Naturally, Dubai offers Middle Eastern cuisine but it is also a culinary melting pot of international foods from French to Indian, Thai, Japanese and even Mexican with a population of slightly over 1 million comprised of 140 nationalities.

In terms of Middle Eastern or Arabic cuisine, you will find Lebanese, Iranian and Moroccan restaurants serving mezze or several courses of appetizers accompanied by flat breads and olives. Buffets will almost always include hummus, tabouli, roast lamb and chicken dishes.

In Dubai, you may be welcomed with coffee flavored with cardamom and other spices served in tiny cups.  Although it’s thick, sweet cousin Turkish Coffee is also served in lounges and restaurants. And yes, the ubiquitous Starbucks has found its way into Dubai as well. However, alcohol is not widely available in this Islamic nation, except to visitors in hotel bars and restaurants.

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