Dubai Food Festival Gourmet Trail Guide: Best Cheap Eats

As a Dubai Food Festival Gourmet Trail Guide, I was asked to select four of my favorite restaurants in five different categories.  This actually proved to be a difficult task, as I have had so many wonderful dining experiences in Dubai.  Here are the top four under Best Cheap Eats.

Noodle Bowl (Diyafah)

• Occasion to Visit: Casual cheap dining/late night muchies
• Location and Price: Satwa-Diyafah Street/Meal for two AED 100
• Insiders Tips: Order their variety of Sambal and Shrimp paste for added
• Menu Top Tip: Dim Sum/Turnip cakes/Five Spice Duck/Steamed Buns/Salted Fish Fried Rice

 I was first introduced to Noodle Bowl through my media friend Simone Heng, who is passionate about South East Asian food.  Having Singaporean roots, I trusted her word when it came to good quality Asian food, as she would have a much more discernible palate regarding this type of cuisine than I.  We luckily found parking on the busy Diyafah street right in front of the orange and green sign for Noodle Bowl. 

Looking a bit dated, and very simple in its design, we found ourselves surrounded by a mostly Asian clientele, that is always a good sign.  The menu was extensive, but there were a couple of items that I knew I would enjoy such as the Dim Sum and Turnips Cakes.  The other items ordered were the Five Spice Duck and Salted Fish Fried Rice along with Steam Red Bean Paste Buns.

The service was quick and we enjoyed course after course of authentic Pan Asian delicacies made from a soulful kitchen.  The entire operation feels family run, and we were able to experience everything in a relaxed unpretentious environment.  Not only was the food tasty, but the prices were also quite reasonable compared to other restaurants in Dubai.

 

The location for this restaurant is prime and because they serve until midnight, it’s a great place to get some takeout or grab a snack for some late night munchies.  The takeout is decent, just make sure to ask for extra sambal and shrimp paste to get the same culinary experience at home. 

 Fraiche (JLT)

• Occasion to Visit: for a lunch meeting or a casual dinner meet-up with friends
• Location and Price: Cluster Y, Swiss Tower, JLT/Meal for two AED100
• Insiders Tips: Come hungry and leave happy
• Menu Top Tip: Poutine/Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad/Apple Crumble

 

Fraiche located in JLT sounded intriguing right off the bat.  Hearing good things swirl amongst fellow foodies and friends, I was curious to see if this place would match up to all the hype. I went down one Friday afternoon with a couple of friends to explore the menu, and we were pleasantly surprised by what we walked into. 

A light and airy space reminiscent of some very European style cafes and coffee shops only located right here in Dubai.  The large high top table upon entrance served as a great communal workspace, a note I made to myself as we made our way to the table. 

 

Seated right in the center of the restaurant we overlooked the greenery in front of swiss tower and looked forward to our afternoon of culinary delights.  The owner Yousef Al Barqawi approached our table and greeted us gingerly. He gave us the house recommendations, including poutine a classic Canadian dish consisting of Fries topped with gravy and dollops of cheese curd, how could you go wrong. 

Global Village  (Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Rd)

• Occasion to Visit: During the winter season/From December to March 
• Location and Price: Loacted on Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Road/Meal for two AED 50
• Insiders Tips: explore and try food at all the countries, but save room for the Dutch Pancakes
• Menu Top Tip: There are too many good things to choose from here, start with the Turkish baked potato, head over to Bundu Khan’s for some Pakistani delicacies, then enjoy the Dutch pancakes right next to the Pakistan tent. 

 

Global Village is a cultural extravaganza like no other.    The activities and food selection on offer areunique with enough variety to keep you coming back for something new everytime.  The entire operation is ideal for families and friends looking for a little escape from the norm.  Not only do you have a vibrant backdrop, but a comfortable place everyone will enjoy. 


When exploring Global Village, it's important to strategize your meal options.  There is so much on offer, best to take it slow and savour the moment from country to country. Some of my favorites include the authentic Pakistani fair at Bundu Khan's, the Poffertjes (mini Dutch pancakes), Turkish Kumpir(Baked Potato), and the Emirati Luqaimat (Fried Dough).  

If you're looking to pick up some trinkets or shopping for a special gift, make sure you hit the Yemei tent for some delicious honey and spices.   The best time to take a trip to Global Village is during the peak season, between December and March. 

Lafayette Gourmet-(Dubai Mall)

• Occasion to Visit: Make a pit stop when you need a boost after a long day of shopping
• Location and Price: Dubai Mall, 3^rd floor at Galaries Lafayette/ Meal for two AED 100/Snacks for two AED 40
• Insiders Tips: The menu is extensive, so strategize your meal, and the Spanish Torrija is a must
• Menu Top Tip: The Morrocon Harira soup, Salads and appetizers, Fresh Pastas, and the Mezze

Lafayette Gourmet is a one stop shop for all things foodie whether you are shopping in the mall or looking for some delectable gourmet treats.  They have an incredible variety of food from around the globe and a well trained staff who know how to execute it.  Russell Impiazi is the executive chef at this mall eatery and works hard to ensure good quality and service that will outlast the competition. 

 Not only is the variety of products incredible, but the creativity in plating and design give Lafayette Gourmet that extra special touch.  During Ramadan season, you can make Iftar bookings for their elaborate buffet which has everything from sushi to salads plus lamb ouzi and fresh pasta.

But the gourmet treats don't stop there, if you have a sweet tooth, then this is definitely the place to be.  The range of cakes and pastries would bring a smile to anyone's face, just make sure you have enough time to get through them all.

Lafayette Gourmet is conveniently located on the third level of Galaries Lafayette at the Dubai Mall.  They offer a fantastic weekend brunch option plus a la carte options during the weekdays.  If you're in need of a little pick me up, then head over for a coffee and some cake, you will always be taken care of there.

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