Restaurants to try in Dubai this week
Just because you couldn't make it to the South of France this summer, doesn't mean you can't experience French flair at it's finest. Imagine a lobster beignet in one hand and and a glass of French fantasy in the other as the smell of lavender hangs in the air. Except, instead of being in a sun-drenched courtyard in Provence, you're in Dubai.
The south of France lands in City Walk with Café L'Occitane's new Lobster Night. This four-course seafood showcase leans into Provençal charm with finesse and flavour. The beignet comes first, light and crispy, with a punchy basil and lime aioli. Then a crab and lobster cake alongside a fresh tomato relish. The main plate is a lobster tail dressed in garlic butter with mashed potatoes on the side. Dessert is a strawberry shortcake topped with lemon verbena Chantilly and basil sorbet, elegant without being overdone.
Location: Café L'Occitane, City Walk
Times: Monday to Friday, 5pm till close
Cost: Dhs200 per person
Contact: +971 4 403 2301 Wagyu & Wine Wednesdays at Akabeko
Wagyu and wine on a Wednesday is what happens when the midweek slump gets an upgrade. This Wednesday, why not try the seven-course dinner at Akabeko's, which pairs rich wagyu flavours with off-menu wine selections. Your night will start off with Wagyu carpaccio and curry arancini, then prepare your taste buds for skewers, sushi and a seasonal steak. Two desserts finish it off, both made with roasted Hōjicha tea. Each week feels tailored and the wine pairings are refreshed monthly.
Location: Akabeko, Voco Dubai The Palm, Palm Jumeirah
Time: Wednesdays from 6pm
Cost: Dhs450 per person
Contact: Book 24 hours in advance at +971 50 561 8288 Praia's Secret Ladies Day at FIVE Palm Jumeirah
Think sun-drenched loungers, icy cocktails and the sound of stilettos clicking on pool decks. It's an unapologetic blend of Beverly Hills pool party with a luxury postcard ambiance. If your IG feed needs an update and your belly needs a bite to eat, consider heading to Praia's for their Secret Ladies Day. They turn Thursdays into a glam mix of poolside fun and California lounge energy. The vibe is sleek, the playlist is loud and the views stretch from the pool to the sea. Ladies get bottomless drinks and a lunch selection, with a side of sun-kissed chaos. Praia keeps it bold, beachy and camera ready.
Location: FIVE Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jumeirah
Time: Thursdays
Cost: From Dhs150 (includes lunch and bottomless drinks)
Contact: +971 4 455 9989 Friday Night Spice Club at Andaliman
At Andaliman, tables are filled with platters of smoky, spiced perfection. It's warm, laid-back and just romantic enough to make you stay for that extra cocktail you didn't plan on ordering. Friday nights at Andaliman are filled with bold Indonesian flavours and the kind of effortless charm usually reserved for island coastlines. The Friday Night Spice Club offers a seafood-driven menu with smoky grills, spiced marinades and cocktails laced with botanicals. It's a sharing-style experience under the stars, with soft lighting, relaxed music and dishes that don't shy away from heat.
Location: Andaliman, The Club, Palm West Beach, Palm Jumeirah
Time: Fridays from 6pm to 10pm
Cost: Dhs450 per platter (sharing, includes soft beverages). Optional alcohol package Dhs150 for 2 hours
Contact: +971 4 666 1617 Nikkei Menu at Nonya
Nonya's new Nikkei menu is a cultural fusion of Japanese precision and Peruvian flavour. It's a place where every bite is like a love letter from Tokyo to Lima with no layover. Chef Nicolas Madueno's dishes are grounded in history and plated with intent. Highlights include seared scallops with wasabi mayo, salmon in citrus-spiked leche de tigre and sea bass with red and yellow chilli marinades. The presentation is clean, the ingredients shine and the textures are perfectly layered. Go for the food, stay for the skyline views.
