1. Dave’s Hot Chicken
LA’s favourite. Drake’s favourite!! Dave’s Hot Chicken is famous in the home country of Nashville chicken. So, when they arrive in Dubai, it’s surely worth checking out? We actually weren’t big fans, but I hope with time they’d improve.
2. J J Jalebi
This is why I love Dubai. Legendary local spots you only find in certain parts of the world manage to open up shop in Dubai too! So, now you no longer have to travel to Mumbai India for example to try these legendary jalebi. J J Jalebi is a legendary jalebi spot from Mumbai (they have numerous shops in India) and they opened up a few months ago in Dubai and the locals are rightfully so excited! Humble in its aesthetics, but do not be deceived. They are true legends of the game. They specialise in Mawa Jalebi, which is jalebi made from mawa (dried whole milk), and that is why they look different. Thick and very dark (almost seem like they are burnt). They taste caramely and very sweet. While you’re here you also must try their gulab jamun, a very unique take on the classic – you’ll be able to taste a hint of cardamom flavour.
3. Barbar
Absolute Lebanese legends. What started out as a Manakish bakery in 1979 in Beirut turned into a restaurant chain in a decade offering some of the most popular shawarma, broast chicken and falafel in Lebanon. Second to none when it comes to Arab fast food and so the people of Dubai were ecstatic when they heard the news that they were venturing into Dubai.
4. Jaffer Bhai’s
The Jaffer Bhai eatery was born in 1973 and they are known as the “Biryani King of Mumbai”. And boy are we glad they’ve landed in Dubai. We can now sample some truly top tier biryani. Their biryani seriously did not disappoint. It was spicy, flavourful and felt like something you’d expect a mother to make. Had a real warm welcoming feel to it.
5. Hafiz Mustafa
1864! That’s how old this Turkish dessert place is. Calling them absolute legends would be an understatement. And after all these years, they finally ventured out of Turkey last year. And of course it was to none other than Dubai! In Turkey, this was our favourite spot! Unfortunately, the Dubai one didn’t hit the same heights, but still pretty good.
6. Magnolia Bakery
The banana pudding from magnolia bakery has a cult status a cult following back in America. So, with Dubai being one of their first ventures out of the country, how can you not check them out when here?
7. Helvaci Ali
These guys from Turkey date back to 1900!! They specialise in Turkish Halva. If you haven’t tried this, you are missing out! And if like us, you’ve tried the Pakistani halwa and love, you’ll equally love this. It’s kind of similar yet so dissimilar. Texture-wise is of course more or less the same, but the taste is quite distinctively different. The tahini taste is quite prominent and really gives it a unique taste. We loved it and again are very pleased it has become a part of the Dubai food scene! Welcome!
8. Brunch and Cake
Born in Barcelona, this cute brunch place has captured the hearts of the city. They’ve opened their boujee branches in a couple of places with the one at The Pointe being the most impressive. Especially the surrounding and the views.
9. The Cheesecake Factory
What started out as a basement providing local restaurants with their cheesecake in Detroit, to a small bakery in LA, to their first restaurant in California and finally to totally dominating the food scene around the world. They’ve got huge impressive welcoming always busy restaurants all over the world and in Dubai alone, they currently have four! Yes, of course they’re known for their cheesecake and I love the variety of different flavoured cheesecakes they have. Always interesting. But what impresses us even more is how they manage to execute really well whatever they do. Every time we’ve visited and ordered, we’ve always been impressed. And their menu is a giant. It is big! Like Argos catalogue big!!
10. Al Baik
Saudi legends. They started the famous broast chicken revolution and this place had infamous queues before queues became a thing! For decades they were only in a certain part of Saudi Arabia, now they’ve ventured out and Dubai became their first international home (of course!).
11. Abu Tarek
Youssef Zaki, better known as Abu Tarek, is known as the king of Kushary (more about this dish below). That’s the status of the man behind this legendary spot. It and he have become an icon of the Egyptian food scene. If you’re ever traveling to Egypt, you have to try Kushary and if you’re ever wanting to try Kushary, you have to try it Abu Tarek. It is the Mcdonald’s of the Kushary scene. Abu Tarek’s father passed away when he was 13 and since then he started selling Kushary from a little cart right at the corner of where the original Abu Tarek restaurant in Cairo is today. If you can’t get to Cairo, don’t worry – they have a branch in Dubai! I tried this in Dubai without actually knowing what a legend he was. I found out later. They only do one dish – all you have to do is choose the size of Kushary you want – I love this!
12. Bread Ahead
Last but not least on this menu is one from the home land: England! Bread Ahead do what is arguably the best doughnuts in London and this isn’t even an overstatement. You’ll find at least 7 out of 10 London foodies supporting me on this claim. They ventured out of London first by showcasing their goodies during the Expo 2020. And thankfully for Dubai, this temporary appearance turned into a permanent fixture now. Another much appreciated and welcomed addition to the Dubai food scene!
[…] born individuals who have traveled abroad long for. Yes, Dubai is full of international names (see here) and yes, it is full of amazing home grown names that I always love to promote (see here), but this […]