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What's On
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
13 of the best afternoon teas in Dubai in 2025
Sweet and savoury treats, tea prepared by certified sommeliers, music from a grand piano, this is what you can expect from the afternoon tea at The Lana. You will be able to tuck into sandwiches such as smoked Scottish salmon, truffle egg, scones with Devon clotted cream, laminated coffee brioche, and more. With temperatures rising, you can pair your meal with refreshing iced tea or homemade lemonades prepared tableside. To top off your experience, you will get to enjoy stunning views of Downtown Dubai. The Lana, Marasi Dr, Business Bay, Dubai, available daily from 1pm to 6pm, from Dhs600, Tel: (0)4 541 7755. Image: Address Beach Resort has a 1001 Arabian a fternoon t ea. This special Ramadan-themed afternoon tea features an array of Arabic-inspired dishes, accompanied by specialty coffee, and the refreshing mocktail of the month. Address Beach Resort, The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai, daily 3pm to 10pm, starting at Dhs198 per set, Tel: (0)4 879 8888. Raffles is serving a Traveler's Afternoon Tea with a sumptuous array of savoury delicacies and sweet treats. This afternoon tea will cost you Dhs185 per person including free flowing tea. You can also get a 60-minute massage with an afternoon tea for Dhs550. Little ones joining in can enjoy a dedicated children's afternoon tea (pictured above) with savoury snacks, desserts and a choice of rich hot chocolate or refreshing fruit juices. The children's afternoon tea will cost you Dhs75 per person. Raffles Dubai, Sheikh Rashid Road, Wafi, Dubai, daily, 2pm to 6pm, children's afternoon tea Dhs75 per child, Dhs185 per traveller's afternoon tea. Tel: (04) 324 8888. Voted What's On Dubai ‘s best Afternoon Tea 2021, Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk afternoon tea serves up its afternoon tea in a sophisticated vault at Bijou Patisserie (lobby lounge). Prices start from Dhs195 for the afternoon tea with tea, coffee and homemade lemonade. You can elevate your experience and enjoy the afternoon tea above the clouds on the 51st floor at the exclusive Club Millesime with prices starting from Dhs385. Bijou Patisserie, Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk, lobby lounge, Wafi, Dubai, daily 2pm to 6pm, Tel: (0)4 281 4111. A solid choice if you're hosting out-of-towners, this spot offers unbeatable views of Burj Al Arab. The terrace is perfect for those cooler months when you want to enjoy the scenery without breaking a sweat. Afternoon tea here is all about variety, think carefully curated sandwiches, cakes, and scones, served in a setting that's elegant yet relaxed. The service is spot on, and there’s an impressive tea menu to choose from if you're a fan of the brew. Al Fayrooz Lounge, Jumeirah Al Qasr, Umm Suqeim. Aspen Cafe by Kempinski at Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates offers afternoon tea with nibbles ranging from sandwiches and wraps to scones and cakes. For sips, you's have non-alcoholic bubbly and freshly brewed beverages. The offer is available daily from 3pm to 6pm. It costs Dhs200 per adult or Dhs375 for two. Kempinski Hotel, Mall of The Emirates, Al Barsha, Dubai, daily 1pm to 7pm, Tel: (04) 409 5999. The Hi-Tea is a decadent affair at the luxury hotel, Palazzo Versace. Sample an assortment of finger sandwiches, plain scones with homemade jam; clotted cream; and lemon curd, and a variety of pastries. Pair it with Damman Freres tea. Only want tea to pair? It's Dhs378 for two guests, but if you want two glasses of Prosecco, it's Dhs504. If you're meeting mates over a quick catch-up, opt for the Cream Tea offer which will get you fruit and plain scones, served with clotted cream, homemade jam and lemon curd and tea for Dhs95 per person. Palazzo Versace, Culture Village, Al Jadaf, Dubai, daily 10.30am to 7pm. Tel: (0)4 556 8888. For tea lovers who think they've seen it all, this spot is a must-try. Set in the vast lobby of one of the world's most famous hotels, it's hard to miss the dramatic water droplet sculpture and the fire walls at the entrance, the setting is as striking as the tea. When it comes to the tea itself, it's all about the experience. With a detailed run-through of the tea-brewing process, you'll get to enjoy a range of top-tier sandwiches and a generous spread of cakes. It's one for the tea connoisseurs who appreciate the finer details. The Royal Tearoom, Atlantis The Royal, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, daily 2pm to 5pm, priced at Dhs560 for two people. Tel: (04) 426 2000 Treat yourself to an afternoon of luxury with the Grand Palaces Afternoon Tea, served in the stunning Bluthner Hall. Here you can enjoy decadent desserts inspired by Europe's most famous palaces, including the airy Victoria Sponge Cake and rich Sacher Torte. Alongside, enjoy