34 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELLER INDIA | JULY 2019
THE ITINERARY U.A.E.WAEL HAMDAN/AGEFOTOSTOCK/DINODIA PHOTO LIBRARY(SHOP), PHOTO COURTESY: BAREBURGER(BURGER)salmon, yellow fin tuna and sea bass—
along with a Mediterranean garden
salad, and tomato tartar and seared
prawns. For mains, opt for buckets
of mussels and clams, or the seafood
mixed grill.
DINE ON BOARD THE
HISTORIC QE
The iconic Queen Elizabeth 2, which
circumnavigated the globe 25 times,
has hosted the likes of Nelson Mandela
and David Bowie during its heyday.
Now enjoying its second innings as
one of Dubai’s most popular venues
for dining and nightlife, the former
cruise liner is a gastronome’s delight.
The buffet at Lido, which offers a
mesmerizing view of the ocean and
Dubai’s iconic skyline, boasts a wide
range of international fares with a
focus on Indian specialties. Tuck into
their British roast section featuring
traditional roast beef, jacket potatoes
and Yorkshire pudding. The Arabic chef
makes killer shawarma using his special
recipe—it takes over 30 hours to make.
But if you’re hungering for a taste of
the ship’s past, the Queens Grill menu
serves a nine-course tasting meal from
the ship’s maiden voyage in 1969.INDULGE IN A LOTUS COOKIE
DESSERT (OR TWO)
The Lotus cookie trend in the UAE
continues unabated. Speculoos,
the spiced shortcrust biscuits were
historically served on December 5 and
6 to celebrate St Nicholas’ Day. Today
the Belgian import has transcended its
traditional origins to become a modern
dessert sensation across the Middle
East thanks to its unique taste—
a fusion of gingerbread,
caramel and spices.
Dubai spoils you with
its Lotus options such
asthe Lotus Mess at
Switch, or the dreamy
Lotus softie at Salt, the
popular Kite Beach food
truck. The showstopper,however, was the Lotus pancakes at
Cocoa Room, which comes with scoops
of ice cream, fresh berries and
chocolate sauce.EAT A CAMEL BURGER
Burgers, steaks, dessert –try the best
camel meat and milk treats while in
Dubai. Tough in texture, it is only in
recent times that the meat has seen
a spurt in the popularity parceled as
camel burgers. Try them at Switch or
at The Local House. Bareburger, a
popular organic food truck, nails it
with its consciously sourced camel
meat, aged cheddar, fried egg, onions,
dill pickle and habanero mayo,
all stuffed within a brioche
bun. Still hungry? Tuck
into camel tenderloin
at Siraj, or camel pizza
at Ducati Café. If meat
is not your thing, treat
yourself to a decadent
camel milk gelato at
Treej Café.The Dubai Spice Souk (top) is known for spices, herbs and perfumes; Tender and juicy, camel burgers (b ot to m) are a delicacy in the city.