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Time Out Dubai
10-06-2025
- Time Out Dubai
12 underrated Dubai restaurants that aren't tourist traps
Dubai is mainstream, that's for sure. It's definitely not your average undiscovered city that no one's heard about. It's world-renowned alright… for its instagrammable skyscrapers, luxury shopping spots and (most importantly) a highly impressive restaurant scene that draws millions of tourists each year. Here, you will have no shortage of celeb chefs and glitzy glam dining rooms. But what if you want to discover Dubai the way residents and locals do? Away from the famous restaurants that top the best list here, and the star lists there? The real deal stuff that locals flock to? Here are some wonderfully low-key, underrated gems across the city that are worth your time. Birch Bakery Super underrated and tucked away in the depths of Al Quoz, Birch Bakery is the kind of spot that once you've discovered, you're never going to forget. So get ready for a trip that ends with you sampling croissants, bread and the like. This very un-touristy spot has just under a handful of tables, but more often than not you'll leave with armfuls of baked goods ready to scoff on the sofa (or in your car on the side of the road, we're not judging). Don't miss the Emirati honey and sea salt croissant, while top picks for bread include a nut and seed loaf or sea salt focaccia. Sweet tooth? The chocolate babka and apple tart have your name on them. One of the best bakeries in Dubai (for those in the know). Open daily from 7am-3pm. Al Quoz, (04 222 6665). Café Isan Underrated Dubai restaurants. Credit: Café Isan Located on the first floor of a random JLT hotel, Café Isan really is the most authentic, fun and friendly spot to enjoy top Thai food in Dubai. Featuring mismatched plastic furniture, a Thai market-style bar, pop tunes and affordable prices, this higgledy-piggledy spot serves up utterly delicious food for less. Coming from the Isan region of Thailand, expect punchy flavours (Thai spicy really means spicy, you've been warned) with curries, stir-fries, noodles and more. Take a seat out on the large terrace during the winter – but be sure to call and book ahead, the city's Thai food fans (who are in the know) love it as much as we do. Open Sun-Fri noon-midnight, Sat noon-2am. Armada Avenue Hotel JLT, Cluster P, JLT, (058 529 1003). Harummanis New restaurants in Dubai. Credit: Harummanis Well-loved Dubai chef Akmal Anuar launched a Singaporean-Malay restaurant in the heart of Jumeirah 1. Harummanis, which pays homage to the Harumanis mango, is a nod to Anuar's roots. This little spot offers up traditional dishes with a modern twist while remaining true to their origins. Diners can look forward to super unique dishes like beef cheeks rendang and a reimagined ketoprak, featuring Japanese sesame sauce instead of the traditional peanut dressing. We love a menu that's inspired by a chef's upbringing. Tue-Sun noon-11pm, Mon 6pm-11pm. Wasl 51, Jumeirah @harummanis.51 (056 536 1674). Kokoro Handroll Bar Underrated Dubai restaurants. Credit: Kokoro Dubai Alserkal Avenue is one of those areas in Dubai that's just so undeniably cool. Very well-loved by residents, if you walk around Alserkal you'll find some cool underrated eateries that you definitely don't want to miss. Kokoro Handroll Bar is one of them. Dubai's first dedicated hand roll bar offers sushi-lovers something truly amazing. Crispy squares of nori sheets, wrapped around your rice and delicious high-quality filling to ensure every bite hits you with everything it's got. And in Dubai, there's nowhere that does it better at a reasonable price than Kokoro, with its laid-back, quirky charm and rows of costumed rubber ducks dotted all over the venue. An underrated spot that's known and well-loved among the foodie crowds in Dubai. Open Sun-Wed noon-11.30pm, Thu-Sat noon-midnight or until sushi is sold out. Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz @ Lila Wood-Fired Taqueria Underrated Dubai restaurants. Credit: Lila Wood-Fired Taqueria This cute taqueria in Umm Suqueim on Jumeirah Beach Road is a low-key, unlicensed restaurant that makes for a very cool yet underrated spot for casual dining. Wedged between a car accessories shop and a little shawarma cafeteria, Lila serves an eclectic and sociable menu, this Mexican joint is a decent shout for a laid-back meal with friends. Kick off with guac and chips before diving into the taco list. Yellowfin tuna, sweet potato and more can be found, but the top choice is the skirt steak version, laden with tender meat, loads of spices and melted cheese. Open Tue-Fri 