Resident Polina Kutukova shares the city beyond the brochure
If you tend to dismiss Dubai, hear me out.
Dubai has character. Not the polished, Instagram-ready kind that tourists flock to, but something rawer, more alive – a pulse that runs through its neighborhoods, cafés, and corners where real life unfolds. To truly know this city, you need to move beyond the surface, beyond the tourist traps and the predictable hotspots. You need to follow the energy where it leads: to early morning swims, tucked-away eateries, and spaces where creativity and community collide.
Morning: Claim the Day Before the Crowds Do
Set your alarm early. Trust me on this. Before the heat settles in and the beaches fill up, Dubai belongs to those who show up first. Head to the Creek or Kite Beach for a walk or cycle – claim your space, catch the morning light, and soak in the quiet before the city wakes up properly.
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By now, you’ve earned your breakfast. And Dubai’s morning food scene doesn’t disappoint. Raju Omlet is your move if you’re craving something spicy and satisfying – Indian breakfast done right, with eggs that hit exactly how they should. Apollo is the newest IYKYK spot on the Palm. Incredible breakfast menu, calm atmosphere, the kind of place that feels like a well-kept secret.
One Life serves what might be the best Turkish eggs in town – rich, indulgent, and made with a from-scratch philosophy that you can taste in every bite. Duo Gastrobar is the reliable all-rounder that never fails to deliver.
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Afternoon: I call this ‘Adventure Time’
This is where your day can take a few different directions, depending on what you’re in the mood for.
Option 1: The Alserkal Cultural Stroll
Start at Alserkal Avenue, the city’s creative heart. It’s not just Dubai’s certified cool central – it’s a place with a bunch of personalities, where artists, chefs, and makers create spaces worth returning to again and again.
Stop by The Flip Side, Dubai’s first independent vinyl record shop, founded by Shadi Megalla, a DJ and genuine godfather of the local music scene. Browse the collection, pick up records from local artists, and if Shadi’s around, chat with him. Consider it your education in Dubai’s underground culture.
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For lunch, you’ve got two stellar options. Kokoro, Dubai’s first hand roll bar, serves the best hand rolls in town – simple, premium, made with the kind of care that only comes from true passion. Alternatively, hit up Middle Child, the brainchild of chef Lynn Hazim. It’s a restaurant, cookbook shop, grocer, and most importantly, a communal space where everyone’s welcome. More. Casual. Dining. Please. This is the kind of concept Dubai needs more of.
Option 2: Art and Fermentation
Head to Jameel Arts Center for a dose of contemporary art, then make your way to Teible, a truly unique project focused entirely on fermented foods. It’s the kind of place that challenges what you think a Dubai dining experience should be.
Or head over to Lowe for lunch. Just go, you can thank me later.
Option 3: Deli and Greenery
Grab Rascals Deli, the best and most importantly homegrown sandwiches, and then go lay on the grass in Safa Park and enjoy actual greenery. Yes, it exists in Dubai.
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Option 4: Adrenaline Rush
If you’re with friends and want to get your heart racing, Dubai Autodrome offers proper karting fun. Afterward, swing by Big T’s for what locals swear is the best brisket in town.
Evening in the city that never sleeps
BordoMavi is your seafood move if you want nice marina views – but please, don’t confuse this with Dubai Marina – that’s the tourist-packed strip, so local experiences are scarce. Jun’s hits the sweet spot between nice dinner with drinks and feeling a touch fancier than casual. Soul Kitchen lives up to its name. The Latin-Lebanese fusion never disappoints, whether you’re there for the food or the drinks. Come here when you’re new to Dubai, and you’ll leave with more friends than you came with.
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Late Night: Where the Cool Kids Go
Want to continue your night? Honeycomb Hi-Fi, Reunion, or Helipad are solid starting points for understanding where the local scene congregates. There are countless local parties happening, but you’ve got to start somewhere – and these spots will give you a proper glimpse into the city’s nightlife pulse.
The Late-Night Snack Run
When hunger strikes after the party, you’ve got legends to choose from: Al Farooj Shawarma and Al Ijaza Cafeteria are both iconic for good reason. ‘Za ‘Za rounds out the holy trinity of late-night Dubai eating. Because in pizza we trust.
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This is Dubai beyond the brochure – a city that rewards those who dig deeper, show up early, and follow those who actually live here instead of the crowds. The character is here. You just have to know where to look.
Image credit: @destinationmydubai on Instagram
A self-described “everything everywhere all at once” kind of person, Polina moves between passions with ease — from discovering new restaurants to catching waves at dawn. Besides seeking out the city’s best-kept culinary secrets, her favourite things include early morning surf or wakesurf sessions, escaping to nature and living fully in the moment.
