Dubai had so many familiar American restaurant names that I kept spotting another one. I’ve traveled to around 40 countries, and I can’t think of another place where I saw as many American food options as I did in Dubai.
A hometown favorite: Wendy’s
Wendy’s made me especially excited. It’s from my hometown of Columbus, Ohio, and I had never seen it abroad before. I was so excited when I realized I could get it in Dubai. My first test order was chicken nuggets, fries, and a hamburger. (I had hoped for a Junior Bacon Cheeseburger, but real bacon wasn’t available). It was also fun experimenting with their middle eastern menu options too!
Familiar names around the city
I also ate at IHOP, Shake Shack, Panda Express, Burger King, and Denny’s. Around the city, I remember seeing McDonald’s, Starbucks, Cinnabon, Dunkin’ Donuts, Raisin Canes, Chipotle, Rainforest Cafe, Cheesecake Factory, P.F. Chang’s, Applebee’s, Chili’s, and so many more!!
One of my favorite little scenes was when Chipotle opened in JBR. I saw long lines of local men in kanduras and women in abayas waiting to try it. There was something fun about seeing a brand that felt so American become a new Dubai curiosity.
A familiar favorite from another home
I also found Burger Fuel, a New Zealand burger chain I had loved when I lived in New Zealand. It wasn’t American, but it brought back memories from another part of my life. Dubai had a way of making the world feel close together.
The dishes I loved beyond the chains
As happy as I was to see familiar chains, I spent much more time exploring the international food around me. Pakistani chicken handi and biryani became my comfort foods. I loved ordering Filipino lumpia and chicken adobo with rice. I was exploring Lebanese, Indian, Nigerian, and Persian dishes too.
That mix was what made eating in Dubai so much fun. I could stop for a familiar burger when the mood struck, then spend the next meal discovering a cuisine I hadn’t tried before. The American chains gave me a little hometown nostalgia. The international dishes kept me happily curious.
NOTE: These are restaurants I remember from my time living there, not a current directory. Locations and menus can change
