Dubai is a city where skyscrapers pierce the clouds, golden deserts meet turquoise seas, and every meal feels like a celebration. From Michelin-starred dining to adrenaline-packed adventures, this glittering metropolis never fails to dazzle. Pack your stretchy pants
After a quick transfer to Hotel Indigo, I power through jet lag with a strong cup of karak chai and a hotel breakfast spread that includes everything from flaky croissants to shakshuka. We kick things off with a late lunch at the hotel; think mezze platters, fresh salads, and grilled meats. But let’s be real, I’m pacing myself because I’ve heard whispers about tonight’s dinner spot.
Dubai’s food scene is a dream for Pakistani foodies.🇵🇰🍽 From bold flavors to Insta-worthy bites—here are 6 spots that turn every meal into an adventure!
A Spectacle Like No Other
We head to La Perle, Dubai’s iconic aquatic circus. The show is a jaw-dropping mix of acrobatics, diving, and motorcycle stunts, all set in a custom-built theater with a pool at its center. The storyline is imaginative, but the real magic is in the performances. Acrobats soar through the air, divers plunge from dizzying heights, and motorcycles zoom around in a giant metal sphere. It’s the kind of show that leaves you wondering, How is this even possible?
As the sun sets, we head to Sufret Maryam in Wasl 51, a culinary love letter to Levantine home cooking. The restaurant’s cozy yet elegant vibe makes me feel like I’ve been invited to a lavish dinner party. I already know we’re in for a treat. We start with lebna, a creamy, tangy yogurt dip served with warm, pillowy bread. It’s simple but so addictive that I have to stop myself from filling up on it. Next comes the romaneye, a slow-cooked lentil and eggplant dish with pomegranate molasses, a sweet, smoky, and slightly tart flavor bomb.
The star of the show? The la’moshet Maryam, a slow-cooked lamb shoulder marinated in Chef Salam’s secret spice blend. The meat falls apart at the touch of a fork, and the flavors are deep, rich, and comforting. We also try the lamb chops, perfectly charred and juicy, served with a side of garlicky mashed potatoes. For dessert, the coconut ice cream is a revelation, creamy, not too sweet, with just the right amount of coconut flavor. We wash it all down with herbal tea, a soothing end to a meal that feels like a warm hug.
Waterpark Thrills and Sky-High Dining
After a hearty breakfast (I load up on eggs, pancakes, and fresh fruit), we head to Aquaventure, the world’s largest waterpark. The Leap of Faith slide is first on my list, a near-vertical drop through a clear tube surrounded by sharks. Terrifying? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely. We spend the morning racing down slides, and floating along lazy rivers. By noon, we’re exhausted, sunburnt, and starving.
Wavehouse, located right by the waterpark, is the perfect spot to refuel. The vibe is laid-back, with surfers riding artificial waves in the background. We gorged on honey spice chicken wings (sticky, sweet, and slightly spicy) and BBQ wings (smoky and tangy), plus a plate of crispy mozzarella sticks that disappear in seconds. For mains, the juicy beef burgers hit the spot, and the peach iced tea is refreshingly sweet. We linger for a while, soaking in the relaxed atmosphere and watching the surfers wipe out spectacularly.
In the evening, we head to At The Top, Burj Khalifa. The elevator ride to the 124th floor is so fast my ears pop. The view? Unreal. Dubai stretches out below us, a glittering maze of skyscrapers, highways, and desert. We snap a million photos all ready for our Insta gram feed.
And then dinner at CÉ LA VI, 220 meters above the city is nothing short of magical. The restaurant’s sleek, modern design and panoramic views make it feel like we’re dining in the sky. We start with the avocado maki, a pretty (and delicious) twist on sushi. The Korean chicken is crispy, sweet, and spicy, everything I want in fried chicken. The grilled salmon is perfectly cooked, flaky and moist, and the ravioli is rich and cheesy. But the real standout? The kadak chai brûlée. Imagine the bold, spicy flavors of masala chai transformed into a creamy, caramelized dessert. It’s genius, and I’m already plotting how to recreate it at home.
Shopping, Speed, and Pan-Asian Delights
Morning means retail therapy at Dubai Hills Mall. I pick up a few souvenirs before we head to Revelry for lunch. This modern Indian spot is all about small plates with big flavors. The paneer khurchan taco is a fun fusion of Punjabi spices and Mexican street food, while the Chettinad chicken leg is packed with bold, aromatic spices. The butter chicken tart is as indulgent as it sounds, and the aamras cheesecake (mango purée + cheesecake) is the perfect sweet ending.
Next up: Dubai Kartdrome, an indoor go-karting track. I channel my inner Lewis Hamilton (badly) and spend most of the race. To say the least, it’s a blast. As the sun sets, we hop on a Yellow Boats cruise along Dubai Marina. The skyline lights up, and we glide past the Palm Jumeirah and Burj Al Arab, snapping photos like tourists (because we are).
Dinner at Fifth Flavor is a pan-Asian feast. The beef bao buns are soft, fluffy, and stuffed with tender meat, while the dynamite prawns are crispy and spicy. The Bao’gers (bao-meets-burger) are a must-try, and the Nori potato sticks are so addictive I could eat a whole bowl.
Last-Minute Shopping & Burger Bliss
Our final stop is Dubai Mall, where we explore House of Hype, an immersive pop-up experience with games, art, and shopping. Then, it’s time for one last meal at SALT, home of the famous wagyu beef burgers. The mango matcha and mango ice cream are the perfect summer treats.
Dubai isn’t just skyscrapers and shopping; it’s a foodie’s playground with adrenaline-pumping fun around every corner. From elaborate feasts to delectable desserts, this trip left me stuffed, sunburnt, and already planning my next visit.
