Luqaimat is one of those desserts that instantly feels like home in the Gulf. Crisp on the outside, soft and airy on the inside, these golden dumplings are a staple at family gatherings, celebrations, and especially during Ramadan. Simple in appearance but rich in flavour, Luqaimat perfectly captures the region’s love for comforting, unfussy sweets that are meant to be shared.
Made from a lightly sweetened dough that’s deep-fried until puffed and beautifully golden, Luqaimat is traditionally drizzled with date syrup or honey, then finished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Some versions add saffron or cardamom to the batter, giving the dumplings a subtle aroma. While the ingredients are humble, the result is indulgent without being heavy, making it easy to keep reaching for 'just one more.'
Wondering where you can indulge in this delicious treat in Dubai? From heritage cafés to trendy eateries and street-food favourites, here are 10 of the best places in Dubai to enjoy irresistible Luqaimat.
Loqa Desserts
One of Dubai’s most popular destinations for Luqaimat lovers, Loqa Desserts In JBR and Business Bay is known for blending tradition with indulgent modern flavours. The dumplings are soft and spongy on the inside, and crispy on the outside, generously drizzled with date syrup or chocolate sauces. That’s not all! Indulge in the traditional Emirati-style luqaimat or get experimental and opt for Nutella, Lotus, pistachio, and saffron-infused options. Pair it with a refreshing drink, and you’re sure to come back for more! Open until 2am.
058 556 0404
Logma
One of the oldest and well-known eateries located in Fashion Avenue, Dubai Mall, Logma serves luqaimat as part of a dessert lineup that blends authentic Emirati flavours with contemporary twists. These are the classic bite-sized, deep-fried dough balls, crisp on the outside and pillowy inside, topped with your choice of date syrup, honey, or even Nutella, so you can go classic or indulgent depending on your sweet craving. Whether you choose the traditional date-syrup version or a sweeter, more chocolatey variant like Nutella, the luqaimat at Logma add a familiar, delightful finish to your Dubai dining experience.
04 241 5557
Arabian Tea House
If you’re looking to enjoy this traditional delicacy in one of Dubai’s heritage eateries, this is where you must head! Located in Al Fahidi, the beloved Emirati café, serves classic luqaimat as a traditional dessert that perfectly caps off a meal rooted in local heritage. The small, deep-fried dumplings come drizzled with sweet date syrup and sometimes a light sprinkle of sesame seeds. They strike a lovely balance of texture and sweetness, making them comforting rather than cloying. Although the oldest branch is this cafe in Al Fahidi, an Insta-worthy spot, boasting turquoise decor and lace curtains, Arabian Tea House also has two other branches at Mercato Mall and Jumeirah Public Beach.
04 353 5071
Al Fanar Restaurant
Yet another Emirati gem located in multiple places across Dubai, Al Fanar uses age-old recipes and the freshest local ingredients to create dishes that tell a story of heritage and flavour. The menu features all the classic Emirati dishes, including the all-time favourite luqaimat. Indulge in the traditional luqaimat, generously drizzled with date syrup and finished off with a sprinkle of roasted sesame seeds, adding a subtle nutty aroma. Pair it with Arabic coffee or karak tea to balance the sweetness, a local favourite combo.
04 3966669
Habib Bakery
While Habib Bakery is primarily known for cakes, pastries, and a wide range of Middle Eastern and South Asian confectionery, they also sell traditional luqaimat. The golden-fried dough balls, drizzled with sweet syrup, are available with either regular sugar syrup or date syrup. The luqaimat here also comes in larger quantities (1kg portion), intended for sharing at home or at gatherings. Many people pick this up as part of a dessert spread alongside other Arabic sweets, especially during festive seasons like Ramadan.
+971 522299311
Luqaimat And Chebab Al Warqa
Known for its freshness and simplicity, Luqaimat and Chebab in Al Warqa is a favourite among locals. Here, the luqaimat is made-to-order, and each bite melts into your mouth, hot and crispy on the outside, warm and spongy inside. They serve creative versions with fun toppings, perfect if you’re after more than just the classic. Opt for the nutty and rich luqaimat with pistachio sauce, milk chocolate or white chocolate sauce, or the caramel-flavoured Biscoff sauce. They also have a combined box of sweet and savoury bites, great for sharing.
056 404 3014
HumYum
This pocket-friendly cafe is a cosy and charming spot that offers a wonderful ambience reminiscent of old Dubai. At HumYum Dubai, luqaimat is served in both traditional and modern styles, making it a favourite for all kinds of sweet cravings. You’ll find the classic version drizzled generously with date syrup, staying true to the authentic Emirati flavour.
For those who prefer a lighter sweetness, there’s a honey-topped option that feels comforting without being overly rich. HumYum also leans into contemporary café flavours with indulgent varieties like Nutella luqaimat and Lotus luqaimat, where the warm dumplings are coated in creamy, decadent sauces that add a dessert-shop twist to the traditional sweet. Another popular choice is luqaimat with cheese, which balances sweet and savoury beautifully, offering a slightly salty contrast to the syrup.
04 388 3332
Siraj Restaurant
At Siraj Restaurant, the luqaimat you’ll find on the dessert menu is a classic, traditionally inspired version of this beloved Emirati sweet. It’s listed simply as 'Logaymat' on their dessert section, and it’s made with light, airy dough balls that are deep-fried until golden and then infused with rich date syrup and often hints of saffron for aroma and colour, giving each bite that unmistakable Middle Eastern sweetness and gentle floral nuance.
052 267 3840
Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant
Yet another gem in Al Fahidi, Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant focusses on carefully selected, farm-fresh ingredients. Here, luqaimat isn’t a flashy reinterpretation with exotic toppings. It is served in its authentic, heritage style, staying true to the dessert’s cultural roots. The syrup-soaked dumplings offer a gentle sweetness. The simplicity of the preparation lets the quality of ingredients shine, and it pairs wonderfully with a cup of Arabic coffee (gahwa) or mint tea to complete the traditional Emirati dining experience.
055 180 2080
Smat
A contemporary Emirati restaurant and café in Dubai Design District, the luqaimat here stays delightfully rooted in classic Emirati dessert tradition while fitting into the restaurant’s contemporary, design-forward setting. The luqaimat is drizzled with rich date syrup, capturing the familiar sweet and sticky finish with crisp on the outside, soft inside, emblematic of the region’s sweet treats.
04 580 2429