Travel independently to the start point in Bur Dubai on the south bank of the creek, near the Al Fahidi metro station and easily accessible by cab.
Meet your guide, and begin your food tour of the area, Dubai’s oldest quarter. Old-world charm mingles with bustling souks here, and on route, your guide will explain the city's history and culinary tastes.
Stroll through the busy Indian Market, sometimes known as Souk Al Khabeer, passing shops selling textiles, gold, clothes, and food. India is Dubai’s most important trading partner, and during the 19th century, many of the pearls found in the Arabian Gulf were exported to the country. In return, Indian merchants and goods flowed into Dubai, ensuring Indian cuisine stamped its mark on local tastes.
Try a hot Indian snack, and admire the twinkling city lights as you ride a wooden abra boat across the creek to Deira. Here, explore the Spice Souk, delving into the covered alleys packed with stalls peddling herbs, spices, sweets, and other goodies.
Sample some traditional ice cream, as well as a glass of juice, and luscious chocolate dates. Chat to the vendors about their spices, many shipped from Iran. Then, enjoy time to browse and buy local specialties like frankincense, saffron, Madagascan vanilla, and products made with vitamin-rich camel milk, such as soap and chocolate.
Sample Dubai’s best-loved street food — a meat-filled shawarma wrap — and continue to one of the oldest restaurants in town for a mouth-watering mutton kebab. As you dig into the juicy kebab, learn how it’s made from a secret Persian family recipe, and admire the restaurant walls, covered in old newspaper clippings and photos of Dubai, and thousands of faded international banknotes.
Your tour ends at a central location when you say goodbye to your guide.