a selection of savoury bites, sandwiches, tarts, pastries, and scones, all paired with a choice of carefully curated Nina's Marie Antoinette teas, coffee, or hot chocolate. Raffles The Palm Dubai, Palm Jumeirah. Tel: (0)4 248 8888). Image: You'll get a selection of delectable treats at this all-new afternoon tea experience at Peacock Alley. Pick from the brew package, a pink gin cocktail package or a champagne package. The afternoon tea runs daily from 2pm to 6pm and starts at Dhs225 per person. Peacock Alley, Waldorf Astoria, Palm Jumeirah, daily 2pm to 6pm, from Dhs225 for classic, upgrade with a glass of bubbly for Dhs100. Tel:(0) 4 818 2222. Your afternoon tea at The Ritz-Carlton will include traditional scones, elegant sandwiches, and sweet treats such as truffles, macaroons and cakes. There are two options to pick from: traditional for Dhs215 which comes with tea or hot beverages, and Royal Treat for Dhs305 which includes a glass of champagne. You can even add Dhs150 per person for two hours of free-flowing sparkling wine. The Ritz-Carlton, The Walk, JBR, Dubai, daily 12.30pm to 5pm, Dhs215 for traditional and Dhs305 for royal, Tel: (04) 318 6150. Expect dainty bites and elegant flavours at Peacock Alley’s ‘Meet me at the Clock’ afternoon tea. On the savoury side, there’s wild crab with caviar, black truffle pommes mousseline, smoked salmon roulade, and foie gras puffs, alongside classic sandwiches like tuna and aioli on brioche and coronation chicken on whole grain. Sweet treats include strawberry and rose cake, mango cheesecake, pistachio and raspberry mousse, and warm scones served with clotted cream and seasonal jams. A selection of fine teas completes the experience, with the option to add a glass of bubbly if you fancy. Peacock Alley, Waldorf Astoria DIFC, available Sunday to Friday from 2pm to 6pm, from Dhs225, Tel: (0)4 515 9818. Shai Salon at Four Seasons Resort Dubai marks a decade of sweet memories with its limited-edition ‘A Decade in Desserts’ afternoon tea. Crafted by Senior Executive Pastry Chef Nicolas Lambert, the menu takes guests on a journey through the cities that shaped him, from Hong Kong and St. Petersburg to Dubai. Expect creations like Fra-Sia “Vacherin†with white strawberry, yuzu and basil; a raspberry and almond biscuit layered with lemon cream; and Chocolates “Caprice†with white chocolate brownie and caramelised cocoa nibs. Highlights also include the Honey “Bee†with Hatta Mountain honey and apricot, Exotic “Cloud†with passion fruit and coconut, and Le Clafoutis de Jeannot, a warm blueberry dessert with Tahitian vanilla creme fraiche. Served with your choice of tea or coffee. Shai Salon, Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, daily 3pm to 7pm, from Dhs260. Tel: (0)4 270 7805.
Khaleej Times
26-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Taiko Dubai Restaurant Review: Where Middle Eastern flavours tango with Japanese recipes
Each dish is a dance, between cuisine, culture, the international influences that seem to slip into a recipe without warning or warring with the original flavours. It's an introduction to something new, yet something ancient – a bite of, well, singularity. Taiko Dubai, the first international echo of the award-winning restaurant in Amsterdam, is a quiet giant at Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk, and recently put together a menu that saw Middle Eastern ideas tango with Far East nuances on a plate. The ambience lent itself to the vibe of elegance - leather chairs and dark tables stood inviting guests as yellow lights infused a warm glow to the space. The feast, concocted by chef Pedro Banzuzi – whose list of credits includes 20 years in the industry and a winning stint at Taiko Amsterdam – awaited. The Wednesday (which is when the new offerings are available) was going to be eventful. Getting to Taiko requires a little planning, even with the arterial system of the city (the Metro) connecting its general area with the rest of Dubai; in the evenings, it can get pretty busy. So when they give you a reservation, we suggest you take traffic bottlenecks into account as your navigate your way to Wafi. Dubbed 'A taste of Taiko', the detokkusu and wagyu menu – available only mid-week - will leave you little refreshed and detoxed (detokkusu translates to detox in English), yet decidedly pampered. Our first course (the snacks) served us wagyu gyoza, with a dollop of fried garlic, chili and negi. The result was a melt-in-your-mouth bite of meat with the zing of fried garlic flakes; the wrapper just thin enough to contain the protein and just juicy enough to carry flavour without turning into a mess at first bite. Next up was the Akasha roll – which featured green asparagus, takuan, shiitake and sesame. Third in line was the miso black cod nigiri that was delicately plated seasoned with an exotic swell of saffron. When it came time for the starters, our appetites had