Location: Nonya, Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers
Time: Daily
Cost: À la carte
Contact: +971 52 263 1565 TOTO
TOTÓ is a vibrant tribute to the true essence of Italian cuisine, allowing you to savor the passion and tradition in each and every bite. All set in a cozy, sophisticated and romantic atmosphere accompanied by live music on weekends. Indulge in a variety of Italian-Mediterranean dishes, each of which is a tribute to traditional recipes and cooking techniques that have been passed down through generations. This restaurant doesn't just do Italian cuisine, they do Italy. You'll hear Italian all around you, from the music to the staff. Every detail is taken care of and it's an authentic experience everyone should try atleast once.
Location: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd – Downtown Duba
Times: 12pm to 1am
Cost: À la carte
Contact: 04 215 2121
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Khaleej Times
2 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
From matcha lattes to rituals: Dubai's obsession grows as supply falls short
Come summer and people in Dubai — as well as around the world — frantically wait for the next big food trend. Last year, the city and many others went gaga over the now-popular Dubai chocolate. While the Dubai chocolate has proved its merit beyond a temporary claim to fame, as buzz still lingers, this summer, Dubai has a new obsession — a green-coloured Japanese elixir — setting the internet off on a 'matcha girlie' frenzy. Matcha has caught the mainstream imagination of being the go-to summer beverage, in matcha lattes, vanilla foams, coconut water, strawberry, blueberry, mango flavours — you name it — and a matcha version of that drink probably exists in some indie café space in Dubai. Restaurants, cafés, both big and small, chain and local, have left no stone unturned to adapt matcha into their menu, whether through lattes or cakes and pancakes, making it crystal clear that matcha is the drink this summer. But as with any surge comes a downside, like last year. Akin to the global pistachio shortage following the uptake in pistachio spreads being used in Dubai chocolate bars worldwide, we've also been hearing of a global matcha shortage. According to news reports, growers have been struggling in recent months as record-breaking heatwaves have damaged crops. In Kyoto, which produces around a quarter of Japan's tencha (raw material for matcha), the extreme heat has led to poor harvests — even as demand continues to rise. So, what is fuelling this matcha craze? And are cafés being impacted by the apparent global matcha shortage? We spoke to local matcha communities, cafés and a content creator to dig deeper. The matcha mo(ve)ment At the heart of this matcha moment are thriving community spaces, such as Matcha Club — a hidden gem in Al Quoz that has transformed into a full-fledged wellness and lifestyle haven. More than just a café, it's a hub where matcha lovers, padel players, and wellness enthusiasts come together to unwind. 'It all started with a love for padel, greenery, and community,' says Vanessa Melhem from Matcha Club. 'We wanted to create a space that brings together wellness, lifestyle, fitness, social connection, and Matcha Club is exactly that.' And inside Matcha Club is a French-Japanese restaurant named NETTE, serving a menu rooted in mindful eating, and of course, copious amounts of matcha. At NETTE, ceremonial-grade matcha from HealthNag is the star. 'It's super vibrant and smooth, perfect for drinks,' Amina Nizamuddi, NETTE's creative manager, explains. 'When it comes to choosing the right matcha, ceremonial-grade is basically the good stuff: better flavour, brighter colour, and no bitterness. Culinary-grade is more for baking and mixing into recipes.' One of NETTE's best-sellers is the Dirty Matcha — a slightly rebellious blend of matcha, espresso, and milk. 'It's the ultimate east-meets-west blend,' Amina adds. 'Matcha's slow-release calm with coffee's immediate kick. It's become a favourite for regulars who want the alertness of caffeine without the jitters.' There was a time when matcha was just that curious green powder reserved for wellness vlogs. Fast-forward to now, and matcha has fully graduated from fad to lifestyle. 'It's become part of people's daily rituals,' says Vanessa. 'From foodies to athletes to creatives, many are turning to matcha as a consistent and mindful alternative to coffee.' That mindfulness is also front and centre at Toby's Estate, where the commitment to quality starts with sourcing the best matcha. 'We work with trusted suppliers who have deep roots in Japan, which is the birthplace of matcha,' says Faisal Marei, director of operations for Toby's Estate Middle East. 