But to stick to five-star hotels and megamalls is to miss out on the rich tapestry of cuisines that influence Dubai’s dining scene – and which reflects the communities that make up the modern city.
It’s why Dubai Food Festival and ShortList have come to together to promote Dubai Hidden Gems, a celebration of affordable restaurants that lay slightly off the beaten path. Team members at the Festival and Shortlist, as well as a selection of foodie influencers, compiled a mammoth list of 50 nominated restaurants and cafés in which meals can be enjoyed for less than AED120 for two – and they are all presented here.
The final choice of 10, though, is down to you. So, go out and try as many as possible – and then vote at: www.dubaihiddengems.com. The winners will form a special tour during this year’s Dubai Food Festival, which runs between February 23 and March 11.
First up, here’s the finalists in the Middle Eastern category.
Middle Eastern – Levant
Aroos Damascus
What: Authentic and freshly prepared Middle Eastern food.
Where: Green Palace Hotel, Al Muraqqabat Rd, Al Muraqqabat
Contact: +9714 221 3673
Mezza House
What: Fresh Arabic food served amid delightful decor.
Where: Yansoon 9, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Road, Downtown Dubai
Contact: +9714 420 5444
Sultan Dubai Falafel
What: Enjoy authentic falafel and quick service.
Where: 22 Al Muraqqabat St, Al Muraqqabat
Contact: +9714 228 3339
Joury
What: Arabic street food specialising in shwarmas.
Where: Lake Level, Cluster Q, Jumeirah Lakes Towers
Contact: +9714 447 2011
Ka’ak Al Manara
What: Traditional Lebanese ka’ak treats reinvented.
Where: Mercato Mall, Jumeirah 1
Contact: +9714 258 2003
Shawerme
What: The epitome of classic Arabic streetfood.
Where: Al Murooj Rotana, Downtown
Contact: +9714 386 6677
Middle Eastern – Gulf
Al Forrat
What: A casual but authentic Emirati eatery.
Where: Omar Bin Al Khattab Road, Naif
Contact: +9714 228 2851
Al Tawasol Restaurant
What: One of Dubai’s best mandis.
Where: Next to Monaco Hotel, Abu Baker Al Siddique Road, Deira
Contact: +9714 295 9797
Cabrito Mandi and Haneeth
What: A mouthwatering mandi experience in Umm Suqeim.
Where: Next to Jotun Paints store, Umm Suqeim Road
Contact: +9714 392 8886
Al Khettar
What: Traditional Emirati food with distinctive flavours.
Where: Al Ittihad Road, Hor Al Anz
Contact: +9714 296 4422
Middle Eastern – Persian
Shiraz Nights
What: Delicious minced meat kebabs nestled amid Baniyas.
Where: Al Mankhool Road, Baniyas
Contact: +9714 222 7720
Al Ustad Special Kabab
What: A casual Persian eatery.
Where: Meena Bazaar
Contact: +9714 397 1933
Middle Eastern – Egyptian
Koshari Point
What: Serving up authentic Egyptian koshari.
Where: Nema Residence, Barsha
Contact: +9714 394 4455
Gad Restaurant
What: Proper Egyptian food and grills in the Mankhool area. The special beans with eggplant is the regular’s choice here.
Where: Al Attar Building, Beside BurJuman Mall, Mankhool
Contact: +9714 358 0055
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