been whetted and we were ready for little more experimentation; Taiko didn't disappoint. The carpaccio on a bed of crispy rice noodles was an ode to the term appetizer. The iced avocado that came next, was a swirl in a literal bowl of ice and had the distinct flavour of cool wasabi (interesting, but an acquired taste, I'm afraid). Chopsticks now separated and ready to dig in, the next round brought a chirashi bowl with prickled ikura with the delicate flavours of Hamachi and salmon. Our servers moved like well-choreographed dancers, placing dishes on one side, while flitting away the empty ones from the other; placing each beverage that was paired just so with each course – set down at the right temperature, barely touched by human hands (so that the glass would remain cold or ambient). And then there was a vision that had all of us – sat around the chefs who prepped the food – gasping. There were little puffs of smoke with the distinct flavour of apple floating about. The scent intensified as we were served black-and-red bentos. The top had aburi wagyu (foie grass) maki rolls and under the second layer, a puff of smoke dispersed to show us wagyu nigiri that had been smoked with a shisha. For the robata (or barbeque portion of our meal), we were given a similar-shaped shawarma that exercised our taste buds with its wagyu twist on protein. A warm and comforting wagyu ramen with rye noodles and miso broth followed the menu. Senses satiated (things looked, smelled, tasted, and felt delicious), we waited for dessert – and the option to eat a mandarin and Japanese donut. If food is a dance, this one was a tango; a melding of rhyme and flavour.
What's On
05-02-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
Valentine's staycation
Valentine's Day is around the corner, and if dinner reservations aren't cutting it this year, why not turn it into a full-blown getaway? Dubai's hotels are pulling out all the stops with staycations that go beyond just a bed for the night – think private movie screenings, candlelit dinners, spa treatments, and even surprise perks to keep the romance alive. Whether you're looking for something low-key or all-out luxurious, here's where to check in for a perfect Valentine's staycation in Dubai. Jumeirah Zabeel Saray If waking up by the water sounds like the right kind of Valentine's Day, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray has a 40% discount on Flexible Stay Rates, plus some solid perks. Expect a complimentary daily breakfast, late check-out until 6pm (subject to availability), and a Dhs150 gift voucher for Talise Ottoman Spa (valid for six months). If kids are in the mix, they eat free (based on the meal plan), and there's unlimited access to Sinbad's Kids Club. Guests also get exclusive access to the resort's private beach and can earn Jumeirah One Points when booking direct. Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Crescent Rd, The Palm Jumeirah. Tel: (0)4 453 0000. @jumeirahzabeelsaray JA The Resort With three hotels to choose from – JA Palm Tree Court, JA Lake View Hotel, and JA Beach Hotel—this Valentine's staycation comes packed with perks. Guests get up to 20% off the Best Available Breakfast Rates, plus a lineup of thoughtful extras: a bottle of sparkling grape or date juice on arrival, daily breakfast, a 30-minute head and shoulder massage for two, and a three-course dinner at White Orchid or Sette. There's also a romantic turndown service with chocolates and full access to the resort's private beach, pools, and other facilities. A minimum stay of two nights is required, with full prepayment at booking. JA The Resort, Jebel Ali. Tel: (0)4 814 5555. @jatheresort JA Ocean View Hotel For those who love a sea view, JA Ocean View Hotel's Valentine's stay comes with up to 20% off the Best Available Breakfast Rates and a little something extra – guests staying four nights get a complimentary upgrade to a Dubai Eye Sea View Room. There's also a bottle of house grape on arrival, a romantic dinner at Il Motto Italian Restaurant, and early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability). The offer requires a minimum two-night stay, with full prepayment at booking. JA Ocean View Hotel, The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence. Tel: (0)4 814 5599. @jaoceanviewhotel Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk For a Valentine's getaway with a touch of Parisian elegance, Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk sets the scene for a dreamy stay. Sip on sparkling wine, indulge in artisanal chocolates, and start the morning with a decadent breakfast in bed. With a 2pm late checkout, you'll have plenty of time to unwind and enjoy the moment. Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk, Wafi, Sheikh Rashid Rd, Umm Hurair 2. Tel: (0)4 324 9999. @sofiteltheobelis InterContinental Dubai Festival City Celebrate love with a refined and indulgent stay at InterContinental Dubai Festival City, where elegance meets comfort. The Romance Package, available throughout February, starting at Dhs1,400 per night, includes a beautifully appointed one-night stay in a room or suite, with special touches like a bouquet of 19 red roses, a celebratory cake, chocolate-dipped strawberries, and an afternoon tea for two served in-room. To add to the experience, couples will enjoy 30% off a 60-minute couple's massage, along with a bottle of Prosecco or sparkling juice to toast the occasion. A delicious breakfast for two at Anise ensures the perfect start to your morning. InterContinental Dubai Festival City, Dubai Festival City. Tel: (0)4 701 1111. @intercondfc Ultra-luxury deals Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Nikki Beach Resort & Spa is offering an ultra-luxurious experience designed for those looking to go all out on Valentine's Day. The Suite Romance package is priced at Dhs75,000 per night, per couple, which includes a stay in the exclusive three-bedroom Celebration Suite, complete with a private infinity pool, butler service, and limousine pickup and drop-off anywhere in Dubai. You'll also enjoy a two-hour sunset yacht cruise, complete with Moët & Chandon Champagne, followed by a seven-course private dinner on your suite's terrace. To top it all off, an in-suite couples' massage and breakfast will be the perfect finishing touch. If you prefer a weekend escape, the Valentine's Day Weekend Package, starting at Dhs10,500 per couple, includes a private villa stay, complimentary breakfast, a romantic dinner on the beach, and the luxury of early check-in and late check-out. Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai, Pearl Jumeirah – Dubai. Tel: (0)4 376 6000. @nikkibeachdubai Banyan Tree Dubai This is one of the most expensive Valentine's Day deals in Dubai we've found (so far). It includes a stay in a two-bedroom suite, a spa treatment with gold, and a pick-up and drop-off via a yacht or luxury car. Banyan Tree Dubai's ultra-luxury Valentine's Day getaway for just Dhs150,000, will see you and your partner enjoying a two-night stay in the Royal Suite. As a couple, you will then enjoy a relaxing spa treatment that includes a lavish foot ritual and a 24-karat gold body wrap, ending with an aromatic bath infused with rare botanicals. You can also enjoy access to the Rain Forest Experience, designed for intimate moments of relaxation. When the sun goes down, you can enjoy a private beachfront dinner by one of Banyan Tree Dubai's renowned chefs. Enjoy the five-course meal in a candlelit cabana with a live violinist, the finest sparkling grape, and the starry sky. Throughout the two days, you will have a personal chauffeur who will take you around Dubai in a Rolls-Royce or private yacht. Banyan Tree, Bluewaters Island. Tel: (0)4 556 6666. @banyantreedxb Budget-Friendly deals Media One Hotel For couples who like options, Media One Hotel has two Valentine's staycation deals worth considering. Keep it simple with a cozy overnight stay and breakfast for two for Dhs525, or go all in with their Romantic Valentine's Combo, which includes a stylish Hip Room, breakfast, dinner for two, and a bottle of wine to toast the night for Dhs874 per night. Both packages come with early check-in at noon and a late check-out at 6 pm, so there's no rush to head home. Media One Hotel, Media 1 Tower, Al Falak St, Dubai Media City. Tel: (0)4 427 1000. @mediaonehoteldubai Studio One Hotel A staycation with dinner, a movie, and a few surprises? Studio One Hotel is making Valentine's easy with a package that includes a night in a double room, breakfast, early check-in, and late check-out, priced at Dhs599 per night. Dinner for two at Larte features a two-course set menu with a bottle of wine, and to top it all off, there's a private movie screening with popcorn at Cinema on 2. On February 14, the lobby transforms into a Valentine's pop-up, offering flowers and sweet treats to complete the experience. Studio One Hotel, Dubai Studio City. Tel: 800 788346. @studioonedxb FORM Hotel Dubai For those looking for a cozy yet design-forward getaway, FORM Hotel Dubai offers a romantic staycation in the heart of Al Jaddaf, where modern architecture meets local heritage. The Valentine's Stay Package, priced at Dhs640, available on February 14, with a minimum two-day advance booking, this stay is designed ti make your Valentine's celebration feel extra special. Expect a romantic bed setup with rose petals, a souvenir Polaroid picture to capture the moment, and a breakfast in bed experience to start the day slowly and sweetly. To ensure couples can truly unwind, the package also includes a late check-out at 4pm, allowing for an extended, leisurely stay. Perfect for those who appreciate sleek design with a personal touch, this retreat is a stylish alternative to a traditional Valentine's escape. FORM Hotel, Al Jaddaf. Tel: (0)4 317 9000. @formhoteldubai
