When people talk about food in the UAE, Dubai usually steals the spotlight with its gold-plated steaks and celebrity chefs. But if you ask anyone who has lived here for a decade, they’ll tell you the real soul of the food scene is in Sharjah.
Sharjah doesn’t try too hard. It’s the kind of place where you’ll find a 40-year-old cafeteria serving the best shawarma of your life right next to a minimalist, third-wave coffee shop. If you’re ready to skip the tourist traps and eat like a local, here is where you need to go.
1. The “Old Reliable” Classics
These are the spots that have fed generations. If a restaurant has been open in Sharjah since the 80s, there’s a reason for it.
- Laffah Restaurant: You cannot claim to know Sharjah without eating at Laffah. Their chicken shawarma is legendary—crispy, thinly sliced, and tucked into toasted bread with just the right amount of garlic sauce. Expect a queue, but it moves fast.
- Aroos Damascus: Located in the heart of the city, this is the go-to for Levantine comfort food. Their hummus with meat and freshly baked bread are non-negotiable. It’s loud, busy, and feels like a giant family dinner.
- Gazebo: If you’re craving North Indian flavors, Gazebo’s biryani is the gold standard. It’s fragrant, slow-cooked (dum pukht style), and consistently perfect.
2. Authentic Emirati Flavors
You’d be surprised how many people live in the UAE and never actually try Emirati food. Sharjah is the best place to fix that.
- Arabian Tea House: Located near the Souq Al Shanasiya, this place is a vibe. The turquoise and white decor feels like a step back in time. Order the Emirati Breakfast Tray—it comes with balaleet (sweet vermicelli with an omelet) and khameer bread.
- Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe: Designed to look like a 1960s Emirati village, this is where you go for Machboos (spiced rice with meat or fish) and Luqaimat (crunchy fried dough balls drizzled in date syrup) for dessert.
3. The Muwaileh “Cool Kids” Scene
Muwaileh used to be a quiet industrial-adjacent area, but it has recently transformed into Sharjah’s “Brooklyn.” It’s packed with homegrown concepts and Instagrammable cafes.
- Black Salt: This place is a local favorite for its “scientific” approach to food. It’s a bit experimental but very approachable. Their Butter Chicken in a bread bowl is a viral sensation for a reason.
- Paper Fig: This is the ultimate brunch spot. It’s chic, rustic, and serves some of the best desserts in the Northern Emirates. If you’re there for breakfast, the Shakshuka is top-tier.
- Ratios Coffee: If you take your caffeine seriously, head to the Al Khan area. It’s a third-wave coffee shop built into a historic building. It’s the perfect place to sit with a laptop or a book and enjoy a meticulously brewed V60.
4. Hidden Gems & Street Eats
- Sreeraj Lassi Bar: Tucked away in the Muwaileh area, this tiny spot serves Matka Lassi in clay pots. It’s thick, creamy, and exactly what you need on a humid Sharjah afternoon.
- Al Rukn Al Arabi: For a truly “local” experience, come here for Mandi. You’ll likely be sitting on the floor in a private booth, eating a massive platter of rice and slow-roasted lamb with your hands. It’s the definition of a hidden gem.
Pro-Tip for Foodies:
If you’re visiting the Heart of Sharjah or the Sharjah Art Foundation, don’t just eat at the first place you see. Wander into the small alleys. You’ll find tiny shops selling Namlet (a nostalgic local soda) or Regag bread being made fresh on a hot griddle.