'These farms follow traditional methods, harvesting only the youngest leaves and stone-grinding them slowly.' Their bestselling item? No surprises here: the classic Matcha Latte. But it's what goes into it that counts. 'It's prepared with our Toby's Milk, which is a secret house-made blend that enhances, not overpowers, the flavour of our ceremonial matcha,' Faisal explains. 'It offers a clean, focused energy that keeps people coming back. And now, the city's obsession is getting even cooler... literally. 'Our most experimental matcha moment yet: it's coming in a can!' Vanessa adds. 'We're about to launch our own Matcha Club canned matcha lattes! They'll come in two signature blends (coconut milk and whole milk), with seasonal flavour drops throughout the year.' Peer-pressure or choice? Sachi Kumar, a 30-year-old Indian expat and senior communications manager, admits she got into matcha through 'peer pressure' from her siblings, but she's not looking back. 'Matcha gives you a slow, steady caffeine release without the crash,' she says. 'It's perfect to sip while working or post-gym. It's part of my daily rhythm now.' When asked what her go-to order is, the content creator responds, 'A regular iced matcha latte. But if I'm feeling fancy, I go all in with vanilla foam on top. I absolutely love the one at Toby's Estate, their milk is just stellar. It makes all the difference.' But not every matcha makeover is a hit. 'The Dubai Chocolate Matcha Latte? Total miss for me,' she laughs. 'There's way too much going on! Matcha is best when it's clean, simple, and not trying to be something it's not.' And when it comes to the 'matcha girlie' personality-type, she doesn't mind the stereotype. 'If you drink matcha, you probably do Pilates, romanticise your life with a daily routine, and definitely own at least one pastel-coloured water tumbler. It's a whole vibe, and I'm absolutely here for it.' Global matcha shortage While matcha continues to enjoy its virality, there's a deeper challenge taking shape behind the scenes. As global demand soars, supply isn't always keeping up, and for cafés committed to doing it right, that means walking a fine line between staying stocked and staying true. 'As matcha continues to grow in popularity worldwide, sourcing high-quality matcha consistently can be a challenge,' says Vanessa from Matcha Club. 'With increased demand, it's important to stay mindful of where and how it's produced.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Matcha Club (@matchadxb) The how being crucial here. The best matcha doesn't come from mass production but from small, sustainable farms in Japan that rely on time-honoured cultivation methods. At NETTE, the team ensures it only works with a supplier known for its transparency and ethics. But even with the right partnerships, they're feeling the squeeze. 'As global demand for premium matcha rises, so do the challenges in sourcing sustainably,' says Amina. 'HealthNag works directly with small farmers who uphold traditional growing methods, but climate change and limited yields do impact supply and cost. We've also noticed a growing amount of low-grade matcha entering the market, which can create confusion for consumers.' For these cafés, educating the customer is also part of the responsibility. 'We've chosen to prioritise quality and sustainability, even if it means a slightly higher price point. We believe in educating our customers on why it matters because when matcha is grown and processed with care, you can taste and feel the difference.' Faisal from Toby's Estate has also witnessed first-hand just how rapidly the market is shifting. 'Sourcing true ceremonial-grade matcha is becoming more challenging as global demand is skyrocketing,' he explains. 'We're committed to maintaining the highest standards, which means only working with trusted suppliers who have direct relationships with farms in Japan that follow time-honoured, sustainable cultivation and processing methods.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tobyâ��s Estate UAE (@ In fact, Toby's Estate made the bold decision earlier this year to temporarily discontinue their matcha offerings rather than compromise. 'Our supply chain is more sensitive to seasonal yields and logistics. But that's non-negotiable. Our customers trust us to serve the real thing, and we are sincere about protecting the authenticity and sustainability of what we offer.' With demand booming, the market has been flooded with diluted, low-grade options, often labelled as ceremonial when they're not. For discerning consumers, this can be confusing and for cafés trying to satisfy these consumers, it's a minefield. Still, the lifestyle shows no signs of slowing down. As Amina puts it, 'Matcha has become a ritual for a lot of people. Whether it's part of a wellness routine or just a favourite mid-morning pick-me-up, it's clear that matcha is here to stay.'
