Dubai’s reputation as a melting pot of cultures is being further strengthened by an array of new and exciting eateries that cater to all tastes, satisfying both residents and visitors’ appetite for international cuisines and innovative dishes. And just as you have developed a new taste, a new restaurant opens its doors ready to tempt you with a new culinary twist. Suffice to say, Dubai is the destination for those with a constant craving for new food trends.
Here are five trends to discover in Dubai during your next trip:
1. EMBRACE THE JAMAICAN VIBE
The Caribbean island nation may be best-known for reggae music and super-fast sprinters, but the opening of a string of new Jamaican restaurants in Dubai is proving the country’s cuisine is just as worthy of attention. Diners at both of the following eateries can expect a cheerful atmosphere and bold spices and flavours, leaving your taste buds jiving to the local rhythms playing in the background.
Ting Irie
With its name meaning ‘Everything is alright’, this lively joint guarantees authenticity by importing ingredients like Scotch bonnet peppers and pimento seeds directly from Jamaica. The unmistakable Caribbean dishes are brought to life by celebrated chef Craig Wong, who is also not afraid to combine a few more local flavours, too – don’t miss the ‘chips Oman burger’, for instance. With such tasty renditions on offer, Ting Irie is more than just alright.
Where: Manzil Downtown Dubai
Cuisine: Jamaican, International
For reservations, call: +971 4 455 1638
Miss Lily’s
You won’t want to leave this place with its trendy setting, funky décor and vintage art prints making for some delightful photo opportunities. Miss Lily’s celebrates an inviting mix of traditional and modern Jamaican flavours, with the ‘World Famous Jerk Chicken’ coming highly recommended.
Where: Sheraton Grand Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road
Cuisine: Jamaican, International
For reservations, call: +971 4 354 4074
2. INDULGE IN EXQUISITE CREATIONS BY CELEBRITY CHEFS
As Dubai firmly positions itself as the preferred destination for sophisticated diners, celebrity chefs are setting their sights and ambitions on this pearl in the desert. For visitors, there’s the opportunity to discover the creativity and recipes that have made these chefs world-famous, all the while keeping an eye out for celebrity sightings.
Junoon by Vikas Khanna
This restaurant by Michelin-starred chef Vikas Khanna is rooted in the eclectic flavours of India and features five cooking concepts inspired by the country’s age-old and treasured gastronomic heritage. Here, the chef’s signature dishes from India and New York meet locally-inspired flavours to offer tantalising dishes such as the ‘mutton saffron biryani’. If you can’t decide what to choose from the menu, sit back and enjoy the full-course Gala Menu, with the option of non-vegetarian or vegetarian.
Where: Shangri-La, Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Centre Area
Cuisine: North Indian, Mughlai
For reservations, call: +971 4 405 2717
Bread Street Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay
Hell’s Kitchen’s forthright chef, Gordon Ramsay, has a reputation for perfection when it comes to getting a dish just right, and this place is sure to tick all your boxes, serving up a rich and romantic fine-dining experience. Tip: try the braised beef with star anise, carrot purée and creamed wild mushrooms if you’re in the mood for a meaty affair. Or simply enjoy a variety in choices at the Friday family brunch.
Where: Atlantis, The Palm, Palm Jumeirah
Cuisine: European, British
For reservations, call: +971 4 426 2626
3. DECODE MOLECULAR GASTRONOMY
When chefs replace aprons with lab coats, and standard recipes are replaced with culinary experiments in molecular gastronomy diners can expect something ground-breaking thanks to the use of physics and chemistry to transform the tastes and textures of food. This blend of science and cuisine creates endless possibilities in innovative dining experiences, where even routine ingredients and dishes turn out to be anything but.
