At a traditional restaurant, savor Emirati Lamb Machboos and immerse yourself in the culinary heritage of Dubai. To truly understand a place, one must delve into its cuisine, the spices that define it, and the stories that unite its communities. In Dubai, this exploration is particularly rich due to the city's diverse population, which has brought a myriad of flavors and recipes from around the world. This is why a food tour through Old Dubai is so captivating. Frying Pan Adventures, a local food tour company, is eager to lead the way. "Our food tours aim to highlight a side of the city that has thrived long before the modern, trendy attractions," explains Farida Ahmed, General Manager at Frying Pan Adventures.
Farida and her sister, Arva, started guiding food tours in Dubai in 2013. The city's government managed the Covid-19 crisis effectively, but tourism-related businesses still faced challenges. "There was a noticeable drop in visitors and even resident activity. However, Covid now feels like a distant memory," says Farida. "Our tours have returned to pre-Covid operations, with added hygiene measures like wet wipes and hand sanitizers in our totes. We now provide disposable earphones for our audio guides, encouraging guests to bring their own as well. The essence of our food and walks remains unchanged, including our group sizes."
The most sought-after tours include visits to Dubai's souks and Creekside, as well as the Middle East food pilgrimage, which offers a taste of falafel, hummus, kunafeh, shawarma, and kebabs. The Little India tour and special edition tours for VIP pass members are also popular. The latest addition to their lineup is the Dubai Mall food tour, designed as an indoor experience that blends traditional Dubai flavors with unique concepts. "This tour will be available year-round," says Farida.
Comfortable shoes, loose pants, and a hearty appetite are essential for a food tour. To prevent food waste, Frying Pan Adventures ensures leftovers are given to those in need. "We respectfully ask servers to distribute untouched food to those who would appreciate it," says Farida. "Often, staff members share it among themselves or offer it to delivery workers and street cleaners."
These tours are meticulously planned through extensive research. Farida and Arva, born and raised in Dubai, have a wealth of favorite food spots they wish to share. They also crowdsource restaurant recommendations. "Our baklava shop, Al Samadi Sweets, has been a family favorite since the mid-90s. We also include new neighborhood spots that prove to be delicious," she says. Currently, Frying Pan Adventures employs two full-time staff members and five freelance food guides, making their team small but highly effective.