Web Release
a day ago
- Web Release
More Laughs Incoming as Dubai Comedy Festival Adds 9 New Shows in 6 languages to Its 2025 Line-Up
The Dubai Comedy Festival is bringing the heat this October with another wave of brilliant comedians set to leave audiences in stitches. With something for every kind of comedy fan, this fresh batch of artists promises to deliver even more laughs for humour lovers throughout the city. The latest additions to the line-up include David Voinson, Shawn Chidiac aka My Parents Are Divorced, Masood Boomgaard, Paul Taylor, the German Laugh Club 5-Year Anniversary (with Benaisaa Lamroubal, Khalid Bounouar & Salim Samatou), Stand-Up From Home: Dubai Style!, Emaad Siddiqui, Abbas Bukhari, and the Facepalm Stand-Up Comedy Show . Returning for its 7th and funniest year yet, Dubai Comedy Festival 2025 is taking place from October 2nd to 12th across some of the city's most iconic venues, including Dubai Opera, Mall of the Emirates Theatres, and Coca-Cola Arena. Produced by BRAG and presented by Dubai Calendar, the festival continues to cement its reputation as a cultural highlight in the city. Among the internationally acclaimed acts already confirmed are Mo Amer, Tom Segura, Zakir Khan, Joanne McNally, Omid Djalili, Morgan Jay, Akaash Singh, John Achkar, Jamie Laing & Sophie Habboo, Amer Zahr, Redouane Bougheraba, Gaurav Kapoor, and Ivan Abramov. David Voinson At just 27, French comedy sensation David Voinson brings his first-ever solo show to Dubai, diving headfirst into the hilarious chaos of dating, friendship, and finding yourself in your twenties. With his trademark energy, David hilariously unpacks the contradictions of a generation caught between romantic freedom and the search for true love. Presented in partnership with Blu Blood Group, through wildly relatable stories about parties, friendships, family, and the eternal mystery of women, he explores the dilemmas every twenty-something faces, from impressing dates without looking like a player to decoding modern relationships. A viral hit thanks to his iconic 'blonde' character, David's mix of charm, honesty, and high-energy delivery makes this a must-see show for anyone who's ever questioned if they're doing life right. Date: Tuesday, October 7th Doors Open: 6:30 PM; Show Starts: 7:00 PM Venue: New Covent Garden Theatre at Mall of the Emirates; Language: French; Ages:12+ Ticket Prices: VIP: AED 375 PLATINUM: AED 325 GOLD: AED 275 SILVER: AED 175 BOX: AED 175 Shawn Chidiac aka My Parents Are Divorced Known online as @myparents_are_divorced, Shawn Chidiac is a Lebanese Canadian content creator whose sharp, observational humour and viral sketch comedy have made him the voice of a generation. Born in Canada, raised in Dubai, and powered by 550K+ followers on Instagram, Shawn will impart his unique take on millennial life, accents, and identity on the New Covent Garden Theatre stage for a truly one-of-a-kind showcase of wit, satire, and unforgettable one-liners. Presented by AJ Entertainment, this exceptional showcase of social commentary is not to be missed. Date: Saturday, October 4th Doors Open: 8:00 PM; Show Starts: 8:30 PM Venue: New Covent Garden Theatre at Mall of the Emirates; Language: English; Ages:16+ Ticket Prices: VIP: AED 695 PLATINUM: AED 495 GOLD: AED 295 SILVER: AED 195 BOX: AED 575 Masood Boomgaard Presented by Live Nation Middle East, prepare to step into the absurdly hilarious world of Self-help Singh, the alter ego of international comedian Masood Boomgaard. Described as a 'de-motivational speaker' and parody life coach, Self-help Singh delivers mock wisdom and satirical life advice that brilliantly blends stand-up comedy, motivational parody, and spiritual nonsense. Born out of a questionable lamb vindaloo and a bathroom mishap, this viral character has captivated millions online with his unapologetically unhelpful yet side-splittingly funny guidance. With performances spanning New