Best desserts and sweets to try in Dubai

Dubai is a food haven for all kinds of foodies. This city is a melting pot of cultures, which is evidently reflected in the unlimited types of foods options and experiences it provides its residents and tourists. Are you craving something sweet? You’ll find all kinds of sweets and desserts in Dubai from ice creams, cheesecakes, puddings, parfaits, shakes, to other decadent and extraordinary confections – all of which will satisfy your sweet tooth and any craving you’ve been having.

It is quite easy to find the perfect dessert spot in Dubai, whether you’re looking for Arabic-accented cakes, spectacular sundaes, or homegrown specials – you’ll be spoilt for choice. Here are some of the best sweets and desserts to try in Dubai.

Middle eastern sweets

Bukaj – Al Samadi Sweets

Al Samadi Sweets has been a favorite of foodies since it first opened in the 1970s and is one of the best places in Dubai to try Arabic sweets. This bakery and café serves a variety of Arabic sweets and desserts, including Maamoul, a butter cookie filled with dates and is made with semolina flour, spices, and butter, and Bukaj, a cashew nut stuffed baklava pouch. Al Samadi Sweets is also the place to go if you want to try one of the best Halawet el Jibn in Dubai, also known as sweet cheese rolls. It's made with semolina and cheese dough, is filled with clotted cream, and is topped with pistachios, rose water, or orange-flavored sugar syrup.

Location: Al Muraqqabat, Deira, Dubai

Timing: 08:00 am – 11:00 pm

Cost for 2: AED 80

Luqaimat – Logma

One of the most well-liked Emirati sweet dishes available in Dubai is luqaimat or lokma. It is made from yeast-leavened dough that is dipped in date syrup and topped with sesame seeds before being deep-fried. It has a crispy exterior that perfectly contrasts with its soft inner texture. At Logma, a locally owned restaurant that serves dishes with a delectable and creative spin on regional and Middle Eastern cuisine, you can sample some of the best luqaimat. The Lotus Karak Cake and date pudding cake, which are favorites of their regulars, are two additional popular desserts at Logma. Try the best luqaimat in Dubai, and make sure to eat these little deep-fried dough balls while they're still warm!

Location: Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai

Timing: 10:00 am – 12:00 am

Cost for 2: AED 220

Bachir ice cream – Zaroob

Zaroob offers traditional Arabic cuisine with a distinctive twist. It has a fantastic menu with both modern and traditional Levantine dishes, and it has a lively atmosphere. Among foodies, It's Bachir Ice Cream is extremely well-liked. This ice cream is very different from regular gelato because of its unique sticky consistency, but that doesn't make it any less delicious. This tasty Lebanese snack is available in flavors like rose, melon, and milk. True fans, however, prefer the famous cornet achta with whipped cream and pistachios in crushed form. At Zaroob, the focus is on traditional recipes with a modern twist, transporting you back to the typical street markets of Jordan or Lebanon.

Location: Locations in Trade Centre, Motor City and Dubai Marina

Timing: 07:30 am – 04:30 am

Cost for 2: AED 140

Kunafa – Firas Sweets

Kunafa is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert that is one of Dubai's most famous and decadent Arabic sweets. It consists of shredded phyllo pastry, cheese, and sweet syrup. Ricotta or akkawi cheese is typically used, and the syrup is flavored with rose or orange blossom water. Kunafa is a warm dessert that is ideal for sharing with friends and family. Firas Sweets serves the most delectable Kunafa! The gooey, soft cheese melts inside the layers of fried, crisp vermicelli soaked in a rose water and spiced sugar syrup mixture.

Location: Locations in Qusias, Warqa and International City

Timing: 10:00 am – 01:00 am

Cost for 2: AED 50

Camel Milk ice-cream – Arabian Tea House

A distinctive dessert that is very well-liked in Dubai is camel milk ice cream. It is made with camel milk, as the name would imply, which is said to be healthier than cow's milk and has a slightly saltier flavor. This upscale ice cream and chocolate brand uses whole camel milk to create its products, drawing on local Emirati culture. Nearly a dozen different camel milk flavors, each with a distinctive regional flavor, are available, including caramel biscuit, honey saffron, pistachio, mint tea, and Turkish coffee. Typically, camel milk is known for its strong flavor, but this ice cream is pasteurized, allowing for much more finesse.

Location: Arabian Tea House, Meena Bazaar

Timing: 07:00 am – 11:00 pm

Cost for 2: AED 225

International sweets

Pasteis de natas – Lana Lusa

Visit Lana Lusa, a laid-back location, for its incredible Pastéis de nata. If you want to continue enjoying the flaky pastries as you go about your day, the custard tarts are also available to buy in a box to take away. The tarte de amêndoa (almond tart) and the bolo de bolacha are two other traditional desserts offered on the menu (a no-bake biscuit cake). The all-day menu at this adorable neighborhood restaurant features traditional Portuguese favorites. Visit and sample their mouthwatering selection of sweets.

