Dietary Help
Staff have helped guests find gluten-free choices and adjust meals for dietary requirements.
Giraffe
Al Garhoud
Giraffe is a child-friendly international cafe in Al Garhoud, with breakfast, lunch and dinner options for travellers. Reviews highlight quick airport meals such as chicken katsu noodles, burgers and breakfast dishes, plus a relaxed place to wait for a flight.
Reputation Score
4.2
★★★★☆
355 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Quick Meals
Several travellers received food quickly, making the cafe useful when a flight is approaching.
Family Friendly
The children's menu includes more than the usual standard kids' dishes, and families describe the setting as welcoming.
Power Points
Some beach seats have a power point, handy when your phone or power bank needs charging.
Generous Portions
One review found the spicy rice bowl and katsu noodles servings large enough to feel worthwhile for the price.
Relaxed Setting
Travellers describe the atmosphere as cozy, homey and relaxing while waiting at the airport.
Tips for a Better Visit
Clarify Allergies. Repeat dietary requirements and confirm the milk or ingredients before eating; one vegan porridge arrived with whole milk.
Check Extras. Ask what is included before ordering: cheese, chicken for nachos, extra bread and water were charged separately in reviews.
Choose Carefully. If ordering pancakes, consider adding cream with the chocolate sauce, as one review found them dry without it.
Allow Time. Build in extra time before boarding if you order cooked food; one visit took almost 30 minutes.
Ask About Changes. The team has accommodated slight meal variations for dietary needs, so ask whether a dish can be adjusted.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Concourse D, Dubai International Airport - Parking B - Airport Road
Dubai Int'l Airport, Dubai
Popular Mentions
Katsu curry
One review praised the crispy chicken and smooth curry in the katsu curry.
Classic Burger
The Classic Burger is mentioned often, though one reviewer found the patty under-seasoned and noted cheese costs extra.
Falafel burger
The falafel burger received a top score in a review comparing several Terminal 1 dishes.
Avo Toast
Avo Toast was a successful early-breakfast choice for one traveller's grandmother.
Common Concerns
High Prices
Airport pricing is a recurring concern; one traveller reported spending $50 USD per person on average.
Extra Charges
Cheese, extra bread and even water can add noticeably to the bill.
Inconsistent Service
Although many reviews praise the staff, others describe being ignored and say orders were not handled carefully.
Breakfast Misses
Pancakes were described as dry in one review and doughy or almost raw in another.
Long Waits
Most quick-service feedback is positive, but one Terminal 1 visit took almost 30 minutes for food.
Customer-reported prices
These are customer-reported mentions, not a current price list. Prices may have changed.
$7 AED
cheese
“The cheese is an extra $7 AED, so be aware it does not come with cheese, and the beef patty was lacking a little flavor”Google review · January 2025
$178 AED
Loaded Nachos, Classic Burger & One Glass Water
“All of this (Loaded Nachos, Classic Burger & One Glass Water for $178 AED)”Google review · January 2025
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
Giraffe is an airport cafe in Al Garhoud, with reviews centred on its Terminal 1 setting and usefulness before a flight. You can order breakfast, burgers, international mains and Asian dishes; chicken katsu noodles, katsu curry, the falafel burger and breakfast options receive particularly positive mentions. The children's menu also goes beyond the usual standard dishes.
Service is often warm and attentive, and several travellers mention fast food, friendly help with menu choices and a comfortable, quiet atmosphere. Some seats have power points, which is useful when your phone is running low during a layover. Staff have also adjusted meals for dietary requirements, although allergy-related communication was not consistent in every visit.
Budget for airport prices rather than casual-cafe pricing. A review reported an average of $50 USD per person, while another paid $178 AED for loaded nachos, a classic burger and one glass of water. Cheese, extra bread, chicken add-ons and water may cost more.
Pancakes were a weak spot in two reviews, and occasional waits approached 30 minutes, so confirm ingredients and leave some time before boarding.