Gourmet Explosion Dubai

Apart from the glitter, the blaze, and the glaze the city offers, Dubai can safely be termed as a gourmet hub of the world. This claim is substantiated by the presence of about 11 Michelin Stars restaurants ONLY in Dubai. Perhaps a food trip could be a good reason for you to visit Dubai if concrete and cars don't excite you that much.

Living up to its image of grandeur and massive scale, the city has left no stone unturned to offer a vast assortment of cuisines available. You can choose from Indian to Palestinian to Italian to Turkish to African to Asian. You name it and they have a specialty restaurant to take care of your taste buds.

A few of the recommendations that I can suggest are:

Il Borro- An authentic Tuscan dining experience by none other than the Ferragamo family. Located within the turtle lagoon in Jumeirah Al Naseem, the restaurant has impeccably delivered the farm-to-table concept. White linen tables married to warm lights with white turtles swimming in the backdrop is still a rare sight to behold. Each of the ingredients used in the dishes that I had ordered was so fresh that the flavor lasted on my taste buds and mind for a few days. I tried Pizza al Tartufo, Pappa al pomodoro, Gnocchi ai quattro formaggi and Parmigiana di milanzane vegana. The truffle on the pizza was a delight and the Pomodoro used had such a smooth texture. A must-try is Gnocchi too for its texture and taste.

Tip: This is a fine dining restaurant so please be cautious of prior reservations, and dress code. Also, the restaurant is a bit pricey but it's an experience so go for it.

Harvest & Co- No purifiers needed here, sorry Dyson! This super inviting cafe is nestled between a gigantic nursery. Not only can you buy age-old Bonsai plants here, but a semi-grown Olive tree can be easily sourced. I haven't seen a nursery this big honestly and imagine you get to eat in the middle of almost a forest. It is not just the ambiance that is gravitating but the food offered is so fresh that it almost feels like getting it served straight from the farm. I tried Smashed Avocado on Toast and it was irresistible. The beverages are also very unique and have a very high visual & taste appeal. I ordered a pomegranate, beetroot, red apple, and ginger drink and it was very refreshing. Tip: A super casual cafe. Per person costs vary between 60 to 110 AED.

Bombay Borough- The Indian food scene truly has become international. The presence of Indian restaurants in all the major cities of the world is a testament to the fact that there is both fondness and adoption of Indian spices and curries. Chai and Naan are conspicuously used and understood by non-Indians, which wasn’t the case a few years back. The food business has understood this point and a fine-dine restaurant at DIFC, Bombay Borough has curated a culinary journey to rediscover India. Apart from serving rich Indian food, the restaurant is also high on aesthetics. Inspired by the art deco movement, the restaurant has used straight lines and earthy colors to create a warm ambiance for its guests. With its expansive interiors, the restaurant doesn't shy away from setting aside a rooftop area to enjoy Dubai’s good weather while it lasts. So, to savor the authentic flavors of home, a visit to this restaurant should be on your bucket list. A few of my favorites here are potli samosas, palak patta chaat, chatka chholey(chickpea) kulchey(naan), cheese kulcha, paneer(cottage cheese) sirka pyaz(onion), and dum ke kali dal.

Tip: This is a casual restaurant and no specific dress code is required. Per person cost may vary between 70 to 150 AED

Mamaesh Al Manara - Sahtein- the Arabic equivalent of bon appetit! Za'atar is the most beloved spice mix in Palestine. Manaesh- flatbread that can be covered with cheese, Zaatar, fresh tomatoes, and onions. Fatayer- a pie that can be stuffed with spinach, cheese, or meat. At Mamaesh, a fatayer looks like an open boat with various topping options to choose from. Freekah- wheat when harvested early is called Freekah in Palestine. Freekah salad is a powerhouse packed with a richness of wheat, chickpeas, and leafy herbs. For me personally, it is an interesting cuisine with lots of vegetarian and healthy options. Indians may not have to acquire a taste for this cuisine as Palestinians too use a lot of herbs and spices in their preparation.

Tip: This is a casual restaurant and very economical. Per person costs vary between 20

to 40 AED.

21 grams - My first encounter with Balkan cuisine and it's undeniably delicious. The food here just melts in your mouth, healing your gut and soul. I am serious! They have super healthy options for vegetarians; everything is homemade, fresh tasting, and satisfying. You should try Balkan Mezze and Moussaka Lentil and Chickpea Ragout(this is full of flavors packed in thinly sliced zucchini). Click here to have a look.

Tip: This is an uber-chic cafe. Per person costs vary between 120 to 180 AED.

Moussaka Lentil and Chickpea Ragout