“Food is served in desert safari”—but what kind? Is it just a snack, or a full-blown Arabian feast under the stars?
Let’s be clear: a desert safari isn’t just about dune bashing and camel rides. It’s also a culinary journey. From sizzling BBQ under the sky to traditional Emirati flavors, the food served in desert safari experiences across Dubai can truly surprise you.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what to expect. You’ll discover the different meal options available on morning, evening, and VIP safaris, understand dietary accommodations, and get tips to make the most of your desert dining experience. Whether you’re a foodie, a traveler planning your first Dubai trip, or just curious about what lands on your plate in the middle of the dunes—you’re in the right place
1. A Taste of Tradition: What to Expect
Most desert safaris in Dubai, including those by Desert Safari Oasis, offer a buffet-style dinner served in a traditional Bedouin-style camp. The experience blends authentic Middle Eastern cuisine with international options, perfect for a wide range of palates.
- Here’s what a typical evening desert safari meal includes:
- Welcome drinks: Arabic coffee (Gahwa), dates, and tea
- Appetizers: Hummus, tabbouleh, fatoush, and samosas
- Grilled meats: Chicken tikka, lamb kebabs, beef skewers, and sheesh tawook
- Vegetarian options: Grilled vegetables, falafel, mutabbal, and paneer curry
- Main courses: Biryani, pasta, rice with lamb stew, or chicken curry
- Desserts: Luqaimat (Emirati dumplings), baklava, fresh fruits
- Beverages: Water, soft drinks, tea, and sometimes shisha (flavored smoke for adults)
The food is served buffet-style, allowing guests to try small portions of many different dishes.
Welcome Drinks
The food journey usually starts with a warm and refreshing welcome. These drinks are more than just beverages—they’re part of the culture and a symbol of hospitality in Emirati tradition.
- Arabic coffee (Gahwa): A lightly roasted coffee infused with cardamom and sometimes saffron, served in small cups. It’s not just a drink, it’s a ritual.
- Dates: Naturally sweet and packed with energy, dates are offered alongside Gahwa and are considered a traditional welcome treat.
- Mint or black tea: Refreshing and calming, served hot and often sweetened, a perfect start to the evening.
Appetizers
The appetizers set the stage for the main meal. These small plates combine rich flavors and textures and are usually light and easy to digest.
- Hummus: A creamy blend of chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice. Served with warm pita bread, it’s a Middle Eastern staple.
- Tabbouleh: A fresh salad made with finely chopped parsley, tomatoes, bulgur wheat, and lemon juice. It’s zesty and refreshing.
- Fatoush: A crispy salad with toasted pita pieces, lettuce, cucumbers, and a tangy sumac dressing.
- Samosas: Fried or baked pastries filled with vegetables or spiced meat. Crunchy and flavorful, they’re a favorite among guests.
Grilled Meats
Grilled meats are often the highlight of the meal. Cooked live at BBQ stations, these meats are aromatic, juicy, and full of flavor thanks to hours of marination.
- Chicken tikka: Boneless chicken pieces marinated in yogurt and spices, grilled to perfection. It’s mildly spicy with a smoky finish.
- Lamb kebabs: Tender minced lamb mixed with herbs and spices, skewered and grilled. Rich, juicy, and satisfying.
- Beef skewers: Marinated beef cubes grilled over charcoal, often served with a garlic or yogurt dip.
- Sheesh tawook: A popular Lebanese dish, made of marinated chicken breast skewers, offering a softer and more subtle flavor.
Vegetarian Options
Vegetarian guests have plenty to enjoy. These dishes are not only meat-free but deeply rooted in Middle Eastern and South Asian cuisine.
- Grilled vegetables: A mix of zucchini, bell peppers, eggplants, and onions, brushed with olive oil and grilled until tender.
- Falafel: Crispy deep-fried balls made of ground chickpeas and herbs. Crunchy on the outside, soft inside.
- Mutabbal: A smoky eggplant dip blended with tahini, garlic, and lemon juice. Rich in flavor and perfect with pita.
- Paneer curry: A creamy Indian dish made with cubes of cottage cheese in a mildly spiced tomato gravy.
Main Courses
This is where the meal becomes more filling. The main courses combine comforting dishes from both Middle Eastern and South Asian culinary traditions.
