23 brilliant restaurants and bars in JLT that you need on your radar
Selected from Time Out Dubai's best restaurants, which means you know they've been tried and tested – anonymously and independently.
Here are the best restaurants in JLT
Asian Street by Thai
Best restaurants in JLT. Credit: Asian Street by Thai.
This teeny, tiny spot in JLT's Cluster F is perched right next door to the popular budget spot San Wan Hand Pulled Noodles, making the area quite the culinary corner. With around 20 seats you need to time it right to make sure you can get a space and once settled in you'll be delighted with the pocket-friendly, totally authentic, fuss-free Thai cuisine.
Spring rolls, satay, green curries, pad Thai, pad kra pao and Thai omelette are among the classics here and they're all done expertly. One of the best Thai restaurants in Dubai, and one of the best value, too.
Unlicensed. Cluster F, JLT, @asianstreetbythai (04 391 8828).
Check out our full Asian Street by Thai review here
Bait Maryam
Best restaurants in JLT. Credit: Bait Maryam.
A tribute to chef Salam Dakkak's late mother Maryam, cosy Palestinian restaurant Bait Maryam is nestled in a corner of JLT boasting homely flavours and furnishings. Inside it feels like you're stepping into someone's home – and in essence, you are, with trinkets and booked all owned by Maryam found about the restaurant.
Boasting Middle Eastern comfort food, try silky smooth hummus, muhammara and labneh dipped up with fresh bread, as well as pasta with yoghurt, shakshouka, soujouk, moussaka and kibbeh. There's a wide selection of moreish manakish, plus hearty grills, too.
Unlicensed. Cluster D, JLT, baitmaryam.com (054 704 4774).
Check out our full Bait Maryam review here
Café Isan
Best restaurants in JLT. Credit: Café Isan.
The winner of Time Out Dubai's Best Thai Restaurant for several years running, Café Isan really is the most authentic, fun and friendly spot to enjoy Thai food in Dubai. Found in JLT, the mismatched plastic furniture, Thai market-style bar, pop tunes and affordable prices make it the best Thai restaurant in Dubai, while the food is utterly delicious.
Coming from the Isan region of Thailand, expect punchy flavours (Thai spicy really means spicy) with curries, stir-fries, noodles and more. Take a seat out on the large terrace in winter – but be sure to book ahead, the city's Thai food fans love it as much as we do.
Licensed. Armada Avenue Hotel JLT, Cluster P, JLT, cafeisan.co (058 529 1003).
Check out our full Café Isan review here
Canary Club
Best restaurants in JLT. Credit: Canary Club.
This cool Miami-style spot from the team behind The MAINE, Canary Club has retro vibes and a US-inspired menu. Found in Banyan Tree Residences in JLT, the décor is cool and there's a large bar area.
The menu ranges from sushi to grills and the short-rib pizza is a dish not to be missed. Popular for its ladies' night as well as its standalone bar, Tiki Club, there are plenty of reasons to shimmy down to Canary Club for your next night out.
Licensed. Banyan Tree Residences, JLT, canaryclub.com (04 584 5999).
Check out our full Canary Club review here
Couqley
Best restaurants in JLT. Credit: Couqley
This little French eatery and bar is quintessentially Parisian, with charm, class and a welcoming atmosphere. There's an impressive range of premium drinks and the bar staff are knowledgeable.
Chuck a solid playlist of tunes into the mix, and it's hard to go wrong at this petite French haunt in JLT. Good service, good food, good drinks – what's not to like?
Licensed. Cluster A, Jumeirah Lakes Towers (04 514 9339).
Check out our full Couqley review here
Dhaba Lane
Best restaurants in JLT. Credit: Dhaba Lane
A budget, Indian street food-style eatery in JLT, Dhaba Lane has been delighting savvy diners with its moreish curries since 2017. Serving traditional dishes from Punjab to Delhi, Calcutta and beyond, there are plenty of regional flavours to try here.
