Top Notable Brands Redefining Fast Food in the UAE
Friday, 18 July 2025
Fast food in the UAE isn’t what it used to be — and that’s a good thing. Gone are the days when grabbing a quick bite meant settling for something frozen, greasy, and uninspiring. Today, a wave of notable local brands is redefining what fast food means in the Emirates, combining speed with authenticity, creativity, and premium quality.
These UAE-born concepts are challenging global giants by offering unique flavors, cultural relevance, and trendy dining experiences. Let’s explore the top standout brands that are transforming the fast food scene across the country.
Table of Contents
- Salt – Where Burgers Meet Beach Vibes
- Pickl – “Fresh. Fast. Food.”
- Allo Beirut – Lebanese Street Food for Everyone
- Operation: Falafel – Classic Arabic Food with an Urban Twist
- Manoushe Street – Lebanese Bakery, Reimagined
- High Joint – A Hidden Gem Turned Burger Powerhouse
- She Burger – Female-Founded and Flavor-Forward
- Maraheb – Yemeni Cuisine, Simplified for Speed
- Frequently asked questions
1. Salt – Where Burgers Meet Beach Vibes
Founded at: Kite Beach, Dubai
Known for: Wagyu sliders, lotus softies, minimalist menu
Salt has become an icon in the UAE’s culinary scene. What started as a silver Airstream food truck on the beach is now a trendy, permanent staple for burger lovers. Salt’s strength lies in its simplicity — limited menu, fresh ingredients, and a chill, beachside vibe that keeps fans returning.
How it redefines fast food:
Salt isn’t just about food; it’s about community, branding, and premium fast-casual culture. With high-quality wagyu beef and limited-time flavors, Salt feels upscale while remaining quick and accessible.
Website : https://findsalt.com/
2. Pickl – “Fresh. Fast. Food.”
Founded in: Dubai, 2019
Specialties: Cheeseburgers, fried chicken sandwiches, and signature pickles
Pickl is one of the UAE’s fastest-growing burger joints and a direct competitor to global burger chains. Their slogan “Simple. Not Basic.” sums up their philosophy — top-tier ingredients, hormone-free meats, and everything made fresh, including the pickles.
Why it stands out:
Pickl doesn’t freeze anything. From their juicy patties to the crunchy fried chicken, every bite screams freshness. With pop-culture inspired interiors and seasonal menu drops, Pickl keeps the fast food game exciting and relevant.
Website : https://eatpickl.com/
3. Allo Beirut – Lebanese Street Food for Everyone
Cuisine Type: Lebanese
Famous For: Shawarma, manakeesh, grills, and hummus bowls
Allo Beirut brings the buzz of Beirut’s street food scene right into the heart of the UAE. Whether you’re craving a juicy chicken shawarma or a warm manousheh for breakfast, this brand delivers on speed, taste, and authenticity.
How it redefines fast food:
By taking traditional Lebanese dishes and streamlining them for quick service, Allo Beirut proves that “fast” doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or heritage. With fun retro interiors and open kitchens, it’s a cultural food experience wrapped in convenience.
Website : https://www.allobeirutstreetfood.com/
4. Operation: Falafel – Classic Arabic Food with an Urban Twist
Founded in: 2014
Star Items: Falafel wraps, grilled meat platters, lentil soup
Operation: Falafel modernizes Middle Eastern street food in a way that’s casual, stylish, and health-conscious. With a cool industrial design and international expansion underway, this brand is proving that traditional food can thrive in the fast-food market.
Redefining factor:
The fusion of modern branding with authentic Arabic recipes gives Operation: Falafel a unique edge. It’s fast food with soul — comforting, nourishing, and perfect for a quick yet flavorful meal.
Website : https://www.operationfalafel.com/
5. Manoushe Street – Lebanese Bakery, Reimagined
Menu Focus: Manakish, saj wraps, Lebanese breakfast staples
Manoushe Street is the UAE’s answer to a fast-paced, traditional bakery. They specialize in manakish — a kind of Lebanese flatbread topped with everything from zaatar and cheese to sujuk and minced lamb.
What makes it notable:
Serving breakfast, lunch, or dinner in just minutes, Manoushe Street delivers the warmth of a traditional Arabic bakery in a contemporary format. Their speedy service and wide menu variety make them a go-to for many residents and office-goers.
Website : http://www.manoushestreet.com/
6. High Joint – A Hidden Gem Turned Burger Powerhouse
First Location: Al Manara, Dubai (behind a villa!)
