Elevate your festive celebrations with SushiSamba Dubai’s Christmas Brunch, a harmonious fusion of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian culinary artistry. On 24 and 25 December, embrace the holiday spirit with a captivating array of starters, including sea bream ceviche, complemented by a sushi and robata station. Set against Dubai’s skyline, enjoy the rhythms of DJ Megablast and live samba performances. Every guest is treated to a special Jo Malone festive cracker, infusing luxury into the Christmas festivities. With prices beginning at AED649, this brunch in Dubai promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Level 51 – The Palm Tower – The Palm Jumeirah – Dubai
Amazonico
Dive into the jungle festive spirit with Amazonico Dubai’s ‘Jungle Bell Brunch’ on 25 December. Revel in Latin American-inspired Christmas classics, live shows and DJ sets in DIFC’s tropical oasis. Savour patacones mechados and pavita con manzana, ending with the turron de Navidad dessert. Brunch prices start at AED595 for soft drinks.
Delight in a premium dining experience this Christmas at MINA Brasserie in Four Seasons DIFC. On 25 December, from 1pm to 4pm, indulge in a festive spread that showcases chef Michael Mina’s innovative culinary concepts. Enjoy live entertainment that complements a selection of gourmet dishes, making this family brunch in Dubai a sophisticated celebration of the season, starting at AED390.
Ernst transforms into a Bavarian wonderland at 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central this Christmas Eve. From 12pm to 4pm on 24 December, gather for a brunch that exudes the heartwarming spirit of Germany. Early bird prices begin at AED250, promising a festive experience filled with traditional delights. Continue the celebration with the Christmas Day ‘Bavarian Brunch’ on 25 December, a family-friendly event that encapsulates the joy of the season, with packages starting from AED300.
Celebrate a sun-drenched Christmas Day at La Mar’s festive brunch, where Peruvian flair meets Dubai’s cosmopolitan vibe. On 25 December from 12pm to 4pm, relish an array of starters and sumptuous sharing platters while a resident DJ curates the soundtrack of your afternoon. With a family brunch in Dubai starting at AED550, La Mar invites you to create new traditions amid the elegance of Atlantis The Royal.
Step into Bread Street Kitchen for a quintessentially British Christmas Day brunch. On 25 December, from 12:30pm to 4pm, enjoy a selection of festive favourites, including roast turkey and traditional puddings. With prices beginning at AED450, this family brunch in Dubai also features a special appearance by Santa, ensuring a delightful experience for all ages. Complete your visit with complimentary access to The Lost Chambers Aquarium, adding an extra layer of enchantment to your celebrations.
Head to En Fuego for an exuberant Christmas Day party brunch in Dubai. From 1pm to 4pm on 25 December, dive into an array of vibrant South American dishes, complemented by live entertainment. Priced at AED625, this Christmas brunch invites you to a multi-sensory dining journey at Atlantis, The Palm, where every moment is infused with the fiery essence of Latin America.
Elevate your Christmas Day with Mott 32 Dubai’s festive brunch on the 73rd floor of Address Beach Resort, offering stunning views across Bluewaters Island and JBR. Chef Frankie Yang presents an exclusive menu with dishes like fried soft-shell crab and Angus beef with scallion oyster sauce, as a DJ spins lively beats. The brunch, blending holiday cheer with breathtaking views, starts at AED475 for soft drinks and will run from 12:30pm to 4pm on 25 December.
Alici extends its brunch celebrations between 23 and 25 December, from 1pm to 4pm. At Bluewaters Island, indulge in fresh oysters and caviar, enhanced by live music and the traditional Italian Christmas dessert, panettone. Embrace the Amalfi Coast vibe with a family brunch in Dubai that’s truly spectacular. Prices start at AED395, including soft beverages.
Nestled by Jumeirah Al Naseem‘s tranquil turtle lagoon, MayaBay is ready for Christmas with brunch on 24 and 25 December. Live music complements premium dishes such as dim sum, sushi and roast duck, suitable for a luxurious Christmas brunch in Dubai. Prices begin at AED550 with soft drinks.
Dubai is home to 200 nationalities, so it’s no surprise there are great global dining options and restaurants from all over the world here – here are some favourites.
Get stuck into delicious West African dishes at Catfish DXB
Founded by fitness and nutrition professional Gbemi Giwa, Catfish’s West African cuisine manages to hit all the boxes of joyful, authentic, satisfying – and yes, even healthy. Catfish’s presentation is unpretentious and its menu is relatively small, but diners rave about its jollof rice and the Dancing Waist featuring sticky and tangy peri peri chicken, as well as its great vegan dishes. Enjoy Catfish’s Nigerian-influenced dishes in-person at Jumeirah Lakes Towers or Arjan Dubailand, or order delivery throughout most of New Dubai via Careem’s delivery service – and try these fantastic African dishes for yourself.