It serves traditional plates with a modern twist, all at prices that won't make your eyes water. The interiors are cute and the spices are punchy, check out curries, chaat, biryanis and beyond.
Open daily, noon-3.30pm, 6.30pm-midnight. Unlicensed. Cluster D, JLT, dhaba-lane (054 999 4251).
Franky's Pizzeria
Best restaurants in JLT. Credit: Franky's Pizzeria
The Park in JLT is one trendy place to visit – being home to cool Asian street food eatery Hawkerboi and café Splendour Fields. And now you'll also find Franky in Florence here – one of the best pizzerias in Dubai, and one of the newest.
Neapolitan-style pizzas come adorned with toppings including cavallo nero, black truffle and mushroom, mussels and prawns, 'broken meatball' or classic stracciatella. The interiors are decked out with foliage and artwork, while the views from this rooftop spot are also superb. Order a drink and enjoy a slice at sunset.
Licensed. The Park, JLT, @frankyspizzeria (050 427 5217).
Check out our full Franky's Pizzeria review here
Fusion Ceviche
Best restaurants in JLT. Credit: Fusion Ceviche.
A petite, unassuming Peruvian spot in JLT serves absolutely brilliant ceviche. With super-fresh fish and packed full of flavour (and a fair amount of heat) it's one of the best Latin American restaurants in Dubai and a terrific place to delve into Peruvian food.
With only a handful of tables, bag a spot at the counter and go with the chef's recommendations for the most authentic experience. The Peruvian juices are worth a try too. A laid-back restaurant that's a top one to check out if you're looking for something a little more off the radar.
Unlicensed. Cluster Q, JLT, @fusionceviche (04 449 6292).
Check out our full Fusion Ceviche review here
Good Burger at Maiz Tacos
Best restaurants in JLT. Credit: Good Burger.
Part of popular Mexican joint Maiz Tacos, Good Burger opened in 2020 and quickly found a following of burger fans in JLT. Promising to use only the freshest of premium ingredients, it's a small spot that packs a punch when it comes to quality.
Get stuck into the original Good Burger if you're keeping things simple, or ramp it up a notch with the mushroom and Gruyère version. If you're a fan of Maiz Tacos, try the Birria Burger for a palate-popping combo of the two concepts.
Unlicensed. Cluster Y, JLT, @goodburgerdxb (04 514 4712).
Best restaurants in JLT. Credit: Hanoi Naturally
If you're after authentic Vietnamese cuisine in an unassuming location, Hanoi Naturally is the one for you. Tucked away in the budget eatery haven that is JLT, this cute little spot serves up some of the tastiest Vietnamese grub in town.
Proudly using clean cooking techniques and fresh, healthy ingredients, the menu is full of flavour-packed plates such as fragrant prawn summer rolls and zingy papaya salad, as well as truly slurpable pho with everything from brisket to chicken, veggie to prawn. For traditional, healthy dishes on a budget, this is one of the best Asian restaurants in Dubai.
Unlicensed. Cluster C, JLT, hanoinaturally.com (04 431 3099).
Check out our full Hanoi Naturally review here
Hawkerboi
Best restaurants in JLT. Credit: Hawkerboi.
A relative newcomer to the Asian dining scene in Dubai, Hawkerboi can be found at The Park in JLT. Offering cool, moody date night vibes with an interesting list of mixed drinks, Hawkerboi started life as a supper club, before setting up in its permanent location in April 2023.
Now one of the best Asian restaurants in Dubai – and Time Out Dubai's Casual Restaurant of the Year for 2024 – Hawerboi is always buzzing. The open kitchen serves street food-style plates, think chicken satay, crispy fried squid, duck gyoza and banana blossom salad, as well as perfectly roast meat, flavoursome curries and palate-popping stir-fries.
There's a tasting menu – which comes in at under Dhs400 for nine courses – if you want to explore different dishes, too.
