In recent years, Dubai has emerged as the ultimate destination for food enthusiasts. From Michelin-starred spots to hidden gems, there’s something for every palate. A major attraction is the diverse range of cuisines available, catering to over 200 nationalities residing in the UAE, making it a true Global Village of flavors.
Last week, the much-acclaimed 10 Dirham Dish campaign, originally part of the Dubai Food Festival, kicked off again during the Dubai Summer Surprises.
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Over 190 eateries in Dubai are offering signature dishes for just Dh10 until August 31. Khaleej Times took on a challenge: to sample 10 different cuisines on a budget. Here’s a rundown of my culinary adventure:
1. Chicken and Basil Dumplings, Golden Dragon: Chinese Cuisine
My first stop was Golden Dragon in Oud Metha for steamed chicken and basil dumplings. The thin wrappers held five juicy dumplings, satisfying our cravings. Originally from China, dumplings have become beloved worldwide, with various interpretations in different countries.
2. Pav Bhaji, Bombay Street: Indian Cuisine
Next, we indulged in classic Indian fare at Bombay Street in Karama. The vegetarian dish featured crispy pav buns and thick, buttery gravy. I savored it with chopped onions and a squeeze of lemon, perfectly blending the flavors. Pav Bhaji is a staple street food in India.
3. Samsa, Kelinka: Uzbek Cuisine
Known as samosa in India and sambousek in the Arab world, this triangular snack is a worldwide favorite. Samsa, the Uzbek version, features flaky pastry and hearty meat filling, hitting the spot perfectly.
4. Vegetable Ramen Bowl, Yalla Momos: Japanese Cuisine
Nothing beats a warm bowl of ramen. At Yalla Momos in Karama, I enjoyed a steaming bowl of vegetable ramen with broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, peas, and thin noodles, creating a nourishing dish.
5. Shish Tawouk Sandwich, Villa Beirut: Arabic Cuisine
The next stop was Villa Beirut near the Trade Centre. Shish Tawouk is a staple of Arabic cuisine and a personal favorite. The juicy sandwich, complemented by garlic sauce, pickles, and fries, was sheer perfection.
6. Nem Nem, Bo: Vietnamese Cuisine
My first experience with Vietnamese food was Nem Nem, a fried rice paper roll filled with shrimp, minced meat, noodles, mushrooms, and herbs. Though it resembled a spring roll, its unique taste won me over.
7. Pigodi, Keytown: Korean Cuisine
As a Korean food aficionado, trying Pigodi for Dh10 was a delight. These steamed buns filled with cabbage and meat, served with soy sauce, offered a distinct taste from the Korean dishes I knew.
8. Salad Bowl, Shaka Waka: Healthy Eats
Balancing indulgence with health, I visited Shaka Waka for a 100-gram salad bowl. With choices like lettuce, carrots, beans, and corn, it offered a refreshing, nutritious boost.
9. Slider, Hammer Burger: American Cuisine
No food list is complete without a burger. The slider at Hammer Burger, available in chicken or beef, was a steal at Dh10. Nestled in mini brioche buns with cheese, pickles, and house sauce, it was a delightful treat.
10. Nutella Maki, Moshi: Japanese Cuisine
This surprise hit featured a sushi roll with Nutella. Topped with powdered sugar, it was a light, crunchy, chocolate-filled delight worth revisiting.
Bonus:
11. Chocolate Covered Strawberry, Chokoberry
A popular choice during the Dh10 campaign, this Chokoberry dish sold 500 pieces daily. Typically priced at Dh12 each, the DSS offer included two for Dh10. If strawberries aren’t your preference, opt for chocolate-covered bananas. The 10-minute wait was worthwhile.
