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Food & Drink
Dubai's best foodie experiences in August
Sun, July 25, 2021
From limited-time menus to popular pop-ups, here's your insider guide to sampling the city's culinary highlights.
From limited-time menus to popular pop-ups, here's your insider guide to sampling the city's culinary highlights.
1
Take a trip to foodie hub Wasl 51
Neighbourhood dining hotspot Wasl 51 is fast becoming one of Dubai's coolest places to be seen. There's quite the line-up of chic bistros to choose from, including burger haunt Inkognito, food hall Dishtrict and Portuguese restaurant Lana Lusa. The latest addition is Orfali Bros Bistro, helmed by Fatafeat chef Mohammad Orfali and his family, which promises to offer up their trademark take on contemporary Middle Eastern. While you're there head to Around the Block for a bite of the ever-changing menu inspired by the café owner's travels, or stop by Butter for some decadent desserts.
2
Bite into An/Other burger by Pickl
Pickl is one of Dubai's favourite home-grown burger success stories, and now they've launched a brand new venture aptly called An/Other. The year-long pop-up in City Walk opened its doors at the end of July and is part concept store, part kitchen dishing out limited-edition creations you won’t find elsewhere. With just two main tables and a few benches, you'll have to line up to get a taste of the double-patty, no-sauce THE OG that is already making waves. And, if you want to recreate the famous flavours, don't forget to pick up some of their spice rubs along with your branded merchandise.
3
Sign up for six signature dishes at Marina Social
This waterside eatery with celebrity chef Jason Atherton's name at the helm is a favourite among Dubai foodies. And for a limited time only, diners have the chance to sample all its signature dishes with The Social Six tasting menu. The stunning location adds to the popular restaurant's ambience as plate after plate of playfully presented – and delicious – concoctions are brought out from the open kitchen. Fill your Instagram feed with rich mushroom 'tea' with parmesan foam, goat cheese churros with truffle honey or the orange and passionfruit cheesecake. But the real showstopper is the Beef Wellington, followed by the intricate Tomato Burrata. The experience is priced at AED385 per person so book your spot before it goes.
4
Get Down-To-Earth at Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai
The spotlight is on sustainability when it comes to the dining scene at the moment which is why the pioneering Down-To-Earth limited-edition experience, devised by Nikki Beach Resort & Spa, is right on trend. The project, which is spearheaded by Chef Claudio Cardoso, sees diners treated to fourteen sharing-style dishes during the evening, each showcasing seasonal local produce and vegetables from the on-site garden, paired with elements from the land and sea. Decorative touches include edible flowers foraged from around the property, while scallops are sourced directly from the seabed. Book your spot early as there are only two seatings, on 5 August and 19 August, priced at AED350 per person and spaces are strictly limited.
5
Secure your Nicaraguan supper club seat
Niche, curated, private supper clubs are all the rage and you can argue that there's none that quite ticks all the insider-status boxes as Girl and the Goose's Nicaraguan themed dinners. Take a journey to South America with passionate chef Gabriela – Gigi to her friends – without leaving the dining table, as you feast on a multi-course menu that could include her passionfruit ceviche, salsa-topped crisp chicken flautas or moreish yuca croquettes. Gigi's plates have been perfected over time, and the self-taught chef isn't afraid to blend influences from her travels with her grandmother's traditional recipes, giving the usually starch-rich authentic food a healthy twist along the way. Watch out for newly released dates on the @girl.and.the.goose Instagram account.
6
Pamper yourself with a dining spacation
Spoil yourself – or treat a loved one – to a very special excursion at The Address Hotel Sky View, which combines a stratospheric meal at Ce La Vi on the 54th floor of the property with a massage and manicure at the in-house spa. On weekdays, for AED530 per person, you get to pick from three different aromatherapy treatments that’ll be tailored to your requirements. Then you’ll be whisked up to take in the stunning Downtown vistas while dining on a three-course lunch that includes plates like black truffle sushi rice risotto, Burratta salad and a rich chocolate fondant.
7
Learn to make a brew-tiful cup of coffee
Coffee connoisseurs looking to hone their barista skills have a host of workshops that'll ensure their next caffeinated beverage hits the spot. From cold presses to flat whites and siphoned brews, beginner courses to more advanced classes, you'll find all the bases covered by Dubai's coffee specialists. Make your way to the Palm Jumeirah outpost of Mokha 1450 for free Saturday teaching and tasting sessions. Al Quoz-based RAW Coffee Company offers barista training or home brewer sessions, while ROR Coffee Roastery has launched four accredited training courses.
8
Melange x ME by Melia takes the cake
Does a mocha, hazelnut and mascarpone multi-layered cake inspired by Zaha Hadid sound like something you'd like to bite into? Then head down to the summertime pop-up by Melange Dubai at the sleek ME by Melia Hotel in Business Bay to find out why this small-batch artisanal bakery has the Dubai's foodies enamoured. Along with this architecturally-inspired slice are three new treats, including an Earl Grey latte with a buttery shortbread, known as the London Fog, and a refreshing lemonade float. Signatures like their 'Quarantine' salted caramel concoction and coconut cake will also be available. Find out more at @melangedubai on Instagram.
9
Stay cool with Swirl by Two at Symphony
A pretty pink-hued summer dessert pop-up at Alserkal Avenue, Swirl by Two hits the sweet spot. Housed at Warehouse 82, the no-reservations sugar-themed eatery is serving up five strawberry-flavoured treats. Opt for the Sebastian Sando, a caramelised cheesecake ice-cream sandwich topped with a chunky strawberry sauce and popping candy; or try the Soft Swiss, a Nutella, Swiss roll and ice-cream combination that will have you craving more. Cut through the candy with a steaming cup of gahwa and you'll see why this home-grown concept is constantly gaining fans. Open from 7pm till 11pm daily, you'll find more information on the @twoatsymphony Instagram account.
10
Time to tuck into twos at Akira Back
Adding Korean spice to Japanese stalwarts, celebrity chef Akira Back is known for his punchy flavours. The Las Vegas native's innovative dishes include a tuna 'pizza', AB tacos and creamy sesame spinach. We suggest you opt for the Monday night Ni Ni Ni offer, which literally translates as 'two two two' in Japanese. It lets you pick two dishes and two beverages, with a bonus two chef’s choice items served up for AED222 per person. This dining deal is only on for dinner from 7pm-11:30pm until 30 August so reserve soon.
11
Discover a new Mystery Box at MasterChef The TV Experience
Become the star of your own reality TV show – and get big discounts on dining – by trying your hand at the new Can You Guess The Mystery Ingredients. Guests get one starter and dessert from the a la carte menu, and pick a protein for a main, before the kitchen works its wonders. Those with keen tastebuds who correctly identify four secret components of their dish get 10% off their bill, while those who get six ingredients right get 20%, plus bragging rights and a branded apron to sport. Your turn on the silver screen costs AED199 per person for three courses throughout the week from 7pm till 11pm.
