25 Best Food Bloggers in Dubai to Follow in 2026
Key Takeaways
- Discover 25 standout food bloggers and UAE-based influencers across niches like fine dining, budget eats, halal, vegan, home cooking, and family brunches.
- Each profile includes what they cover, where to follow them, and practical tips to use their content for booking, saving, and planning meals in Dubai.
- You’ll find a balanced mix of Emirati voices, long-time resident experts, anonymous critics, and regional creators who spotlight Dubai.
- A quick-selection guide helps you match the right blogger to your budget, cuisine preferences, dietary needs, and neighborhood.
- Brands and PRs get collaboration guidance, including typical deliverables, transparency best practices, and ways to brief for credible results.
https://www.grafdom.com/15-influential-travel-bloggers-uae/Dubai's dining scene is a tapestry of flavors, where Emirati heritage and global trends meet—from humble shawarma joints to headline-grabbing tasting menus. The food bloggers and influencers below make navigating it easy. They road-test restaurants, share step-by-step recipes, spotlight halal and family-friendly picks, and bring genuine, on-the-ground insight you can trust. Follow them to savor the city's vibrant culinary culture with confidence.
How we curated this list
- Local credibility: Long-term UAE presence or sustained coverage of Dubai's food scene.
- Usefulness: Clear recommendations, practical tips, and reliable restaurant or recipe intel.
- Diversity: A mix of Emirati voices, niche experts (vegan, dessert, wine), and family-focused guides.
- Quality and integrity: Transparent reviews, consistent content quality, and respectful disclosure of invites or ads when noted.
- Community impact: Engagement, saved guides, and resources that help diners and small businesses.
Note: Social metrics and availability evolve; always check profiles for the latest updates.
Quick guide: choose the right Dubai food blogger for you
- On a budget tonight? Follow budget-savvy reviewers and street-food hunters; look for “saves” and map pins in their highlights.
- Celebrating? Shortlist critics who cover fine dining and tasting menus; scan their archives for chefs and wine pairings.
- Dietary needs? Seek vegan, halal, gluten-free, or family-friendly filters in profiles and story highlights.
- Neighborhood focus? Many creators tag JLT, Jumeirah, DIFC, Downtown, Mirdif, and Deira—use those tags to plan close to home.
- Home cooking? Recipe-led bloggers and cookbook authors share step-by-step dishes using UAE-available ingredients.
The 25 best food bloggers and influencers in Dubai
1) Secret Squirrel Food (Karen McLean)
Australian-born and Dubai-based, Karen McLean crafts health-conscious recipes and stunning bakes that still feel indulgent. Her calm, precise style makes complex treats feel doable at home, and her Middle East pantry swaps are gold for local cooks.
- Platforms: Instagram (@secretsquirrelfood), website (search: Secret Squirrel Food)
- Focus/Niche: Better-for-you desserts, wholesome meal prep, gluten-free-friendly baking
- Best for: Home cooks seeking step-by-step recipes using UAE-available ingredients
- Languages: English
- Tip: Save her baking reels for weekend projects; ingredients are typically easy to source across Dubai supermarkets.
2) Dalia's Kitchenhttps://www.instagram.com/daliaskitchen/?e=0d60c841-2ac6-464e-a096-f80e30f38928&g=5 (Dalia Dogmoch Soubra)
The Syrian-German author and TV presenter blends Levantine comfort with European sensibility. Founder of Beirut's beloved Kitsch Bakery & Café, Dalia's cookbook “Food, Love and Life from Dalia's Kitchen” became a regional hit and her Dubai content remains deeply home-cook friendly.
- Platforms: Instagram (@daliaskitchen)
- Focus/Niche: Levantine classics, family cooking, baking
- Best for: Elevated home cooking and festive family tables
- Languages: English, Arabic
- Tip: Her pantry guides are a smart starting point for stocking a Dubai kitchen with Levantine essentials.
An Emirati fashion and lifestyle tastemaker who's reliably first to spotlight stylish new openings. Her dining shares feel approachable and on-trend, connecting luxury venues and everyday eats with an insider Emirati perspective.
- Platforms: Instagram (@latifalshamsi)
- Focus/Niche: Trending restaurants, UAE lifestyle
- Best for: Keeping up with the newest launches and menu drops
- Languages: Arabic, English
- Tip: Watch stories during peak launch season (Sept–May) for early looks and soft-opening intel.
4) HK Finds (Hessa Al Khalifa)
A visually rich feed where every review is built around a first-hand visit. Expect crisp photography, dish-by-dish commentary, and a preference for genuine experiences over hype.
