6 #MYDUBAI Must Try 'Interesting' Food Joints

As October steps in, people in Dubai bid farewell to the scorching summer heat to welcome a bearable and pleasant sunny weather. During this time, you will see expats and locals flocking their way to the nearest and coziest al fresco dining while tourist (and some residents) find their way into a near by beach front.

For the past weeks, I've been hunting down some interesting food stops which I think everyone should try (well, specially those who love to explore our beautiful city). With all the places that I have been to, here are 6 of my favorite food stops!

1. TOM AND SERG

[caption id="attachment_2349" align="aligncenter" width="800"] I LOVE THE INDUSTRIAL INTERIOR DESIGN[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2350" align="aligncenter" width="800"] MY BIG BREAKFAST PLATE --TRAY[/caption]

I've been hearing/reading a lot of things about this hipster heaven which can be found in Al Qouz Industrial Area. If you're not staying inside a cave, I think you already know that Al Qouz is the place to be. You can find Raw Coffee, Alserkal Avenue, Bounce and of course Tom and Serg. Hipsters all over the city will surely fall in love with this place.

The interior is simple and clean with a very industrial touch. If you dine at the ground floor you will appreciate the high ceiling and if you are like me, you will enjoy watching the whole place being very busy while the second is a bit cozier and more relaxed.

If you just want to sit down with friends or read a book over a cup of coffee and tasty chocolate mousse or just want start your day with a healthy brunch this place is perfect for you.... and of course, they have WIFI!

Location: Al Joud Center Al Qouz

Web: www.tomandserg.com/

Tel: 056474 68 12

IG: @_tomandserg_

2. ZAROOB

[caption id="attachment_2351" align="aligncenter" width="800"] CAN YOU BE MORE COLORFUL THAN THIS?...YES IF YOU ARE A RAINBOW!!![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2352" align="aligncenter" width="800"] ENJOYING OUR LEVANT WRAP[/caption]

A few years ago, wandering along Sheikh Zayed Road, I was always very curious with that bright signage on the building which spelled as ZAROOB. When a friend of mine, asked if I want to try it, I didn't hesitate. Since then, it became one of my favorite  restaurants in the city.

Zaroob which literally means 'small alley' will give you a feel that you are eating in a very artsy street alleyway. Every time that I bring friends here, they always get fascinated on how colorful and vibrant the interior set-up is. A mix of galvanize iron, concrete and even big cans of cooking oil for seating, all you need to is the sound of cars honking crazily while you enjoy a tasty plate of shawarma.

If you are the artsy kind and don't mind dining in a very colorful and busy environment (and if you love food from the Levant Region) this is the place for you.

Check out my friend Lady's latest blog about Zaroob:

TIP: After enjoying the interior decor, try dining outside.

Location: Shop 1, Jumeirah Tower Building, Sheikh Zayad Road, Trade Centre Area, Dubai

Web: www.zaroob.com

Tel: 043276060

IG: @zaroob

3. SALT (#FINDSALT)

[caption id="attachment_2353" align="aligncenter" width="800"] YHEAP...THAT'S THE LINE[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2354" align="aligncenter" width="800"] FOUND IT!!![/caption]

Recently I blogged about this new food truck concept. I know that in the US, food trucks are everywhere but here in Dubai, you can only find less than a handful and only a few that are making waves. One of it is SALT. It is located at the heart of Kite Beach. Just look for the bright signage or the long line of salt patrons waiting to get a hold of that tasty Chicken Cheetos Sliders.

If you are more of the outdoor adventurous type or if you just passed by the beach after a long day at work, you should try queuing up and placing an order.

TIP: After finishing you mouthwatering sliders, go around Kite Beach and discover other food stalls (and beach volley)

Location: Dubai Kite Beach

Instagram: @findsalt

4. CREEKSIDE

[caption id="attachment_2355" align="aligncenter" width="800"] LAUNCHING TURNED INTO A CULTURAL NIGHT[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2356" align="aligncenter" width="800"] A TIP. TAKE THE ABRA[/caption]

The Dubai Creek is one of my favorite places to bring any friends visiting Dubai. During summer time, I still drag my friends here even though the weather is dreadful and you'll be soaking in sweat in just 5 minutes of 'standing' (as a tip, don't visit me during summer). But during the breezy months of October until mid-May, the creek is "the" must visit place for those who wants to get away from the typical Dubai skyline and feel/see the old Dubai culture. You can ride the abra crossing Burdubai to Deira and haggle around the souq.

