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Food & Drink
Street food gems you need to try in Dubai
Mon, July 5, 2021
You won't find white tablecloths at 2nd December Street in Satwa, but this is the perfect place for delicious and affordable dishes served with a smile.
You won't find white tablecloths at 2nd December Street in Satwa, but this is the perfect place for delicious and affordable dishes served with a smile.
1
Irresistible curries at Ravi Restaurant
Ravi, named after the river that flows through both India and Pakistan, may look unassuming on the outside, but it offers one of the city’s best interpretations of traditional Pakistani fare – it was even certified by the late Anthony Bourdain. Grab a seat outside in the evening and let the waiters recommend dishes off the menu ranging from the dhal fry, Peshawari mutton and the well-loved traditional biryani. Don't skip on a side of naan – crispy on the outside and soft in the middle, it’s the perfect way to mop up every drop of delicious sauce.
2
Arabic comfort food at Al Mallah
Al Mallah is well regarded as one of the city’s best Lebanese restaurants – not just for the shawarmas (wraps) and manakish (flatbreads) – but for its front row seats to people-watching along 2nd December Street. A word of warning: their shawarmas and manakish are addictive, so you’d better order more than just one. Those in a hurry (and with a car) can park out front and place their takeaway order with an attentive waiter, but we recommend dining in. The hearty mixed grill kofta, washed down with a fresh juice, is best experienced amid the local action.
3
Delectable desserts at Firas Sweets
Firas Sweets serves up generous portions of bright orange kunafa, with just the right balance of sweet and savoury. Most cultures across the Middle East claim a version of this traditional Levantine dish, but all involve a combination of gooey, soft cheese topped with crisp-fried vermicelli soaked in cardamom, rosewater and sugar syrup. Make sure you eat your kunafa while it’s hot, so the cheese remains deliciously stretchy. At Firas, you’ll find the bakers are more than willing to take you through the selection on offer, with plenty of free samples to help you decide.
4
Homestyle fare at Pars Iranian Kitchen
Tucked away at the far end of the street by Trade Centre roundabout, Pars Iranian Kitchen is certainly worth tracking down. One of Pars’ most popular meals is the juicy Iranian kebab served with a generous heap of rice and welcome accompaniments like tomatoes, pickles, lime and chillies. Take the waiter’s suggestion of a plate of mint leaves; they go surprisingly well with the meal. The restaurant is a favourite with families and has weekly regulars, so it’s best to book ahead of time if you're visiting on a Friday or Saturday evening.
