Dubai is referred to as one of the favorite tourist destinations throughout the world where thousands of tourists visit every year. No doubt, the primary attractions that make this city popular are its tallest buildings and innovative or modern skyline. Due to presence of luxurious shopping malls, hotels, restaurants, parks, the real and authentic parts of the city are often ignored.
One of such spots is Dubai Spice Souk. In Deira, it is a quite popular traditional shopping place for more than fifty years now that provides an essence of history regarding tradition and culture. In this souk, you will find plenty of flavors and colors. In case you love to explore about different types of teas as well as herbs, Dubai Spice Souk is the best place for you. Due to the presence of different aromas of the spices in the market, it is an authentic haven for shopping.
| Souk | Dubai Spice Souk |
| Located in | Deira |
| Another Name | Old Souk |
| Address | Al Ras, Deira, 41 34th St. |
| Reaching Ways | Metro, dhow ride, car, bus |
| Main Items Sold | Spices |
| Spices Available | Saffron, dried limes, za’atar, sumac, etc. |
| Unique Items to shop | Sea beans, Gum Arabic, Qara Qurut, etc. |
Location
In Deira, the Dubai Spice Souk is situated right next to the corniche. Deira is also known as Old Dubai because it is one of the ancient places in the city. That’s why the spice souk is also referred to as Old Souk. To experience the rich history and heritage of city, it is a must-visit place.
Furthermore, it is one of the best places for chefs to learn the way to improve their culinary taste. Once you visit this place, you can get an idea regarding trading in the past several years with the open and closed roofs, ancient architecture, and the thin alleyways. Even thought, several different markets are also located close to this area, but the Dubai Spice Souk is novel with its diverse range of items.
Way to Reach the Dubai Spice Souk
There are different ways to reach the Dubai Spice Souk. You can choose among them according to your preference and feasibility. Some of the most common ones include:
By Dhow Ride
One of the thrilling ways to reach these is through a dhow ride. If you want to experience the breathtaking views of the traditional spots in Deira as well as most popular landmarks of city such as Burj Khalifa, this is the perfect way for you to get there. Also, you just have to pay the price of AED 1 for taking a dhow ride.
By Metro
If you are looking for the most feasible method to get to the Spice Souk, choose going by metro. For this, you will need to go to the Al Ras Metro station first and then take the Green Line. The souk will be just at a walking distance of few minutes from there.
By Car
Another method to reach the Spice Souk in Dubai is by your own car. However, if you choose this way to reach there, there is the place for parking close to the Spice Souk.
By RTA Bus
The last way for getting there is through an RTA bus. For this, go to the closest bus stop from your location to take a bus. The bus will directly drop you to the Dubai spice souk.
Spices Available at Dubai Spice Souk for Shopping
Enhance your shopping adventure at spice souk and indulge yourself in purchasing several kinds of textiles, herbs, spices, etc. Once you enter at this place, you will feel yourself being in the past time where sellers from all around the world have come together for selling their old goods.
Because of a wide variety of herbs and spices available here, it might be difficult for you to decide what to purchase. Let’s have a look at some of the spices you can buy here:
Sumac
Sumac is frequently utilized in Mediterranean as well as Middle Eastern cuisine. It is made from crushed and dried berries of the sumac plants and is a tangy spice with lemon flavor. Additionally, sumac is commonly added in the famous Fattoush salad.
Saffron
Saffron is a main ingredient in numerous local cuisines in Dubai. Since several years, the city is famous for having saffron of the superior quality. Also, saffron is referred to as one of the most-costly spices throughout the world. That’s why when you decide to purchase it, always get it from some well-known place.
Dried Limes
Another spice you can get from Spice souk is dried limes. Dried limes are utilized commonly in Middle Eastern and Persian to give a sour and spicy flavor to several cuisines. Normally, the dried limes are used in stews, rice, and soups.
Za’atar
Za’atar is made from sumac, salt, sesame seeds, and dried thyme. It is a quite well-known spice combination in the region of Middle East. Furthermore, it is commonly utilized for bread seasoning as well as several dishes.
Unique Things You Can Shop from the Dubai Spice Souk
At Dubai Spice Souk, the entire environment is filled with bright colors as well as striking fragrances which activate the senses of visitors. In case you are searching for something unique which you will not see in any place worldwide, you can find that at this true shopping spot in Deira.
Let’s discuss about some of the things you can purchase from the Dubai Spice Souk:
1. Gum Arabic
The other names used for this item are Gum acacia or Gum Sudani and it is being utilized in the Middle East since the nineteenth century. This product has been used since the 9th century in the Middle East. It is just a hardened tree sap. There are the reasons behind it different names. Gum Acacia name is given to it because it is reaped from the tree named Acacia Senegal.
Furthermore, when Gum Arabic is mixed with water, it provides a lot of health benefits for you. Patients of kidney, liver, diabetes should try this for their diseases. Despite of being beneficial for health, it is also utilized in painting Aside from the health benefits, the gum can also be used in other instances like painting. In painting, it serves as a binder for ceramic glazing, watercolor paint, etc.
2. Qara Qurut
Since the 10th century, Qara Qurut is used in Iran, Afghanistan, and different other areas of Middle East as well. It is also referred to as Kashk in many regions. Qara Qurut is one of the most unique items you will find at Spice souk and is made of Made of drained buttermilk, yogurt, and sour milk.
Kashk is mostly used to make the consistency of stews and soups thick. Furthermore, it is also utilized to enhance the flavor of vegetables and meat in various international cuisines such as Asian Turkish, and Kurdish. At the spice souk Dubai, you can purchase Qara Qurut in different shapes, for example, in chunks, balls, or stripes.
3. Sea Beans
Sea beans are native to Africa but are available in South and Central America. The scientific name of sea beans is Entada Gigas. This specific plant’s liana can extend up to eight ft, and also grasps one of the biggest seed pods with more than 6 ft height and 12 cm length.
Furthermore, that largest sea pods comprise almost ten to fifteen seeds. The void of the sea pod permits it to feasibly pass in water. The sea beans are very advantageous for your health, for example, protecting you from various infections, healing, and reducing body pain. Additionally, they are utilized in jewelry too.
Tips and Tricks for Shopping at the Dubai Spice Souk
As the spice souk is located in the thin alleys, keep in mind that the weather will be hot in the morning time. That’s why to experience the best time while shopping, choose to wear comfortable shoes and clothes.
Prefer to bring a reusable bag along with you for shopping. It is a quite eco-friendly option for you as it helps you to carry your shopping.
If you like to explore the market when it crowded, afternoon is the best time for you. However, if you love to shop in a peaceful and less-hassled environment, go in the evening or morning.
Always take some cash along with you while shopping as there are some shops that only allow for cash payments. However, some of them will accept payment from debit and credit cards.