4pm-11pm, Sat 1pm-11pm, Sun 1pm-10pm. Umm Suqeim, (04 282 0005). Long Teng Seafood Restaurant Underrated Dubai restaurants. Credit: Long Teng. Hidden deep in Business Bay, Long Teng is located at the base of the U Bora tower and is set over several floors (it's literally huge). This authentic spot is the go-to when it comes to traditional, fresh seafood-leaning Chinese dishes. If the weather permits, make your way right to the rooftop seating area and enjoy views of the city. There's a wide selection of dim sum – from crystal prawn to veg, as well as cute little chick-shaped custard buns. And delicious noodles and stir-fries. Literally, everything you could want in one very large almost book-like menu. It's so good there's even a location in Time Out Market Dubai. But it's this out-of-the-way spot that's one of our favourite tourist-free destinations in Dubai. Open daily from noon-midnight. U-Bora Business Tower, Business Bay, @longtengseafood (04 241 1666). LOWE Underrated Dubai restaurants. Credit: Lowe. This unreal spot in Al Barari is quite the drive if you live near or around Sheikh Zayed Road, but it's one of the most unique foodie experiences in the city. At the home-grown eatery, you can look forward to friendly service and tasty plates, plus plenty of coffee to pair with a delicious cake. An open kitchen preps interesting dishes with a combination of Middle Eastern and Japanese flavours, while the fully loaded burger is always a popular choice. It's licensed, too, so you can order a beverage to go with your meal. Wed-Thurs, 6pm-11pm, Fri-Sun, 8am-4pm, 6pm-11pm. KOA Canvas, Al Barari, (04 320 1890). Maisan15 Underrated Dubai restaurants. Credit: Maisan15 This hip spot located in a residential area in Al Barsha South takes a little bit of effort to find, but once you do, it's part art gallery, part café and attracts a cool, laid-back crowd. With a cute terrace out the front (pictured above), an eclectic array of furnishings, it's a quirky spot for a chilled-out bite to eat. Breakfasts are popular here with a menu serving up everything from eggs to pancakes, avo toast to açaí, while burgers, salads and pizzas populate the main course menu. There's a Middle Eastern touch throughout (think shawarma pizza et al) while the artwork inside rotates frequently meaning there's always something interesting to catch your eye. Open daily 8am-11pm. Al Barsha, @maisan15 (04 244 7291). Mythos Kouzina & Grill Underrated Dubai restaurants. Credit: Mythos Kouzina & Grill Located in JLT, this cute taverna-style spot has a friendly vibe, a petite terrace ideal for cooler months and a menu jam-packed with home-cooked favourites that you won't be able to get enough of. Hands down one of our favourite Greek restaurants in Dubai, Mythos is a go-to if you want incredible Greek food, prepared expertly at a reasonable price. Super underrated and very well-priced. To get there you have to walk through the parking garage of a four-star hotel (more like three if we're being honest). From creamy, garlicky tzatziki, to comforting, flavour-laden moussaka and gemista, a glorious baked feta and an unmissable mixed grill platter (those lamb chops are outstanding), this is one you'll be returning to time and again – we guarantee it. There is now a second, similarly excellent Mythos at C2 in City Walk, but it's the OG that holds our hearts. Open daily from 12.30pm-3.45pm and 6pm-11.30pm. Armada Avenue Hotel JLT, Cluster P, JLT, (04 399 8166). NETTE Underrated Dubai restaurants. Credit: NETTE Another one in the heart of Al Quoz, the absolutely beautiful green goddess coffee shop NETTE is almost like a little oasis in a sea of construction sites. Specialising in French-Japanese fusion food there's plenty to love about this spot, which is tucked away inside the Matcha Club, making it ideal for a post-padel breakfast or catch-up coffee or a matcha latte. Dig into overnight oats, egg sando or a Japanese breakfast skillet in the morning and later in the day turn your attention to a miso croquet madam or yuzu ponzu crispy salmon. A hip place that's perfect for a chilled-out coffee and one of the best cafés in Dubai. Open daily, 8am-10pm. Match Club, Al Quoz, @nettedxb (04 548 8369). San Wan Hand Pulled Noodles Credit: San Wan Hand Pulled Noodles Hidden away in an unassuming corner of JLT's Cluster F, right next to Asian Street by Thai, San Wan Hand Pulled Noodles' is really well-loved among local foodies. Service is friendly and there's a concise menu of Northern Chinese classics that you don't want to miss. Serving affordable, authentic Shaanxi cuisine, the main order here is, as the name suggests, those deliciously moreish