Kishmish offers an authentic taste of the “heart of Asia” through its traditional Afghan dishes at its two branches, located at Dar Al Wasl in Jumeirah and Avenue Mall in Mirdif. Get stuck into glorious meaty mains such as emerald palao with spinach lamb stew, bawardi or mantu dumplings stuffed with beef, or ashak – ravioli filled with leek, and topped with beef and yoghurt. There are plenty of delicious veggie starters and sides, including the sumptuous aubergine sauteed in tomato and topped with yoghurt, fried okra, aash noodle soup and deep-fried vegetables, tempura-style. Don’t forget desserts, which include Afghan cream puffs, traditional sheer yakh Afghan ice cream and delectable halwa.
You’ll say ‘jättegod’ to Smorrebrod’s Scandinavian delicacies
Smorrebrod are traditional Scandinavian open-faced sandwiches, and Dubai’s Smorrebrod restaurant, with branches near Dubai Butterfly Garden and in Al Quoz, serves them up alongside a wide variety of other Nordic nibbles. Enjoy toppings including smoked salmon, shrimp, roast beef, cheese, falafel, pickled or fried fish and many more, served on delicious rye bread. Smorrebrod also offers Scandinavian stews and soups, along with pasta dishes – but the highlight for many will be the Swedish fika, or coffee and cakes, with brownies, almond tarts and cinnamon buns available, and beautifully presented. And yes, they do have meatballs: choose from Swedish or Danish.
Be charmed by the family-run Thai favourite Sticky Rice
It might be a bit out of the way, but for those who know Thai food in Dubai, Sticky Rice is always right at the top of the list. This cosy, family-run restaurant, which features the adorable duck Kew as its cuddly yellow mascot, prides itself on putting passion and love into every meal. And it shows, with every meal a spicy, flavourful treat, and a celebration of Sticky Rice’s founder, affectionately known as Mama. Don’t miss the chicken wings or the classic tom yum soup, and leave room for Mama’s famous mango sticky rice, which is served with lashings of ice cream.
Explore the flavours of Central Asia at Osh, located in the beachside La Mer development. The restaurant prides itself on the authenticity of its Uzbek dishes, not altering the traditional recipes – but presenting them in a modern way. Enjoy Uzbek vegetables including tomatoes and cucumbers, either pickled or fresh, along with dishes such as shurpa, a traditional Uzbek lamb soup, or khinkali dumplings. The main event is Osh’s range of Uzbek plov (think pilaf) dishes, famous for bringing out the flavours of the ingredients, including the special Uzbek rice Osh uses.
Hidden away on a side street in Al Karama, just around the corner from BurJuman, Zagol has a steady stream of hungry visitors. This is thanks to its reputation as one of the best Ethiopian restaurants in Dubai; it serves up traditional stews, grilled and slow-cooked meat, and a great range of vegetarian dishes – all accompanied by injera, the flatbread which serves as table, cutlery and starchy accompaniment all in one. Ethiopian food has a habit of converting those who try it for the first time, so make sure you return to get your next delicious helping.
Be blown away by Hashmi Barbeque’s Indian-African fusion
Originally from the Kenyan capital Nairobi, Hashmi Barbeque blends Indian flavours with east African grilling and barbecue techniques. The result is a menu packed with dishes which would be right at home in any northern Indian restaurant, such as chicken, fish or paneer tikka, lamb chops, chili-lemon prawns and more – all featuring Hashmi Barbeque’s special twist. This popular Al Barsha restaurant doesn’t take bookings, so you might wait for a table at peak times – but it’s sure to be worth it. Alternatively order for delivery or collection, and enjoy Hashmi’s fusion at home.
Try stunning Japanese food at the unassuming WAWA Dining
Tucked away on the ground floor of the Golden Tulip Hotel in Al Barsha, WAWA Dining’s entrance is straight out of Tokyo and designed to resemble a traditional Japanese izakaya storefront with lanterns, handwritten signs and warm colours – an unexpected sight in Dubai to say the least. The food is just as authentic, with some of the best sushi and sashimi you’ll have the pleasure to taste in the city – and don’t miss the signature mountain galbi beef short-rib, or its highly slurpable range of ramen.
Get a taste of the Philippines and beyond at Hot Palayok
With its large Filipino population, Dubai boasts a lot of restaurants from the archipelago – but Hot Palayok in Al Karama is often cited as one of the best. Head there any evening for a sumptuous buffet, offering favourites such as batchoy, stir-fried kangkong, totsong bangus, vermicelli crab, barbequed chicken, honey-lemon shrimp and more. Hot Palayok also offers dishes from across the rest of Asia, including sushi, beef kare kare and Thai green curry. Make sure to leave room for the sweets, with delicacies such as buko pandan and maja blanca regularly on offer.
Offering authentic cuisines from across South-East Asia, including Thai, Vietnamese, Malay, Singaporean, Burmese and more, Innlay Asia can show you all around the region from the comfort of its site in Jumeirah Lakes Towers. Enjoy kyay ohe, a noodle soup from Myanmar, Singapore-style chili crab, Malaysian dry chicken curry and the universally popular crispy duck. There’s also tomyum and luksa soup, Malay char kway teow noodles, and delicate Vietnamese spring rolls. Desserts include traditional Myanmar pancakes and chilled sago pudding from Malaysia.