Signature: Gourmet burgers with bold flavors and creative toppings
High Joint started off small — a literal hidden spot for burger aficionados. Today, it has a cult-like following, and for good reason. The menu is compact but explosive, offering unique combinations like chipotle mayo, kimchi slaw, or double truffle everything.
How it’s changing the game:
High Joint puts culinary experimentation into the fast food format. Each burger is crafted with care, making it feel like gourmet dining on a quick-service timeline.
7. She Burger – Female-Founded and Flavor-Forward
Founder: Emirati chef Shaikha Eissa
Famous For: Gourmet burgers, fusion bites, and creative fries
She Burger is more than just another burger place — it’s a story of local entrepreneurship and flavor innovation. Chef Shaikha Eissa began by cooking from her home kitchen, and her brand now draws crowds to Dar Wasl Mall.
Why it’s redefining fast food:
By fusing comfort food with a distinct local flair and feminine-led design, She Burger adds personality to the fast-food space. The menu is playful and bold — think Cheetos chicken burgers and gooey mac & cheese fries.
Website : https://www.sheburger.com/
8. Maraheb – Yemeni Cuisine, Simplified for Speed
Specializing in: Mandi, haneeth, and other traditional rice-based dishes
Locations: Across UAE
Maraheb offers authentic Yemeni food, traditionally considered slow-cooked, in a surprisingly fast and efficient format. While most mandi meals take hours to prepare, Maraheb’s kitchens are designed for swift service, making them ideal for lunch breaks or quick dinners.
What makes it notable:
It’s rare to see slow-cooked cuisine adapted to fast-food service. Maraheb balances tradition and convenience, giving UAE diners access to rich, flavorful rice dishes without the wait.
Why These Brands Matter
The fast food movement in the UAE is shifting towards:
- Better Ingredients: Most of these brands use fresh, local, or premium-sourced ingredients.
- Cultural Connection: Unlike international chains, these local brands often reflect UAE’s multicultural makeup — from Arabic to fusion cuisine.
- Instagram-Worthy Vibes: Experience and ambiance matter. These restaurants focus on aesthetic appeal as much as the food.
- Innovation: From truffle-loaded burgers to Nashville-style fried chicken, experimentation is key.
- Speed with Substance: These brands prove that fast food doesn’t need to be low quality.
The Future of Fast Food in the UAE
Homegrown fast-food brands in the UAE are no longer just “alternatives” to international giants — they’re leading the way. With expansions into Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and even Europe, many of these concepts are becoming global ambassadors of UAE’s entrepreneurial spirit and culinary creativity.
By blending tradition with trend, and speed with substance, these notable names are rewriting the future of fast food.
Next time you’re craving a quick meal, skip the usual suspects and try something proudly local. These notable fast-food brands are not just feeding the UAE — they’re shaping its evolving identity, one delicious bite at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What makes these UAE brands different from international fast food chains?
These UAE-based brands focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients, cultural relevance, and unique customer experiences. Many of them prioritize made-to-order meals, local flavors, and innovative menus—setting them apart from mass-produced global chains.
Are these fast food brands affordable for everyday dining?
Yes, most of these brands are reasonably priced and cater to both everyday diners and foodies looking for premium fast-casual experiences. While some offer gourmet touches, their pricing generally remains accessible for the UAE market.
Do these brands offer delivery across the UAE?
Many of these fast food brands are available through popular delivery platforms like Talabat, Deliveroo, and Careem NOW. Depending on the brand and your location, you can also order directly through their apps or websites.
Are there vegetarian or vegan options available?
Yes. Several of the featured brands offer vegetarian or plant-based choices. For example, Operation: Falafel has multiple vegan-friendly dishes, while Pickl and High Joint occasionally offer plant-based burger patties or sides.
Can tourists try these local fast food brands easily?
Absolutely! These brands have outlets in popular locations like Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, JBR, Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi, and major malls across the Emirates. They’re easily accessible to both residents and visitors.
Are these brands expanding outside the UAE?
Some of the notable brands like Pickl, Salt, and Operation: Falafel have already expanded or are in the process of launching outlets in neighbouring Gulf countries and even internationally. Their growing popularity is turning them into global UAE-born franchises.
Do these fast food spots offer dine-in experiences or are they takeaway-only?
Most of these brands provide both dine-in and takeaway services. Some, like Salt and Allo Beirut, are known for their well-designed dine-in spaces with Instagram-friendly aesthetics.