Just recently, Creek Side had its formal launch and welcomed cultural enthusiasts and those who are just looking looking for a place to chill and hang out. What I Iike about this place is how it blended well in the Dubai's Old Town. Using and refitting a traditional heritage house it created a modern space yet respecting its heritage (this subject it my thesis study, that is why I feel in love with this place the moment I saw it.)  The main attraction of this place is how it celebrates art, culture, design and heritage with its various programs and offerings.

Just a perfect place to appreciate the busy creek, watch people, learn about the heritage and get loads of  inspirations passing by.

TIP: Parking is very hard in this area, so it will be better if you will park your car near a metro station and take the public transport. Take the green line metro and go down to Al Ras and ride the Abra from this other side (Deira) and appreciate the beautiful creek surrounded by the richness of the Old Dubai.

Location: Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood Dubai (near Grand Mosque and the water pathway)

Tel: 043599220

Email: Info@creekside.me

IG: @creeksidedubai

 

5. SPECIAL OSTADI RESTAURANT

[caption id="attachment_2357" align="aligncenter" width="800"] I WILL BE PRINTING MY PHOTO AND PASTE IT HERE[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2358" align="aligncenter" width="800"] EVERYTHING IS MY FAVORITE[/caption]

When almost all in the list are fairly new, I recently discovered a place with a very long history of serving hearty Persian  meal. An Emirati friend of mine brought me in Special Ostadi Restaurant after our event in the Creekside. If you love walking (and it's not Summer), the food stops number 4 and 5 are relatively close to each other.

The moment I stepped inside, I was fascinated immediately with its very busy decors. If Creekside wants to blend in the environment, this one definitely is trying to stand out. No one can blame them though. As what I was told, it is a family restaurant serving Dubai since 1978. Surely, if you have that long history, you will also brag about it. Its walls are surrounded with photographs of Bollywood stars and VIPs who had a taste of the Special Ostadi Hospitality. All tables are dressed with different currencies from all over the world and several newspaper article clippings hanging on the wall.

Aside from its note worthy marinated kebabs, Special Ostadi Restaurant is also famous for its hospitality. Being a passed-on family business, you can see each member of the family (well just the men), run around serving patrons and greeting them with a joke or fist bump. I always get the french fries treatment (visit this place to find out what I meant).

If you are looking for fun, informal and craving a mouth watering Persian meal, this is the place for you.

TIP: Ask for their house tea (also ask for mint leaves), this is their signature house drinks. I LOVE IT and hopefully you will too.

Location: Khalid Bin Al Waleed, Near Musalla Tower, All Musalla Road

Tel: 04 3971469

 

6. RIPE MARKET

[caption id="attachment_2359" align="aligncenter" width="800"] WHEN YOU SEE THIS, YOU KNOW YOU WILL START TO WAVE GOODBYE TO SUMMER[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2360" align="aligncenter" width="800"] OUR LOOT FOR THE DAY! YEY WEEKEND![/caption]

One of the best things that I love this season is that RIPE Market is finally open. Last year, it was located in Safa Park but this year, they moved in Zabeel Park (and it is closer to my place now). This year, there were a huge turnout of vendors, artisans and food stalls.

I went to RIPE during their first day of opening and I was overwhelmed with all the interesting booths they have. But, what I was drawn to are the food stalls. They have pastries, grilled sausages, pancakes, ice cream, sandwiches, salads...and a lot of refreshing drinks (fresh coconut juice!!!). The reason why I placed RIPE at the end of my list is that, if you go here, you can create you own list already.

One of the attractions of RIPE is its location. Being in a park makes your visit here relaxing and will make you say "THANK GOD IT'S WEEKEND."While you enjoy munching on all the food you found, you can just sit down on one of the bean bags and listen to a live acoustic performance (or a harpist). While you are busy looking for a good value shopping (maybe a very trendy earrings, or a white washed bohemian home decor, your kids can enjoy the art workshops being offered every week.