Licensed. The Park, JLT, @hawker.boi (505 427 5217).
Check out our full Hawkerboi review here
Jamie Oliver's Pizzeria
Best restaurants in JLT. Credit: Jamie Oliver's Pizzeria.
As to be expected from a pizzeria behind one of the world's most famous chefs, Jamie Oliver's makes the kind of pizza you'll crave for no reason at all. It could be a random Tuesday afternoon, and those bold simple flavours that sit atop traditional doughy bases will pop straight into your head.
Popular with a steady stream of office workers who have claimed this JLT spot as their favourite lunch location, book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Unlicensed. Cluster R, JLT, instagram.com/jamieoliverspizzeriagcc (04 874 7082).
Check out our full Jamie Oliver's Pizzeria review here
McGettigan's JLT
Best restaurants in JLT. Credit: McGettigan's JLT
One of the most popular Irish bars in the city, McGettigan's JLT pulls in the crowds day and night, thanks to its fun-loving vibe and cracking deals. Brunches, happy hours, roast dinners, ladies' nights, live music, comedy – you'll find it all at this longstanding pub.
The terrace is a prime spot for the winter months having all the feels of a proper pub garden. The food menu is a solid selection of burgers, wings, flatbreads, sausage and mash et al, which will fill you up and keep you happy.
voco Bonnington Dubai Cluster J, JLT, mcgettigans.com (04 356 0470).
Check out our full McGettigan's JLT review here
Mythos Kouzina & Grill
Best restaurants in JLT. Credit: Mythos Kouzina & Gril
Despite facing new competition every year, Mythos remains the best Greek restaurant in Dubai, no question. A go-to if you want incredible Greek food, prepared expertly at a reasonable price, there is now a second, similarly excellent Mythos at C2 in City Walk, but it's the OG that holds our hearts.
Found in JLT, this cute taverna-style spot has a friendly vibe, a petite terrace ideal for cooler months and a menu jam-packed with home-cooked favourites that you won't be able to get enough of. From creamy, garlicky tzatziki, to comforting, flavour-laden moussaka and gemista, a glorious baked feta and an unmissable mixed grill platter (those lamb chops are outstanding), this is one you'll be returning to time and again – we guarantee it.
Licensed. Armada Avenue Hotel JLT, Cluster P, JLT, mythosdubai.com (04 399 8166).
Check out our full Mythos Kouzina & Grill review here
Pickl
Best restaurants in JLT. Credit: Pickl
Everyone's heard of Pickl – and with good reason, it's a giant when it comes to the best burgers in Dubai. A multiple winner of the Best Burger Bar in Dubai award, you can look forward to a perfectly seared patty, smothered in special sauce and snuggled into a squishy potato bun.
Not only are the beef versions lip-smackingly good, but Pickl's chicken sando has become the stuff of legend, so make sure you order one of each – you won't regret it. Morning, noon, night – there's never a wrong time to dig into a Pickl burger.
Unlicensed. One JLT, JLT, eatpickl.com (04 584 6859).
Check out our full Pickl review here
Pitfire Pizza
Best restaurants in JLT. Credit: Pitfire Pizza
It's done it again. New York-Neapolitan-style pizzas are the order of the day here at Pitfire. Pizzas so loved that they can be found at Time Out Market Dubai, the original branch is nestled in JLT's Cluster D. Set up by a husband-and-wife team, the pizzas here are massive and come fully loaded – Pitfire doesn't skimp on the toppings.
There's everything from traditional pepperoni and margherita to turkey ham and pineapple and even potato or dates, meaning whatever your jam you'll find it here. The crusts are puffy and blistered and Pitfire is still the best pizzeria in Dubai (and the only place for those compulsory garlic knots).
Unlicensed. Cluster D, JLT, pitfiredubai.ae (800 748 3473).
