United Arab Emirates
When most people think of the UAE, or more specifically Dubai, images of towering skyscrapers, glamorous beach clubs, and luxury cars like Ferraris and Lamborghinis often come to mind. While that side of Dubai certainly exists, the city I grew up in feels a little different…
This is Eat and Drink, or مطعم كل واشرب. It’s a beloved spot for my family, my friends and I. Whenever I visit the UAE to see my family, we make sure to stop by for a 7 Dhs (around £1.46) shawarma – or a falafel wrap for the vegetarians – along with hummus, Lebanese bread, and freshly squeezed juice.
Occasionally, we’ll pop next door to Eat & Drink Indian for 1 Dhs Veg and chicken samosas which are also brilliant. During Ramadan, Eat and Drink Indian also sell bags of pakora – popular Indian street food made from spiced, battered vegetables or meats, deep-fried to crispy perfection.
It may not be as famous as the Burj Khalifa, but the food is amazing and reasonably priced, and the hummus is hands down the best you’ll ever taste.
(Eat and Drink Group, 2016)
Another hidden gem for Middle Eastern cuisine is Al Reef Lebanese Bakery.
Their cheese manakish is a must-try if you’re in Dubai. This street (Al Wasl Road), not far from my home, also has another Eat and Drink and a great florist if you ever need flowers for your mum!
Other Top Food Spots…
Growing up in the UAE also meant countless trips to the beach, camping in the desert, hiking through wadis and sand dunes – experiences that made Dubai home beyond the shiny buildings.
For those of us who grew up in Dubai, the city is far more than the glitz and glamour often portrayed in the media. It’s about the everyday experiences – like enjoying simple moments outdoors with family and friends, sharing complaints about breaking a sweat in the summer heat after just a two-minute walk from the car to the supermarket, and the lingering cravings for some decent hummus when you’re back in the UK.
Desert Trips
Dubai Over the Years…
- Dubai in the 2000s… Watch Here
- Dubai in the 90’s… Watch Here
- Back in Dubai 1986 Song… Watch Here
- Dubai Evolution… Watch Here
AI Acknowledgement Statement
This blog was created with the assistance of OpenAI’s ChatGPT to brainstorm, structure and edit content. Additionally, any photos produced using AI tools are clearly identified as ‘AI-Generated’ in their captions. All text and visuals have been reviewed and adapted to align with Newcastle University’s academic standards and requirements.
Bibliography:
Al Reef Lebanese Bakery (2024) Available at: https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g295424-d12033524-Reviews-Al_Reef_Lebanese_Bakery-Dubai_Emirate_of_Dubai.html (Accessed: 26 October 2024).
Fedyushhh (2024) ‘Dubai Just 20 Years Ago’ [TikTok] 6 February. Available at: https://www.tiktok.com/@fedyushhh/photo/7375820598368275730 (Accessed: 6 November 2024).
Google. (n.d.). AED to GBP exchange rate. Google Finance. Available at: https://www.google.com/finance/quote/AED-GBP?sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiws4ylptKJAxXcYEEAHa6oMNkQmY0JegQIIBAp&window=MAX (Accessed: 4 November 2024).
House of Misfits (2024) ‘Old Dubai Part 2.’ [TikTok] 7 January. Available at: https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofmisfits_/photo/7386585685202898209 (Accessed: 6 November 2024).
Knight Frank MENA (2018) Dubai Evolution from 1960 to 2021 Time-lapse. 16 April. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPd5AmTEkdk (Accessed: 6 November 2024).
M_Hamdan Fazza (2018) Back in Dubai 1986 (The Establishment & Sal Davies). 14 April. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALWRGBgp1TQ (Accessed: 6 November 2024).
Luay (2023) Cheese Manakish (Levantine Flatbread). Available at: https://urbanfarmandkitchen.com/cheese-manakish-levantine-flatbread/ (Accessed: 12 December 2024).
OpenAI (2024). ChatGPT (October 2023 version). Available at: https://chat.openai.com (Accessed: 18 October 2024).
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