If you are a fan of the outdoors and love people watching this is surely a place you will want to visit.

Location: Zabeel Park

Timings: Every Fridays at 9am - 2pm

Web: www.ripeme.com/

IG: @ripefresh

 

Do you know other food joints/stops here in Dubai which you think are interesting? Let us know so we can pay them a visit and maybe we can add them in the list soon. ^^



 

All Day Lazy Breakfast at Madeleine Café & Boulangerie

When it comes to food, there are two things that are close to my heart, French and breakfast.

There is something about the French cuisine that seems so simple yet very sophisticated. Not too flavorful, yet not too bland and still will hit you directly to the heart.

As for breakfast, Filipinos are heavy breakfast eater. I never skipped breakfast as I feel  that this is the most important meal of the day (some new studies will disagree with this). I love smelling the aroma of freshly toasted bread and newly brewed coffee in the morning.

So, When I received an invitation to try the All Day Lazy Breakfast Promotion in Madeliene Café & Boulangerie, I didn’t even have any second thought--- I said YES!

[caption id="attachment_798" align="aligncenter" width="800"] The Lazy Breakfast Menu[/caption]

I remember when I was in France a few years back , early morning for breakfast, we went to the nearest boulangerie and bought a freshly baked baguette and croissant. I really love that experience..oh simple joys (#takemeback).

Check out my previous posts below:

The City of Food Lovers

Boulangerie at Saint Andres de Sangonis

I Left My Heart In Paris

[caption id="attachment_796" align="aligncenter" width="800"] LAZY BREAKFAST SPECIALTIES[/caption]

Madeleine Café and Boulangerie is a traditional and hip French restaurant located in Dubai Mall over looking the famous Dubai Fountain. The interior of the restaurant mimic a traditional French brasserie. With reddish stained wooden furniture, french windows and doors, the mood of the place will surely transport you to the streets of Paris.

We were welcomed very warmly and ushered to our table. We sat near the window to have a view of the outdoor. We didn’t dine outside as it is still summer here in Dubai (summer for me means ‘ONLY INDOOR OPTION’). Although, I can imagine how beautiful dining outside will be on a much cooler season (I will try that for sure).

As I said earlier, we were invited to try their All Day Lazy Breakfast offer. I must say, it was already passed lunch time..but I will not even argue to get a French breakfast any time of the day.

All Day Lazy Breakfast:

" An à la carte lazy breakfast... for those who enjoy in a charming brasserie-style setting with a choice of excellent breakfast items prepared à la minute." (Madeleine Cafe & Boulangerie website)

[caption id="attachment_806" align="aligncenter" width="800"] CHEESE PLATTER = AED 45[/caption]

I think we ordered almost everything from the menu. Well, you gotta taste everything right? (with a grin smile haha)

Selections

French Toast - Brioche dipped in egg & milk batter pan fried, served with raisins, caramelized banana and honey (YUM!!!)

Croque Madame - Gratinated ham & gruyere cheese sandwich with fried egg, roasted tomatoes, potato and mushroom. (I first tried a Croque Madame in Paris and I must say, this is delish!)

Egg Benedict - Poached eggs on brioche with smoked salmon and hollandaise sauce. (We didn't order this)

Scrambled Egg Croissant - Croissant filled with scrambled egg and served with tomato and potato and mushroom. (We didn't order this also)

Smoked Salmon Scrambled Egg Croissant - Croissant filled with scrambled egg, salmon and served with tomato, potato and mushroom. ( I like the French toast more but my friend preferred this one)

Assorted Cheese Platter (THE BEST!!)

I am a big fan of everything cheese, walnut and jam,  so needless to say that the cheese platter alone won my heart already.

Among all the ones we ordered, my favorite was the French toast. It was very tasty and soft (I love the caramelized banana flavor). My friend’s preference was the Salmon Croissant. It was a rich dish and very heavy.

