Enjoy an authentic taste of Taiwan in Mall of the Emirates

If you’re in the mood for a taste of the Far East, look no further than the shopping malls in Dubai, where you’ll find plenty of tasty dining options. However, the venue on everyone’s lips is Din Tai Fung.

Hailing from Taiwan, and with branches across America, Hong Kong and Singapore to name a few, Din Tai Fung is one of the latest restaurant chains to open in the new wing of Mall of the Emirates.

THE ATMOSPHERE

The restaurant features two dining areas: an airy section overlooking the shops or a more intimate space near the open-kitchen with views of all the fast-paced culinary action.

THE FOOD

You’ll be in for a real feast at this popular Taiwanese spot. At Din Tai Fung the emphasis is mostly on Chinese snack food with a twist. Think delicious dumplings, fried rice, noodles and wontons.

We find this type of cuisine best enjoyed family-style, with plenty of sharing plates and bites to dip into. Follow our lead and kick off your meal with a mixed basket of Din Tai Fung’s specialty xiaolongbao (soup dumplings). Also order the shrimp and veggie wontons, followed by the hot red bean bun, chilli crispy chicken and the sautéed spinach bok choy.

Next up, you must try their mouthwatering tomato and tofu egg flower soup – you won’t be left disappointed.

If you still have room for dessert, opt for the candied sticky rice along with a brew of Chinese tea.

DETAILS

Din Tai Fung is located in the new extension at Mall of the Emirates. Call (04) 2651288 for more information.

Sudqi Naddaf, Executive Chef at the Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, shares his renowned fresh fish recipe for Salero Tapas & Bodega

Located in the Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, Salero Tapas & Bodega, one of Dubai’s best restaurants for Spanish cuisine, offers an authentic taste of España.

Headed by culinary talent Chef Sudqi Naddaf, visitors will be treated to traditional fare with a unique twist.

Here the chef shares his six easy-to-follow steps to perfecting seafood paella.

PAELLA 101:

An icon of the Spain’s national cuisine, made with a thin blanket of saffron-scented rice with a crunchy bottom crust and studded with fresh seafood.

Prep Time: 15 Minutes

Cook Time: 15 Minutes

Ingredients:

• 50g cuttlefish
• 50ml olive oil
• 50g red pepper
• 50g green peppers
• 300g Bomba (short grain) rice
• 20g tomato paste
• 1g saffron
• 600ml fish stock
• 250g mussels
• 250g clams
• 10pcs prawns
• 10g garlic
• Pinch of salt

Preparation:

1. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in either a flat big pan or a paella pan.
2. Sauté the garlic, cuttlefish and bell peppers and gently stir for few minutes until the fish is cooked.
3. Next, add the rice and saffron and continue sautéing for a couple of minutes on a low heat (to ensure the rice absorbs all the flavours), before adding the fish stock.
4. Once the fish stock is hot, throw in the mussels and clams and thoroughly mix in the tomato paste.
5. As soon as the paella is boiling, place the prawns on the top of the rice, which will cook with the steam from the dish.
6. After 15 minutes the dish will be ready. Rest for five minutes before serving with some lemon on the side.

Call (04) 4095888 or visit http://www.kempinski.com/en/dubai/mall-of-the-emirates/dining/restaurants/salero-tapas-bodega/

From berry-topped granola to fluffy pancakes and super-charged smoothies, start your day on a delicious note with the best new eateries to have breakfast in Mall of the Emirates.

Whether you’re looking to elevate your working wardrobe or invest in the smartest boardroom staples, here are the essential style hits for men from the shopping malls in Dubai.

COMMON GROUNDS

Spearheaded by the popular Aussie duo behind Tom & Serg and The Sum of Us, Common Grounds is one of the latest eateries to open in the new Mall of the Emirates extension.

Despite having only recently opened, this trendy café already has a loyal, and fashionable, weekend following, with early risers flocking to the spot for their nutritious acai bowl, smashed avocado toast and organic teas. The coffee is not to be missed here; just don’t ask for speciality milk – these baristas mean business. Also don’t leave without trying their already-famous cronut (a donut/croissant fusion).

