Dubai grocery stores: Where to buy food, local brands, and international staples

When you live in or visit Dubai grocery stores, the places where residents buy everyday food, from fresh produce to imported snacks and traditional Arabic spices. Also known as supermarkets in Dubai, these stores are more than just places to shop—they’re cultural hubs where Emirati traditions meet global flavors. Whether you’re looking for oud-infused bakhoor, halal-certified lamb, or imported Italian pasta, Dubai’s grocery scene has it all—no matter your budget or background.

Many expats start their journey in Dubai by walking into a Carrefour, a major supermarket chain offering everything from Emirati dates to frozen dumplings from Thailand. But the real gems? Smaller stores like Lulu Hypermarket, a favorite for budget shoppers who want bulk spices, Pakistani rice, and fresh fish at low prices, or Waitrose, where premium organic produce and European cheeses sit next to Arabic coffee beans. Then there are the specialty shops tucked into neighborhoods like Deira and Al Quoz—places where you’ll find fresh saffron by the gram, live lobsters in saltwater tanks, or bakhoor from brands locals swear by. These aren’t just stores; they’re where you learn what Dubai eats.

You’ll notice something fast: Dubai’s grocery stores reflect its people. One aisle has Turkish yogurt, the next has Indian lentils, and down the hall, you’ll find Emirati ghee and dried limes for machboos. The city doesn’t just import food—it adapts it. Want to cook like a local? Head to Al Maya Supermarkets, a chain built for Emirati families, with shelves stocked with traditional breads, rosewater, and camel milk powder. Need international brands? Spinneys, a long-standing favorite, offers everything from Japanese miso to American protein bars. And if you’re on a tight schedule, apps like Talabat and Amazon Fresh deliver straight to your door, but nothing beats the smell of fresh cardamom in a local market.

What you won’t find? A one-size-fits-all grocery experience. Dubai’s stores are as diverse as its population. Some are clean, air-conditioned malls with self-checkout. Others are family-run stalls where the owner knows your name and remembers you like your coffee. The best part? You can walk into a store in Dubai Marina and leave with a bag of French cheese, then drive 20 minutes to Deira and buy a sack of dates for a quarter of the price. This isn’t just shopping—it’s a daily lesson in how a city built on trade still honors its roots.

Below, you’ll find real stories from people who shop here every week. From where to find the cheapest organic veggies to which store has the freshest seafood, these guides cut through the noise. No fluff. Just what works.