noodles – which you can watch the chefs pulling in the kitchen. The chicken wontons are a must-try too. In short, don't miss it – it's a mighty find in a low-key location. Open daily, noon-10.30pm. Unlicensed. Cluster F, JLT, @ (050 759 9584). Tacosita Credit: Tacosita We, at Time Out, love a hole in the wall and Tacosita is the definition of that. Nestled in a little storefront in Barsha Heights, this new spot serves up amazing Mexican street food. Founded by chef Salam El Baba, who transitioned from a corporate career to the F&B industry, Tacosita's menu features standout dishes like slow-cooked birria tacos and shrimp tacos gobernador. The menu is packed with unique creations. The laid-back and easy atmosphere is super authentic and very stripped back. Prices are affordable, food is delicious and vibe is immaculate. What more could you need? Open daily from 11am-2am. Thuraya Telecom Tower, Barsha Heights, Want to make a reservation in the meantime? Over 100 of the best business lunch deals in Dubai, by area Upgrade your lunch with an incredible offer Dubai's best restaurants: 85 incredible places to dine in We know where you should book into this week The 40 best restaurants and bars on Palm Jumeirah Consider this your definitive, go-to guide to dining on the island
Straits Times
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Singapore chef Akmal Anuar's Harummanis Dubai enters Bib Gourmand list there
Chef Akmal Anuar (foreground, right) and his parents at the Michelin Guide ceremony in Dubai. PHOTO: AKMALANUAROFFICIAL/INSTAGRAM SINGAPORE – Dubai-based Singaporean chef Akmal Anuar's five-month-old Harummanis Dubai has earned a spot on the Bib Gourmand list. Dubai's Michelin Guide 2025 was announced on May 22. This accolade comes shortly after the restaurant opened in the glitzy city in December 2024. It carries the legacy of chef Akmal's parents, who have been running their family's nasi padang hawker stall – also called Harummanis – in Teck Whye since 1992. Harumanis means sweet-smelling and refers to a popular Indonesian mango variety. Akmal opened modern Malay restaurant Harummanis in Kampong Glam in Singapore in November 2023. In Dubai, the menu at Harummanis offers traditional dishes with a modern twist. They include beef cheek rendang; ketoprak, an Indonesian salad reimagined with Japanese sesame sauce and kombu in place of the traditional peanut dressing; and smoky udang galah, featuring Australian jumbo prawns grilled with curry leaves and peppercorns. Chef Akmal, together with his parents, attended the Michelin Guide's ceremony in Dubai and went on stage to receive their plaques. In a post on Instagram, chef Akmal, 42, says: 'Today marks the day that I've fulfilled myself as a chef, son and a dad. To see my parents attend and be up on stage with them and receive their first Michelin award is a beautiful thing. This is so special. 'I feel so blessed and thankful to my team and family. I cannot ask for more.' A post on Harummanis Dubai's Instagram account says: 'This journey took over three decades of feeding the community, storytelling, overcoming tribulations and many celebrations. We continue our mission to introduce Malay cuisine to the world and Dubai is truly home and a platform to do this.' Harummanis Dubai adds to chef Akmal's stable of eateries in the United Arab Emirates city. Japanese restaurants Goldfish Sushi & Yakitori and Otoro are already on the Bib Gourmand list. His Italian restaurant Osteria Funkcoolio also makes its debut on the guide , under the Michelin-selected list. Before chef Akmal left for Dubai in 2014, he was best known as the head chef at one-Michelin-starred Iggy's for seven years. During his time there, Iggy's ranked No. 26 on the World's 50 Best Restaurants list and No. 1 on the Asian list. Over the years, he has created several restaurants, including 53 in New York; Mavia and Chie in Sharjah, the UAE; and a boutique hospitality company, which oversees his restaurant empire. More recently, he was awarded Berita Harian's 26th Achiever of the Year Award in October 2024, for making an indelible mark on the international fine-dining scene. The award by the Malay-language daily honours exemplary individuals from the Malay/Muslim community who have made a significant impact in their field. On expanding Harummanis to Dubai, chef Akmal had said: 'Singaporean Malay cuisine has layers of depth that haven't been fully explored globally. 'Harummanis is about bringing those flavours to the forefront while staying true to my hawker roots. This is the food that shaped who I am.' Check out ST's Food Guide for the latest foodie recommendations in Singapore.
