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Food & Drink

SMAT

Khaleeji cuisine with creative twists
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Among the glistening buildings and creative buzz of Dubai Design District (d3) is the much-loved Emirati restaurant, SMAT. The restaurant’s name translates to ‘dining table’ in Khaleeji Arabic, setting expectations for homely meals aplenty – and it doesn’t disappoint.

Most visitors return time and time again for SMAT’s authentic Emirati breakfast dishes, such as the regag – a thin, crispy bread with generous fillings of cheese, egg, honey or mahyawa, a salty, spicy fish sauce that's packed with flavour. Or try the Emirati version of pancakes called chebab that’s served with sides of cheese and dips.

Elsewhere on the menu, you’ll find more contemporary twists on the cuisine, offering a subtle link to the ethos of the d3 district. Highlights include the Emirati meat macaroni pasta, marinated prawns wrapped in kunafa dough, minced fish tacos, and signature rice with homemade mango pickle, to name just a few.

Everything from the Arabic coffee that’s sourced from homegrown suppliers, to the speciality herbs and spices that are lovingly used to elevate every dish on the menu, SMAT has managed to put the rich versatility of the nation’s cuisine in the spotlight, where it belongs.

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