- Chicken or lamb biryani: A spiced rice dish layered with marinated meat, saffron, and fried onions. Aromatic and hearty.
- Pasta: Usually offered with tomato-based or creamy sauces to appeal to international guests and children.
- Rice with lamb stew: A traditional Gulf-style stew slow-cooked with spices, served over fluffy rice.
- Chicken curry: Mild to medium-spiced curry made in Indian or Pakistani style with a creamy texture and deep flavors.
Desserts
Desserts are the final course of the evening, and they don’t disappoint. A mix of regional sweets and fresh treats gives everyone something to smile about.
- Luqaimat: Emirati-style doughnuts, crispy outside and soft inside, drizzled with date syrup or honey. A must-try!
- Baklava: A flaky pastry filled with chopped nuts and soaked in rosewater syrup. Sweet, nutty, and rich.
- Fresh fruits: Seasonal fruits like watermelon, oranges, or grapes, offered as a light and hydrating finish to the meal.
Beverages
A range of beverages is included in the experience, keeping guests refreshed throughout the evening. These are typically unlimited and self-served.
Water: Bottled still water is available throughout the experience to stay hydrated in the desert heat.
Soft drinks: Cola, lemon-lime sodas, and other carbonated beverages are chilled and readily available.
Tea: Hot black or mint tea is served post-meal, providing a warm and comforting way to end the evening.
Shisha (optional): Available in adult VIP areas, shisha comes in various flavors and is a popular part of local culture.
2. Morning vs. Evening Desert Safari Food
The food experience in a desert safari varies depending on the time of day. Morning safaris offer light refreshments, while evening safaris feature a full buffet dinner with BBQ, traditional Emirati dishes, and live cooking—making it a more immersive culinary experience.
Morning Desert Safari
- Focus is more on adventure than meals
- Light refreshments provided (juices, water, dates, pastries)
- Some packages offer a light breakfast box
Evening Desert Safari
- The highlight meal experience
- Full buffet dinner with live BBQ stations
- Entertainment often includes fire shows and belly dancing
VIP Desert Safari
- Private seating area with table service
- Expanded menu options (including seafood or customized dishes)
- Gourmet touches: mocktails, premium desserts, and more
- Ideal for celebrations, honeymooners, or anyone wanting luxury
3. Hygiene and Safety Standards
Especially in the post-pandemic world, food hygiene has taken center stage. Reputable companies like Desert Safari Oasis follow strict food safety regulations:
- Clean, sanitized serving areas
- Fresh ingredients, prepped daily
- Sealed bottled drinks
- Staff wearing gloves and masks (where applicable)
- Eco-friendly disposable utensils (upon request)
This means you can enjoy the experience without worrying about food quality or cleanliness.
5. Add-On Culinary Experiences
Some premium safari packages offer more immersive experiences:
- Live cooking stations: Watch chefs grill meat in front of you.
- Arabic bread baking: Learn how traditional khubz is made over open flames.
- Date tasting: Sample different varieties of Emirati dates.
- Camel milk tea or chocolate: A rare treat you won’t find everywhere.
These unique food moments elevate the dining from just a meal to an unforgettable experience.
6. What Makes the Food in Desert Safari Special?
It’s not just the food—it’s the setting.
- Dining under a star-lit sky
- Surrounded by soft desert dunes
- Traditional Arabian music in the background
- Swaying palm trees and campfire ambiance
The atmosphere turns even a simple meal into something magical.
7. Tips for Enjoying Your Desert Safari Meal
- Arrive hungry: The buffet is generous!
- Try everything: Sample small portions to experience the full flavor range.
- Hydrate: The desert climate is dry; drink plenty of water.
- Wear light clothing: Especially if you’re eating in the open.
- Save room for dessert: Luqaimat with date syrup is a must!
Final Thoughts:
So, what food is served in desert safari? The answer: a delicious blend of culture, tradition, and hospitality. Whether you’re indulging in flame-grilled kebabs or savoring sweet Emirati desserts, the experience is about more than just food—it’s about flavor, memory, and magic.
At Desert Safari Oasis, we don’t just serve meals. We serve moments. Join us for a safari that satisfies both your adventurous spirit and your taste buds.
