Mango Tree
The dilemma facing anyone dining at the Mango Tree is the battle of the senses – taste versus sight – that wages for the duration of the meal. You’re wolfing down the bok choy, wondering whether your tastebuds can be tantalised any further, when all of a sudden the Dubai Fountain again erupts in all its geyser-like glory and you’re distracted by its balletic grace. All the while, the Burj Khalifa looms over you, its zenith teasingly out of view. To the oohs and aahs of impressed fellow diners we got stuck into our mixed appetiser platter starter, which comprised standard Thai fare such as papaya salad. Though a little on the pricey side at Dh94 it ticked the right boxes. My deep fried hammour was a memorable feast, with the entire fish curled onto the plate, its face a grimace of discontent. It was hard to feel guilty though, since it was so delicious, the sweet chilli sauce enlivening the famously mild flavour of the Arabian Gulf’s trademark fish. My partner’s Kae Yang lamb chops was flavoursome and tender and perfectly complemented by the chilli sauce. In the competitive Thai culinary scene, the Mango Tree definitely holds its own.
Mango Tree, Level 3, Souk Al Bahar, meal for two approx Dh500, 04-4267313
Service: excellent
Food: Thai
Ambience: electric
Ideal for: treating friends who are visiting the city
Zaroob
In striving to be different from other Levantine restaurants, Zaroob has created a venue that looks like a cross between a Chinese medicine shop and a trendy art gallery. Shelves on the wall heave with jars of olives and spices, while above them cartoon figures clash with product logos in Arabic script. Some people would probably use the word ‘funky’. Personally, I’m worried about getting a migraine, but I do love the staff’s ghutra headwear. There’s definitely something wholesome about the place and I can’t wait to get stuck into the food. I start off with a chicken shawarma, the deliciousness of which swarms over my tastebuds and makes me wonder whether there’s a greater snack in the world. Next up is a falafel plate, which though not quite as delicious as the shawarma, is still exceedingly tasty. They are everything good falafel should be – crunchy on the outside, moist on the inside. After the fibrous goodness of the falafel it’s time for dessert. After much deliberation I choose the cinnamon cream and honey fateer, an obscene slab of naughtiness that I have to take home to share with as many people as I can round up.
Zaroob, Shaikh Zayed Road, meal for two approx Dh100, 04-3276060
Service: excellent
Food: Arabic
Ambience: colourful
Ideal for: lunch or a post-work snack
Al Karnak
Al Karnak was a happy accident. On a late night dinner run to Diyafah Street, we noticed this new Egyptian restaurant that had sprung up right next to popular Lebanese eatery, Beirut. Being supporters of the underdog, and egged on by the friendly staff, we decided to give the place a shot. Named after the famous temple complex in Luxor, Al Karnak’s menu is not too different from your run-of-the-mill Middle Eastern eatery. So the only differentiating factor then is the quality of food and service and I’m happy to report that this place scores well on both counts. We start with what is considered a staple for Egyptians – koshari, an exotic medley of macaroni, lentils, rice and vermicelli with loads of onions doused in a red chilli sauce and a tasty garlic and vinegar concoction. The non-vegetarian version is topped with crispy bits of doner kebab shavings. This is a meal in itself – but that didn’t stop us from devouring some fluffy crisp falafels and the obligatory shawarma plate. Encouraged by the fare thus far, we stayed for desserts and sampled the Umm Ali – an inspired take on the Arabian classic, served in a deep baking bowl, stuffed with dried fruit and desiccated coconut; how’s that for a happy ending?
Al Karnak restaurant, Al Diyafah Street, meal for two (approx Dh80), 04-3980123
Service: good
Food: Egyptian
Ambience: street
Ideal for: a change from the Diyafah joints
