Food & Drinks You’ll Experience on a Dubai Desert Safari
Food & Drinks on a Desert Safari are one of the best parts of the trip. When you arrive, you are welcomed with cool drinks and a warm smile. Guests enjoy traditional dishes desert safari Dubai is known for, like BBQ dinner, light snacks, and vegetarian options. This desert dining shows the taste of Emirati cuisine while you relax under the stars. For a more special touch, you can upgrade to a premium camp experience with more food choices and a full beverages menu.
What Food & Drinks Are Included in a Typical Dubai Desert Safari
When you join a desert trip, the food is a big highlight. Most tours give you a full meal with drinks, and you don’t have to pay extra. The meals are set in a buffet style desert safari dinner where you can try many things. You will find snacks, BBQ, sweets, and cold drinks ready for you.
Welcome tea, Arabic coffee, soft drinks, and water
Salad & mezze starters like hummus, tabbouleh, and fattoush
Grilled meats such as kebabs, shish tawook, and drumstick chicken
Vegetarian or vegan mains like dal, vegetable biryani, or mixed veg curry
Sweet desserts like baklava, luqaimat, and fresh fruit
Most meals are halal, and many camps also have barbeque stations and Arabic starters with live BBQ. You can enjoy soft beverages and other non-alcoholic options all night. For guests who want something extra special, you can try our vip desert safari with more food choices and fancy setups.
What’s Extra: Premium Food & Drink Upgrades
Not all food and drinks are part of the basic plan. Some guests like to make their trip more special with upgrades. These extras give you a luxury desert safari dining feel, with fancy meals and private setups. You can choose from better food, unique drinks, or even a private table under the stars.
Here are some popular upgrades
These upgrades turn your evening into a gourmet menu with a true VIP dinner vibe. Many travelers love premium beverages and cocktails for a touch of style. For couples, a private desert camp experience is a perfect choice for romance and comfort.
Traditional Dishes & Drinks You Shouldn’t Miss
One of the best parts of a desert safari is tasting food that shows the culture of the UAE. Many of these recipes come from old Bedouin times and are still served today. Trying them gives you a real feel of local life and Arabic coffee gahwa tradition. Guests love these flavors, from hot drinks to sweet desserts.
Beverages
Arabic Coffee (Gahwa)
A warm cardamom coffee that shows Bedouin hospitality.
Mint Tea
Fresh and soothing, often served hot after meals.
Camel Milk
Creamy and rich, a traditional desert drink.
Rose Water Sherbet
ight and floral, perfect for cooling down.
Fresh Juices
Natural fruit flavors to refresh you in the desert heat.
Starters & Snacks
Hummus, Falafel & Mutabbal
Classic Arabic starters with rich flavors.
Fresh Arabic Bread (Khameer)
Soft, warm bread served with dips.
Samosas & Spring Rolls
Crispy bites filled with spiced vegetables or meat.
Main Dishes
Mixed Grilled Meats
Kebabs, lamb ouzi, and biryani full of smoky flavor.
Grilled Platters
Juicy cuts of chicken, lamb, or beef cooked over live BBQ.
Vegetarian Options
Dal, biryani, and mixed veg curries (check our evening desert safari for details).
Desserts
Luqaimat
Sweet fried dumplings topped with date syrup.
Baklava
Flaky pastry with honey and nuts.
Umm Ali
Creamy bread pudding with raisins and nuts.
Fresh Fruit & Gulab Jamun
Light and refreshing way to end the meal.
Catering to Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian, Vegan & Allergies
Many guests worry if they will find food that matches their diet on a desert safari. The good news is, most camps in Dubai take care of this. You can ask for a vegetarian desert safari Dubai menu or even vegan and allergy-safe meals. It is always best to tell the tour company about your needs before the trip so they can prepare the right food.
Here’s what is usually offered:
- Separate vegetarian or vegan counters
- Dishes cooked without cross-contamination
- Vegan or plant-based mains like veg curry, paneer tikka, mixed vegetables, dal, or vegetable biryani
- Gluten-free options and lighter spice for children
- Allergy friendly food (on request, but you must notify in advance)
Some tours even prepare a full vegan buffet with plant-based options. All food served is halal, so everyone can eat with peace of mind. If you want more details, check our vegetarian desert safari food options.
Sample Menu Comparison: Standard vs Premium vs Private
Not every desert safari dinner is the same. Some are simple and budget-friendly, while others are more fancy and private. This is where premium vs standard desert safari meals become important. Standard safaris give you a good taste at a low cost. Premium safaris offer more variety, better quality, and extras like seafood. Private camps give you the most exclusive dining with chef-led menus and personal service.
| Feature / Item | Standard Safari Dinner | Premium Safari Dining | Private Desert Camp Dining |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome Drinks | Tea, Coffee, Water, Soft Drinks | + Fresh Juice, Sherbets | Custom-welcome drinks, Mocktails |
| Appetizer / Mezze | Basic mezze (hummus, tabbouleh) | Live stations, expanded salads | Exclusive selections, chef’s special |
| Main Course | Grilled meats, vegetarian curry, rice | Seafood / premium cuts, multiple cuisines | Personalized menu, high-end ingredients |
| Desserts | Baklava, Fruit, Um Ali | Exotic sweets, premium pastries | Dessert tasting, themed dessert courses |
| Drinks Included | Soft drinks, water | Soft drinks + premium non-alcoholic drinks (+ alcohol if licensed) | Full bar (if permitted), exclusive beverages |
| Price Range* | Lower cost tier | Mid-premium | Top-luxury / custom pricing |
If you want value-for-money safari dining, the standard package works well. For couples or families who enjoy upscale dining, the premium tier is a good choice. If you want full privacy and a chef-led menu at an exclusive camp, go for the private desert safari Dubai.
Tips to Get the Best Food & Drink Experience
Before your safari, it helps to know what to expect desert safari menu so you enjoy every bite and sip.
Here are some simple tips:
✅ Check welcome drinks: Ask if tea, coffee, or traditional gahwa are included.
✅ Tell them your needs: If you eat vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free, let the camp know early.
✅ Know what’s extra: Alcohol, premium desserts, or private setups may cost more.
✅ Bring light snacks: Good for kids, picky eaters, or special diets.
✅ Stay hydrated: The desert is dry, so make sure water and soft drinks are always available.
If you are planning a breakfast option instead of dinner, check out our morning desert safari.
FAQs
Ready to Taste the Desert? Book Your Food & Drink Experience
Your desert safari is not only about adventure, like dune bashing Dubai, but also about the amazing food and drinks you will enjoy under the stars. From Arabic coffee and grilled meats to vegetarian and vegan dishes, every menu brings you the real taste of Dubai. With soft drinks, tea, and desserts included, you get both comfort and culture in one special night. Book today to enjoy a full desert safari food and drinks experience with halal menus, private dining options, and flavors for every guest.
