No matter how busy I am on a business trip, I always make it a point to enjoy at least one meal that is authentic to the city I am visiting. Unfortunately, sometimes that means room service in front of the computer, but nonetheless, it’s a great way to test the hotel’s kitchen.

There are many great cities around the world that bring authentic cuisine to people’s front doors. New York, my hometown, is known to do it best. There are countless restaurants where, as soon as you walk inside, you are transported from the busy streets of the city outside. Great Italian places transport you to Tuscany, wonderful Chinese restaurants take you to the street stands of China, a cozy French bistro makes you feel like you are in the French countryside, and so on.

But in my book, there is still nothing better than sampling a local cuisine on the local streets. Today I enjoyed some phenomenal chicken schwarma, hummus and mixed grill on the Jumeirah Beach Walk in Dubai. While I know I can get the food at home, the taste of the food in its local setting is so much better. There is nothing quite like being surrounded by locals, enjoying local fare and taking in the sights, sounds and smells of the city in which it was created.

Hotels in the UAE are sprouting up overnight. They all continue to innovate the dining experience. I love checking out new chefs. When I am in the region, I recommend the buffet breakfast, lunch or dinner at the Shangri-la Abu Dhabi or the classic seafood restaurant at the Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel and Resort.

Locals can’t even keep up with the new openings in Dubai! The Fairmont offers a range of dining options, including a great steak restaurant,The Exchange, that recently underwent a renovation. There are five new Address Hotels in the city. Or you can take in a view from the world’s tallest tower while enjoying a trendy Chinese dinner at the Address Burj Dubai. There’s tons more to experience, and I would love to hear of your favorite restaurants around the world.

— Alex Young, vice president and associate publisher