.
If you’re in the mood for some South African cuisine, The Meat Co. is a must-visit. This restaurant serves up mouth-watering steaks and seafood dishes, and its wine list is also impressive. The Meat Co. has a prime location in Souk Al Bahar, which offers a stunning view of the Dubai Fountain.
Type of cuisine: African
Location: The Meat Co., Souk Al Bahar – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone Number: +971 4 420 0737
The Meat Co. Instagram Account
3. Larte Dubai
For a unique dining experience, head to Larte Dubai, which offers a fusion of African and Italian cuisine. This restaurant is known for its creative dishes, such as its signature “African pizza.” Larte Dubai also has a beautiful outdoor seating area, perfect for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends.
Type of cuisine: African
Location: LARTE Caffe & Ristorante, Studio One Hotel, Ground Floor – Al Qudra Rd – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone Number: +971 4 581 6870
4. The Farm Restaurant, Al Barari
Other notable African restaurants in Dubai include The Farm Restaurant, and Al Barari, which serves authentic Kenyan cuisine. Their menu features dishes like ugali and nyama choma, which are staples in Kenyan cuisine. Al Khaima is another popular spot, known for its North African cuisine. This restaurant offers a cozy and intimate atmosphere, perfect for a date night.
Type of cuisine: African
Location: The Farm Restaurant, Al Barari, Al Barari – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
The Farm Restaurant, Al Barari Website
Phone Number: +971 4 886 6223
The Farm Restaurant, Al Barari Instagram Account
5. Tribes Dubai Mall
Tribes are the result of one man’s love of all things African, including music, art, and contemporary design. Join our Tribe for an incredible taste of Africa and a special dining experience. The menu was influenced by the incredible cuisine and flavors of Africa, a continent with many different tribes, which not only speak various languages but also have a wide variety of meals that they proudly create and present to their family and friends.
Type of cuisine: African
Location: Tribes Dubai Mall, Level 2, Star Atrium, above apple store, The Dubai Mall – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone Number: +971 4 226 4974
Tribes Dubai Mall Instagram Account
6. Tribes Mall of The Emirates
Another convenient Tribes location can be found in the Mall of the Emirates. Tribes is an unforgettable blend of exotic tastes that have been drawn from the African continent since the Tribal era and have been influenced by the Spice Islands of the East, the French in the West, the Malay & Dutch in the South, and the Arabic flavors of the North.
Type of cuisine: African
Location: Tribes Mall of The Emirates، Second Floor, Opposite Starbucks Coffee Mall of the Emirates – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Tribes Mall of The Emirates Website
Phone Number: +971 4 395 0663
Tribes Mall of The Emirates Instagram Account
7. Enish Nigerian Restaurant & Lounge
Enish provides you with an exceptional dining and entertainment experience at its location next to Palm Jumeirah and Sheikh Zayed Road. Experience authentically gorgeous food, an eclectic variety of premium beverages, outstanding cocktails, and private dining and VIP areas within the lounge at Enish Dubai Nightclub. Enish, a cuisine and entertainment hub in the center of London, is home to some of the biggest names in Afrobeats.
Type of cuisine: African
Location: Enish Nigerian Restaurant & Lounge, H Hotel & H hotel – 1 Dubai 2nd December street – 40 Sheikh Zayed Rd – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Enish Nigerian Restaurant & Lounge Website
Phone Number: +971 54 998 5860
Enish Nigerian Restaurant & Lounge Instagram Account
8. Grand Grill
One of the top South African steakhouses in Dubai, with a distinctive design, has been a staple of the Dubai Marina social scene since 2006. Known for its enormous assortment of well-aged, foreign beef selections served fresh in-store every day, the restaurant offers a wide range of fresh, home-cooked South African cuisine. Additionally, they offer a variety of South African grape beverages. It’s a genuine South African steakhouse experience.
