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(lily) #1
Locals will kill us for including this indie
hole-in-the-wall Thai gem (located near Ju-
meirah Post Office), but it’s too good not to
share. The walls of the cheek-by-jowl space
are covered with hipster mishmash (think
Van Gogh paint-by-numbers postcards),
and there’s scratchy rock-and-roll blaring
through big speakers (sit outside for quiet
conversation). A Thai national cooks your
dinner. The food is good, sometimes very
good, but what’s even better is the adven-
ture of finding this underground boho
hangout. (Hint: look for the mustachioed
neon Mona Lisa, just west of the Jumeirah
Post Office.)

The MeaT coMpany S akhouTe Se $$
Map p218 (%04 368 6040; Madinat Jumeirah,
al-Sufouh rd, umm Suqeim 3; mains Dh85-120;
h7pm-11.30pm) Overlooking the canals at
Madinat Jumeirah with the Burj Khalifa
backdrop, this place takes its meat seri-
ously and gives you a beefy choice ranging
from an Australian grain-fed Angus to a
Brazilian grass-fed beast. Other options in-
clude a hanging skewer of marinated lamb
and there are several veggie side dishes
such as wild mushrooms. This is a popular
celeb place judging by the signed plates on
the wall. Reservations recommended.

p i Thaia Thai $$
Map p218 (%04-366 6730; al-qasr, Madinat
Jumeirah, al-Sufouh rd, umm Suqeim 3; mains
Dh55-180; h6.30-11.30pm) A boat ride, a wa-
terside table and candlelight are the hall-
marks of a romantic night out and this
enchanting spot at the Al-Qasr sparks on
all cylinders. If your date doesn’t make you
swoon, then the beautifully crafted Thai
dishes should still ensure an unforgettable
evening. Or come for Friday brunch (with/
without alcohol Dh240/190). Reservations
recommended.

p rs a iranian KiTchen i anian r $
Map p218 (Satwa roundabout, Satwa; mezze
Dh15-20, mains Dh35-55; h6pm-1am; c) En-
joy hot wheels of bread made daily in the
outside brick oven along with such classics
as creamy muttabal (purée of aubergine
mixed with tahini, lemon and olive oil),
hummus, and juicy Iranian-style spicy ke-
babs paired with buttery saffron rice. You’ll
feel like a pasha lounging amid the fat pil-
lows on a carpeted platform surrounded by
twinkle-lit hedges. Too authentic? Opt for
a traditional table. Alas, the lack of indoor
seating makes Pars a poor choice in sum-
mer. There’s a daytime traditional Iranian
bakery here, as well.

Japen Go cafe i rnanTe Tional $
Map p218 (palm Strip Mall, Jumeirah rd, Jumeirah
1; mains Dh30-50; c) Grab a window or ter-
race seat for great views of the Jumeirah
Mosque. Decorated with plenty of rattan
contrasting with shiny black, the menu is
vast and varied, featuring dishes from east
to west. Opt for the east or, more specifi-
cally the Indonesian-style nasi goreng isti-
mewa (fried rice with sausages, eggs and
prawns), sushi, sashimi, tempura dishes
or a delicately spiced curry. The children’s
menu includes some nostalgic favour-
ites, such as lightly boiled eggs with toast
soldiers for dipping. This is the original
branch of a successful small local chain.

T eh one i rnanTe Tional $
Map p218 (Jumeirah rd, near Jumeirah Mosque,
Jumeirah 1; dishes Dh20-45; h9am-9pm) Deli
dabblers will be in salad and sandwich
heaven at this stylish outpost upstairs at
THE One home design store. All food is
freshly prepared and calibrated to health-
and waist-watchers without sacrificing a
lick to the taste gods. Reliable choices in-
clude the smoked salmon wrap and the
Arabic chicken salad. A good alternative if
Lime Tree Cafe is full.

raVi p ki aSTani $
Map p218 (al-Satwa rd, Satwa; mains Dh15-20;
h24hr) Everyone from cabbies to five-star
chefs flock to this legendary Pakistani ea-
tery (dating from 1978) where you eat like
a prince and pay like a pauper. Loosen that
belt for helpings of spicy curries, succulent
grilled meats, creamy dahl (lentils) and
fresh, buttery naan. Be prepared for the no-
frills dining room or, better still, wait for an
outside table to watch Satwa on parade.

r dan aMa life

For visitors interested in Islam or
religion in general, Ramadan is a
fascinating time to visit Dubai� If you
walk the backstreets of Jumeirah
areas such as Satwa, you’ll see
mosques with mats and carpets
laid out with food ready for mosque
attendees, and witness the streets
come to life – well into the wee hours�

Jumeirah


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