MORE CAFÉ

While it’s technically not a ‘new’ restaurant in town, this popular café has reopened in Mall of the Emirates after relocating to the shopping haven’s brand new wing. Expect a brightly decorated and welcoming atmosphere with comfy chairs and plenty of table space. Follow the locals’ lead and opt for a stack of their hearty maple syrup pancakes with a cup of Jo and a freshly prepared berry smoothie. More Café’s menu also offers plenty of light bites for the health-conscious; such as veggie omelettes and tropical fruit salads topped with yogurt or cottage cheese.

OMNIA BAHARAT

Refuel after a trip to the shops with a nutritious meal at celebrity chef Silvena Rowe’s latest culinary outlet, Omnia Baharat. As witnessed in her other UAE restaurant, Omnia Gourmet at the Jumeirah Fish Harbour, the award-winning foodie certainly knows how to cook up a delicious breakfast. Our top picks have to be the Turkish-style poached eggs served over yoghurt with cumin and spicy paprika.

From menu planning to seating arrangements, a successful dinner party calls for a lot of organization. Setting your table with beautiful crockery and accessories will help add the finishing touch, making your dinner party a memorable evening for all.
The shopping malls in Dubai are bursting with brilliant interior havens such as Crate & Barrel, IDdesign and Zara Home.
We’ve trawled the shops and browsed the aisles to bring you our edit of the most elegant décor buys.

Here you’ll find everything you need to create a welcoming environment and stylish setting for your guests.

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  Set of 4 linen napkin with monogramming, Dhs168, Pottery Barn, visit City Centre Mirdif.

  Add a personal touch with monogrammed napkins

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  Set of 4 mother-of-pearl napkin rings, Dhs99, Zara Home, visit Mall of the Emirates and City Centre Deira.

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  Printed Glassware, prices stat at Dhs12, Zara Home, visit Mall of the Emirates and City Centre Deira.

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  Slate cheeseboard, Dhs139, Crate & Barrel, visit Mall of the Emirates and City Centre Deira.

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  Glass bowl, Dhs119, Crate & Barrel, visit Mall of the Emirates and City Centre Deira.

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  Scented candle, Dhs350, Neom at Boutique 1, visit Mall of the Emirates

  A lemon and basil scented candle to fill the room with a fresh aroma

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  Golden cutlery, prices start at Dhs19, Zara Home, visit Mall of the Emirates and City Centre Deira

  Give your table a twist with glamorous gold cutlery

* Prices shown are at the time of the visit to the mall and could change at any point.

visit http://www.malloftheemirates.com/, http://www.citycentremirdif.com/ and http://www.citycentredeira.com/

From à la carte elegance to elaborate buffets, Friday brunching has become a ritual in Dubai.

Housing some of the best restaurants in Dubai, the UAE shopping malls offer a host of brilliant meal deals. Here, we reveal the best brunches to try now.
Let the good times roll…

SANABEL AT SHERATON DUBAI MALL OF THE EMIRATES HOTEL

Head to Sanabel, located at the Sheraton Dubai Mall of the Emirates Hotel, for a memorable meal with family and friends. Expect an extensive buffet with everything from freshly prepared sashimi and sushi, to BBQ meats and gourmet cheese stations. Top off the experience with sweet treats from their indulgent chocolate room.
Prices: Dhs190 for the soft drinks package, Dhs275 with selected house beverages, Dhs390 for the bubbly package.
Time: 12:30pm to 4pm every Friday
The details: Call (04) 3772353 or visit
http://www.sheratondubaimalloftheemirates.com/en/sanabel-restaurantdubai

SALERO AT KEMPINSKI HOTEL MALL OF THE EMIRATES

Enjoy a taste of España at Salero Tapas & Bodega’s Friday Fiesta Brunch, located in the Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates. Discover their authentic Spanish cuisine with a modern twist in a stylish bodega-inspired setting. The brunch menu includes traditional dishes such as tasty hot and cold tapas, paellas, and tortillas. Devour the delicious fare to the chilled tunes of a live Spanish guitar player.
Prices: Dhs295 including unlimited Spanish beverages and soft drinks, Dhs350 including unlimited house beverages, Spanish beverages and soft drinks.
Time: 1pm to 4pm every Friday
The details: Call (04) 4095888 or visit
http://www.kempinski.com/en/dubai/mall-of-the-emirates/dining/restaurants/salero-tapas-bodega/

