Tastings Plus Dinner

Dubai: Flavors of Arabia Souk Tour with Tastings & Dinner

★ 4.9 5 reviews

2.5 hours, free cancellation.

from $150 per person

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Duration: 2.5 hours
Meeting point: Al Ras Metro Station (Deira)
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Meal: Included in the fare
Run by: Dubai by Foot

Overview

This tour spends two and a half hours in Old Dubai, moving from the Spice Souk in Deira to the textile souk across the creek and finishing in Bastakiya. Along the way there are tastings, an Abra ride across the water, and a sit-down dinner of traditional Emirati dishes such as Machboos, with Luqaimat among the desserts. Tea, dates and Indian snack tastings are included, and everyone leaves with a dessert to go. The meeting point is Al Ras Metro Station in Deira, and no pickup or drop-off is provided.

The route itself is a big part of the appeal. The guide walks the group through the Spice Souk first, then crosses Dubai Creek by private Abra, continues through the textile souk, and ends in the historic Bastakiya neighbourhood.

It suits adults with a genuine interest in food and culture who are happy to walk between stops. Anyone who arrives hungry and ready to move will get the most out of it.

What's Included

Included

Expert Local Tour Guide Certified Premium with 1200 Hours of Tour Guiding Experience
Tea, Dates and Private Abra Boat Ride
Indian Snack Tastings
Sit Down Emirati Local Arabic Food Dinner
Desert-to-go

Not Included

Pickup and drop-off
Gratuities are not included, it is recommend to tip the guide 10% at the end of the tour

Itinerary

Meet at Al Ras Metro
Spice Souk walk
Abra ride across the Creek
Textile Souk stroll
Sit-down Emirati dinner
Bastakiya finish

Meet at Al Ras MetroThe group meets at Al Ras Metro Station 2 in Deira. There is no hotel pickup, so travellers make their own way there.
Spice Souk walkThe tour starts with a walk through the Spice Souk, where the different spices fill the air with their aromas as the guide shares the story of the souks and the local culture.
Abra ride across the CreekThe group crosses Dubai Creek by private Abra, taking in the views of the water.
Textile Souk strollOn the other side, the walk continues through the textile souk, with commentary on the souks and local culture, and a possible stop at a local shop.
Sit-down Emirati dinnerThe main stop is a sit-down dinner of traditional Emirati food, including Machboos, plus tea, dates and Indian snack tastings along the way.
Bastakiya finishThe last stop is the historical Bastakiya neighbourhood. Each traveller walks away with a dessert to go.

Narrow creek-side lane in old Dubai with coral-stone walls and wind towers above wooden boats moored along the water

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this tour goes, based on the listing and on what travellers report back.

Come hungry. The listing says to arrive hungry, and reviewers agree, with several saying they left very full. Tastings plus a full dinner add up to a lot of food over the evening.
Comfortable shoes. The route covers the Spice Souk, the textile souk and Bastakiya on foot, plus a short Abra crossing. Walking shoes make the hops between stops easier.
Meeting point. The meeting point is Al Ras Metro Station 2 in Deira.
No pickup. Pickup and drop-off are not included, so travellers need to plan their own transport to Deira and back. Gratuities are also excluded, and the listing recommends tipping the guide around ten percent.
Questions welcome. Several reviewers praise the guide's detailed answers on the souks, the dishes and life in Dubai. Bringing questions makes the walk between stops more interesting.
Adults only. The listing states the tour is not suitable for kids and not suitable for vegetarians or vegans. It works best for adult meat-eaters.

Where this tour sits among 3 tours in Emirati Cultural Meals listed here (from-price per person, USD)

Emirati Meal And Talk$36.29
Tastings Plus Dinner (this tour)$150
Flavors Of Arabia, Emirati Cuisine$299

Common issues. A few limits are worth knowing before booking. The tour is not suitable for vegetarians, vegans or children, and there is no pickup or drop-off, so travellers handle their own transport to Al Ras Metro. One reviewer described a rushed pace through Old Dubai with little time for photos and an abrupt ending by taxi, though most reviewers describe a relaxed walk with plenty of commentary. Gratuities are not included, with a tip of around ten percent recommended. Cancellation is possible up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Common Questions

Is Dinner Included In The Price?

Yes. A sit-down dinner of traditional Emirati food including Machboos is included, along with tea, dates, Indian snack tastings and a dessert to go. The only food-related extra is the recommended gratuity, which is not included.

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

No. Pickup and drop-off are not included, and the tour starts from Al Ras Metro Station 2 in Deira. Travellers need to arrange their own transport there and back.

How Long Does The Tour Last?

The tour runs for two and a half hours. It is conducted in English by a certified local guide.

Is The Tour Suitable For Vegetarians, Vegans Or Children?

No. It also states the tour is not suitable for kids.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Beyond that, the listing does not state the terms for later cancellations.

Where Does The Tour Meet And End?

The meeting point is Al Ras Metro Station 2 in Deira. The route crosses the creek by Abra and finishes in the Bastakiya neighbourhood, so the end point is separate from the start.