Street food gems you need to try in Dubai

Named after the river that flows through both India and Pakistan, Ravi may look unassuming on the outside, but it offers one of the city’s best interpretations of traditional Pakistani fare – it was even certified by the late celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain. Grab a seat outside in the evening and let the waiters recommend dishes off the menu such as the dhal fry, Peshawari mutton and the well-loved traditional biryani. Don't skip on a side of naan – crispy on the outside and soft in the middle, it’s the perfect way to mop up every drop of delicious sauce.

Al Mallah is widely regarded as one of the city’s best Lebanese restaurants – not just for the shawarmas (wraps) and manakeesh (flatbreads), but also for its front row seats to people-watching along 2nd December Street. A word of warning: their food is addictive, so you'll be reordering your favourites as soon as you taste what's on offer. Those in a hurry can park out front and get a takeaway delivered to their car, but we recommend dining in. The hearty mixed grill kofta, washed down with a fresh juice, is best experienced amid the local action.