Check out our full Pitfire Pizza review here
Saigon
Best restaurants in JLT. Credit: Saigon.
Don't be deceived by the laid-back atmosphere of this casual Vietnamese spot in JLT – chefs here are serious about authenticity, serving up the likes of crispy spring rolls, healthy salads and steaming bowls of pho and noodles in a tiny, no-frills restaurant that won't break the bank.
Prioritising quality over quantity (trust us here, it's one of the best Asian restaurants in Dubai), it's popular with both locals and expats alike, who can't help but be drawn in by the inviting smells emanating from the kitchen.
Unlicensed. Lake Terrace Tower, Cluster D, JLT, saigon-restaurant.com (04 576 4466).
Check out our full Saigon review here
San Wan Hand Pulled Noodles
Best restaurants in JLT. Credit: San Wan Hand Pulled Noodles
Having opened in JLT in 2023, tucked away in an unassuming corner of Cluster F, right next to Asian Street by Thai, San Wan Hand Pulled Noodles' popularity has rocketed into it claiming the title of the best budget restaurant in Dubai, hands down.
Service is friendly and there's a concise menu of Northern Chinese classics that you don't want to miss. Serving affordable, authentic Shaanxi cuisine, the main order here is, as the name suggests, those deliciously moreish noodles – which you can watch the chefs pulling in the kitchen.
The chicken wontons are a must-try too. In short, don't miss it – it's a mighty find in a low-key location.
Unlicensed. Cluster F, JLT, @sanwan.dxb (050 759 9584).
Splendour Fields
From the team behind Tom & Serg and Common Grounds, you know you're onto a good thing if you stop by Splendour Fields. Found at The Park in JLT – in the same building as Hawekerboi and Franky in Florence – there are super views over the lawns, which make for the ideal backdrop for your coffee break.
With special home-brews and baked goods from Rise & Dawn Bakehouse, a croissant and coffee is elevated here. In the morning choose from plates such as ricotta hotcakes, mushroom and truffle benedict or smashed avo, while later in the day salads, burgers and mains like Aussie parma star. A cute new addition to JLT's café scene from a respected brand.
Licensed. The Park, JLT, @splendourfields (056 603 0897).
Check out our full Splendour Fields review here
Tiki's Bar by Canary Club
Found atop Canary Club in DIFC, this extension of the popular restaurant has proved particularly popular since it opened its doors at the end of last year, and it's got some brilliant bar food to thank.
Those taco makis, skewers, rolls and pizzas taste even better washed down with creatively-named mixed drinks – the Tahitian Traveller is a Time Out Dubai favourite.
Licensed. Inside Canary Club, Banyan Tree Residences, JLT, canaryclub.com/tikis (04 584 5999).
Check out our full Tiki's Bar review here
The Little Bali
Credit: The Little Bali
Another cracking affordable eatery in JLT – for authentic Balinese cuisine there's nowhere better in Dubai than The Little Bali.
With budget plates that are bursting with flavour, the menu is traditional with top choices such as ayam taliwang (grilled chicken with lalapan, rice and sambal taliwang) and ikan goreng (crispy tilapia in a choice of sauces).
You can also find more unusual meats such as oxtail and camel on the menu too. Don't miss the nasi goreng and satay sampler platter for classics done well.
Unlicensed. Cluster U, JLT, littlebali.ae (04 554 8575).
Check out our full The Little Bali review here
ubk
Forget happy hours, it's happy days at this cool and casual hangout. The venue serves up happy hour deals from opening time to last orders.
Not only are there great offers to be had, but this is a top spot to catch a game or a live band with pals, enjoy decent-priced, hearty pub grub (including a recently introduced Beyond Burger or a massive hot dog) and soak up the sun from the spacious outdoor area.
Licensed. Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Cluster A, Jumeirah Lakes Towers (04 438 0000).