MEDLEY AT PULLMAN DUBAI CITY CENTRE DEIRA

An experience friends and the whole family can enjoy; Medley restaurant at the Pullman Dubai at City Centre Deira is a beautiful restaurant serving up a huge variety of international dishes. Sleek, minimalist décor and a relaxed atmosphere make this a popular weekend pick. With an emphasis on super fresh produce, there is guaranteed to be something to suit all taste buds, including sushi and a live grill station. If you have a sweet tooth, don’t leave without sampling the desserts – the chocolate fountain is always a highlight.
Prices: Dhs195 with soft drinks, Dhs295 with house beverages, Dhs390 with bubbly.
Time: 12.30pm to 4pm every Friday
The details: Call (04) 2941222 or visit
http://pullman-dubai-deiracitycentre.com/en/restaurants-and-bars/restaurants/medley/#verticalTab1

*Please note, all prices are per person. Terms and conditions may apply.

Hailing from Lebanon – the land of mouth-watering cuisine – Leila restaurant originally landed in the emirate back in 2012, with their first location in Downtown Dubai. The popular eatery now has a handful of restaurants across Dubai, including a flagship branch in City Centre Mirdif.

Widely considered one of the best Lebanese restaurants in Dubai, Leila is the perfect pick for a healthy meal with family and friends.

THE ATMOSPHERE

The Instagram-worthy interior is both welcoming and chic, with an eclectic mix of pastel coloured printed wallpaper and retro photographs lining the walls.

THE FOOD

The menu is filled with classic traditional Lebanese dishes including salads, hot and cold mezze, mixed grills and meats, freshly squeezed fruit juices and desserts. There is an emphasis on sharing, so order for the entire table and dig in family-style.

Kick off your feast with Leila’s tabbouleh, beetroot salad and the popular spicy hummus. Next, fill up on mains and try the chich taouk and kafta bel laban. Top off your meal with a few scoops of the pistachio and rose ice cream.

DETAILS

Visit http://www.leilarestaurant.com/ or call (04) 2515161 for more information

Visit http://www.malloftheemirates.com/, http://www.citycentremirdif.com/ and http://www.citycentredeira.com/

Waleed Al Sadik, Executive Chef of Sheraton Dubai, Mall of the Emirates Hotel, shares his delicious recipe for Vantage Bar and Lounge Sheraton Dubai Mall of the Emirates Hotel.

After discovering a passion for all things culinary in his native country of Jordan, Chef Waleed moved to Dubai back in 2003 to develop his talents and hone his skills in international cuisine. Fast forward 12 years and the foodie whiz is treating palates to his signature Middle Eastern flavours with Indian, Asian and Mediterranean twists at Sheraton Dubai, Mall of the Emirates Hotel.

“Food should taste as good as it looks. It’s all about creativity. I have always co-related everything with food and colour. If I look at the UAE flag, I think of tomatoes for the red, herbs for the green, flour for the white and the black, pepper. My mind then look for ways to mix these ingredients,” Waleed reveals.

Here the top chef shares the five easy steps for his delicious salmon recipe available at one of Dubai’s best spots, Vantage Bar and Lounge.

Ingredients:

• 160g Scottish Salmon (skin on)
• 100g Teriyaki sauce
• 80g Baby bok choy
• 30g Garlic
• 5g Red pepper
• 5g Yellow pepper
• 2g Red radish
• 3g Green leaves (preferably fressie)
• Salt to taste
• Handful sesame seeds

Preparation: 

1. Whisk the teriyaki sauce, ginger, salt and sesame seeds together in a bowl before placing the salmon fillets to marinate for 10 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, heat ¼ cup of water in a medium skillet pan over a high heat and bring to boil.  Add the bok choy and allow to steam until almost tender.
3. Grill the salmon with the skin down first to cook. Keep grilling for 7-10 minutes depending on thickness and personal cooking preference. 
4. Julienne the red pepper, yellow pepper and radish. 
5. Plate the salmon, bok choy and top with the julienne vegetables and green leaves before drizzling over additional teriyaki sauce.

Visit http://www.malloftheemirates.com/, http://www.citycentremirdif.com/ and http://www.citycentredeira.com/.

Andreas Mensch, Executive Head Chef of the Pullman Dubai City Centre Deira and Medley Restaurant, shares his delicious recipe.

