131 replies to this topic

[nikkib]

Does anyone have a recipe for the delicious lime and mint drinks that seem to be everywhere? Am having withdrawal symptoms....

[Akiko]

Hello

The best of the best today is the new restaurant "Karam" at the Kempinsky and it is really the best Lebanese food in Dubai or the GCC for that matter.

There is a new fish place with a Lebanese twist at the Dubai Marine called Flooka.

Morrocan don't have a clear winner and the Royal Mirage is best for ambiance as food levels is very similar in the other places.

For date jam and such, Bateel is good and don't forget to get the chocolate covered dates filled with almonds or hazelnuts and carry a large water bottle.
You can find Bateel at the new Burjuman and go up to Hediard for a Blue Mountain coffee to exercice your credit card.

Does Karam still exist? I'm looking at the Kempinsky website and I can't seem to find it? Has anyone else been recently? I'm thinking about visiting the restaurant, provided it still exists!

[prasantrin]

Does Karam still exist?  I'm looking at the Kempinsky website and I can't seem to find it?  Has anyone else been recently?  I'm thinking about visiting the restaurant, provided it still exists!

I haven't been, though had I been more together, I'd have gone there instead of Cafe Havana when I was at the MoE. According to Time Out Dubai, they were still at the Kempinski in March 2007. Here's the review.

By the way, I had some pretty mediocre meals in Dubai--the Boardwalk (at the Golf and Country Club), Cafe Havana...those are the ones I remember most. I should have tried to find the food court at MoE, but I was beat by then!

[Akiko]

Thank you prasantrin, I guess the Kempinsky doesn't consider it inside the hotel. Instead its listed as one of the restaurants in the mall of the Emirates. I'm going to try and get there, I'll let you know what its like.

Has anyone been to Zheng He's? I've been hearing good things.

[nikkib]

Does Karam still exist?  I'm looking at the Kempinsky website and I can't seem to find it?  Has anyone else been recently?  I'm thinking about visiting the restaurant, provided it still exists!

I haven't been, though had I been more together, I'd have gone there instead of Cafe Havana when I was at the MoE. According to Time Out Dubai, they were still at the Kempinski in March 2007. Here's the review.

By the way, I had some pretty mediocre meals in Dubai--the Boardwalk (at the Golf and Country Club), Cafe Havana...those are the ones I remember most. I should have tried to find the food court at MoE, but I was beat by then!

Yes i agree bout the boardwalk, although i think "mediocre " is a bit generous

[turbo_tamago]

Thank you prasantrin, I guess the Kempinsky doesn't consider it inside the hotel.  Instead its listed as one of the restaurants in the mall of the Emirates.  I'm going to try and get there, I'll let you know what its like.

Has anyone been to Zheng He's?  I've been hearing good things.

Hi all, I posted a few months back on this thread but I am finally back in Dubai (arrived today!) for the start of my 18 month secondment with a UK law firm here. Am very excited to try out the gastro delights here and to share them with you. I actually am off this evening for a few days in Seoul and then 1 week in Singapore with the parents. Hopefully I'll be refreshed in 2 weeks time for my first day in the office...

Akiko-san, I went to Zheng He at the Madinat 2 months ago when I was down in Dubai on business. We had a table outside and I must say the food and the setting was spot on. I am a british born chinese with Singaporean origins and I think I know good food when I see it! Definitely recommended ! I have pictures somewhere but my main PC is currently being shipped here from London together with my personal belongings...will try and repost some pics. The portions are slightly on the small side though. You will also need to reserve a few days in advance for a seat outside at a popular dining time. It wasnt a business dinner but I would certainly go there again!

[Akiko]

I just got back from Dubai and I think my conclusions are that I've got to stop going to the restaurants inside of the hotels. They are consistently decent but no better than that.

We went to Karam, Zheng He, Spectrum, and to the little Italian cafe in the Emirates Towers because Al Nafoora was closed due to an unforeseen emergency. All of them are decent to good none of them are great. I still think there's great food to be had in Dubai, I just now think its probably at a restaurant not linked to a hotel. Something more frequented by the locals... I'll try to find it next time.

My favorite place for the mezze is still Chandelier.

I have pictures of the food at all of these places... I'll try to post them when I get a chance.

