I didn’t grow up with the sound of the ice cream truck coming around every weekend. So, I find there’s something extra exciting and fascinating about food that comes straight out of a truck! And boy, has Dubai nailed this concept. Seriously, the food truck scene in Dubai has transformed into vibrant social hubs where the smell of sizzling bites meets simply takes over the city. And the best part is, these food truck stops aren’t like your average driv through. You don’t need to grab your food and run away. There’s a whole experience around these places, with funky setups that actually encourage you to sit with friends. So, the next time you’re looking for a bite in Dubai, why limit yourself to one restaurant when you can get a verity of cuisines in one place. Keep reading to find all the best food truck spots in town!
Also read: Catching Up With Friends? These 15 Cafes In Dubai Make The Perfect Meet Up Spots
1. Last Exit (All Around Dubai)
Imagine pulling off the highway into a world of themed food trucks, neon lights, quirky decor, and endless snack options. That’s the vibe at Last Exit, for you. Whether you’re heading into town (DXB Bound), out toward Abu Dhabi (AUH Bound), chasing desert sunsets at Al Qudra, or hanging near green landscapes at Al Khawaneej, you’ll find a unique theme at each stop. Perfect for a late-night bite or a fun family pit stop on the road.
Locations: Al Khawaneej 1 – Dubai | Sheikh Zayed Rd – Dubai | E11 – Dubai | Al Qudra Rd – Dubai
Timings: Open daily from 6am – 3am
Visit Last Exit’s website for more information.
2. Kite Beach
Think salty sea breeze, getting your toes in the sand, and grabbing a mouthwatering burger or fresh juice from a trendy food truck like SALT. It started as a pop-up and grew into a beach-side legend. Snag a slider, matcha, or whatever you like, watch surfers, and soak in that relaxed coastal vibe.
Location: Umm Suqeim – Jumeirah 3 – Dubai
Timings: Open daily from 10am – 10pm
Visit Kite Beach’s website for more information.
3. Alserkal Avenue
Here’s where street art meets street eats. Alserkal Avenue’s creative pulse attracts pop-up food trucks during events. Expect cool bites from places like The Palestinian Bakery or Blu Matcha, with that artsy flair that just makes you feel inspired and full.
Location: Al Quoz Industrial Area 1 – Dubai
Timings: Open daily from 7am – 10pm
Visit Alserkal Avenue’s website for more information.
4. Curbside At Town Square
Picture Town Square buzzing with food trucks serving everything from homemade Emirati street food to Tex-Mex burritos. This place gives that local neighbourhood street-food feel, minus the fuss. Grab a casual bite and chill under the palms.
Location: Town Square, Al Qudra Rd – Dubai
Timings: Open daily from 8am – 12am
Visit Curbside’s Instagram for more information.
5. 77 Valley
This one just keeps getting buzzier! It’s a hub of food trucks offering everything: burgers, creamy acai bowls, signature shakes, coffee, and more. You’ll find SHRSHK dropping massive truffle beef burgers, The HUT serving shakshouka and croissants, Flux’s acai shakes and truffle eggs, and even award-winning Eleven Green wagyu burgers. All served until the wee hours. It’s a great spot whether you’re craving a late-night drive-thru or a laid-back weekend hang with friends.
Location: Academic City Rd – Wadi Alamardi – Dubai
Timings: Open daily from 7am – 2am
Visit 77 Valley’s Instagram for more information.
6. Mirdif Way
A beautifully designed outdoor food-truck park where over 40 vendors set up shop. 28 offer dine-in, 14 offer takeaway in a bright, modern setting. It launched in early 2022 and has been growing ever since, serving everything from Emirati treats to tacos and innovative eats. One stand, TRD Tacos, shares delicious quesabirria and big burritos under creative lighting. Some food trucks, like Gosh, dish out noodles late into the night.
Location: 309 Al Khawaneej St – Muhaisnah 1 – Dubai
Timings: Open daily from 10am – 2am
Visit Mirdif Way’s website for more information.
Starting Your Own Food Truck In Dubai?
With the food truck trend showing no signs of slowing down, many people are dreaming of opening one themselves. The process starts with a clear concept – what makes your food unique, and who are you trying to serve? Once you’ve nailed down your vision, you’ll need to prepare a business plan and apply for approvals from Dubai’s authorities. This includes registering with the Department of Economic Development (DED), getting food safety clearance from Dubai Municipality, and making sure your vehicle design meets the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) standards. On top of that, you’ll need access to a licensed kitchen for food preparation, as trucks themselves are only allowed for serving. With permits sorted and a customised truck ready, you can choose your location. And Dubai provides an array of options, from busy beaches, to eventful pop-ups, and even popular food parks.
How Much Does It Cost?
Opening a food truck in Dubai isn’t exactly cheap, but it’s often more affordable than setting up a full restaurant. Licenses and permits usually cost between AED 10,000 and AED 20,000. The truck itself, along with kitchen fittings and RTA requirements, can set you back anywhere from AED 100,000 to AED 200,000 depending on how custom you go. Add to that your initial stock, branding, and marketing, and you’re looking at a starting budget of roughly AED 130,000 to AED 300,000. While it’s an investment, the flexibility and lower overhead compared to traditional restaurants make it an attractive option for entrepreneurs.
Getting A Food Truck License
To operate legally, you’ll need to go through several steps. Your business must first be registered with the DED, then you’ll need food safety approval from Dubai Municipality, including registering on their FoodWatch platform. Finally, the RTA will need to approve the design and parking of your truck. Once all documents are submitted, you can get your food truck license, which usually costs around AED 13,000 to AED 19,000. Event permits can also be secured for specific festivals or pop-ups, sometimes in as little as a day. It sounds like a lot, but once it’s done, you’re free to join Dubai’s buzzing street food scene.
A Reality Check
While food trucks are fun, creative, and full of potential, it’s not always smooth sailing. Some owners point out that costs like leasing prime locations can quickly eat into profits, and competition is fierce. To succeed, you’ll need more than a good recipe, you’ll need a clear strategy, clever branding, and a location that draws consistent crowds.
Still, for those who get it right, it’s one of the most exciting ways to be part of Dubai’s ever-evolving food culture. And for those of you just looking to eat (like me) its a delicious way to have a chill night out in Dubai.