Location: Al Wasl 51, Jumeirah 1

Timing: Mon-Fri 08:00 am – 12:00 am | Sat-Sun 09:00 am – 12:00 am

Cost for 2: AED 230

Coconut Rasmalai – Bombay Bungalow

This energetic restaurant takes such great care with every aspect, from the interior to the modern Indian cuisine, that it only makes sense that they would want your last plate to be just as special as your first. End your meal with the theatrically presented coconut rasmalai, which is served on petal-strewn saffron milk, by taking a seat on the terrace outside. This dish perfectly captures the spirit of the restaurant because it combines traditional cooking methods with a modern twist. Enjoy delicious food while being surrounded by gorgeous interiors and breathtaking views of Bluewaters Island.

Location: The Beach, JBR

Timing: 08:00 am – 12:00 am

Cost for 2: AED 250

Floating Island – Brasserie Boulud

A Floating Island might be the most classical French dish there is, not to mention the trickiest to perfect. Fortunately for Dubai residents, the kitchen at Sofitel The Obelisk's Brasserie Boulud serves up an excellent rendition. The perfect way to cap off a meal in Paris, soft meringue "clouds" are placed on top of vanilla cream that can be poured.

Location: Sofitel Dubai the Obelisk, Umm Hurair

Timing: Mon-Fri 12:30 pm – 03:00 pm, 06:00 pm – 12:00 am | Sat 01:00 pm – 04:00 pm , 06:00 pm-12:00 am| Closed on Sunday

Cost for 2: AED 485

Baked chenna – Kinara by Vikas Khanna

Vikas Khanna is one of the first Indian chefs in the US to receive a Michelin star. He gained popularity after hosting MasterChef India along with Sanjeev Kapoor. Kinara by Vikas Khanna in Dubai takes you on a sensory and gastronomical trip filled with flavors and spices. The entrance is adorned with elegant spice displays that emit soothing fragrances. The restaurant features authentic regional Indian dishes with a modern twist. The Chenna Poda, also known as "Baked cheese," is a beloved Indian dessert that Vikas Khanna has elevated to fit a fine dining experience. This multi-textural dessert, which highlights the deft touch of this talented celebrity chef, contains notes of caramelized sugar, cardamom gel, pistachio sponge, and passion fruit. This restaurant is one of the best celebrity chef restaurants in Dubai.

Location: JA Lake View Hotel, Mina Jebel Ali

Timing: 06:00 pm – 11:00 pm

Cost for 2: AED 280

Meringue cake - Cipriani Dolci

With their feather-light meringue cake still being one of the all-time favorites, Cipriani Dolci shines a spotlight on the dessert menu of the renowned Venetian restaurant. Even though the slice initially appears to be enormous, it is so delicious that you'll quickly finish the delicate vanilla-flavored piece. It will make you feel as though you have been transported to Italy when combined with their espresso.

Location: Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha

Timing: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Cost for 2: AED 150

Dubai Specials

Nostalgia – Brix

Chef Carmen Rueda Hernandez has experience in cutting-edge, experimental kitchens like The Fat Duck, which is why her dessert bar concept, Brix, is so novel. The cozy establishment offers a tasting menu with a focus on sweet treats. Nostalgia, featuring ingredients like peanut, salted caramel, hazelnut, mango, and passion fruit, is not to be missed. It is served with a Golden Autumn cocktail that combines earl grey, fresh lemon, and American malt.

Location: Jumeirah Fishing Harbour, Jumeirah 2

Timing: Sat-Tues 02:00 pm – 11:00 pm (Mondays closed )

Cost for 2: AED 95

Passion Fruit and Vanilla Profiterole – Rive Gauche

The traditional profiterole has been reimagined at the upscale French restaurant Rive Gauche. The light choux pastry is filled with vanilla parfait in the DIFC restaurant's rendition, which is also paired with passion fruit confit and white chocolate coconut crumb. For an incredible, elevated end to your meal, don't forget to drizzle the extra passion fruit sauce that is provided on the side.

Location: DIFC, Dubai

Timing: 06:00 pm – 03:00 am

Cost for 2: AED 70(Profiterole)

In chef Carmine's elegant signature dessert, the subtle flavors of creamy ricotta and chamomile crumb are combined with sweetness from a honey mousse. This treat was initially created to help Blossom Honey, a nearby farm in Dubai, and it is now one of the most popular dishes on the menu.

Location: Waldorf Astoria, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai

Timing: 06:30 pm – 10:30 pm

Cost for 2: AED 615