UAE’s Latest Food Trends: What’s Viral in Mid-2025?
Monday, 23 June 2025
The UAE’s culinary scene is evolving rapidly in 2025 — and it’s not just about fine dining anymore. From celebrity chef pop-ups to viral oyster shucking competitions and plant-based innovations, the food landscape is more dynamic than ever. Events like the Taste of Dubai 2025 are helping to shape these trends by spotlighting what’s hot and happening on the plates of foodies across the Emirates.
Here’s a look at the top viral food trends sweeping the UAE this year.
Table of Contents
- Celebrity Chef Culture Goes Mainstream
- Street-Style Gourmet: Elevated Comfort Food
- Firepit & Flame-Cooked Foods
- Oyster Culture & Seafood Challenges
- Plant-Based & Clean Eating Gets a Gourmet Touch
- Interactive Cooking Experiences
- Global Cuisines, Local Twist
- Food Meets Music Culture
- Frequently asked questions
1. Celebrity Chef Culture Goes Mainstream
No longer reserved for Michelin-starred restaurants, celebrity chefs are now making their way into public events, pop-ups, and food festivals.
What’s Trending:
- Pop-up kitchens hosted by chefs like Marco Pierre White, Dani García, and Akmal Anuar.
- Masterclasses with global culinary icons available to the general public.
- Celebrity-branded menus at local eateries for limited periods.
2. Street-Style Gourmet: Elevated Comfort Food
Comfort food is getting a luxury makeover in 2025, with gourmet burgers, Asian street food, and elevated Indian dishes trending across the UAE.
What’s Viral:
- Dishes from restaurants like Lush Burger and Miss Lily’s serving next-level versions of burgers and Caribbean street eats.
- Fusion creations like truffle butter dosas and birria ramen.
- Premium ingredients (wagyu, saffron, foie gras) used in casual staples.
3. Firepit & Flame-Cooked Foods
Open-fire cooking is back in style, with pitmasters showing off theatrical BBQ skills and rustic flavours.
What’s Cooking:
- Hands-on sessions at the Suma Gourmet Firepit teaching guests how to grill like pros.
- Smoky meats, flame-roasted vegetables, and charcoal-seared seafood dominating menus.
- Campfire-inspired plating and rustic presentation trending on Instagram.
4. Oyster Culture & Seafood Challenges
The UAE’s seafood scene is buzzing, with oyster appreciation events and seafood shucking competitions growing in popularity.
What’s Hot:
- “Dibba Bay Oyster Shuck Off” drawing crowds and viral reels.
- Rising demand for fresh, locally sourced oysters and shellfish.
- Seafood pairing masterclasses with wine and mocktails.
5. Plant-Based & Clean Eating Gets a Gourmet Touch
Healthy eating isn’t just about salads anymore. Smoothie bars, plant-powered snacks, and vegan gourmet are trending hard in 2025.
Where to Look:
- Koita Smoothie & Coffee Bar serving organic blends, dairy-free lattes, and energizing smoothies.
- Plant-based menus at fine dining restaurants using jackfruit, tempeh, and vegan truffle.
- Social media challenges featuring 7-day clean-eating programs.
6. Interactive Cooking Experiences
UAE foodies want more than a meal — they want to learn, cook, and engage.
Trending Concepts:
- BLACK+DECKER Cook School workshops letting attendees cook with chefs.
- Live recipe demos and firepit battles.
- DIY sushi stations and pasta-making booths at food festivals.
7. Global Cuisines, Local Twist
Cuisines from around the world are being reimagined with a UAE twist in 2025.
Trending Combos:
- Emirati-Italian fusion (e.g., machboos risotto).
- Japanese dishes with Arabic spices.
- Indian tapas using local ingredients like dates and saffron.
8. Food Meets Music Culture
The fusion of food and entertainment is stronger than ever, with DJs, live bands, and celebrity hosts turning meals into experiences.
What’s Rocking:
- Live performances from DJ Big Rossi, Ryan Gibb, and more at food festivals.
- Lounge-style pop-ups where food and beats go hand in hand.
- Curated playlists paired with tasting menus.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the most popular food trends in the UAE right now?
In mid-2025, top food trends in the UAE include celebrity chef pop-ups, gourmet street food, flame-cooked dishes, plant-based innovations, and immersive cooking experiences at events like Taste of Dubai.
Is plant-based food really popular in the UAE in 2025?
Yes, plant-based eating has become very popular, with many restaurants offering gourmet vegan dishes and health-focused smoothie and coffee bars like Koita gaining attention among health-conscious foodies.
Where can I try these food trends in the UAE?
You can experience these trends at major food festivals like Taste of Dubai, as well as at trendy restaurants such as Lush Burger, Miss Lily’s, Indya by Vineet, and at pop-up events hosted across the Emirates.
What makes flame-cooked or firepit food special?
Flame-cooked dishes are popular for their smoky flavor and theatrical preparation. Events like the Suma Gourmet Firepit offer hands-on grilling experiences with expert pitmasters.
Are food festivals in Dubai suitable for families and kids?
Absolutely! Events like Taste of Dubai offer family-friendly activities, free entry for children under 12, live music, interactive cooking classes, and a wide variety of food options for all ages.