Check out our full ubk review here
Vietnamese Foodies
Vietnamese food has become a cornerstone cuisine in recent years, but if it's a no-nonsense venue, healthy cooking and wallet-friendly prices that really float your boat, you could do much worse than Vietnamese foodies.
Home to steaming hot pho bowls that feature the legendary 14-hour simmered broth, this is the restaurant to go to for an unapologetically slap-up Asian meal in JLT.
Unlicensed. Cluster D, JLT, vietnamesefoodies.com (04 565 6088).
Check out our full Vietnamese Foodies review here
Need a reservation in the meantime?
New restaurants in Dubai that you need to visit right now
From casual eats to fine dining, there's bound to be a new venue you'll want to try
Dubai's best restaurants: 85 incredible places to dine
All the winners of the Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards
25 of the best restaurants in DIFC: Reservations you have to make now
Tried, tested and highly rated restaurants to try in Dubai's financial district
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time Out
18 hours ago
- Time Out
Why is Bangkok suddenly obsessed with giant sculptures?
It seems like massive sculptures are having a moment in Bangkok. Over the past year, Bangkok has been riding a wave of oversized art. From KAWS' lounging Holiday figure at Sanam Luang to the Squid Game dolls near Giant Swing and a Stitch presiding over Iconsiam, giant installations have been popping up across the city like it's a sculpture scavenger hunt. Next up it's the turn of a certain brown panda. The Yimu Art Exhibition has landed at Iconsiam, featuring a crew of giant inflatable characters by rising Chinese artist Leo Huang and with them, a much-needed dose of softness in a fast-paced world. Front and centre is Seven, whose main hobbies seem to be eating well, chilling hard and spreading joy. With legs kicked out, a belly that looks like it's had one too many dumplings and a face of total bliss, Seven embodies what Huang calls the 'philosophy of the round belly' – a reminder that happiness can be as simple as a good meal and a quiet moment. Inspired by the creatures of China's Qinling Mountains, Seven is part of Huang's Guardians of the Loong series and arrives in Bangkok to celebrate 50 years of Thai-Chinese friendship. Close by at Terrace Hal l, you'll find Hippo Go!, a bubblegum-pink hippo mid-climb, radiating determination and innocence like it's about to audition for an animated comeback. Together, the characters showcase the artist's whimsical world, where animals reflect human emotions and everyday spaces form a playful fantasyland. It's more than just giant inflatables – take a stroll to Arts Way on the M floor, where you'll find a thoughtfully curated shop filled with collectible art toys and designs. Discover creations featuring Huang's beloved characters, including Hello! Bear and the Guardians of the Loong crew. Huang's characters exist through cross-media art, blending storytelling, sculpture and design to explore the connections between people, nature and urban life. His portfolio includes monumental public installations, art toys and designed products that bring his characters to life in both large-scale and everyday settings. This larger-than-life sculpture exhibition proves that when it comes to this kind of showcase, Bangkokians are always up for it. Well, a large part of the appeal might just be the Instagram effect. These mega-installations are crowd magnets – easy content, free entertainment and a clever way for public spaces to attract foot traffic in a city that's constantly craving its next photogenic distraction. This surge of playful public art signals that Bangkok's creative scene is just beginning to flourish. The next wave will likely spotlight interactive installations, reminiscent of those in the soon-to-open Jurassic World: The Experience. Looking ahead, we can expect even more international exhibitions to find their way to the heart of the capital.
Scotsman
21 hours ago
- Scotsman
The Palestinians bringing theatre, comedy and music to the Edinburgh Fringe 'Art is a way for people to survive.'