Oh, the dates from Bateel continue to be absolutely delicious. I just bought a box to take to America on a trip to visit family next week. They think they don't like dates, wait until they taste these.

[prasantrin]

I just got back from Dubai and I think my conclusions are that I've got to stop going to the restaurants inside of the hotels.  They are consistently decent but no better than that. 

We went to Karam, Zheng He, Spectrum, and to the little Italian cafe in the Emirates Towers because Al Nafoora was closed due to an unforeseen emergency.  All of them are decent to good none of them are great.  I still think there's great food to be had in Dubai, I just now think its probably at a restaurant not linked to a hotel.  Something more frequented by the locals... I'll try to find it next time.

I was only there for a couple of weeks, but from what I sampled, I think most of the food, particularly at middle to high-end restaurants, in Dubai is mediocre, even the food at places frequented by "locals" (the Boardwalk was highly recommended by Dubai residents, but the food there wasn't very good, at all).

I think the best Dubai has to offer is in the little schwarma stands, hole-in-the-wall Indian places, etc. If you stick to those, you'll have a good meal.

That being said, I really liked the food at XVA in the Arts District. The eggplant burger was quite good, and the mint lemonade was the best I had (and I had it a lot while I was there!).

[Christopher Haatuft]

going to Dubai in the beginning of January. Is there something new thats not mentioned in this thread? Or mayby a good food guide?

[Roger le goéland]

A very generous company is paying for me to go to Dubai for a 3 day conference in mid-March.

It comes with a free meal at the Asado.

Other than that, I'm looking at good quality places of any region of the world (although I've yet to have good Lebanese and I love Moroccan cuisine), in the region of £10-20 a meal (which my currency convertor tells me is 72-145Dhs). I'm looking at lunch only, as dinner is (again) generously provided.

Out of the previous recommendations on this thread for Lebanese and Moroccan, and the Thai place, which ones still stand?

Which non-alcoholic beverages are recommended apart from that ubiquitous mint lemonade?

Should I learn basic Arabic to communicate with the waiters?

Finally, should I negociate prices with the vendors in the spice souks, and if so, at what price are they likely to start (e.g. twice the usual final value)?

Thank you in advance!

[Nicolai]

A very generous company is paying for me to go to Dubai for a 3 day conference in mid-March.

It comes with a free meal at the Asado.

Other than that, I'm looking at good quality places of any region of the world (although I've yet to have good Lebanese and I love Moroccan cuisine), in the region of £10-20 a meal (which my currency convertor tells me is 72-145Dhs). I'm looking at lunch only, as dinner is (again) generously provided.

Lunch is usually on the light side especially if preceded with a breakfast and followed by dinner! What will govern your choice is more of which area you will be in than travelling to the place where you want to be. Traffic in Dubai is very heavy.

Out of the previous recommendations on this thread for Lebanese and Moroccan, and the Thai place, which ones still stand?

All still stand.

Which non-alcoholic beverages are recommended apart from that ubiquitous mint lemonade?

Mango Juice and Pomegranate Juice.

Should I learn basic Arabic to communicate with the waiters?

You could learn Arabic but the waiters do not speak the lingo. English is the Lingua Franca.

Finally, should I negociate prices with the vendors in the spice souks, and if so, at what price are they likely to start (e.g. twice the usual final value)?

Price is so low that unless it entertains you to negociate in a stuffy and smelly environment......fogetaboutit.

Thank you in advance!

Welcome to the Cranes and Cement Mixer Trux Nirvana

[Christopher Haatuft]

going back next week, any new places I should check out? Also, is there any kitchen supply stores there? I found a place down by the river where the taxi boats leave from (next door to the Canon shop) that had a good selection of Victorinox.

[Nicolai]

going back next week, any new places I should check out? Also, is there any kitchen supply stores there? I found a place down by the river where the taxi boats leave from (next door to the Canon shop) that had a good selection of Victorinox.

Too many to list.

Try Nobu at the Atlantis Palm.....if you can get a table as booked solid for the next two month.

Kitchen supply store. You need to specify. Is it for a professional kitchen or private? And are you looking for heavy cooking equipment or pans and saucers....etc?

[Flotch]

Hotel locations:
Reflets by Pierre Gagnaire InterContinental Dubai Festival City
Giorgio Locatelli's new place at Atlantis on the Palm Jumeira


Non-hotel location:
Bateel Cafe Souk Al Bahar

Victorinox equipment is available at kiosks in Deira City Centre and Dubai Festival City.

