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One of the most common questions I get about desert safaris: "What's the food actually like?" Fair question โ you're spending 6+ hours in the desert, and the BBQ dinner is supposed to be a highlight. Here's the honest breakdown of what's served, how it works, and whether it's worth the hype.
First, let's set expectations. The "BBQ dinner" is actually a buffet-style meal at a Bedouin-style desert camp. You're not getting a private table with waiter service โ it's communal seating on low cushions and carpets around shared tables.
Here's the typical timeline:
The buffet stays open throughout, so you can eat during the shows if you prefer.
Menus vary slightly between operators, but here's what's standard across most desert safari BBQ dinners:
| Item | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Kebabs | Marinated, grilled on skewers | Usually the most popular |
| Lamb Kebabs | Spiced ground lamb on skewers | More flavorful than chicken |
| Beef Kebabs | Cubed or ground beef | Not always available |
| Grilled Chicken | Whole pieces, not skewered | Good for kids |
| Shawarma-style meat | Sliced, seasoned | Premium packages only |
All meat is halal โ this is standard across Dubai.
Good news for vegetarians: you won't go hungry. There's usually enough to make a full meal:
Vegan note: Most items are vegetarian, but truly vegan options are limited. Hummus is usually vegan, but check on bread and rice preparation.
Allergies: Inform your operator in advance. Nuts are common in rice dishes and desserts. Gluten is in the bread and potentially the kebab seasonings.
For more on what to expect and how to prepare, see our complete desert safari preparation guide.
Here's the truth: it's buffet food cooked for large groups. It's not gourmet dining, and it's not supposed to be. What you're paying for is the experience โ eating under the stars in the desert with entertainment โ not Michelin-star cuisine.
That said, it's generally good:
Premium packages genuinely offer better food quality โ more variety, fresher preparation, sometimes live cooking stations. If food matters to you, the upgrade is worth it. See our comparison of standard vs premium packages.
| Feature | Standard Package | Premium Package |
|---|---|---|
| Meat Variety | 3-4 options | 5-6 options, sometimes steak |
| Sides | Basic selection | Expanded mezze, hot sides |
| Desserts | Fruit, basic sweets | Full dessert station |
| Drinks | Soft drinks, coffee, tea | Sometimes includes shisha |
| Seating | Shared low tables | VIP section, closer to stage |
| Service | Self-service buffet | Attended stations |
The food is part of it, but the setting is what makes it memorable:
For more on what entertainment to expect during dinner, see our guide to desert safari entertainment.
Our premium desert safari includes the full BBQ dinner with expanded menu options and VIP seating. It's the best option if the food experience matters to you.
For a standard but solid BBQ experience, the regular desert safari package includes all the essentials โ good food, great setting, memorable evening.
Want the adventure without the group dinner? The self-drive dune buggy experience focuses on the driving thrill โ no camp, no buffet, just desert exploration.
Is the desert safari BBQ amazing food? No โ it's decent buffet fare. Is the experience amazing? Yes โ eating under the stars in a Bedouin camp with entertainment is genuinely memorable. Set your expectations for "atmospheric group dining with good food" rather than "culinary excellence" and you'll have a great time.
For help choosing the right package, see our complete guide to booking a desert safari.