It has never felt more urgent to platform Palestinian artists at the Edinburgh festivals, says Susan Mansfield Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Journeys to the Fringe begin from all over the world and, for most, the biggest hitch will be no worse than a delayed flight. However, performers from inside the Occupied Palestinian Territories face a double barrier: being allowed to leave their country of origin, and being allowed to enter the UK. Yet hearing Palestinian voices at the Fringe has never felt more urgent. That's the reason Welcome to the Fringe, Palestine, which ran as a one-day event at Forest Fringe in 2015, is back for a four-day festival-within-a-festival at Portobello Town Hall. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad And Here I Am is among the Palestinian shows coming to the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe | Oliver King Playwright Sara Shaarawi, born in Egypt and now living in Glasgow, is one of a team of artists giving their time for free to organise the event (others include David Greig and Grid Iron's Ben Harrison). She says: 'We wanted to bring it back in response to the immense violence, to the genocide happening in Gaza, and also in response to the inaction of the UK Government. But also it's a response to the immense dehumanisation of Palestine in the media. We think it's urgent now for people to engage with Palestinian art in order to engage with Palestinian narratives, Palestinian struggles. I feel we're reconnecting with what theatre means — a space to process together, to listen to that which is hard, that which is joyous or that which is complicated.' After an open call for Palestinian artists from around the world, Welcome to the Fringe will present artists from the UK, Europe, the Middle East and North America in a wide-ranging programme which includes music, comedy, drama, dance, puppetry and musicals. Palestinian artists will attend from the 1948 territories (inside the state of Israel), however organisers could find 'no routes open' to bring artists within Gaza, such as rapper Mohammed Lafi, who was initially programmed, or playwright Rafat Al Aydi, whose play Rul Al Ruh (The Soul of My Soul) will be presented as a rehearsed reading. Also on the way to Edinburgh are the four comedians in Palestine Stands Up: Alaa Shehadeh from Jenin in the West Bank, Diana Sweity from Hebron, Hanna Shammas from Haifa and London-based Sami Abu-Wardeh. The event is organised by Palestine Comedy Club, set up in 2019 by Shehada, British director Sam Beale and film producer Charlotte Knowles to help Palestinian comedians make and tour their work. 'We're so used to seeing Palestinians as victims or as terrorists,' says Beale. 'Being Palestinian is never just one thing, so we're trying to tell all these different stories.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad While making comedy in the midst of war might seem a strange thing to do, Alaa Shehada says it's also an important survival strategy. 'Of course, you hear about Palestinian comedy and think 'how can that work?' But this is part of the reality that people abroad don't know, that we joke, we make fun of everything, it is a way for us to keep going with our daily life.' He says the divisions created by the occupation have become a basis for humour. 'They have created stereotypes, from Jenin to Nablus, from Nablus to Ramallah. We have a lot of jokes about the people who are living in '48 territories, and about Palestinians who are living abroad and dreaming about coming back, while I'm living in Palestine and trying to get out. Right now we have 900 checkpoints in the West Bank. All of these things create comedy.' Then Shehada suddenly becomes very serious, and for a moment the reality of the occupation is right here with us in the room. 'It feels like I'm doing a lot of effort to convince you with the idea of 'Look at me, I'm a human being'. We have, as Palestinians, to find creative ways to reach people abroad, it's just mad - and sad at the same time - what we need to do to have our freedom, to have some justice. 'I'm educating people, I'm making people laugh, and people are engaging and I'm loving that, but it's painful when the reality is that nothing on the ground is changing. People are going for their food in Gaza under the bullets. My family are at home in Jenin with no work, no life, no money.