- Platforms: Instagram (@hk_alkhalifa)
- Focus/Niche: Restaurant discovery, chef spotlights, photo-led reviews
- Best for: Shortlisting new places with strong visual cues
- Languages: Arabic, English
- Tip: Use her carousel captions like mini-menus to pick your order before you book.
A long-standing lifestyle platform for women in the UAE, curating hidden gems with practical, no-fuss recommendations. Their dining picks span everyday cafes to polished date-night spots—always with usability in mind.
- Platforms: Instagram (@dubaiconfidential), website (search: Dubai Confidential)
- Focus/Niche: Lifestyle and dining discoveries across Dubai and Abu Dhabi
- Best for: Accessible, well-curated lists and neighborhood finds
- Languages: English
- Tip: Browse their “guides” for quick roundups by occasion (ladies' nights, beachy breakfasts, etc.).
6) The Hedonista (Sarah Walton)
An Australia-born Dubai resident with deep wine and hospitality chops—from sommelier training to wine education and writing. Sarah's pieces connect food and wine thoughtfully, making pairings feel welcoming rather than intimidating.
- Platforms: Instagram (@thehedonista), website (search: The Hedonista)
- Focus/Niche: Wine-forward dining, thoughtful reviews
- Best for: Pairing tips and refined dining decisions
- Languages: English
- Tip: Screenshot her pairing notes for instant confidence when you're scanning a wine list.
7) My Fash Diary (Tala Samman)
Dubai's pioneering fashion blogger also tracks stylish places to eat, particularly photogenic cafes and see-and-be-seen dining rooms. Expect on-point visuals and a pulse on buzzy venues.
- Platforms: Instagram (@myfashdiary), website (search: My Fash Diary)
- Focus/Niche: Fashion-lifestyle with trend-conscious dining
- Best for: Aesthetic-led cafe and restaurant picks
- Languages: English, Arabic
- Tip: Use her grid for vibe checks when you want a setting that photographs beautifully.
8) The Hybrids (Ascia)
Kuwaiti trendsetter Ascia maintains a strong regional influence and frequently spotlights GCC dining, including Dubai during visits. Her light-touch commentary and fashion-first lens make for fun, fast recommendations.
- Platforms: Instagram (@ascia)
- Focus/Niche: Lifestyle with Dubai dining highlights during trips
- Best for: Regional perspective and trendy stops during peak seasons
- Languages: Arabic, English
- Tip: Watch for Dubai travel windows; save her recaps to plan a quick-hit itinerary.
9) Abdulla Eats
An emerging Emirati voice connecting locals and expats with approachable, bilingual content. His posts bridge comfort food and new-wave restaurants with equal enthusiasm.
- Platforms: Instagram (search: “Abdulla Eats”)
- Focus/Niche: Bilingual reviews, everyday dining
- Best for: Relatable picks that please mixed groups
- Languages: Arabic, English
- Tip: Toggle language in captions for helpful context when dining with family or visiting friends.
10) Dubai Fans (Anonymous critic)
Anonymity keeps the focus squarely on the food. Expect frank assessments, a talent for sniffing out underrated spots, and a bias toward solid cooking over hype.
- Platforms: Instagram (search: “Dubai Fans” food reviews)
- Focus/Niche: Anonymous restaurant critiques
- Best for: Unvarnished viewpoints and sleeper hits
- Languages: English
- Tip: Pay attention to recurring favorites—those often become cult classics.
11) I Live In A Frying Pan (Arva Ahmed)
Arva Ahmed, the Dubai-born founder of Frying Pan Adventures, documents a lifelong love of the city's backstreets and mom-and-pop gems. Her storytelling reconnects readers with authentic flavors—from Old Dubai staples to immigrant kitchens.
- Platforms: Website (Frying Pan Adventures), Instagram (search: @fryingpanadventures)
- Focus/Niche: Old Dubai, heritage eats, food tours
- Best for: Deep dives into Emirati and regional cuisines, walking tours
- Languages: English
- Tip: Book an evening tour, then use her blog posts to revisit favorites on your own.
12) My Custard Pie (Sally Prosser)
A champion of good ingredients and seasonal cooking, Sally's blog pairs practical recipes with travel-flavored stories. She's a trusted voice for thoughtful dining and home cooking in Dubai.
- Platforms: Website (mycustardpie.com), Instagram (@mycustardpie)
- Focus/Niche: Home cooking, sustainable choices, travel
- Best for: Conscious foodies and confident home cooks
- Languages: English
- Tip: Use her farmers' market notes to plan fresh, local-leaning menus.
