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Food & Drink

Street food gems you need to try in Dubai

Mon, February 20, 2023

You won't find pristine tablecloths at 2nd December Street in Satwa, but this is the perfect place for delicious and affordable dishes served with a smile.

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You won't find pristine tablecloths at 2nd December Street in Satwa, but this is the perfect place for delicious and affordable dishes served with a smile.

1

Irresistible curries at Ravi Restaurant

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Named after the river that flows through both India and Pakistan, Ravi may look unassuming on the outside, but it offers one of the city’s best interpretations of traditional Pakistani fare – it was even certified by the late celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain. Grab a seat outside in the evening and let the waiters recommend dishes off the menu such as the dhal fry, Peshawari mutton and the well-loved traditional biryani. Don't skip on a side of naan – crispy on the outside and soft in the middle, it’s the perfect way to mop up every drop of delicious sauce.

2

Arabic comfort food at Al Mallah

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Al Mallah is widely regarded as one of the city’s best Lebanese restaurants – not just for the shawarmas (wraps) and manakeesh (flatbreads), but also for its front row seats to people-watching along 2nd December Street. A word of warning: their food is addictive, so you'll be reordering your favourites as soon as you taste what's on offer. Those in a hurry can park out front and get a takeaway delivered to their car, but we recommend dining in. The hearty mixed grill kofta, washed down with a fresh juice, is best experienced amid the local action.

3

Delectable desserts at Firas Sweets

Firas Sweets serves up generous portions of bright orange kunafa, balancing sweet and savoury notes perfectly. Most cultures across the Middle East claim a version of this traditional Levantine dish, but all involve a combination of gooey, soft cheese topped with crisp-fried vermicelli soaked in cardamom, rosewater and sugar syrup. Make sure you eat your portion while it’s hot, so the cheese remains deliciously stretchy. At Firas, you’ll find the bakers are more than willing to take you through the various traditional Arabic treats on offer, with plenty of free samples to help you decide.

4

Homestyle fare at Pars Iranian Restaurant

Tucked away at the far end of the street by Trade Centre roundabout, Pars Iranian Restaurant is certainly worth tracking down. One of this Persian spot's most popular meals is the juicy chelow kebab Sultani, served with a generous heap of saffron butter rice and welcome accompaniments like tomatoes, pickles, lime and chillies. Take the waiter’s suggestion and opt for a feta and mint salad; it goes surprisingly well with the meal. The restaurant is ideal for families and has weekly regulars, so it’s best to book ahead of time if you're visiting on a weekend evening.
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