Whether you’re a local, an expat or a visitor exploring Dubai’s dining scene, choosing the right chicken dish can make all the difference. Chicken is versatile — from spicy flame‑grilled creations to lighter, health‑conscious options — and Dubai offers no shortage of delicious choices. In this blog we’ll walk you through how to pick the perfect chicken dish, highlight what makes chicken dishes Dubai worth exploring, and share some helpful tips you can use the next time you dine out.
Ready to discover the best of grilled chicken, healthy chicken meals and the best chicken recipes Dubai restaurants are serving? Let’s dive in.
Why Dubai is a Haven for Chicken Lovers
Dubai’s food scene is a melting pot of global flavours — Arabic, Indian, Mediterranean, African and more. This culinary diversity means that chicken dishes in Dubai are not just run‑of‑the‑mill; they’re often infused with unique spice blends, innovative cooking techniques and regional twists.
For example, at Villamoura on Sheikh Zayed Road, you’ll find a standout chicken offering called their “Chooza” chicken, which brings South African‑inspired flavours into the heart of Dubai. With so many restaurants raising the bar for taste and presentation, the key is knowing how to choose the right dish for your mood, taste and health goals.
Types of Chicken Dishes to Explore in Dubai
Grilled Chicken Dubai Style
If you’re looking for bold flavour and smoky, satisfying texture, grilled chicken is your go‑to. In Dubai, you’ll find grills infused with char, marinated for depth, often served with spice blends that nod to African, Middle Eastern or Mediterranean roots.
At Villamoura, the menu highlights smoky grilled chicken packed with bold spices and flavour.
What to look out for:
- A good char on the exterior with juicy meat inside
- A marinade or rub that includes garlic, lemon, mild chilli or herbs
- Pairings like grilled veggies or simple sides rather than heavy sauces
Healthy Chicken Meals for the Calorie‑Conscious
For those mindful of health, you don’t need to compromise on flavour when choosing chicken in Dubai. Healthy chicken meals may include grilled or roasted chicken with greens, light dressings, or sides like quinoa, salad or steamed vegetables instead of fries.
Tips for spotting healthy options:
- Choose grilled or baked rather than deep‑fried
- Ask for sauces on the side (so you control how much you use)
- Select lighter sides — think salad, steamed veggies, or a grain rather than heavy creamy dishes
Best Chicken Recipes You’ll Find in Dubai’s Top Kitchens
Some restaurants take chicken beyond the basics, turning it into a dish with flair and finesse. For instance:
- Spiced chicken roulade, stuffed with herbs or cheese
- Chicken served with regional spice blends (e.g., za’atar, peri‑peri, or South African braai style)
- Fusion dishes that combine chicken with other ingredients in creative ways
At Villamoura, their “Chooza‑style chicken” is described as inspired by Durban’s street food tradition — young chicken, lemon and garlic marinade, open flame cooking for that signature smoky finish.
Tips for Ordering the Perfect Chicken Dish
Ask the Chef or Server for Recommendations
Don’t be shy to ask your server what they’d recommend. Many restaurants have specials or off‑menu items that don’t appear in the main bill of fare. They might point you to a signature chicken dish or an upcoming flavour variation based on your preference (mild vs spicy, for example). At Villamoura, the staff seem to get praise for attentive service and helping diners choose well.
Balance Flavor and Health Goals
- If you crave big flavour, go for grilled and bold, but maybe choose lighter sides or skip heavy sauces.
- If you’re watching calories, choose lean cuts, opt for grilled rather than fried, and ask for dressings/sauces on the side.
- Choose a cooking style based on your goal: for fun & indulgence — go flame‑grilled with spice; for health — choose simpler marination, lots of veggies, smaller portions.
Pairing It Right
The dish is only half the story — what you pair with it makes a difference.
- Sides: For grilled chicken, roasted vegetables or salad can complement nicely.
- Drinks: A light, refreshing mocktail or sparkling water with lemon can cut through bold flavours.
- Dessert: If you’ve enjoyed a rich chicken dish, consider a light fruit‑based dessert rather than heavy cream.
When dining for enjoyment, this pairing mindset ensures you don’t leave feeling too heavy but still satisfied.
Where to Try the Best Chicken Dishes in Dubai
When you’re ready to explore and try a standout dish, here are some great pointers:
- At Villamoura on Sheikh Zayed Road, their signature chicken offering is the “Chooza chicken” — flame‑grilled, marinated, and highlighted as a must‑try.
- If you’re browsing their menu online, you can preview some of the dishes here: Villamoura Menu
- Want to reserve your table for an elevated experience? Use the contact/reservation page: Villamoura Reservation
- If you prefer browsing via a QR/online entry, they also list an online entry page: Online Menu Entry
Whether it’s a casual lunch, a date night or a special occasion, choosing a restaurant that takes chicken seriously means you’ll enjoy more than just another plate — you’ll have a memorable meal.
Contact Details
📍 Ground Floor, Sofitel Dubai Downtown, Sheikh Zayed Road, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
📞 +971 45 57 12 56
📧 reservations@villamoura.ae
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday 12pm–11:30pm (Kitchen closes 11pm); Friday & Saturday 12pm–2am (Kitchen closes 1:30am)
FAQs
Q: What is the healthiest chicken dish to order in Dubai restaurants?
Generally, go for grilled or baked chicken, ask for sauces on the side, and choose sides like salad or veggies instead of fries.
Q: What makes grilled chicken in Dubai different?
Due to the culinary diversity, you’ll often find unique Spice blends, marinations and cooking techniques (e.g., char‑grilling, open flame) that give grilled chicken in Dubai extra flavor and texture.
Q: Where can I try unique chicken recipes in Dubai?
Look for restaurants offering fusion or regional‑inspired chicken dishes — for example, Villamoura’s “Chooza” inspired by Durban street‑food style.
Q: Are there restaurants in Dubai that serve spicy chicken dishes?
Yes — many chicken dishes in Dubai come with optional spice levels or regional heat profiles. You can ask for mild, medium or hot versions depending on your preference.
