Food Stops in Dubai
Seeing how long it has been since I wrote I decided to type out a little today. Because this checks all the little boxes of things I love- writing, food and writing about food. So I noticed how its SALE time in Dubai. Honey for trapping the millions of shopping flies. Hence documenting here almost everything about the food I had in Dubai on my short trip there. Since I mostly spent my week at Dubai Mall- bear with the limited geographical scope of this post.
Like the clothing and lifestyle brands, the restaurants here are top imports from everywhere. That is by no means a complaint. To summarize my experience here for the few whose vacations are centred around food, Dubai is a short and somewhat more affordable trip to America. As you read ahead, you will know why.
IHOP might possibly ruin pancakes forever. That is how good their award winning Buttermilk Pancakes are. Yes, there are awards for pancakes! Drown your sorrows and these fluffy clouds of pancakes in a selection of the syrups, Butter Pecan was my top pick. Their country style Fried Chicken with Waffles invited a lot of appreciation from the meat eaters with me.
Find and head to the closest of the three branches of Al Mallah for dinner. Something anyone who has stayed in Dubai long enough recommends for Lebanese food. The Falafel served everywhere across the middle east is different to what we are used to. It is for one much more crunchier and seems to be double fried to achieve that. Secondly, it is dryer than the falafel we eat, still worth a try with the hummus and the simple but superb garlic paste. The Al Mallah Special Juice despite its size should be ordered for individual portions. It comes with chunks for fresh fruits, dry fruits, fresh cream and some juice too. Try Manakish or lebanese pizza in their cheese or zaatar variations. The non-vegetarians should give the grills a chance.
For a quick bite head to Pappa Roti, a Malaysian food and beverage chain has these patisserie genius Hot Buns as their claim to fame. The glazed caramel coated buns have crisp exteriors that make the slightest crack sound which is music to my ears. It leads into the softest warm bread insides specked with melted butter that heightens the experience. I know I make it sound like a complicated ordeal, but you dont have to make love to these like I did. Just get some to go and chomp on while you spot the next store you wish to raid.
Now the Banana Pudding from Magnolia Bakery (New York) from the Sex and the City fame is another deal. Banana might not be everyones go to flavour option in desserts, but can you see they have special packaging for this pudding? A crossover between Banoffee pie and All American banana split, dig into this mix of fresh light custard, whipped cream, caramel, banana slices and vanilla flavoured cookies. For everybody’s best interest I recommend you don’t indulge in this while crossing a street or any such activity that might need your attention.
The understood rule for a great burgers is the “no vegetarian” law. Surprisingly the vegetarian Shroom Burger at Shake Shack kicks beef burgers in their… Crisp fried Portobello mushroom patty filled with Muenster and Cheddar cheese. Imagine thick melted cheese oozing out of the patty with every bite. The only complain was the size, especially for the price. Pair it with Cheese fries; crinkle cut potatoes topped with Shack cheddar and American cheese sauces for a full artery clogging happy experience. Now for dessert- Concrete. Their signature frozen custard blended with toppings and fillings is a must. Shack attack is a bowl of chocolate custard with fudge sauce, cookie dough, chocolate pearls and sprinkles. It has the lightest ice cream like consistency and was not an unpleasant chocolate or sugar attack.
Tim Hortons also known as Timmy’s in Canada is the one coffee break you take. Their French Vanilla Coffee had a taste and aroma I haven’t been able to forget and I am not even a coffee person. Pair it with a Raspberry and Chocolate Cupcake from Bloomsbury’s, the best cupcake I have had owing to the fab consistency of the raspberry buttercream. The rub is in the location. These two are not located very close by to each other in Dubai Mall, but I thought I should give you the options nonetheless.
Being in Delhi, the absence of proper Mexican food truly pinches me. Fuego at Souk Al Bahar, a short walk from Dubai Mall is the most fancy meal I sat down for during this trip. It was sinful enough to be done twice in a period of 3 days. Regrettably I don’t have any pictures due to the dim lighting in the restaurant. The one thing that I insist you must try is the freshly made Guacamole. They carry a foldable table with all the ingredients for a great tasting guacamole. Tell them your spice preference and they scoop the avocado right in front of you and mix up a treat in a stone hearth. Fancy and delectable. The Churros here were a disappointment, so save your 60 DHM for something else!
For goodies to carry home they have Laduree and Hummingbird Bakery for some nice Macarons and Cupcakes respectively in pretty boxes. Plus a trip to the Souk is a good place to blow your mind and money on some excellent quality spices, dry fruits and tea leaves. The Abra ride to the souk was one of my favourite non-food related thing to do here too.
