We Went To Mama'esh!Jan.3.2020
Living in a country where people come and go so often, it can become hard to find those who know the true cultural identity of the city. We live in a city populated by expats (ourselves included) #msinternational. With the soul food series, we do some intense research and even take a few wrong turns to know the 411 on where is good to eat. This Chapter is for those looking to try something new, affordable, experiential and extremely underrated. Soul Food Chapter Two unleashes the tea on Asian food in Dubai:
THE DISH:
A special dish to Filipino nationals, say it with me “hababos na alimasag” to my non-Filipino speakers – crab boil. You are welcome, sis.
FAVORITE SPOT:
Located in the heart of Deira, Dampa Seafood Grill is a second home for seafood lovers. It has authentic flavoring, a humble vibe and one of our favorite cuisine contributions from the Filipino community to the city’s F&B landscape.
WHY IT’S A MUST
Dampa Seafood Grill is sea foodies go to and represents the old Dubai ambiance. Usually busy during the evenings, this place is packed with foodies, families & friends. Smashing low prices, for 145 AED, you will be indulging fresh-off-the-grill Cajun flavored crabs, mussels, prawns, rice, corn. The staff leave the plates and utensils in the kitchen, gloves are provided so you and your friends can have fun digging in. A fun and interactive way to have dinner, the seafood is sprawled across for everyone to dig in and crack open some crab legs.
Our biggest tip: Do NOT wear white!
Photo Courtesy // Instagram
THE DISH:
Korean BBQ – where the customer is provided with an in stove table and raw meats, marinades, and veggies to cook and enjoy fresh of the BBQ.
Favorite SPOT:
Shogun in Deira has one of the best variations when it comes to offering and provides a very authentic experience true to Korean BBQ tradition.
WHY IT’S A MUST TRY
Test your cooking skills during your lunch break at Shogun, or take a first date for a less intense ambiance – and learn what their cooking skills are like! The popular Korean cuisine starts off by picking your preferred meat, served raw then marinated with your choice of sweet and/or savory sauce, on a grill inlaid into the dining table itself. Leave some room for the traditional side dish, kimchi. A healthy and spicy snack, the vegetables are seasoned with chili powder, scallions, garlic, and ginger – leaving a kick of flavor in every bite. Something to note: With Korean BBQ, you go in smelling like you, you come out smelling like BBQ.
Photo Courtesy // Instagram
THE DISH:
You may recognize this dish name from the two-minute microwavable packets, but we’re bringing you the real deal: Ramen
FAV SPOT:
Located in Dubai Design District, Yui’s is an authentic Japanese eatery and the Ramen Don. The restaurant is buzzing with creatives, who all appreciate the brothy cultural experience.
WHY IT’S A MUST TRY
Not only will this expand your pallet and foodie knowledge when it comes to Japanese cuisine but when you are sensing a storm, be it a cold winter day feeling under the weather or are weathering period cramps or nursing a hangover- a warm bowl of ramen will make you feel 100% better. Not only is this broth, noodle, veggie invention of the God’s delicious but it is extremely nutritious. If you are looking to try something new that feels like a hearty home-cooked meal, nothing says home-cooked more than hand-made noodles.
Easy on the wallet, Yui also delivers, for those nights in when you need a little comfort food and some #netflixandchill – they deliver till 9:00 p.m.
THE DISH:
The golden red creamy curry with diced chicken and Indian cuisines most famous dish globally- butter chicken. Served with butter naan bread (hello cholesterol!- *still drools), romali roti or rice.
FAV SPOT:
New Sind Punjab has been whippin’ in the kitchen since the ’90s and is one of the OG’s Indian restaurants located in Karama and this specific branch is known to serve, arguably the best butter chicken in Dubai.
WHY:
While butter chicken maybe considered “introduction to Indian food”, the recipe has been butchered by many unauthentic eateries to make it Europeanised in its taste. If you are looking for the real deal, New Sind Punjab is the plug. The key to an authentic butter chicken is a creamy tomato flavorful texture, that tastes spicy in terms of masala, but not spicy in terms of chili. The dish should have a tangy element which some mistake for sugar, but is not one of the ingredients in authentic Indian recipes. Tired of having commercialized goods? Try the real stuff, enjoy it with butter or crispy garlic naan bread or for those who want a less heavy bread – Romali Roti pulls apart a soft, doughy texture that melts in the mouth.
Photo Courtesy // Instagram
