UAE’s coolest desserts go beyond ice cream: 5 must-try spots for Kulfi, mango sago, and more this summer
Discover UAE's coolest desserts beyond traditional ice cream
Ice cream is always a treat, but sometimes you need something different, lighter, or just a little extra. There's a whole range of options, from creamy kulfis rose-drenched faloodas and chilled Middle Eastern puddings that cool your tastebuds. There’s a whole world of icy desserts out there ready to rescue you from summer. So skip the usual scoop and explore the UAE’s most refreshing desserts.
1) Kulfi and Falooda
What is it: creamy frozen dairy dessert (kulfi), often paired with vermicelli, basil seeds, rose syrup, and milk in a tall glass (falooda).
Where to try:
Kulfilicious (Dubai and Abu Dhabi):
A go-to spot for regal kulfi in flavours like kesar-pista, pineapple and even crème brûlée. Their “Royal Kulfi Falooda” is a popular favourite.Kulfi House
Offers bottled Kulfi Falooda in rose and mango
2) Falooda variations
Popular twists include Mango Falooda, Chocolate Falooda, and Rabdi Falooda, a rich, milk-based version, offering fruity and decadent alternatives to the classic rose falooda.
Where to try them:
Falooda Nation (Abu Dhabi): Known for creative, generously layered falooda variations.
Kulfilicious (Dubai and Sharjah): A fan-favourite for its kulfi falooda mashups.
3) Kakigori, Japanese shaved iced dessert
This towering traditional Japanese shaved ice dessert is quite a find. It;s crafted with with pillowy-soft shaved ice and delicately layered with sweet syrups and condensed milk. Beat the heat, indeed.
You will find this at the Alba Restaurant in several flavours, including tropical breeze, which is a mango, coconut cream, matcha flavours and caramel mist.
4) Mango sago
Also Read: Is it healthy to eat mangoes every day?
A Hong Kong or Thai-style dessert made with mango puree, tapioca pearls, and coconut milk. Light, creamy, and fruity.
Where: Din Tai Fung, Thai Terrace (Karama), or Korean dessert cafés like Sarangchae (Al Barsha).
If you want to make it yourself, follow our recipe here:
5) Acai bowls
If you want to be just absolutely health and go easy, then opt for frozen açai puree topped with fruit, granola, honey, and coconut shavings. Cold, antioxidant-rich, and Insta-worthy.
Where: Poke & Co
Make sure you're keeping updated with Summer Vibes in collaboration with Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), so you don't miss out on any of the incredible fun happening across the UAE in July and August. Schools are closed, temperatures are soaring, but don’t sweat it — we’ve got you covered. Just click here to find out more and keep checking back for more info on events, deals and offers. We're also providing plenty of hints and tips for staying safe and cool as we make this a summer to remember.
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