Hukama
The process of handing our car to an elegantly dressed valet driver and strutting through the high-ceilinged, design extravaganza that is the lobby of The Address Downtown totally made us feel like the designer-suited stars of an MI:4-esque spy flick. And the cinematic splendour only crescendoed as we walked up to the mezzanine level and took our seats for dinner at Hukama restaurant, with its elegantly dressed wait staff, dramatic decor and full frontal view of the imposing Burj Khalifa (there’s a gorge Burj-view terrace, too).
From a column of metallic curtains to a crackle-effect bar and well spaced-out tables, the restaurant is fine dining-worthy, and as the waitress confidently talked us through the Chinese dishes on offer, it was crystal that clear the food is too. After oohing-and-ahhing over the wonton amuse bouche (not your average takeaway fodder), we moved straight to a selection of Hukama’s dim sum. Now, having been to Hukama for the excellent yum cha lunch before (12pm-3pm Fridays, Dh145 with tea) we had an inkling that we were in for something special, and we weren’t disappointed. Even the dumpling pastry of each plump parcel had flavour and depth, and the Crystal spinach and crab dumplings were particularly notable for their earthy warmth, offset by the chili dipping sauce’s zing. The second appetiser of Wasabi king prawns with mango salsa was also worth writing home about (like, literally, we e-mailed our mum that night): the large, juicy prawns were doused in a not-too-rich wasabi sauce, complemented by refreshing cubes of mango.
As we earmarked a date in our diaries to reunite with our dining partner over Yum Cha soon – we couldn’t face not eating more of that deliciousness, stat – we readied ourselves for our mains. And soon enough the lovely wait staff swooped over with a flurry of dishes to share (the food here is best enjoyed with a big group so you can try a bit of everything), from Whole steamed grouper doused in a sweet, sticky sauce, to Gong bao chicken (a classic) and – the absolute highlight of the night – Wok-fried black pepper beef. The fish was perfectly cooked and delicately flavoured, the chicken juicy and mild enough for those with sensitive palates, and the beef, OMG!, it was a tender study in peppery bite, and something we’ll definitely be back for.
Completely full, we almost nixed dessert, but then the option of a super-refreshing Chilled mango sorbet and pomelo soup with berries and sago pearls just spoke to us. Washed down with jasmine tea, this was our third favourite dish of the night (with the beef and the dim sum just managing to trump it). And, enjoying the cold, tangy sorbet and the pop of the tiny sago pearls while staring up at our table’s view out to the glittering Burj Khalifa, it’s safe to say our Hukama experience ended on a high note.
Location The Address Downtown
Tel 04 888 3444
Timing 6.30pm- 11.30pm, daily
(12pm-3pm, Fridays for yum cha lunch)
Tasty Trio: Burj Views
Karam Beirut
While the service can be a bit brusque, there’s nowhere better to enjoy a mixed grill and lemon with mint with a side of Burj Khalifa views than this Lebanese spot which sits next to Ping Pong on the fountain-side promenade outside The Dubai Mall. It’s always buzzy at night, and we’re particular admirers of their Muhammara, a spicy red pepper and pinenut dip (it may even usurp our love of Babaganoush).
Location The Dubai Mall
Timing 12pm-midnight, daily
Tel 04 339 9789
Madeleine Café & Boulangerie
This super-cute French spot has all the atmos of a Parisienne sidewalk café, just with a very Dubai view from its terrace – the Burj Khalifa. Pop in for a tartine or sandwich, a full on Gallic meal (hello Sirloin steak with French fries), or just for coffee and madeleines. Oui oui!
Location The Dubai Mall
Timing 10am-10pm, Sun-Thu and 10am-midnight, Fri-Sat
Tel 04 438 4335
Mango Tree
One of our favourite Thai spots in the city, this fountain-side spot sits right under the looming tallest tower in the world, and serves authentic food that’s elevated by beautiful produce. And, at the moment, they’re offering punters a five-course menu, each matched with grape, for just Dh250 for vegetarians and Dh295 for meat-eaters. Free-flowing drinks + appetiser platter, main course and desert platter for Dh295, 12.30pm-4pm, Fri and Sat
Location Souq Al Bahar
Timing Open 12.30pm-midnight, daily
Tel 04 426 7313