Starting his career in Austria, Andreas Mensch previously worked at the Michelin-starred Korso restaurant. From there the talented chef travelled the world,cooking up a storm in kitchens across Norway, America, Russia and Hungary before settling in Dubai at the Pullman Dubai City Centre Deira.

Here the expert chef shares his popular veal recipe.

Ingredients:

• 200g Veal Loin
• 25g Foie Grass
• 30g Asparagus
• 70g Green Lentil
• 10g Celery Root
• 10g Shallots
• 5g Balsamic vinegar
• 5g Pommery Mustard
• 2g Bay Leaf
• 1 Stick of Thyme
• 20ml Fresh Cream
• 1tbsp Olive Oil
• Salt & Pepper

Preparation:

1. Season the veal with salt and pepper before spreading mustard over the top and sides, then cover the veal with the fatback.
2. Arrange the veal with garlic and shallots in a pan and roast for 45 minutes at 50 degrees Celsius.
3. Transfer the veal onto a cutting board, slice into ½ inch thick slices and arrange on a platter.
4. Put lentils in a strainer and discard any stone that might have escaped the packers; rinse under cold running water.
5. Turn the lentils into a medium saucepan, cover with cold water, bring to a boil and cook for two minutes. Pour the lentils into a strainer. Drain, rinse the lentils again and clean out the saucepan.
6. Toss the onion, carrot, celery, garlic, and bay leaf into the pan. Pour in the vegetable broth or water, stir in the lentils and bring to a boil. Simmer with slow cooker for 25 to 30 minutes or until lentils are almost tender.
7. Season with salt and pepper and cook for another five to 10 minutes.
8. Drain the lentils and set aside the liquid. Remove the vegetables and discard the bay leaf before finely chopping the veggies.
9. Stir the vegetables and shallots back into the lentils. Add balsamic vinegar and mustard, cooking cream and finally season with salt and pepper.

Serve with steamed asparagus and Fois Gras

Visit http://www.malloftheemirates.com/ , http://www.citycentremirdif.com/ and http://www.citycentredeira.com/

Refuel at the mall with our guide to the mot popular pizza spots in town.

From indulgent thick bases with heaps of fresh toppings, to classic thin and crispy slices, we’ve tried and tested all the pizzerias to bring you the best pizzas in Dubai.

CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN

We were excited when this Californian import arrived on our shores, and for good reason – their hand-tossed pizza is one of the finest we’ve sampled. The seasonally inspired ingredients on offer are endless, including BBQ chicken, sweet pineapple and creamy avocado.

Visit Mall of the Emirates and City Centre Mirdif.

BIELLA

With several locations dotted around Dubai, this authentic Italian eatery has a cosy dine-in atmosphere with large blue leather booths and white tablecloths. Their specialty is skinny-base pizzas, which come piping hot and loaded with tasty ingredients such as spicy beef sausage, smoked salmon and oven-dried tomatoes.

Visit Mall of the Emirates

CARLUCCIO’S

This popular café-cum-deli has a tempting menu filled with Italian favourites including risottos, pastas and salads, but their traditional coal-fired pizzas are the real selling point. The thin base is perfectly crispy, with a chewy crust and plenty of fresh toppings.

Visit City Centre Deira and City Centre Mirdif.

Visit http://www.malloftheemirates.com/, http://www.citycentremirdif.com/ and http://www.citycentredeira.com/

Discover this charming French bistro serving up delicious bites in an elegant setting.

Enjoy a taste of the French Riviera with a trip to St.Tropez Bistro in Mall of the Emirates. Touted as one of Dubai’s best restaurants, this popular eatery is a great spot for lunch with the girls or a romantic night out St.Tropez Bistro .

THE ATMOSPHERE

This hidden gem is a quiet retreat away from the hustle and bustle. The décor is pure Côte d'Azur glamour, with cream leather booths, Parisian café-style chairs, white marble tabletops, exposed brick pillars and low-hanging light fixtures. The walls are dotted with chic black and white prints of movie stars ranging from Angelina Jolie to Marilyn Monroe.

There are two sections, the main dining room and also a smoking area with a bar and plenty of comfy sofas and booths – you can eat in both areas.

THE FOOD

The award-winning menu is filled with Mediterranean favourites offering something to suit all tastes. If you’re after a hearty meal, try the chevre and butternut tart with spinach, or the corn-fed roasted baby chicken with truffled ballotine and confit potato.