Type of cuisine: African
Location: Grand Grill, Habtoor Grand Beach Resort – Lobby Level – King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud St – Dubai Marina – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone Number: +971 4 399 4221
9. Chop House Restaurant
A local gem for African cuisine, Chop House Restaurant offers a taste of Africa with distinctive flavors that, with the help of attentive staff and a cozy environment, transport you the continent’s different cooking styles.
Type of cuisine: African
Location: Chop House Restaurant, Cluster B – Jumeirah Lake Towers – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Website: N/A
Phone Number: +971 52 725 4297
Chop House Restaurant Instagram Account
10. Mpombo African Restaurant – Dubai
Mpombo strives for excellent customer experience, taking into account the feedback of its guests to continue improving its African offering. With fantastic meals and a comfortable setting, you can enjoy a little bit of Africa in the heart of Dubai.
Type of cuisine: African
Location: Mpombo African Restaurant – Dubai, NML B3 – Sikkat – شارع الخيل – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Website: N/A
Phone Number: +971 52 974 6535
Mpombo African Restaurant – Dubai Instagram Account
11. Africana Home Restaurant Gold Land
Africana Home Restaurant is an African-focused restaurant that has been operating in the UAE since 1993. They offer catering, takeout, delivery, and dine-in options. Their motto is “Your ‘Home Away From Home”, receiving both locals and ex-pats.
Type of cuisine: African
Location: Africana Home Restaurant Gold Land, Al Khor St – 12 Al Daghaya St – behind Gold Land Building – Deira – Al Sabkha – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Website: N/A
Phone Number: +971 4 225 8899
Africana Home Restaurant Gold Land Facebook Page
12. African Kingdom Restaurant
African Kingdom Restaurant is a place that feels like a home away from home. When traveling in a foreign country, your memories of home are what keep you going, and this place stands for this message. Their tastes reflect the wonderful recollections of their family cooking. They are proud Africans who enjoy sharing their heritage through their cuisine.
Type of cuisine: African
Location: African Kingdom Restaurant, Shop No:5 Reem Avenue, Al Nahda Near Carrefour, Opposite Al Roda Tower2 African Restaurant – Sharjah – United Arab Emirates
African Kingdom Restaurant Website
Phone Number: +971 50 409 1434
African Kingdom Restaurant Instagram Account
13. African Dishes Restaurant Dubai
The restaurant African Dishes offers the finest selection of foods from mother Africa. It provides you with the flavors of Mother Africa in Dubai.
Type of cuisine: African
Location: African Dishes Restaurant Dubai, Barsha Platinum Building By Armada Hotel – Al Barsha 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Website: N/A
Phone Number: +971 4 548 4812
African Dishes Restaurant Dubai Instagram Account
14. Biggy African Restaurant
There is a diverse and expansive menu variety available at Biggy Africa Restaurant. You can order online and have your food delivered to your house, take your meal out, or eat in at any of our locations! Additionally, we offer catering services for occasions featuring West African food.
Type of cuisine: African
Location: Biggy African Restaurant, Al Jabri Building – Al Nahda – Al Nahda 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Website: N/A
Phone Number: +971 50 307 8404
Closing Thoughts on the Best African Restaurants in Dubai
In conclusion, whether you’re a fan of West African stews or North African spices, Dubai has a diverse selection of African restaurants to satisfy your cravings. With the growing number of African ex-pats in the city, we can expect to see even more delicious and authentic African cuisine in the years to come.
[av_magazine link=’category,21′ tabs=’aviaTBtabs’ thumbnails=’aviaTBthumbnails’ heading_active=’aviaTBheading_active’ heading=’Explore more Restaurants in Dubai:’ date_filter=” date_filter_start=” date_filter_end=” date_filter_format=’yy/mm/dd’ period_filter_unit_1=’1′ period_filter_unit_2=’year’ first_big_pos=’top’ image_big=’magazine’ items=’5′ paginate=” offset=’0′ heading_color=’theme-color’ heading_custom_color=’#ffffff’ heading_tag=” heading_class=” heading_link=” link_target=” img_scrset=” lazy_loading=’disabled’ alb_description=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-2m05k4′ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]