Sustainability is a key focus at BOCA, based in DIFC, and the restaurant goes out of its way to source locally produced ingredients wherever possible, when creating its high-end European cuisine. The results can be astonishing, with signature dishes including the Garden in the Desert: five-day-aged beetroot, native desert plants, local veggies and pickled watermelon skin – with almost all ingredients coming from the UAE. BOCA has plenty of other dishes to enjoy, but make a point to try their only-in-Dubai creations.
Just over the road from BurJuman shopping mall, Rasoi Ghar is an institution in Dubai’s vegetarian dining scene – and a great place to explore how delicious meat-free meals can be. The restaurant specialises in thali-style meals offering a little of everything, with a different theme for every day of the week. Enjoy unlimited starters, then the staff will bring small samples of each dish available that day, and you can choose your favourites. Rasoi Ghar also has a great dessert selection, and altogether should be enough to satisfy even the most ardent of meat eaters.
On the outside it’s just a restaurant in Al Ghurair Centre. On the inside, Romantic Baka is a slice of Korea, complete with jaunty K-pop tunes, fun décor, soft drinks served in Korean tea kettles – and of course, absolutely authentic Korean food. The highlight is the Korean barbeque, where you can cook your meat directly over an open grill, getting it exactly as tender (or as well-done) as you like. Romantic Baka’s atmosphere is also a one-off experience in Dubai, with the highly enthusiastic staff ready to help you out with anything – and prepared to burst into their signature birthday song at a moment’s notice.
The proprietors of Ting Irie in Downtown Dubai have gone out of their way to recreate an authentic Jamaican atmosphere in the restaurant, from the décor to the music (expect dancehall, reggae and hip-hop from live DJs) and especially to the food. Jamaican cuisine is the result of a unique blend of cultures, and Ting Irie sources key ingredients such as chilis and spices direct from the Caribbean island. So for some of the best jerk chicken and goat curry this side of Kingston, or a distinctively Jamaican take on nachos, with slow-braised oxtail, don’t miss this authentic eatery.
Occupying a prime Creekside position in the redeveloped Al Seef district, Chokhi Dhani has a self-appointed mission to serve the finest authentic Rajasthani food in Dubai. Originating in north-west India, Rajasthani cuisine has a focus on pulses, daal and tandoor dishes, with rich flavours and luxurious textures – and plenty for vegetarians to enjoy as well. Try the maharani thali for a one-meal tour of Rajasthan, or Chokhi Dhani’s acclaimed Rajasthani Kadhi, a yoghurt-based curry with a sumptuous texture, deeply flavoured with garlic, cumin and chili.
Introduction Tucked away in an unassuming location, this low-key spot offers a contemporary ambiance that sets the stage for a unique culinary experience. With a central bar wrapping around an open kitchen, patrons are invited to grab a seat at the counter for an unparalleled view. The atmosphere, fueled by lively tunes and an animated staff, dispels any hint of stuffiness typically associated with fine dining.
The Setting: Casual Charm with a Contemporary Twist The low-key charm of the venue is enhanced by its contemporary feel. The central bar, strategically positioned around an open kitchen, creates a communal space where patrons can immerse themselves in the culinary action. The vibrant ambiance, coupled with the energetic staff, ensures a relaxed and inviting dining experience.
Eclectic Plates: A Culinary Journey Across Continents The menu mirrors the diverse influences from Southeast Asia, Latin America, and the Levant, offering plates that are freewheeling, frequently changing, and designed for sharing. Each dish is a harmonious blend of flavors, exemplified by the sumac-flecked cauliflower with whipped goat’s milk feta and falafel-spiced dukkah. The culinary team masterfully weaves together seemingly disparate elements into a cohesive and delightful tapestry.
Cultish Favorites: Fried Cobia Collar with Nuoc Cham A cultish following surrounds the fried cobia collar with nuoc cham, a dish that embodies seductive textures and explosive flavors. This culinary masterpiece exemplifies the kitchen’s commitment to pushing boundaries and delivering an experience that goes beyond the ordinary.
Sweet Conclusions: Black Sesame Ice Cream Extravaganza The enchanting journey of flavors reaches its zenith with a dessert featuring black sesame ice cream adorned with pineapple-cashew jam and Thai tea caramel. The meticulous combination of textures and the explosion of flavors make this sweet finale an unforgettable experience.
Tasting Menu: A Culinary Adventure Worth the Splurge For those seeking the ultimate experience, the tasting menu, though pricier, proves to be a worthy splurge. Immerse yourself in a curated selection of the chef’s finest creations, each dish meticulously crafted to showcase the restaurant’s culinary prowess.
Conclusion In this unpretentious yet contemporary haven of flavor, patrons are treated to a symphony of tastes and textures. From the eclectic menu drawing inspiration from around the globe to the convivial ambiance, every aspect of this dining spot contributes to an extraordinary culinary journey. Embrace the allure of diverse flavors and the charm of a low-key setting, where each visit promises a delightful exploration of culinary creativity.
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