[caption id="attachment_813" align="aligncenter" width="800"] FRENCH TOAST = AED 55[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_812" align="aligncenter" width="800"] SMOKED SALMON SCRAMBLED EGG CROISSANT = AED 55[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_814" align="aligncenter" width="800"] CROQUE MADAME = AED 55[/caption]

The croquet madame, another specialty and a best seller during the lazy breakfast comes with a serving of fries. It is a full meal itself.

To complement our meal, we also had coffee and an orange juice. I can actually stay all day and enjoy their breakfast offerings. I love idea of serving breakfast till 5pm on a weekend when everyone is too lazy to wake up early.

If you are looking for a place to enjoy a tasty French breakfast, I recommend Madeleine Café and Boulougerie. Aside from their lazy breakfast, they have pastries if you want to satisfy your sweet weekend cravings instead.

Check out other photos in the gallery below:

[gallery link="file" ids="805,803,820,818,817,815"]

Madeliene Cafe & Boulangerie

Located at: Ground Level, Fashion

Avenue, The Dubai Mall, Dubai, UAE

Website: www.madeleinecafe.com

All Day Lazy Breakfast

Available every Fridays & Saturdays

from 10am - 5pm

My Dubai Food Blog: Iftar at Na3na3 The Address Dubai Mall

Ramadan officially started and yesterday I was so excited to receive an invitation to try the traditional Iftar buffet at Na3na3 in The Address Dubai Mall.

Na3Na3 is a Middle Eastern restaurant  famous for its traditional Arabic home style cuisines.—- and I must say, Arabic Food + Iftar = Perfection.



As me and my friend arrived in the restaurant, we were greeted very warmly and welcomed with a sip of Arabic coffee. This really sets our mood for the night.



A table full of of dates, nuts and other dried fruits were present also to kick start the night’s feast. Traditionally, after a whole day of fasting, food are gradually being introduced in one’s body. In order to not shock the body’s system, dates should be eaten first  (somewhat a light appetizer—as far as I know ^^).





As me and my friend were ushered to our table, I can already smell the strong aroma of an Arabic cuisine. The whole place feels very intimate but at the same time I saw a number of families enjoying the feast (maybe it’s the Iftar vibe).

Just a disclaimer before I start discussing about food. I am not an expert in Arabic Cuisine so I will be blogging mainly on what I experienced and tasted. If any of the food I mentioned was wrongly described (and spelled) please do let me know—- thanks ^^





The first thing I grabbed was a plate of salad, feta cheese and hummus (plus a warm Arabic bread). They presented a wide selection of appetizers, dips and rice dishes (mostly I can’t pronounce) . Foul salad, modardara and  mohammara just to name a few.







(yey my starter plate—- I love these labneh balls and of course,  HUMMUS!!!)



After a light starter, let’s move on to a heavier meal. This time around, I got a chance to try a more familiar Arabic food. A wide selection of meat dishes can be found in the warm food stations.





Firstly, you can find some traditional treats such as a very tasty kibbeh, a spinach fatayer, lamb sambusek and a cheese spring roll (I forgot the name of this)—let’s call it a cheese stick.





Also, In the same station, I  got excited to see a casserole of already shredded chicken shawarma, shish tawook, chicken biryani and beef shanks (to be paired with cucus).



I have to make two rounds to taste all of them and I must admit, even though I already felt full, I was able to finish everything on my plate.





Feeling full (as mentioned already), I forcefully convinced myself that I still have room for some desserts. Middle Eastern desserts are known to be one of the best in the world and I for sure will not miss a handful of those during this Iftar.







The cheese konafa and the um ali became two of my favorite desserts of the night.There’s something about warm desserts that I found mouth watering (although I am not a fan of rose water—I didn’t mind that night).

Aside from the wide selection of Arabic sweets, they also offer a number of international desserts such as a very cute carrot cake cups (shown below—cute right?) and a shot of  tiramisu.





If you like to experience authentic home cooked style Arabic food, I will highly recommend Na3na3. I truly enjoyed spending my Iftar here. Good food, reasonable price and a very nice location.

