FOODIES OFFERED A TASTE OF DUBAI LUXURY FOR LESS
▶ One Carlo Diaz shares top tips for sampling Michelin-quality food at fraction of usual price
Taste of Dubai is back this weekend, from Friday until Sunday. While its regular venue – at the Media City Amphitheatre – may have changed to Skydive Dubai, the annual food festival will continue to offer visitors delicious dishes from top restaurants at a fraction of their usual cost.
This year’s participating restaurants include newbies such as Indian fine-dining spot Atrangi by Ritu Dalmia and City Social by Jason Atherton; Michelin-starred and lauded venues including Torno Subito, Akira Back, Hutong, Indya by Vineet, Jun’s and The Artisan; as well as a sneak peek at chef Akmal Anuar’s latest venture Osteria Funkcoolio.
The al fresco festival is a chance for discerning diners to sample top fare at heavily discounted rates, as restaurants have been given a menu format specifying only three price points: Dh25, Dh30 and Dh35. Of these, one must be a vegan dish and one must be child-friendly.
Pricing and diet considerations aside, organisers also require restaurants to create and serve a dish exclusive to Taste of Dubai this year, making the event a must-visit for true-blue foodies.
Here is The National’s top dishes that sound most delicious – and discounted. Alternatively, book a spot at any of the one-off meals organised by chefs in Abu Dhabi and Dubai (see below).
Duck at Hutong Save: Dh200+
The Chinese restaurant, based in Dubai International Financial Centre, is serving its signature Peking duck with pancakes for Dh35. Albeit in bite-sized form here, the delicacy is usually priced at Dh300 for two to three people.
Salmon fish cake at Rhodes W1 Save: Dh140
The tribute restaurant to late British chef Gary Rhodes is serving its salmon fish cake for
Dh35, down from Dh175 for the full-sized dish. As in the restaurant, the festival version will be made with fresh and smoked salmon, mashed potato and spring onion.
Amberjack at Torno Subito Save: Dh110
Italian master chef Massimo Bottura will serve his Michelinlauded smoked amberjack with sweet melon and Sorrento lemon sauce for Dh30, down from the usual Dh140 price at the W Dubai restaurant.
Tuna tacos at Akira Back Save: Dh100
The eponymous restaurant of Michelin-lauded chef Akira
Back is a go-to for high-end celebrations in the UAE. At Taste of Dubai, diners can sample its popular truffle tuna tacos for a mere Dh30, down from Dh130 at The Palm Jumeirah venue.
Potstickers at Jun’s Save: Dh60
Chef Kelvin Cheung, of fusion restaurant Jun’s, will serve premium Wagyu beef potstickers for Dh30, a third of its Dh90 price tag when ordered at the Downtown Dubai venue.
Guacamole tradicional at Maya Save: Dh50
If you’re feeling like Mexican, Maya by chef Richard Sandoval is on site, serving its signature freshly mixed guacamole for Dh30. Ordering it at Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa spot will set you back Dh80.
Nashi pear crumble at City Social Save: Dh30
Acclaimed British chef Atherton’s restaurant is making its debut at the festival with one of its signature sweet treats costing Dh30 – half the original price if ordered at the highrise Grosvenor House venue.
Chole bhature at Atrangi Save: Dh30
Celebrity chef Ritu Dalmia will serve the popular Indian dish at her first Taste of Dubai outing, for 50 per cent less than its original cost, so Dh30 instead of Dh60.
Food – and savings – aside, Taste of Dubai has various culinary-themed activities, from celebrity chef masterclasses to mum-and-child cooking workshops and an interactive coffee-making stand. Live entertainment is also on the cards, as well as carnival-style games, activities and bouncy castles to keep the little ones one busy.
Taste of Dubai starts on Friday and runs until Sunday at Skydive Dubai, Dubai Marina; entry fee starts at Dh75 per person; 04 377 8888, www. tasteofdubaifestival.com