13) Travel Junkie Diary (Michelle Karam)
Michelle and friends blend wanderlust with adventurous eating, hopping from city to city with a special love for Dubai's global mix. Expect cross-cultural comparisons and restaurants that travel well.
- Platforms: Instagram (@michkaram), website (search: Travel Junkie Diary)
- Focus/Niche: Travel-led restaurant discovery
- Best for: Globally inspired dining itineraries in Dubai
- Languages: English
- Tip: Use her city-to-city references to find Dubai equivalents of spots you loved abroad.
14) Dima Sharif
A respected food writer and cooking instructor whose video-plus-text approach makes techniques click. Dima's classes and recipes celebrate Middle Eastern flavors with clarity and care.
- Platforms: Instagram (@dimasharifonline)
- Focus/Niche: Middle Eastern cooking, classes, recipe videos
- Best for: Home cooks leveling up regional technique
- Languages: English, Arabic
- Tip: Start with her foundational spice and stock tutorials to transform everyday cooking.
15) Foodie & Fabulous (Bhatikar)
Balancing a marketing career with a love of food, Bhatikar shares family recipes and polished features. Her content sits comfortably between editorial and home kitchen.
- Platforms: Instagram (search: “Foodie & Fabulous Dubai”)
- Focus/Niche: Family recipes, magazine-style features
- Best for: Simple, sentimental dishes and accessible dining
- Languages: English
- Tip: Look for ingredient swaps tailored to UAE grocery aisles.
16) FooDiva (Samantha Wood)
One of Dubai's most established independent restaurant critics, Samantha combines rigorous standards with clear scoring and context. FooDiva is a reference point for serious diners.
- Platforms: Website (foodiva.net), Instagram (@foodiva)
- Focus/Niche: Critical reviews, dining guides, awards
- Best for: Special-occasion picks and fine-dining decisions
- Languages: English
- Tip: Read the full review before booking; her context often clarifies if a place suits your style.
17) FoodSheikh
An influential, often witty Dubai reviewer known for sharp insight and strong opinions. His writing champions quality cooking and consistent hospitality over empty spectacle.
- Platforms: Website (foodsheikh.com), Instagram (@foodsheikh)
- Focus/Niche: Critical reviews, industry insights
- Best for: Sorting hype from substance
- Languages: English
- Tip: Don't skip the essays—his industry context helps you predict which places will last.
18) Mr & Mrs Brunch (Let's DXB)
Dubai's go-to brunch specialists, this duo has tried more buffets, set menus, and themed brunches than most. Their roundups and reels help you match budget, vibe, and cuisine.
- Platforms: Instagram (search: “Mr & Mrs Brunch Dubai”), app (search: “Let's DXB”)
- Focus/Niche: Brunches, daycations, dining deals
- Best for: Groups and visiting friends
- Languages: English
- Tip: Filter by price band and location to quickly shortlist weekend plans.
19) Pass Me The Dimsum (Farida Ahmed)
A prolific Dubai-based food creator known for approachable recipes and honest reviews, with a soft spot for Asian comfort. Expect practical how-tos and family-friendly picks.
- Platforms: Website (passmethedimsum.com), Instagram (@passmethedimsum)
- Focus/Niche: Recipes and restaurant finds, Asian-leaning
- Best for: Busy parents and weeknight cooks
- Languages: English
- Tip: Use her highlights for quick “what to order” lists before you arrive.
20) Naomi D'Souza
An engineer-turned-creator, Naomi blends data-minded guides with craveable dessert and dining content. Her practical approach makes decision-making faster.
- Platforms: Website (naomidsouza.com), Instagram (@naomidsouza)
- Focus/Niche: Trend-led dining, desserts, data-driven guides
- Best for: Quick-hit lists, sweet tooths
- Languages: English
- Tip: Save her comparison posts for side-by-side picks on price, portion, and taste.
21) A to Za'atar (Courtney Brandt)
Author and critic Courtney Brandt covers Dubai's dining landscape with thoughtful, long-form reviews and regional travel tie-ins. Expect clarity, candor, and context.
- Platforms: Website (atozaatar.com), Instagram (@atozaatar)
- Focus/Niche: Restaurant reviews, hospitality commentary
- Best for: Readers who appreciate full write-ups over quick reels
- Languages: English
- Tip: Read her verdict sections for a succinct “book it or skip it.”
22) Cooking with Zahra (Zahra Abdalla)
Saudi-Iranian cookbook author based in Dubai, Zahra shares elegant, Middle Eastern–inspired home cooking with a modern healthful twist. Her hosting guides shine around Ramadan and Eid.
