Four(ish) Weeks of Food: February-April 2025
And one sneaky January entry... because... it's just been a year
Welcome to the Four Weeks of Food series! Each month, I go on a culinary adventure, exploring new eateries and revisiting old favourites. I aim to share bite-sized details of where I ate and what I loved - and why you should go there!
It’s been a busy few months, which has kept me away from the Substack, but I’ve also got other ideas cooking! So, sharing my highlights from the last few months for now, and then let’s get right back into it from next month!
Every post will have a lil’ call-out to my rescue cats looking for forever homes - look for the banner at the end of the post. Hit me up for more information!
EATING OUT
a normal day
🧑🏻🍳 What is it? A home-grown bistro concept in Dar Al Wasl, with clean, modern lines and a chill vibe.
🏃🏻♀️ You should go here because… you want to have good food with slight, clever twists on the regular versions you’d find elsewhere. Also, see next point.
✅ I really loved… the aubergine florentine and the tiramisu - half of which is topped with pistachio and it’s NOT just a gimmick.
💰 What’s the damage? I was invited, but what we ordered for breakfast would cost approx. AED 100 per person.
📍 Find it here | 📷 Instagram
doughbai
🧑🏻🍳 What is it? A cute bistro that specialises in sourdough (hence the name!)
🏃🏻♀️ You should go here because… it’s the kind of place where everything feels thoughtfully made. It’s casual and gives you comfort food and freshness in one go.
✅ I really loved… the chorizo and hot honey sourdough pizza, which was *chef’s kiss*, and the freekeh salmon salad was an absolute delight!
💰 What’s the damage? I was invited, but what we ordered for lunch (admittedly more than we should’ve) was approx. AED 180 per person (including drinks).
📍 Find it here | 📷 Instagram
MANAO
🧑🏻🍳 What is it? A tasting menu Thai concept, helmed by Abhiraj Khatwani under the mentorship of Mohammad Orfali - and now proudly awarded a MICHELIN star, too!
🏃🏻♀️ You should go here because… it’s a journey that you’re taken on through each dish. The flavours are bold, the menu is served at a great pace, with fabulous (non-alcoholic) pairings to match.
✅ I really loved… Every. Single. Thing. The food was impeccable, the service flawless. And the playlist? A paid actor.
💰 What’s the damage? AED 490 per person, without drinks. I was invited to the restaurant.
Gerbou
🧑🏻🍳 What is it? A stunning restaurant at Tashkeel serving Emirati-inspired food. Every detail at the venue is extremely well thought-out - while you’re there, ask the team about the reclaimed ghaf chairs!
🏃🏻♀️ You should go here because… you want to try a thoughtful take on local flavours, with dishes that truly pay homage to the UAE.
✅ I really loved… honestly, everything. Definitely try the machboos and anything you can pair with the pickle - they are among the stars of the show. From the dessert menu, I swear by Sahar Al Awadhi’s sago pudding.
💰 What’s the damage? I was invited; however, it would have cost approx. AED 300 per person.
📍 Find it here | 📷 Instagram
Soon Izakaya
🧑🏻🍳 What is it? A cool izakaya concept inspired by anime and 1980s Japanese pop culture.
🏃🏻♀️ You should go here because… you want a carefree night out, whether it’s with friends, your partner or even colleagues. Great vibes, and solid food to match.
✅ I really loved… the Wagyu katsu sando and the SOON fried rice!
💰 What’s the damage? I paid AED 313; including one alcoholic drink.
📍 Find it here | 📷 Instagram
Calicut Paragon
🧑🏻🍳 What is it? A veritable Dubai institution serving up amazing South Indian food at super-affordable prices.
🏃🏻♀️ You should go here because… you’re craving excellent seafood, and in my case as well, South Indian brekkie.
✅ I really loved… the crab tushar - the gravy alone was wildly addictive. Pair it with the parotta, and it’s a whole other level of gloriousness.
💰 What’s the damage? We ordered food until we were full to burst, and with tip, it was AED 150 per person.
📍 Find it here | 📷 Instagram
HANU
🧑🏻🍳 What is it? A contemporary Korean restaurant nestled within the St. Regis Gardens, led by charismatic chef Kyung Soo Moon.
🏃🏻♀️ You should go here because… you’re looking for a refined take on Korean food in a chic setting - perfect for a date night!
✅ I really loved… the ‘Meat Me at the Grill’ experience, where quality cuts of meat are prepped table-side and paired with banchan. Don’t skip the lil cookies at the end, filled with red bean paste and walnuts.
💰 What’s the damage? I was invited, what we ate and drank would cost approx. AED 500 per person.
📍 Find it here | 📷 Instagram
Kasumigaseki
🧑🏻🍳 What is it? A Japanese concept from Tokyo, located next to Vida Emirates Hills, showcasing high-quality ingredients.
🏃🏻♀️ You should go here because… you’re obsessed with Japanese food, and love a polished ambience.
✅ I really loved… the juicy karaage (made with chicken thigh) and the strawberry shortcake mochi with whipped cream and freeze-dried strawberry.
💰 What’s the damage? I was actually part of a +2 invite (!), and we had the Toriwake sharing tasting menu, which costs AED 500 per person.
📍 Find it here | 📷 Instagram
Ling Ling
🧑🏻🍳 What is it? A pan-Asian restaurant and lounge on the 23rd floor of the Royal Atlantis on Palm Jumeirah.
🏃🏻♀️ You should go here because… you want stunning sky-high views paired with food that holds its own.
✅ I really loved… a bunch of dishes from the new menu (which I was there to try). The prawn toast was unexpected in the best way - not what you’d find elsewhere - while it took all my will power to stop gorging on the wok sautéed corn with sambal butter.
💰 What’s the damage? I was invited to try the new menu - and honestly, I can’t find prices anywhere!
📍 Find it here | 📷 Instagram
ORDERING IN
There have been a few regular go-tos over this period, but I’ve especially been enjoying dishes from Go! Healthy. If you’re tracking your macros, this is a great option as everything is labelled and easy to add to your food diary!
MORE FOOD FOR THOUGHT
I made my way back to Khadak in February for my brother’s birthday meal, and it was a lovely experience. It really is one of my favourite premium-casual Indian spots in Dubai now. In MICHELIN-related news, it won a Bib Gourmand this year (more on that in the next edition of this newsletter).
I should really share more of my work… so on that note, this podcast episode was released earlier this year, and it’s one of my favourites from this season. I’d love for you to give it a listen.
Amidst all the madness this year, I also celebrated my birthday in March (Pisces ♓️ baby here!) and wanted to shout out Matilda Cakes - which is where my cake came from. It was DELIGHTFUL. Not one crumb left!
Okay, I’ll be back with regular newsletters from next month!
Where have you been eating recently? What food items can you not stop thinking about? Let me know!
You really should share more of your work! Today I learned that you write restaurant reviews for Spinneys magazine 🤦🏽♂️ on Ling Ling, I ordered “a glass of house white wine”. 189 dirhams later, I have never returned.
Talking about Calicut Paragon, I went to their upmarket food concept restaurant Meat and Mackerel a couple of weeks back. It was great! Really fancy food that tastes great and a good location.