Girl and the Goose in Dubai
The cosy, terracotta-hued spot feels less like a restaurant and more like the coolest supper club in town. Girl and the Goose is the brainchild of Gabriela Chamorro, a former Emirates cabin crew pro who traded jet-setting for stir-frying – and trust us, she knows how to make you feel right at home. Expect a warm welcome, a menu full of heart and the chef herself making the rounds like you're old friends.
The atmosphere is easy-going but elevated, while every bite is big on Central American soul. Dive into fresh tortillas piled high with slaw and salsa verde, plus crispy plantain chips scooping up guac like it's a sport.
(Credit: Girl and the Goose)
Tacos? Of course. Beef cheek or skirt steak, buttery empanadas bursting with caramelised onion and goat's cheese – order a few, regret nothing.
Take your pick from a selection of zingy ceviche – sea bass aguachille is one of the most refreshing dishes around, with a cooling jalapeño sorbet propping up the thin layers of fish. Sounds odd, but it just works.
Mains are where the magic keeps on coming. Share the grilled octopus if you're feeling generous, but don't even think about doing the same with the short rib clay pot: tender, smoky meat, creamy beans and pickled onions – all ready for you to wrap and stack your own way. It's a delicious dinner with a side of DIY.
And just when you think you've peaked, dessert rolls around with a twist. Pick your sweet treat from a deck of illustrated cards, inspired by a nostalgic Central American game. Will you end on a crispy churro high? Or fall for the horchata tres leches? Just get both, really.
(Credit: Girl and the Goose)
The space itself is just as charming as the menu. Think sun-dappled tables, cosy warm cinnabar-hued chairs you'll want to sink into and a jungle of greenery draped overhead like you've stumbled into a secret garden. Vintage-style glass chandeliers cast a glow over it all, making it the kind of place that transfers a 'quick bite' into a leisurely meal complete with dessert (and maybe another round of drinks).
So when a craving for punchy flavours strikes, you know where to go. Your little hidden slice of Central America in Dubai is waiting.
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