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Meanwhile, Diana Sweity, perhaps the only comedian performing in a hijab at this year's Fringe, faces not only the usual barriers of travel but specific barriers because she is a woman. She says: 'In Palestine, for women it is not easy to be an actress, comedian, dancer, singer. You must fight to make comedy and fight to make art. And if you want to travel, you must suffer to go and you must suffer to come back. Somehow, I don't know how, we must speak about the situation, about the war in Gaza, we cannot close our eyes. You want to make a comedy show, but you feel broken inside.' It is not only Palestinian performers who are finding ways to talk about Gaza at the Fringe. A new version of My Name is Rachel Corrie, about a young American activist killed by an Israeli bulldozer while defending Palestinian homes in 2003, is being performed by Jewish actor Sascha Schinder at Zoo Southside. The creative team, who are predominantly Jewish, say they are 'adding their voices to the many speaking up for Palestine'. And Jewish writer/performer Sandra Laub explores the issues in her solo play, Picking Up Stones: An American Jew Wakes to a Nightmare at TheSpace @ Surgeons Hall. Everyone is agreed on the power of stories to communicate in ways that news bulletin cannot. Alaa Shehada's one-man play, The Horse of Jenin, developed with Amsterdam-based company Troupe Courage, is about the 16-foot tall horse sculpture built in 2003 by German artist Thomas Kilpper from the wreckage of homes and vehicles. An important symbol of strength and resilience, it was destroyed by the Israeli military in October 2023. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Shehada says: 'It became a meeting point in Jenin, we loved it because it expressed who we are. When it was taken away in front of us, it was very painful for everyone. Why is there fear from a statue of a horse made out of rubbish?' Storytelling has also become central for London-based Palestinian comedian Sami Abu-Wardeh (Channel 4's The Sheikh) who is presenting his second solo show at the Fringe, Palestine - Peace de Resistance. He says: 'I guess it's very difficult to be a Palestinian creator now and not in some way address what is happening. There was an added layer of difficulty for me because I'm a character comedian and clown by background, and that form doesn't lend itself to talking about politics. When everything kicked off [in Gaza] I started writing political jokes for the first time in my comedy career. Speaking in my own voice was a big shift for me.' In the show, he draws on stories of resistance in the Arab world, as well as elements of his own family story. He says that, while he has not yet found a way to make Britain's supplying Israel with parts for F-35 jets funny, 'idiotic physical theatre' will still be part of the show. Comedy, he says, can 'galvanise groups of people who have similar ideas'. 'But going and seeing comedy and having a laugh at all the things we agree about, in and of itself, is not activism. It is a jumping-off point, I hope.' Scotland-based dancer and performer Farah Saleh explores the colonial roots of the occupation with her solo show, Balfour Reparations, at the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe. | Lucas Chih-Peng Kao Meanwhile, Scotland-based dancer and performer Farah Saleh explores the colonial roots of the occupation with her solo show, Balfour Reparations. Saleh was a guest at the first Welcome to the Fringe, Palestine in 2015 and is another organiser of this year's event. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad She says: 'Arthur Balfour was Prime Minister (1902-1905) and Foreign Secretary (1916-1919). When he was Foreign Secretary, he wrote the Balfour Declaration in which he promised Palestine as a homeland to Jewish people, while denying Palestinians political rights and self-determination. The show is very much about the accountability and responsibility of the UK.' Set in 2045, it is a performance-lecture, imagining a fictive apology issued by the UK in 2025. Audience members become participants in a 'social choreography' which explores elements of past, present and future. Saleh adds: 'Art has always been a way for Palestinians to resist. My friends in Gaza, the West Bank, or in what is now called Israel are using art to survive. When they write poems or when they practice and perform circus tricks to children in the tents in refugee camps, it's a way for people to survive, to get in touch with their humanity. It is also [a way] for others to share joy again, to feel like humans.'