Farzi Cafe
The table spread at this Indian bistro features mind-boggling and at times rib-tickling culinary variations. Pushing the limits of modern cooking and creativity, a regular Indian dish of lentils and rice is disguised within crunchy Italian arancini, while the popular street snack ‘gol gappa’ comes deconstructed with crispy potato cubes and luminous coriander water. For a sweet end to the meal, try the Rasmalai Tres Leches. Farzi’s alchemy has no limits, but you’ll need to reserve a table days in advance for this magical experience. Tip: for an Indian classic with a local twist, don’t miss the Shawarma-Biryani.
Where: CITY WALK, Al Safa
Cuisine: International, Indian
For reservations, call: +971 4 453 5297
Spice & Ice
Doubling up as an urban lounge, Spice & Ice has some molecular gastronomy tricks up its sleeves. The use of liquid nitrogen and other modern cooking techniques are a hallmark of this place, where dishes are themed around Indian and pan-Asian cuisines. Warning: the temptation to order a second serving of the ‘chicken served on a mango carpaccio’ and Gulkand Gelato may be irresistible.
Where: Cluster A, Lake Level, Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT), next to Mövenpick Hotel
Cuisine: Asian, Indian, International
For reservations, call: +971 4 457 3715
4. SHAKE IT OFF
Instagram photos of towering and extravagantly decorated part-dessert, part-milkshake creations have been making the rounds on social media for some time. And now Dubai has got its own spots where people can brave indulgent ‘monstershakes’ and ‘freakshakes’.
The Black Lion
This place sets Dubai’s shake scene alight with its uber-monstrous drinks served in mason jars. The Black Lion serves up seven milkshake creations, blending elements that otherwise feature as standalone desserts – doughnuts, pecan tarts, banoffee pies, cookies and more. Excitement oozes out of the Raspberry Eton Mess and Chocolate Milkshake, but all seven renditions are just as photogenic and guaranteed to attract as many likes and shares on social media. Warning: no calorie talk is entertained here.
Where: The H Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road
Cuisine: British
For reservations, call: +971 4 359 2366
Fumé
Fumé’s menu displays four varied monstershakes without a hint of guilt. Dive into the world of chocolate with Bro-nut, as a moist brownie and ice cream mixed with Nutella-infused milk leaves your taste buds buzzing. Don’t miss the ‘Popping Cereal’ shake with its popcorn ice cream, caramel and white chocolate, or slurp your way through the wild berry-infused ‘Berry Freaky’ for what ends as a fruitful experience.
Where: Manzil Downtown Dubai, Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard; other location: 1st floor, Pier 7, next to Dubai Marina Mall, Dubai Marina
Cuisine: Mediterranean
For reservations, call: +971 4 456 8784 (Manzil Downtown) | +971 4 421 5669 (Dubai Marina)
5. GO BEYOND FOOD AT CONCEPT RESTAURANTS
This year, Dubai has welcomed a host of unique eateries and dining concepts that have transcended mere food. Make your way to the following destinations to see what we mean.
Last Exit
The food truck frenzy is out in full force in Dubai, and as you’d expect from the emirate, the offerings are among the very best in the region. Located along the highway between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Last Exit is a mammoth hub that’s home to more than ten gourmet food trucks. Open through the night seven days a week, it offers exceptional food on the go courtesy of a mix of international and home-grown concepts. There’s food to suit all tastes, not to mention a kids’ play area to keep little ones entertained. Tip: although it undoubtedly makes for a great pit stop if you’re on the road, Last Exit is good enough to warrant a journey in itself.
Where: Sheikh Zayed Road, Exit 1, E11 towards Dubai
Cuisine: International, Fast food
Contact: +971 4 317 3999
Ailuromania Café
A purr-fect getaway for cat lovers was recently launched in Dubai in the form of Ailuromania Café. The UAE’s first and only cat café invites you to snack on a selection of sandwiches and pastas, all the while snuggling with new furry friends of Persian and Siamese breeds. The place features vaccinated cats that are sociable, with a special focus on hygiene and a calming experience. Tip: say hello to ‘ET’, the loving green-eyed sphynx.
Where: Near Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Umm Suqeim
Cuisine: Café
Contact: +971 4 321 6661