Healthy buzzwords galore but is the food any good?

Let’s face it: in a town that loves brunch as much as ours, it isn’t always the best environment for your waistline. But thanks to venues like the new café inside Dubai Herbal & Treatment Centre (DHTC), you can make health a priority when eating out, without sacrificing on taste. Eat Well restaurant is described as the first science-based nutrition venue in Dubai. It also serves as an intolerant diner’s dream. The culinary nutritionist-designed menu caters to literally all palettes, from vegan and paleo dieters to gluten- and sugar-free diehards. Ingredients are sourced fresh from local farms whenever possible and the chefs work in tandem with the seasons to ensure the freshest food from farm gate to plate. Dig into farm-fresh heirloom tomatoes (Dhs40), which, we’re told, are packed with lycopene to boost antioxidants. The teeny, red and yellow local tomatoes are bursting with flavour and are served alongside camel ricotta, balsamic pearls and sprouted arugula. It’s a lovely, summery dish that looks as delicious as it tastes. If you’re craving something hearty, the grilled salmon (Dhs75) with butternut squash makes for a flawlessly seasoned entrée without being heavy. Top tip: book in for a spa treatment at DHTC before lunch. You can pre-order your meal so it’s ready when you float out. Nourishment with a side of kneading? Yes, please… aDubai Herbal & Treatment Centre, Zabeel, Dubai, Sun to Thur 8am to 8pm, Fri and Sat 9am to 6pm. Tel: (054) 4766326. Taxi: DHTC. dubaieatwell.com