AsiaOne
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- AsiaOne
Singaporean chef Akmal Anuar's Malay restaurant in Dubai earns spot on Michelin Guide, Lifestyle News
Accomplished Singaporean chef Akmal Anuar, who already owns 10 restaurants around the world, has added another accolade to his already impressive list of achievements. The F&B entrepreneur's restaurant Harummanis has been officially recognised in Dubai's latest Michelin Guide. The Dubai-based restaurant took to social media last Friday (May 23) to announce the news. The caption read: "We are officially in the Michelin Guide!" In the post, the restaurant extended its heartfelt thanks to those who have supported it over the years—from guests and staff to family and friends. Harummanis has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 1992 as a local hawker stall in Teck Whye Lane serving authentic Malay cuisine. It has since gone international, and the Dubai-based restaurant continues its mission to bring Malay flavours to the world stage. At the heart of its success is Akmal's dedication to honouring the culinary legacy of his parents, who run the hawker stall. Through Harummanis in Dubai, he offers a contemporary interpretation of traditional Malay recipes. View this post on Instagram A post shared by @akmalanuarofficial On the same day Harummanis announced its Michelin recognition, Akmal shared a touching tribute post to his parents on social media. "Today marks the day that I've fulfilled myself as a chef, son and a dad. "To see my parents attend and be up on stage with them and receive their first Michelin award is a beautiful thing," he wrote. While this is a first for Harummanis, it isn't Akmal's only experience with Michelin prestige. His other Dubai-based restaurant Goldfish was awarded the Bib Gourmand for the fourth year running. His other Dubai-based restaurants include one-Michelin starred 11 Woodfire, the Japanese-Italian fusion Osteria Funkcoolio and patisserie Sam Tarts. What to expect at Harummanis According to the official Michelin Guide website, dishes at Harummanis are praised for their "perfectly spiced" and "balanced" flavours. Standout dishes that diners can look out for include the six-hour cooked rendang made with 20 spices and ayam geprek complemented by sambal belacan. It is best to come in a group as dishes are made for communal dining. If a trip to Dubai for a meal there isn't feasible for you, there's good news. A local branch of Harummanis opened in Kampong Glam in November 2024, offering similarly refined takes on Malay classics right here in Singapore. [[nid:702076]] amierul@
FACT
31-01-2025
- Entertainment
- FACT
The best dishes we ate in January 2025
Restaurants come and go in the Middle East, but FACT's unwavering passion for dining remains unchanged. The team can be found across the region, sampling the good, the bad and the exceptional. We eat at every kind of restaurant and experience every type of meal, from flash-in-the-pan novelties to iconic institutions. To spare you the guesswork, here are the best dishes we ate in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Riyadh this month. There are pancakes, and then there are A.O.K Pancakes — the kind that make you pause after the first bite just to fully take in how good they are. Served at FACT award-winning A.O.K Kitchen in KAFD, these beauties were fluffy, light and indulgent, like biting into a sweet, buttery cloud. The warm, caramelised apples added a nice richness, while the golden crumble provided the perfect crunch. And with some of the friendliest staff in town making sure you're well taken care of, it's the kind of dish that instantly puts you in a good mood. — Shaheera Anwar, Staff Writer . A good friend invited me to Chef Akmal Anuar's new Wasl 51 restaurant earlier this month. Showcasing Singaporean Malay cuisine inspired by generational recipes—many from Chef Akmal's mother—Harummanis features street food classics and traditional Malay dishes. One, however, caught us off guard. Beef lungs wouldn't usually be my pick, but this bold dish invites adventurous diners to try a rare delicacy. Carefully prepared for a tender yet slightly chewy texture, the skewered meat is lightly charcoal-grilled for a smoky char that deepens its earthy richness. Yet it's the