Of course, aside from food, Iftar really is a time to bond with family and Na3na3 for sure has a good enough space and food selections for the whole family (and FYI, children below 6yrs old are free ^^)

Iftar buffet price is AED 195 (inclusive of unlimited drinks)

Time: Sunset until 9:30pm

Location: The Address Dubai Mall

Aside from Iftar, Na3na3 also have regular restaurant hours (with doors half open during Ramadan)

Breakfast: 630am -11am (11:30am on weekends), AED 140

Lunch: 12:30pm -5:30pm, AED 155

Dinner: 9:30pm - 11pm, AED 195

to know more about Na3na3, check out their facebook page and website below:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theaddressdubaimall

Website: http://www.theaddress.com/en/hotels/the-address-dubai-mall/dining/na3na3.aspx

My Dubai Food Blog: A Very Peri Spicy Food Tasting At Barcelos IBN Batuta Mall

Have you ever tried a peri-peri chicken before? The first time I tasted a Portuguese flamed grilled chicken (also known as peri-peri chicken)I made it instantly as one of my favorite chicken recipe of all time (along with Korean Chicken and Chicken Joy).

A spicy flame grilled chicken drizzled with a touch of lemon and dipped with a signature peri peri sauce—ohhlalala. ….I think I made my case.

The reason why I am saying this, last Saturday, I was invited to try the new branch of Barcelos located in Ibn Batuta Mall in Dubai to try their world famous Peri Peri Chicken and other signature dishes in their menu along with a fellow Dubai blogger Ion of www.boydubai.com.



This is their 2^nd restaurant in Dubai. The first was along Sheikh Zayed Road in Sama Towers (directly opposite Dubai World Trade Center).



To start the night, we were served a refreshing Mango Milk Shake. I have to honest that I am not a fan of anything ripe mango (green mango is my favorite), but I must say, this mango shake is really good. This is actually their bestseller drink according to the branch manager.



For appetizer we were served with 2 signature dishes, their Chicken Wings and Chicken Liver. Because some people in our table doesn’t go for the spicy option we were served a tangy lemon flavor.





The beauty of it, eventhough we all have different preferences and tolerance for spicy food, on all the tables in Barcelos, you’ll have five variants of sauces which you can compliment with anything  from their menu. I added a mix of very peri and mild peri then my food is now perfect! My favorite will be the chicken liver. It reminded me of our local food in the Philippines which is the chicken liver adobo—-just add a lot of red pepper in it.





After the delicious appetizers, the star of the night arrived. The peri peri chicken! I must say, the moment it landed on our table, I cant wait to take my share and munch on it. It didn’t disappoint! Haha.

I really love Barcelo’s signature sauces and dips. Aside from being spicy (my preference), it is very rich in flavor and consistency. They are perfect to combine with the Peri-Peri Chicken.  You can partner this dish with spicy rice (as a side dish) or a Protugese roll. Iike it with the roll.





The time that I finished my part, my whole head (hair and scalp) was sweating like crazy—-but still I want more!

Aside from the Flame Grilled Peri Peri Chicken, it was joined with another mouth watering friend. The Chicken Picante. It was my first time to try this dish and I was good. It is sort of their version of a cordon bleu but healthier.^^



To finish it up, we were served with one of their famous dishes in the menu which is a Chicken Espetada. It is a very big chicken barbeque..of course, marinated with the same peri- peri sauce base. The serving size is good for 2-3 light to moderate eaters. (I love the presentation)





For the main courses, we were given 2  refreshing drinks the Mint Lemon Juice and Barcelo Sunrise.





As a finale, our meal will never be completed without something sweet on our table. We were served with 2 dessert variants. The Cheesecake and the Chocolate Ganache. This is pretty good thinking that from appetizer to main course I have been munching on spicy food after spicy food. A perfect way to clean my palette and neutralize all the spices that I have been eating.





I can say that I was a good meal. Should I come back here? Definitely yes. Aside from this is a healthier option compared to other fast food chains in the city, the serving sizes and flavors are really right on the money…

I have been a fan of this restaurant since they opened their first branch in Dubai and now, I am happy that they opened another one easily accessible to those who are working around Media City (like me) and Jebel Ali and especially for those who are living near Ibn Batuta Mall.