DUBAI You know how good a restaurant is by the buzz its diners create inside it. Zaroob, based on a concept borrowed from the traditional street food vendors around the Levant, is one such place.
What continues to make the restaurant relevant to so many people even after more than five years after it was launched are its friendly staff, amazing food and round the clock service, necessarily in that order.
Ordering one of the usual suspects – a Fattoush and a Tabbouleh (both Dh19) is always a good way to start, but do include their sinfully deep Fried Halloumi (Dh23). If you love the taste of fried eggplant and cauliflower then add to that Grilled Vegetables (Dh18) as well. When it comes to Hummus though, try their Fatteh Hummus (Dh23), made of yoghurt and toasted bread for an experience they claim that is straight from where it all comes, Lebanon.
The best thing about this place is that it may look expensive from outside thanks to its decor, but the items on the menu are really not so. For example a platter of falafel (imperative for you to order if you are a vegetarian) that costs only Dh12 for eight pieces. The lure of the deep fried balls of chickpeas is such that even if you are a hardened meat-only person, you can’t say no, definitely not here in Zaroob.
This is however all that is extremely well known in the Levantine cuisine, but if you are keen on trying something slightly removed from the ordinary then order a chicken and mushroom Alayet (Dh27) - a sautéed dish made of onions, bell pepper and piquantly garnished with pomegranate (molasses as well as seed).
Zaroob is great with eggs as well and have a range of items to boot, but the one that caught my fancy was their delightfully baked Puffed Eggs (Dh19). However before you leave, do try their Arabic Wrap Chicken Shawarma (Dh28) that comes in golden baked, thin crisp pita.
DETAILS
Meal for two: Dh120
Location: Jumeirah Tower Building - along SZR
Timing: 24 hours
For reservations: call 04-327 6060
We recommend: Fried Halloumi, Grilled Vegetables,Fatteh Hummus, Alayet, Puffed Eggs, Arabic Wrap Shawarma