- Platforms: Website (cookingwithzahra.com), Instagram (@cookingwithzahra)
- Focus/Niche: Modern Middle Eastern recipes, family cooking
- Best for: Seasonal menus and gracious home entertaining
- Languages: English, Arabic
- Tip: Save her Ramadan prep posts for stress-free, nourishing iftars.
23) The Tezzy Files
Tezzy's lifestyle blog leans into Dubai dining with an eye for colorful plates, friendly service, and good value. Reviews are conversational and helpful for casual meals out.
- Platforms: Website (thetezzyfiles.com), Instagram (@thetezzyfiles)
- Focus/Niche: Casual dining, family-friendly reviews
- Best for: Everyday eats and hidden gems
- Languages: English
- Tip: Look for kid-friendly notes if you're dining with little ones.
24) Where My Food At
A popular Middle East duo whose Dubai coverage is upbeat, visual, and straight to the point. Expect stacked burgers, dramatic desserts, and viral bites that deliver.
- Platforms: Instagram (@wheremyfoodat)
- Focus/Niche: Trendy eats, shareable dishes
- Best for: Group dining and “wow” factor plates
- Languages: English
- Tip: Use their reels to rally friends around one or two must-order signature dishes.
25) The Huntr
A curated platform spotlighting design-forward cafes and restaurants across the UAE. The Huntr blends aesthetics with substance, making it easy to find places that taste as good as they look.
- Platforms: Website (thehuntr.com), Instagram (@the_huntr)
- Focus/Niche: Cafe culture, artisan coffee, lifestyle restaurants
- Best for: Brunch, coffee dates, remote-work spots
- Languages: English
- Tip: Check captions for parking and booking notes—small details that save time.
Plan smarter: use their content like a pro
- Create map lists: Save posts to a “Dubai Eats” collection by neighborhood (DIFC, JLT, Jumeirah, Karama, Deira) for quick, close-to-home choices.
- Scan story highlights: Many creators keep “What to order,” “Price,” “Deals,” and “Kids” highlights—faster than scrolling feeds.
- Book with context: Read at least one long-form review (FooDiva, FoodSheikh, A to Za'atar) before splurging on tasting menus.
- Mind the calendar: Peak season (Oct–April) fills fast; brunches and terraces need early reservations.
- Dietary checks: Look for vegan/halal/gluten-free tags; when in doubt, DM the blogger or the venue for confirmations.
For families: easy wins this weekend
- Brunch with benefits: Mr & Mrs Brunch highlight packages with kids' activities and soft-play options.
- Old Dubai food stroll: Book Frying Pan Adventures to introduce kids to Emirati and regional bites in a fun, walkable way.
- Home-cook helpers: Secret Squirrel Food, Dalia's Kitchen, and Cooking with Zahra have weeknight-friendly recipes.
- Sweet escapes: Naomi D'Souza and Where My Food At spotlight desserts worth the drive—set expectations and split servings.
For brands and PR: collaborate credibly
- Brief clearly: Share concept, price point, target guest, dietary notes, and signature dishes. Honest fits perform best.
- Deliverables: A common mix is 1–2 reels, 3–5 stories with links, and a rights package. Lead times vary (7–21 days).
- Budget ranges: Nano to micro creators may collaborate from AED 1,000–5,000; established names and critics are typically higher. Rates depend on scope, usage, and exclusivity.
- Disclosure matters: Ask for clear “invited” or “ad” tags where applicable—audiences reward transparency.
- Sustain relationships: Offer early tastings, chef access, and accurate menus. Consistency builds trust—and repeat coverage.
Trends to watch in 2026
- Thoughtful fusion: Emirati ingredients (saffron, luqaimat, regag) appearing in modern formats.
- Better non-alcoholic pairings: Wine writers and restaurants pushing zero-proof lists with care.
- Value-led tasting menus: Shorter formats at mid-tier prices for curious diners.
- Neighborhood renaissance: More destination-worthy spots outside the big hubs—keep an eye on JVC, Wasl, and Mirdif.
Original guide, refreshed and expanded
Embark on a captivating culinary voyage through the United Arab Emirates' diverse dining landscape, guided by top food bloggers who blend tradition and innovation. From effortless home cooking to upscale fine dining, their step-by-step recipes, honest reviews, and practical tips turn complex dishes and big dining decisions into easy wins. They celebrate Emirati heritage while embracing global gastronomic trends—so you can savor the UAE's vibrant food culture with confidence.