If you love food, you have chosen the right place to live. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region is, without exaggeration, one of the world's most exciting culinary destinations. It is a place where you can eat a Michelin-starred meal for lunch and the best street food of your life for dinner.

For expats, the food scene is a massive comfort. Whether you crave the specific brand of tea from London, the spices from Mumbai, or the cheese from Paris, you will likely find it here. The import market is vast, and the supermarket shelves are a united nations of products.

This guide navigates the delicious, sometimes expensive, and always diverse world of feeding yourself in the Gulf.

Table of Contents

  • The Supermarket Hierarchy: Where to Shop
  • The "Pork Section" and Alcohol Rules
  • Street Food Culture: Shawarma and Karak
  • The "Friday Brunch" Institution
  • Ordering In: The Delivery Lifestyle
  • Ramadan Dining Etiquette
  • Traditional Gulf Cuisine You Must Try
  • Frequently Asked Questions

The Supermarket Hierarchy: Where to Shop

Grocery shopping in the Gulf is segmented. Knowing where to go saves you a fortune.

1. The Premium Tier (Western Imports)

Spinneys / Waitrose (UAE): Stocks British brands (Waitrose essentials), high-quality produce, and organizes aisles like a UK supermarket. Expensive but comforting.
Monoprix (Qatar): French luxury supermarket. Amazing bakery and cheese sections.
Tamimi Markets (Saudi Arabia): High-end, stocks many US brands (Safeway/Costco products).

2. The Mid-Range (Daily Drivers)

Carrefour: The French giant is everywhere. Reliable, good value, and stocks everything from electronics to bread.
Lulu Hypermarket: The pride of the Gulf. Founded in UAE, massive presence. Excellent for fresh produce, Indian/Asian ingredients, and very competitive prices.
Choithrams: Good neighborhood stores, often open 24/7.

3. The Budget/Bulk Tier

Viva (UAE): Introduction of the "discounter" model (like Aldi/Lidl). Very cheap own-brand products.
Nesto / Union Coop: Incredible value, especially for bulk buying rice, oil, and fresh meat.

The "Pork Section" and Alcohol Rules

A common worry for non-Muslim expats is dietary restrictions.

Pork Availability

  • UAE & Qatar: Pork is legal but sold in separate, non-Muslim sections of specific supermarkets (Spinneys, Waitrose, designated Choithrams). You enter through a separate door or behind a barrier. It is marked "For Non-Muslims."
  • Saudi Arabia & Kuwait: Pork is strictly prohibited. You will not find it. Expats adapt by using Beef Bacon (which is actually delicious) and Chicken/Beef sausages.

Alcohol

  • Dining: In UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman, alcohol is served in licensed venues (mostly attached to hotels/clubs).
  • Buying for Home:
    - UAE (Dubai): You need a liquor license (now free and instant with Emirates ID) to buy from shops like MMI or African + Eastern.
    - Qatar: You need a license (salary limit applies) to buy from the one state distributor (QDC).
    - Saudi/Kuwait: Alcohol is illegal. Do not attempt to brew your own or smuggle it. Penalties are severe.

Street Food Culture: Shawarma and Karak

This is the heartbeat of the city.

  • Shawarma: Not the doner kebab you know. It is wrapped in Arabic bread, toasted, with garlic sauce (toum) for chicken or tahini for meat. Cost: $1.50 - $3.00.
    Tip: The best shawarma is usually found in small "Cafeterias" with neon signs, not 5-star hotels.
  • Karak Chai: Strong, sweet tea boiled with milk and cardamom, influenced by the South Asian community. Cost: $0.30 (1 Dirham/Riyal). People drive up to tea shops and honk; the server brings it to the car.

The "Friday Brunch" Institution

If you move to Dubai, Doha, or Abu Dhabi, you will be invited to Brunch.

  • What is it? It is rarely eggs and toast. It is a 3-4 hour banquet (usually 1 PM - 4 PM) with unlimited food and beverages.
  • The Vibe: Ranges from "Family Friendly" (clowns, buffets) to "Party Brunch" (DJs, dancing).
  • Cost: $80 - $200 per person depending on the package (Soft drinks vs. House beverages vs. Champagne).

Ordering In: The Delivery Lifestyle

We order everything.
- Talabat / Deliveroo / Careem: The main apps.
- Ghost Kitchens: Many "restaurants" on apps are delivery-only kitchens.
- Meal Plans: Very popular for busy professionals. Companies like Kcal, RightBite, or Nutri deliver 3 healthy meals + snacks to your door every morning for a monthly fee (approx $700-$900/month). Excellent for avoiding the "Expat Stone" (weight gain).

Ramadan Dining Etiquette

  • Fasting Hours: From dawn to sunset, Muslims abstain from food/water.
  • Public Eating: In the past, restaurants were screened off. Now (in UAE especially), many restaurants remain open and visible. However, eating/drinking while walking on the street is still disrespectful and should be avoided.
  • Iftar: The meal to break the fast. Hotels host lavish "Iftar Tents" with huge buffets. It is a cultural must-do.

Traditional Gulf Cuisine You Must Try

Don't stick to burgers and pasta. Try the local flavors:

  • Machboos (Kabsa): The national dish. Rice cooked with meat (chicken/lamb), dried limes (loomi), and spices.
  • Harees: Wheat and meat slow-cooked until it becomes a porridge consistency. Comfort food.
  • Luqaimat: Sweet dumplings, deep-fried and drizzled with date syrup. Dangerous.
  • Kunafa: A Levantine dessert adopted by the Gulf. Cheese pastry soaked in sweet syrup.
  • Arabic Coffee (Gahwa) & Dates: The symbol of welcome. The coffee is yellow/green (lightly roasted) with cardamom, served in tiny cups (finjan). Shake the cup when you are finished.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is tap water safe to drink?

It is desalinated seawater and safe to drink at the source, but many people doubt the cleanliness of building water tanks. Most residents drink bottled water or install high-quality filters.

2. Is vegetarian/vegan food available?

Yes, widely. Indian cuisine is a staple here, offering endless vegetarian options. Veganism is trendy in Dubai/Riyadh, with dedicated plant-based cafes.

3. Why is some produce so expensive?

Import costs. Berries flown from Mexico or Asparagus from Peru cost a premium. EAT LOCAL/REGIONAL to save. Tomatoes from UAE/Saudi greenhouses or citrus from Lebanon are cheaper and fresher.

Conclusion

The Gulf's food scene is a testament to its multicultural soul. It is one of the few places where you can have a breakfast of Indian Dosa, a lunch of Peruvian Ceviche, and a dinner of Emirati Machboos. Be adventurous. Use the apps, but also get out and explore the humid, buzzing streets of Bur Dubai, Deira, or Old Doha for the real flavor of the region.