fiery and tangy Sambal Belado that takes the dish to the next level. – David Tapley, Editor-in-Chief. At Al Naqa Kebab, Chef Aphisith Phongsavanh brings a taste of Laos to the Neighbourhood Food Hall in Motor City. The fragrant Lao Black Lemon Lamb Kebab is easily one of the best dishes available in the entire hall, skewered and grilled over charcoal. The juicy meat is infused with lemongrass, Kaffir lime leaf and fresh herbs, creating a vibrant balance of citrusy, earthy, and smoky flavours where each bite offers a fragrant punch, complemented by the slight heat of Laotian spices. – David Tapley, Editor-in-Chief. If there's one thing I'll always say yes to, it's pasta — especially if it's homemade — and has truffle. And the L˜ARIA's pop-up at Mandarin Oriental, Al Faisaliah in Riyadh, promises just that. The Homemade Black Truffle Tagliolino was everything I expected and is evidently one of the restaurant's best dishes. The pasta was silky, al dente and generously coated in a truffle-infused sauce. The thin shavings of black truffle scattered on top elevated the aroma (and lavishness) of the dish. — Shaheera Anwar, Staff Writer . Camel meat isn't something you often see prepared with classic French finesse, but Ducasse in AlUla pulls it off. The Confit Camel a la Rossini, slow-cooked in its own fat until tender, is probably the best camel dish you'll ever have. With an almost foie gras-like velvety texture, this camel steak of sorts was delicious and juicy. Having lived in Saudi most of my life, I was surprised this was my first time trying camel, but I'm glad it happened at Alain Ducasse's acclaimed AlUla venue. — Shaheera Anwar, Staff Writer . At the newly-opened MiMi Mei Fair Dubai, indulgence takes centre stage with the Crispy Golden Langoustine with Black Truffle—a dish that blends luxury and precision. Wrapped in delicate kataifi pastry, the langoustine is fried to a golden crisp, creating a delightful contrast between its crunchy exterior and the succulent seafood within. Elevating the decadence, a generous dollop of caviar crowns the dish, adding briny depth to the delicate shellfish. The finishing touch? A hint of black truffle infuses the dish with earthy opulence and surpasses the Apple Wood-Fired Roasted Peking Duck as my favourite of MiMi Mei Fair Dubai's best dishes. – David Tapley, Editor-in-Chief. Anyone who knows me will tell you that I don't have much of a sweet tooth. I'd much prefer a cheese plate or even another superb starter rather than dessert. However, a recent visit to NAC in Marina Mall Abu Dhabi introduced me to the Crushed Milk Chocolate Cookies. These moreish morsels are gloriously gooey, served warm so that the chocolate chips have begun to melt and topped with a fantastic Frosties soft serve ice cream. It's a dessert that takes the childhood nostalgia of cookies and a glass of milk and elevates it a notch. – David Tapley, Editor-in-Chief. Sat on the breezy terrace at L'Amo Bistro del Mare overlooking the bobbing boats in Dubai Harbour; it's difficult not to feel like you're on the Amalfi coast. With a new menu from Head Chef Alessandro Salvatico, seasonal ingredients are reimagined with a modern, artistic touch, and the Ravioli del Plin is a highlight. These delicate, handmade ravioli—named 'Plin' after the Italian word for 'pinch'—are crafted in-house and filled with slow-braised beef, creating a rich and deeply satisfying bite. Bathed in a simple yet luxurious sauce of butter and sage, the dish lets the quality of the ingredients shine, resulting in one of our best dishes of the month. – David Tapley, Editor-in-Chief. You'd never expect an Arabian spice such as sumac to appear in any dish in a French restaurant, but Café Boulud in Riyadh is all about surprising you. The restaurant's Salmon & Sumac is as strikingly tasteful as it is visually appealing. This perfectly pink grilled salmon fillet, with a generous sprinkle of even brighter pink sumac, is a visual treat. The spice adds a kick, cutting through the fish's rich, buttery texture. Pine nuts and raisins are scattered on top, offering a contrast of crunch and chewiness and elevating the texture of the dish. With a side of quinoa keeping things light yet satisfying, it's a dish that feels both indulgent and healthy. — Shaheera Anwar, Staff Writer .