York, London, Dubai, and even his dad's garage, Boomgaard brings this one-of-a-kind live experience to the Dubai stage, where comedy meets chaos in the most enlightening way. Date: Thursday, October 9th Doors Open: 6:30 PM; Show Starts: 7:00 PM Venue: New Covent Garden Theatre at Mall of the Emirates; Language: English; Ages:16+ Ticket Prices: GOLD: AED 250 SILVER: AED 195 BOX: AED 250 Paul Taylor British comedian Paul Taylor is back, and this time, he's taking 'Le French Bashing' to anozerrr leveulle! After three sold-out bilingual world tours and viral success with his hit TV show 'WTF France,' Paul takes to the stage to unpack his life as a Brit in France, filled with linguistic fails, cultural clashes, and the kind of brutally honest observations only an expat can deliver. Known for turning gentle mockery into an art form and somehow getting away with it, Paul brings his signature sarcasm to Dubai for a night of unfiltered laughs. Presented by Live Nation Middle East, this show is a must-see for anyone who's ever felt like a foreigner… especially in France. Date: Friday, October 10th Doors Open: 6:30 PM; Show Starts: 7:00 PM Venue: New Covent Garden Theatre at Mall of the Emirates; Language: English; Ages:16+ Ticket Prices: GOLD: AED 250 Box: AED 250 Stand-Up From Home: Dubai Style! Featuring: Elena Korneeva, Ramis Akhmetov, Pyotr Gremyakin, Adis Mammo, And Aman Tyulyugenov Presented by Facepalm Comedy, get ready for a powerhouse lineup of top-tier comedians from across the CIS during the upcoming Stand-Up From Home: Dubai Style! Flying in for one unforgettable evening of laughter, culture, and unfiltered fun, expect to witness Elena Korneeva's bold and vibrant feminine energy, Ramis Akhmetov's rare flair for musical comedy, Pyotr Gremyakin's hilariously honest takes on everyday life, and Adis Mammo's sharp intellect and charm, with each act offering something uniquely hilarious. Topping off the night is Aman Tyulyugenov, the father of Kazakh stand-up and a true master of improvisation. Featuring a distinctly Dubai twist, and for one night only, this show will be all laughs, no borders. Date: Tuesday, October 7th Doors Open: 8:30 PM; Show Starts: 9:00 PM Venue: New Covent Garden Theatre at Mall of the Emirates; Language: Russian; Ages:16+ Ticket Prices: VIP: AED 500 PLATINUM: AED 400 GOLD: AED 300 SILVER: AED 200 BOX: AED 350 German Laugh Club – 5-Year Anniversary Featuring: Benaisaa Lamroubal, Khalid Bounouar, Salim Samatou Adding another multicultural element to the Dubai Comedy Festival, Dubai's original and most beloved German-language comedy night turns five, and it's going bigger than ever. For the first time, the German Laugh Club joins the Dubai Comedy Festival with an anniversary celebration that brings the iconic RebellComedy trio live to the stage: Benaissa Lamroubal, Khalid Bounouar, and Salim Samatou. What began as a niche idea has grown into a sold-out sensation, attracting thousands of expats, tourists, and comedy lovers to laugh along in German under the desert sky. With its unbeatable blend of attitude, authenticity, and laugh-out-loud stand-up, this milestone show marks a new chapter for German comedy in the region. Date: Thursday, October 9th Doors Open: 9:00 PM; Show Starts: 9:30 PM Venue: New Covent Garden Theatre at Mall of the Emirates; Language: German; Ages:16+ Ticket Prices: VIP: AED 370 PLATINUM: AED 270 GOLD: AED 200 SILVER: AED 170 BOX: AED 200 Abbas Bukhari In his deeply personal and disarmingly funny stand-up special Small Talk, Abbas Bukhari takes audiences on a nostalgic, 90-minute journey through the heart of middle-class life in Jhang, Punjab. Blending hilarious storytelling and a touch of poetic flair, Abbas unpacks everything from awkward school days and university friendships to the quirks of family life and the unpredictable rollercoaster of marriage. With warmth, wit, and a love for language, especially Urdu, Small Talk is both a comedic