We've spent years finding the UAE's finest. Now you can find them in seconds.
We've spent years finding the UAE's finest. Now you can find them in seconds.
Coco's Mango: Thai desserts at Floating Market
Coco's Mango operates from Kiosk 31 in the Floating Market area and centres its menu around mango and coconut-based treats. The Mango Sticky Rice (40 AED) is a solid version of the Thai classic, offering that familiar balance of sweet, creamy coconut and ripe mango. The Coconut Milkshake (35 AED) is thick and refreshing, particularly welcome in Global Village's open-air setting. If you're drawn to fruit-forward sweets or Southeast Asian flavours, this kiosk delivers straightforward versions without unnecessary embellishments.
Crunch: Fried chicken on Fiesta Street
Crunch is located on Fiesta Street and serves fried chicken alongside toasted specialities. The Chicken Crunch (45 AED) is their signature – crispy, well-seasoned chicken that delivers on texture and flavour. It's not trying to reinvent fried chicken; it's simply executing it well in a festival setting where quality can be inconsistent. The breading stays crisp, and the chicken inside remains juicy. It's a reliable option if you're looking for something savoury and satisfying without venturing into overly experimental territory.
Hoka: Truffle fries opposite Thailand Pavilion
Hoka is positioned across from the Thailand Pavilion and offers loaded fries and similar snack-style dishes. The Truffle Fries with Parmesan (35 AED) are generously topped and deliver that earthy truffle aroma alongside salty parmesan.
The fries themselves are crisp, and the portion size is reasonable for the price. It's a straightforward dish that works well as a shared snack or a side to round out your Global Village eating tour. Hoka keeps things simple and executes well within its category.
Roll'd: Hand rolls near UAE Pavilion
Roll'd operates from Kiosk 15 near the UAE Pavilion and specialises in hand rolls. The Chicken Hand Roll (30 AED) is compact, portable, and well-constructed – perfect for eating while walking. The chicken is seasoned well, and the wrapper stays intact without getting soggy. It's one of the more affordable options on this list and works as a lighter bite if you're planning to eat at multiple spots throughout your visit. The location near the UAE Pavilion makes it easy to grab and continue exploring.
Sufrat Mama: Fried cheese pops near Cultural Gate
Sufrat Mama sits at Kiosk 48 close to the VIP Entrance and Cultural Gate area. The Mini Cheese Pops (39 AED for 4 pieces) are bite-sized, fried cheese balls that deliver a satisfying cheese pull when hot. They're rich and indulgent, best eaten immediately while the exterior is still crisp. At just under 40 AED for four pieces, they're priced on the higher side, but the quality is there. If you're near the Cultural Gate entrance, it's worth stopping by for a quick savoury snack.
The Cut: Elevated street food near VIP Gate
The Cut is located at Kiosk 50, also near the VIP Entrance and Cultural Gate, and offers elevated street food courtesy of Chef Maitha. The Hibiscus Slushy (20 AED for 16 oz) is a standout – refreshing, floral, and well-balanced, making it particularly welcome in Global Village's warm setting. The Smokey Sliced Steak (45 AED) brings good smoky flavour and seasoning to the table. If you're looking for a cool-down between pavilions or a savoury bite, The Cut delivers on both fronts.
Toast House by Siam: Loaded toasts at Thailand Pavilion
Toast House by Siam is inside the Thailand Pavilion and focuses on thick-cut, loaded toasts. The Steamed Nutella Brioche (40 AED) is rich and indulgent – soft, warm brioche generously filled with Nutella. The Mango Cream Cheese Toast (40 AED) balances sweet mango with tangy cream cheese on thick toast, offering a more refreshing option if you want something fruit-forward. Both are substantial enough to share or enjoy as a dessert stop mid-visit. Toast House brings a playful approach to toasts while keeping the flavours enjoyable beyond the visuals.
Bisqo: Biscuit crunch meets creamy indulgence
Bisqo sits inside the Turkey Pavilion and focuses on layered desserts built around biscuit bases. The Overload Misu (40 AED) delivers exactly what the name promises – biscuit crunch meeting creamy layers in a dessert that leans indulgent without being overly sweet. It's the kind of treat that works well after wandering through pavilions, offering a satisfying sugar hit that doesn't feel heavy. The Turkey Pavilion is worth exploring for its range of Turkish goods and food, and Bisqo fits neatly into that experience as a dessert-focused stop.
Local Foundry: Sourdough pizza at Cultural Gateway
Local Foundry, the homegrown pizza spot born in a food truck-style setup at Alserkal Avenue, is now at Global Village's Cultural Gateway for the season. This is a must-visit if you love quality pizza. The sourdough bases are thick and pillowy, with three pizzas available: the classic Margarita, the Pablo Honey with its signature chili flakes hot honey sauce, and the Truffled Mushroom. Each pizza showcases quality ingredients and proper technique. If you're craving proper pizza during your Global Village visit, Local Foundry is worth seeking out.
Jade Alpapara
Contributing Editor
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