Spice Souk Dubai: Things to Do, Timing & Guide

As fancy as the marvelous structures in Dubai are, the souks are equally famous too. They have a unique charm in their shopping arena and not to forget the reasonable rates of products. You will find the most authentic things to buy here. So today we will explore the spice souk and get a detailed overview to navigate your way inside the souk in Dubai.

All About Spice Souk

Almost everyone, especially the chefs or cooking lovers knows that feeling of entering a market or kitchen filled with several spices. You will get the same feeling in the spice souk. It is immensely popular among locals and tourists alike because of the fresh and top spices that retailers sell here. It is located just next to the Dubai Gold and is easy to find.

The place swarms over 150 retailers selling a plethora of exotic spices. You name the spice you want in your kitchen, and the spice souk in Dubai will present it to you. Literally, you will find everything here like medicinal herbs, basmati rice, dry fruits & flowers, pods, hair oils, incense burners, and many more. They all are imported from various countries like India, Pakistan, and Iran. The aromatic feeling here is all you need to know what kind of spices you will get here.

Whether you want seasoning staples or Arabian spices, the spice souk has everything for you. Even the most expensive spices you can find here is the saffron which is authentic too. But it is not easy to choose the right one, so be careful if you intend to buy it.

Everyone doesn’t need to buy spices from here. You can buy or look for other things as well like oud perfumes, crunchy nuts, henna, tea, and Arabian souvenirs. Choose whatever you want and purchase the best thing for you and your loved ones here.

What are the Most Popular Purchases?

The most popular purchases here are:

• Rose water,
• Saffron,
• Vanilla pods,
• Sheesha or water pipes,
• Dried lemons, and
• Cinnamon sticks.

For tea lovers as many Indians are, you can go for buying the rosebud, hibiscus, and lavender tea. Apart from that, we will recommend that you buy some of the best Arabian spices. It will enhance your cooking experience and also make you feel like you are having the Arabian dish without being in the city.

What is the Best Part?

Haggling is the best part of every shopping experience which is not possible in any fancy malls or shopping centers. But in the spice souk, you can bargain your way into every stall. You may try Dubai shopping tour that comes with a dedicated tour guide who will let you explore different hidden gems of shopping paradise.  You may already be familiar with the bargaining way and more but still, we are mentioning them in case you will need them. Try beginning from fifty percent only, so if the price increases will start from thereafter. A common practice is to walk away and the shopkeeper will succumb, mostly.

You can also notice other locals who buy the spices and their way of a bargain. Talk with the locals and get some friendly tips. This way you can make the most of your visit and purchase with the best possible prices.

Spice Souk Timing

The easiest way to reach the spice souk in Dubai is by metro rail. Just take the Green Line metro to the Al Ras Metro Station. After you reach there, you will take a small boat also known as an abra or water taxi to the destination. Do not worry about the boat ride because it is available all day.

But you need to pay attention to the timings before you plan your visit. There are different timings for both weekdays and weekends, so check the timings beforehand.

• Location: 41 34th Street, Baniyas Street, Deira, Al Ras
• Timing: Monday to Friday- 7:30 PM to 9:55 PM, Saturday & Sunday- 7:30 PM to 11 PM
• Shops remain closed between 1 PM to 4 PM

What is the Best Time to Visit?

The best time to visit the spice souk in Dubai is from January to March. It is a quiet nice time when the weather is pleasant and you will also get fresh varieties of spices. But also note that it is one of the most popular souks in Dubai and there will be crowds almost all the times.

Tips

• You will not only find spices from different parts of the world but also have an amazing cross-cultural interaction with the store owners. They will give you all the information from where they are bought to their good benefits and how are used in the Arabic cuisine.
• Even if it is a local market, you need to wear the right clothes that are never too revealing. It is also good as the daytime can make you a little sweaty and hot.
• Do not forget to bring a good amount of water because in all the browsing of the shops and bargaining, you need to stay hydrated.
• Carry sunscreen, hat, and scarves for extra protection even when the weather is mild with no sunlight.
• Wear comfortable shoes that cover your feet and also make it easy to walk for you.
• If you are a goodie, then you are in a good place because you will try all kinds of traditional foods here. The flavors will burst in your mouth like delicious delights.

Conclusion

Whether you are a foodie looking to spice up your daily meals, a traveler exploring distinct cuisines, or just a traditional market lover, Spice Souk has everything for you in Dubai. So the next time you are in the city, do not forget to explore this souk because it is an adventure even for your sensories. Happy exploring dear readers!