Time Out
21 hours ago
- Time Out
From Bangkok to Broadway
It starts the same way, every night. Backstage under the soft hum of dressing room lights, Myra Molloy ties a sai sin (a sacred white thread blessed by Thai monks) into her hair. She sips warm steam to soothe her voice, gets in a quick gym session and says a quiet prayer. These aren't just warm-ups. They're grounding. They're reminders that no matter how loud the applause or high the stakes, she knows exactly where she comes from. Minutes later, she steps onto a Broadway stage, becoming the first Thai woman in history to lead a major production. The weight of it all is not lost on her. 'I genuinely can't believe it,' she says. 'Being able to represent my own country in this way has been nothing short of a dream come true.' But Myra's story isn't just about being first. It's about opening the door wider, so more voices can walk through it. From the Bangkok stage to Broadway's bright lights Myra's path to the spotlight didn't begin in New York but in a shopping mall in Bangkok. At 13, she captivated the kingdom by winning the very first season of Thailand's Got Talent. Such a victory could have turned her into a local celebrity, but she chose not to settle. While others might've chased red carpets, Myra headed to Berklee College of Music in Boston. She honed her skills, pushed herself and embraced the grind by touring internationally with Miss Saigon, voice acting as Moana in Thai and taking on every opportunity with curiosity. 'I used to be so shy and afraid to speak my mind,' she admits. 'But every experience since that first stage has helped me grow not just as a performer, but as a person.' No boxes, no boundaries As a Southeast-Asian woman entering a historically white industry, Myra has had to navigate a stage that wasn't built with her in mind. She's felt the sting of typecasting. She's heard the subtle (and not-so-subtle) doubts. But she never let those moments define her. 'We're often seen as the 'diversity pick' but we're more than an ethnic quota,' she says, calmly but firmly. What she craves isn't tokenism. It's freedom to play roles that aren't bound by race or stereotype. People of Asian descent should be able to portray any role – not just the Asian-specific ones.' Instead of shrinking herself to fit in, Myra's made it her mission to take up space without apology and to make sure others know they can too. A career built on quiet discipline To the audience, Broadway looks glamorous. But behind the velvet curtain is a world of physical endurance and mental strength. Eight shows a week. No excuses. No shortcuts. 'It's quite masochistic, I suppose,' she laughs, half-serious. 'But I actually thrive in that kind of pressure.' Years of training have sharpened her ability to keep showing up even when she's exhausted, even when doubt creeps in. She relies on discipline, sure. But she also leans into ritual: gym, steam, prayer, sai sin. These small, sacred things tether her to something larger than the industry. They make every performance a full-circle moment. Choosing joy over perfection For all her achievements, Myra's greatest act of rebellion might be the simplest: learning to say no. 'I've turned down things that felt scary to walk away from,' she says. 'But doing that made room for the things I truly love.' She's done chasing the 'next level.' Instead, she follows a sense of alignment and purpose. Lately, that pull is pointing her toward film. 'The process, the medium, everything about it – I just love it,' she says with a quiet grin. She's not in a rush. Her story's not a checklist. It's a slow, intentional unfolding. Wherever she goes, she carries home with her Myra doesn't hold tightly to places. She's lived in Bangkok, Boston, New York and yet, none of them are quite 'home' in the traditional sense. Home is where my people are,' she says. 'My family. My friends. That's what grounds me.' Still, she keeps her roots closely braided into her everyday life. The sai sin in her hair. The prayers whispered before curtain call. The values instilled in her from childhood: humility, gratitude, grace. Those things stay with her, wherever she lands. At 27, Myra Molloy has already made history. But it's not the headlines that matter most to her but it's how she feels inside. 'For a long time, I tied my self-worth to my career,' she says. 'The moment I let that go, I became so much happier.' Now, she defines success not by applause, but by joy. By doing the work she loves, with people she respects. By creating space for others and staying open to what's next. One day, she hopes to write a musical with something about sisterhood, maybe inspired by her younger sister. But she's not in a rush. 'I want to stay open. Curious. Grateful. If you're not having fun, what's the point?' And if she could go back and whisper something to that shy 13-year-old girl standing under the lights in Bangkok, it would be simple: 'Trust yourself. This is only the beginning.' At a time when authentic representation on stage feels more important than ever, Myra isn't just breaking barriers but she's smashing them with grace and grit. As she carves out space for herself and others, she redefines what representation and artistry look like. If there's one thing she wants everyone to know, it's to trust your journey, because the possibilities? They're endless and Time Out can't wait to see what she does next.
