and get ready to do battle with the main
event, the eponymous ‘peppercrab’ – a suc-
culent, flaky, tender crustacean paired with
a feisty, pepper-laced sauce that’s a virtual
flavour bomb. Reservations essential.
a ha’ss Mo Dern inDian $$
Map p 214 (%04-324 4100; Wafi Mall, pyra-
mids, Sheikh rashid rd; mains from Dh65; c)
Namesake of Bollywood singer Asha Bho-
sle, Asha’s packs a see-and-be-seen crowd
of rich Indian expats into its sexy, low-
light, tandoori-orange dining room, with
ethnic-fusion dance music playing in the
background. The menu focuses on con-
temporary northwest Indian fare, with
palate-teasers such as spicy-ginger-garlic
marinated prawns and white chicken curry
(with almonds, chilli seeds and yogurt) –
both being Asha’s personal recipes. It’s a
fabulous place to party; if tots are tagging
along, they’ve even got their own play area.
Reservations recommended.
aWT ra l banee Se $$
Map p 214 (%04-317 2222; Grand hyatt Dubai,
al-qataiyat rd; mains from Dh65; h7.30pm-3am
Sun-Fri) Locals love the opulent Bedouin
tent-like atmosphere and warm welcome
of this formal Lebanese restaurant, com-
plete with belly dancer and live band – it’s
common for women to stand up, clap and
sway to the music. The menu lists the usual
mezze and kebabs, as well as a full page
of meat dishes, all served as mountainous
portions. If you’re loath to shout over the
noise, book for 8pm. But for maximum fun,
round up a posse and come at 10pm, when
the scene gets rockin’. Request one of the
swoop-backed booths for the best views.
Reservations recommended.
l neMoGrass Thai $$
Map p 214 (mains Dh35-65; hnoon-11pm) Lo-
cated just south of Lamcy Plaza in Oud
Metha, Lemongrass’ soothing mango-
and-lime-coloured dining room is an ideal
setting for brightly flavoured cooking and
solicitous service. Pad thai is presented in
an omelette wrapper – a nice touch – and
curries have marvellous depth of flavour.
If you like spicy, say so; the kitchen is shy
with the heat. Cool down with the house
favourite lanna dessert (pandan-flavoured
ice cream with palm seeds, sweetcorn and
red beans – pandan is a plant found in
the Far East that has a similar flavour to
vanilla).
b iaT al WaKeel Mi DDle eaSTern $
Map p 210 (Textile Souq, bur Dubai Souq; mains
Dh35-50) In one of the city’s most roman-
tic settings – overlooking the Creek, with
its view of bobbing boats – this restaurant
has lots of history. The building, formerly a
shipping office, is one of Dubai’s oldest, dat-
ing back to 1935, and the dining deck was
formerly a landing stage for boats. Stick to
the Arabic dishes, rather than going Asian,
and you won’t be disappointed. The mezze
plates are good, as are the lamb and kofta
(spicy meatballs) and seafood. If there’s a
queue, follow the Creek for around 50m to
b e lubarjeel and console yourself (and your
wallet) with a dish of hummus with pita
bread and a mango juice (Dh18).s ecial p osTadi i anianr $
Map p 210 ( -Musallah al rd, bur Dubai; mains Dh25;
hnoon-4pm) This spit-’n’-sawdust authen-
tic Iranian restaurant enjoys a prominent
corner position and prominent place in
the heart of its loyal kebab-loving clientele.
Dating from 1978, it is one of Dubai’s long-
est-standing restaurants.s Ganya ihV i an, VenDi GeTarian $
Map p 210 ( alrolla residence, al rolla rd; mains
Dh18-25) A vegetarian Indian restaurant
where the daily Dh37 buffet should put ab cchanalian a boaTinGA great way to experience the exotic
magic of old Dubai is during a dinner
cruise along the Creek� Feed tummy
and soul as you gently cruise past
historic waterfront houses, sparkling
high-rises, jutting wind towers and
dhows (traditional wooden boats)
bound for India or Iran� Dining rooms
are air-conditioned and alcohol is
served� b teaux a dubai (off Map p 210 ;
%04-399 4994; http://www.bateauxdubai.com;
al-Seef rd, bur Dubai Creek; per person
2½hr dinner cruise Dh350; h8.30-11pm)
is a good choice, especially if food is
as important to you as ambience� In-
dulge in a four-course à la carte feast
aboard this stylish contemporary boat
with its floor-to-ceiling windows, linen-
draped tables and live pianist-and-
guitar duo� The price includes unlim-
ited soft and alcoholic drinks� The
other recommended dinner cruise is
a ansour l M dhow in Deira (see p55)�b
urd
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