Stokes from Canada is a reasonable place for kicthen supplies in Dubai Festival City but the quality isn't the best.

A pricier option is Tavola (Mall of the Emirates and Jumeira Beach Road) that carries Zwilling Henckels and Global knives, Le Creuset cast iron ware and Wilton bakeware.
Check out http://www.bbcgoodfo...om/bbcGF/Shops/ for more options.

going back next week, any new places I should check out? Also, is there any kitchen supply stores there? I found a place down by the river where the taxi boats leave from (next door to the Canon shop) that had a good selection of Victorinox.

[Christopher Haatuft]

thanks guys. It looks like the powerhouses are moving in here. mayby Ducasse, Robouchon and more will follow. I read somewhere that even the waiting lists for all the restaurants at Atlantis are full. Just ate at Smiling BKK, and that was nice. The owner recogniced me from my last time there a year ago! I had a craving for clams and spagetti, but the seafood selection at Carrefour is terrible. Is that the best there is here in Dubai? Now I guess Ill try to get a steak...

[Nicolai]

Ducasse is not yet in Dubai. However Gagnaire has joined the circuit at the Intercont Reflets restaurant as indicated in an earler post.

Edited by Nicolai, 11 October 2008 - 11:20 AM.

[chefAZ]

thanks guys. It looks like the powerhouses are moving in here. mayby Ducasse, Robouchon and more will follow. I read somewhere that even the waiting lists for all the restaurants at Atlantis are full. Just ate at Smiling BKK, and that was nice. The owner recogniced me from my last time there a year ago! I had a craving for clams and spagetti, but the seafood selection at Carrefour is terrible. Is that the best there is here in Dubai? Now I guess Ill try to get a steak...

If your looking for a steak come by my place; Hunters Room & Grill in the newly opened Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi....

just let me know and Ill be sure to take care of you...would love to have an e-gulleter here for dinner.

As far as powerhouse chefs....dont forget Santi Santamaria who also just opened at Atlantis...Ossiano, its a fantastic seafood restaurant, he has the best fish in town hands down!

As far as chefs knives, there is a place called Deans trading just off Shiek Zayed Rd. downtown area.....they have japanese knives around 200 dhs !

[Christopher Haatuft]

thanks guys. It looks like the powerhouses are moving in here. mayby Ducasse, Robouchon and more will follow. I read somewhere that even the waiting lists for all the restaurants at Atlantis are full. Just ate at Smiling BKK, and that was nice. The owner recogniced me from my last time there a year ago! I had a craving for clams and spagetti, but the seafood selection at Carrefour is terrible. Is that the best there is here in Dubai? Now I guess Ill try to get a steak...

If your looking for a steak come by my place; Hunters Room & Grill in the newly opened Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi....

just let me know and Ill be sure to take care of you...would love to have an e-gulleter here for dinner.

As far as powerhouse chefs....dont forget Santi Santamaria who also just opened at Atlantis...Ossiano, its a fantastic seafood restaurant, he has the best fish in town hands down!

As far as chefs knives, there is a place called Deans trading just off Shiek Zayed Rd. downtown area.....they have japanese knives around 200 dhs !

great, thank you! I'll take my father and come by one of these next days. Ill check out Deans, sounds like the kind of place Im after
Do you have a little more info on where I can find Deans? I have a car, so mayby a nearby landmark?

[Christopher Haatuft]

ate at the Seafood Marked today. I know I might come of as sourpuss, but the whole "seafood marked" concept is stupid. this is the second time in two days (Sammach yesterday) Ive dined at this type of place, and I dont get it. The fish is overdone, underseasoned and full of bones. I dont know...is it me? What is better about the seafood at this kind of place as opposed to a regular a la carte seafood restaurant? Aaaaanyway, Verre on wednesday is probably good. and I cant wait to have chefAZ cook for me ;D

[Christopher Haatuft]

just got in the door after a perfect dinner at chefAZ's Hunters Room & Grill. Ill wright about it tomorrow, but let me say that it was a jewel in the concrete landfill that is Dubai. Thank you, chefAZ!