coming-of-age tale and a love letter to the chaos and charm of desi life, presented by AJ Entertainment. This show finds the universal in the beautifully specific to leave you laughing, reminiscing, and maybe even tearing up. Date: Saturday, October 4th Doors Open: 8:30 PM; Show Starts: 9:00 PM Venue: Playhouse Studio Theatre at Mall of the Emirates; Language: Urdu; Ages:16+ Ticket Prices: General Admission: AED 150 Emaad Siddiqui Dubai's very own Emaad Siddiqui takes centre stage with Three of Us, a debut stand-up special that's equal parts comedy, character, and cultural commentary, presented by AJ Entertainment. This high-energy theatrical experience sees Emaad bring to life three distinct personas, starting with himself, a homegrown Desi-Gulf kid navigating the quirks of UAE life. Then, the show kicks into overdrive with two unforgettable alter egos: an old-school Iranian expat chasing Dubai dreams, and a fiery Keralite underdog who's all hustle, heart, and hilarious hustle. With sharp storytelling, spot-on accents, and laugh-out-loud moments throughout, Three of Us is a celebration of identity, chaos, and what it means to grow up in a city like no other. Date: Sunday, October 5th Doors Open: 8:30 PM; Show Starts: 9:00 PM Venue: Playhouse Studio Theatre at Mall of the Emirates; Language: Hindi; Ages: 16+ Ticket Prices: General Admission: AED 100 Facepalm Stand-Up Comedy Show Facepalm Stand-Up Comedy Show is the only Russian-language stand-up and improv night in the UAE, brought to you by the hilarious minds behind Facepalm Comedy. Featuring comedians from across the Russian-speaking world who now call Dubai home, this show captures the quirks, chaos, and charm of life in the city through a uniquely relatable lens. Topics like missed exits on SZR, shopping mall mishaps, and cultural mashups will be the order of business as nothing escapes their observations. Expect a fast-paced night of classic stand-up and unfiltered improvisation, where no two shows are ever the same. Date: Thursday, October 9th Doors Open: 8:30 PM; Show Starts: 9:00 PM Venue: Playhouse Studio Theatre at Mall of the Emirates; Language: Russian; Ages: 16+ Ticket Prices: General Admission: AED 130
What's On
a day ago
- What's On
Nine new shows added to Dubai Comedy Festival 2025 lineup
Dubai's biggest celebration of laughs is back, and it's growing. The Dubai Comedy Festival 2025, taking place from October 2 to 12, has just added nine new shows to its already stellar lineup, now spanning six languages and multiple venues across the city. New acts include David Voinson, the French internet sensation known for his 'blonde' character; Shawn Chidiac, aka My Parents Are Divorced , the Lebanese Canadian comedy content creator; viral South African hitmaker Masood Boomgaard and his 'de-motivational' alter ego Self-help Singh ; and bilingual comedy star Paul Taylor, of WTF France fame. Local favourite Emaad Siddiqui makes his festival debut with Three of Us , a high-energy theatrical set that captures growing up Desi in Dubai. Also joining the bill is Pakistani storyteller Abbas Bukhari with Small Talk , and not one but two Russian-language shows from Facepalm Comedy – including Stand-Up From Home: Dubai Style! and the Facepalm Stand-Up Comedy Show . Also making waves: Dubai's original German-language comedy night German Laugh Club, celebrating its five-year anniversary with a special show featuring RebellComedy trio Benaissa Lamroubal, Khalid Bounouar, and Salim Samatou. Produced by BRAG and presented by Dubai Calendar, the festival takes over top venues including Dubai Opera, Mall of the Emirates Theatres, and Coca-Cola Arena. Headliners already announced include Mo Amer, Tom Segura, Zakir Khan, Joanne McNally, Gaurav Kapoor, John Achkar, and many more. Venue: Dubai Opera Date: October 11 to October 12 Times: Times vary Cost: From Dhs 115 Contact: For bookings, visit > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
