Dubai Desert Camp BBQ Dinner – Menus, Quality & Tips

For many visitors, the BBQ dinner is where the desert safari slows down: plates in hand, feet in the sand and live shows on stage. Knowing what to expect helps you enjoy the meal instead of worrying about queues or options.

Typical desert camp BBQ menu

Most buffets follow a familiar pattern:

• Grilled meats: chicken, kebabs, kofta, sometimes lamb.
• Sides: rice dishes, roasted vegetables, potatoes or fries.
• Salads: mixed greens, hummus, tabbouleh, coleslaw.
• Breads: Arabic bread, sometimes naan or flatbreads.
• Desserts: small cakes, local sweets and fresh fruit.

Vegetarian and dietary needs

Vegetarians usually find enough with:

• Salads and mezze (hummus, baba ganoush, tabbouleh).
• Grilled vegetables and rice.
• Breads, dips and fruit.

If you are vegan or have strong allergies:

• Email the operator in advance.
• Arrive at the buffet early to identify safe dishes.

Seating styles and atmosphere

Desert camps often offer a mix of:

• Low tables with floor cushions.
• Standard-height tables and chairs.

Premium sections may have:

• More space between tables.
• Better views of the stage.
• Table service instead of standing in line.

Queue-beating strategies

• Visit the buffet soon after it opens – not after the first show starts.
• Decide quickly and avoid overfilling your plate; you can always return.
• If you travel with kids or older relatives, one person can bring plates for the table while others keep seats.

Food hygiene and quality signals

Positive signs:

• Staff regularly checking and refreshing dishes.
• Clean serving utensils and covered containers.
• Plenty of handwashing or sanitising stations.

If something looks or smells wrong, skip it – there is always another option on the buffet.

Final thoughts

The desert camp BBQ is not a Michelin restaurant; it is a festive, open-air buffet designed to feed many people at once. Arrive with realistic expectations, focus on the atmosphere and the company, and you will likely remember the scene – lanterns, music and laughter – more than the exact menu.