[chefAZ]

just got in the door after a perfect dinner at chefAZ's Hunters Room & Grill. Ill wright about it tomorrow, but let me say that it was a jewel in the concrete landfill that is Dubai. Thank you, chefAZ!

Hey Christopher...thanks for the kind words....it was my pleasure and im glad your father enjoyed it aswell! Come back anytime....

[Christopher Haatuft]

So far Hunters Room & Grill has been the best food I've ever had in Dubai. I might be biased, as I had a tasting menu at a steakhouse, so I dont know how tha a la carte is, but from what I was served, Im confident that the steaks are first class. My father and me was taken incredibly well care of by friendly and attentiv staff and the food chefAZ kept throwing at us was world class. It is obvious that he stays updated on progressive technics, and they were used well. We both spent time at a nice restaurant in Chicago, so there were tounge in cheek references to this in the food that came out. Out of a series of excellent dishes the highlight for us was the amuse, puffed nori chip with toro, the torchon of foie gras and of course the orangescented scallop on parsnip pure. Also the shrimp with popcorn pure and brown butter was fresh and tasty. The mustard foam that came with the braised shortrib lacked a little sting, but in a time of sous vide, its nice to get a well excecuted braise. There was not one single let down during the meal and it is obvious that chefAZ has some high goals with this place. So if youre in Dubai, dont get blinded by all the bright Michelin stars, its definatly worth your time to go to Hunters Room & Grill at the Westin. Again, thanks a million for the food and the nice experience we had this monday.

[Christopher Haatuft]

the food at Verre was flawless. the sommelier was extremely friendly and made sure the evening would be one to remember. I can definatly recommend the place to anyone who wants a good meal, and though it cost a lot, its value for money.

[Christopher Haatuft]

going back next week. anyone had a good meal in Dubai, lately?

[Christopher Haatuft]

out of famous chefs opening restaurants in Dubai, I have the following:
Nobu
Ramsay
Santimaria
Locatelli
Gagniere
Rostang

Have I forgotten anyone?

[Flotch]

out of famous chefs opening restaurants in Dubai, I have the following:
Nobu
Ramsay
Santimaria
Locatelli
Gagniere
Rostang

Have I forgotten anyone?

Guy Savoy is supposed to be opening a restaurant at the Tiger Woods development.

http://www.arabianbu...s-dubai-arrival

Edited by Flotch, 31 January 2009 - 04:05 AM.

[Christopher Haatuft]

And Savoy as well. Thats quite an impressive list. I would think it would be a problem staffing these restaurants. In Europe, there is bussloads of good cooks dying to get in there to work for free, how does this work in Dubai? Are the sous chefs and head chefs sourced from the mother restaurants and the line cooks asian? I guess that would take care of labour cost. what about cooks jumping from restaurant to restaurant?

[Christopher Haatuft]

Oh, and has anyone been to Reflets par Gagniere?

[Flotch]

And Savoy as well. Thats quite an impressive list. I would think it would be a problem staffing these restaurants. In Europe, there is bussloads of good cooks dying to get in there to work for free, how does this work in Dubai? Are the sous chefs and head chefs sourced from the mother restaurants and the line cooks asian? I guess that would take care of labour cost. what about cooks jumping from restaurant to restaurant?

You're pretty much accurate. The chefs in charge tend to come from the original restaurant or have worked directly with the celebrity chefs and then the line cooks tend to be Asian.

I've heard mixed reviews about Reflets, I can't afford to go myself.

However, these guys
Fat Expat pretty much eat their way through Dubai and are passionate foodies so they will probably give you a fair idea of the experience.

[Christopher Haatuft]

And Savoy as well. Thats quite an impressive list. I would think it would be a problem staffing these restaurants. In Europe, there is bussloads of good cooks dying to get in there to work for free, how does this work in Dubai? Are the sous chefs and head chefs sourced from the mother restaurants and the line cooks asian? I guess that would take care of labour cost. what about cooks jumping from restaurant to restaurant?

You're pretty much accurate. The chefs in charge tend to come from the original restaurant or have worked directly with the celebrity chefs and then the line cooks tend to be Asian.

I've heard mixed reviews about Reflets, I can't afford to go myself.

However, these guys
Fat Expat pretty much eat their way through Dubai and are passionate foodies so they will probably give you a fair idea of the experience.

yeah, Reflets seems costly. Ill check out the fattys