After a light bite? There’s plenty of healthy options too, such as the classic nicoise salad and beef carpaccio with rocket and Parmesan. However, you must treat yourself to a side of their French fries, which are seasoned to perfection!

On the dessert front, you’ll be spoilt for choice;from crème brûlée to chocolate fondant, the sweet treats are certainly a highlight. St. Tropez Bistro is fully licensed and boasts a daily happy hour.

PRICE

Starters cost around Dhs35, while mains ring in at the Dhs70 mark.

DETAILS

Visit http://www.sttropez.ae/ or call (04) 3413415 for more information

Visit http://www.malloftheemirates.com/, http://www.citycentremirdif.com/ and http://www.citycentredeira.com/

Chef Sudqi Naddaf from the Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates shares his delicious beef recipe.

Making it his mission to put Middle Eastern cuisine on the international culinary map, Executive Chef Sudqi Naddaf oversees all kitchen operations at Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates in Dubai.

Here the Jordanian chef shares Aspen restaurant’s signature dish, slow cooked beef cheeks in demi-glace…

Ingredients:

• 300g Beef cheeks 
• 50g Carrots
• 50g Celery 
• 45g Leeks
• 150g Demi glaze 
• 10g Thyme 
• 10g Tarragon
• 10g Rosemary
• 100g Tomatoes
• 15g Salt
• 8g Pepper
• 6g Garlic 
• 20g Onions
• 45g Olive Oil 
• 10g Cajun Spices
• 30g red or white grape vinegar

Preparation: 

1. Pre-heat the oven to 180c.
2. Marinate the beef cheeks with salt, pepper and cajun herbs. Lightly roll each piece of meat in flour. 
3. Drizzle olive oil into a heavy pan. Once pan is smoking hot, start searing the beef on each side. 
4. Drizzle a second medium-sized pot with oil. Once the oil is heated, begin caramelising the vegetables starting with onion, carrots, leeks and fresh tomatoes, in that order. 
5. When the vegetables start to caramelise, pour some red or white grape vinegar into the same pan and bring to a boil for about 5 minutes. 
6. Add demi-glace and boil for another 5 minutes. 
7. Next add the tomato sauce with BBQ sauce and bring to a boil for about 15 minutes.
8. After 15 minutes the sauce will be reduced. Add the herbs before removing from the heat. 
9. Pour half of the sauce into an oven tray, then place the seared beef cheeks and the remaining sauce in the pan. Cover with aluminium foil and cook in the oven for 4 hours at 180c until the beef cheeks are soft. 
10. Serve over saffron risotto.

Aspen is located in the Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates

Ensuring you get your caffeine fix here’s our guide to the best coffee shops while you shop.

Nothing gets us out the house faster than the thought of a freshly brewed cup of coffee.

Feel the same? We’ve tried, tested and rounded up the best coffees in the malls to help perk you up while shopping:

Starbucks

One of the biggest coffee chains in the world, the highly trained baristas at Starbucks are pros when it comes to brewing the best roasts. We love their huge menu of hand-blended coffees, ranging from icy Frappuccinos to tasty Macchiatos. Visit Starbucks at Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Deira or City Centre Mirdif.

Café Bateel

While this chain began its journey producing gourmet dates across Arabia, it’s now one of the most popular places to grab breakfast with a great cup of coffee. Enjoy your brew with the delicious artisan date cookies. Visit Café Bateel at City Centre Deira or City Centre Mirdif.

Caribou Coffee

Indulge in a little bean lovin’ at Caribou Coffee, a quirky coffee house chain sourcing their beans from all over the globe. With large, comfy armchairs and stacks of free reads, this is a cosy spot to while away an afternoon. Visit Caribou Coffee at City Centre Deira or City Centre Mirdif.

Barista tip:

Starbucks Coffee Educator Major Cohen reveals his expert tip on how to make the perfect brew at home…

“The general rule for coffee-making is two tablespoons (10g) of ground coffee for each 6oz (180ml) of water. Too few coffee grounds result in over-extracted or bitter coffee. Too many grounds result in under-extracted coffee that does not achieve the full flavour of the blend. Proportion is the most common coffee-making mistake – and the easiest mistake to correct.”