Many visitors to Dubai are enthralled by the city’s other attractions, but I believe it is critical to sample the city’s cuisine in order to gain a better understanding of the city.
Imagine a vacation where you can stroll along beautiful white sand beaches, take in breathtaking views from the tops of skyscrapers, dine at the world’s highest restaurant, have the best brunch in Dubai, go on an adrenaline-pumping desert safari, and discover the old city’s back alleys and lively souks – all in one city! No, I’m not talking about a fictional city from a book; I’m talking about a real city with the best of both worlds. If you don’t believe me, just look at the evidence. Then book a flight to Dubai and see it for yourself.
Dubai, arguably one of the busiest cities in the Middle East, is the best example of old and new coexisting in one place. In one side, there’s a never-sleeping new city with a cosmopolitan feel, and on the other, there’s an old city steeped in history, beautiful culture, and an infectious artsy vibe. Dubai, dubbed “the world capital,” is a gleaming jewel in the UAE crown, offering far more than city-sized malls, busy souks, and white sand beaches. In addition, the city is a fantastic place to dine and drink in style! You will liven up your evenings (or noons) at cocktail bars, sushi bars, classy restaurants, and bespoke cafes at the best hotels in Dubai after soaking up endless sunshine and enjoying the powder-soft beaches. Dubai’s lively bars, clubs, and pubs demonstrate how exciting the city’s nightlife can be.
I decided to go on a gastronomic trip to Dubai earlier this month. It not only rekindled my passion for the city’s culinary offerings, but it also gave me a new perspective on how food is celebrated in the UAE’s ultra-modern metropolis.
The Tour’s Highlights
H Hotel Dubai- one of the best 5 star staycation hotels
I checked into the H Hotel Dubai as soon as I arrived. The H Dubai Hotel is located in the heart of the Middle East’s most vibrant region, overlooking the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Road. The hotel is close to the city’s main attractions, including the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Frame, Dubai Mall, Dubai Garden Glow, La Mer Beach, and Dubai World Trade Center. The 5-star hotel in Dubai has 236 luxurious rooms and suites, as well as an office tower, a residential tower, and a vibrant events center. A stay at The H Dubai Hotel ensures that you get the best of both worlds. Relax at the award-winning Mandara Spa or unwind at our outdoor pool as you embark on an epicurean journey through 11 dining outlets that serve delectable cuisine with regular live entertainment. There is also a complimentary shuttle service to La Mer Beach. The H Dubai Hotel has taken all appropriate precautions to provide a good and secure atmosphere for all visitors.
Atlantis, The Palm, Lunch at Bread Street Kitchen
I’m not ashamed to admit that dining at one of Gordon Ramsay’s restaurants was at the top of my bucket list. The afternoon got off to a great start! Mary Jo (from Atlantis’ public relations team) and the restaurant’s fantastic workers welcomed me warmly. I was quickly seated at one of the bar’s nearest seats. As I took the first taste of my mocktail, I knew I was in good hands. 39 Palm Street was incredibly refreshing and not too sweet, which I appreciated (unlike most of the mocktails in Dubai). Classic British fare is served at BSK, along with some of celebrity chef’s signature dishes. My suggestions are as follows: Start with Spicy Tuna Tartare, then move on to Lobster Tagliolini. Choose the Pan Seared Salmon with Creamy Green Peas and Smoked Duck as your main course. The sticky toffee banana pudding, which has banana bread flavors and a mousse-like texture, is still the restaurant’s star dessert.
Atlantis, The Palm’s Cocktails at White Beach
This pretty looking club, located on the sandy shores of the Atlantis, The Palm, is the perfect place to sit back, relax, and enjoy some interesting drinks while watching the world go by. In this elegant cocktail library, you can not only sample a wide range of cocktails, but you can also learn how to make them. I also had the opportunity to create my own drink, which was a blast! Nareg Wartanian, a mixologist, will show you how to make perfect cocktails. White Beach serves a variety of cocktails, but White Peach, Hakuna Macoco, Mermaid Tail, and Spiritzual are some of the most common.
Platinum Desert Experience – Dine Under The Stars
A travel to Dubai is not complete without going on a desert safari. After departing, you’ll arrive at a private retreat of a member of Dubai’s Royal family, where you’ll be greeted with Arabic tea and dates (khajoor), followed by a sumptuous six-course meal. You’ll be able to dine in your cabana, which is surrounded by sand dunes. These cabanas (dotting a small pond in the center) provided a truly magical experience, with candles gently lighting them. It’s both personal and public at the same time.
The chefs prepare the entire menu from scratch. Aside from a wide range of interesting appetizers and main course dishes, their dessert menu is also very appealing. I made my way to the lounge area after finishing the elaborate meal (tip: go empty stomach). Thanks to the aromatic shishas, classic interiors, and excellent service, the Arabian feel was even stronger here. The mesmerizing ‘Flaming Sands of Arabia’ fire show brought the evening to a close on a high note – and provided some fascinating photographic opportunities!
Breakfast at At.mosphere, Burj Khalifa, the World’s Highest Restaurant
I’ve visited Dubai several times, but for some reason, I had never climbed to the top of the Burj Khalifa. I have friends and colleagues who have visited the top of the Burj Khalifa and described their experience as “completely spectacular,” so when I saw “breakfast at Burj Khalifa” on my itinerary, I was intrigued.
I walked up to the restaurant from the Armani Hotel lobby, passing the hotel’s elegant monochrome palette’s subtle elegance. I arrived on the 123rd floor after changing two elevators (and experiencing the unavoidable ear-popping sensation) and was guided to descend an elegant helical staircase that led directly to At.mosphere. One of At.mosphere’s most enticing features is the world’s highest restaurant, with floor-to-ceiling windows providing spectacular 360-degree views of the Dubai skyline. I took a seat at a table overlooking the Dubai Fountain and took in the views of the city from a unique vantage point, with its breathtaking high-rises and ocean reaching as far as the eye could see.
The service is friendly and attentive. They served me the At.mosphere’s signature edible gold coffee, which was as opulent as the morning spent in the world’s tallest building with surreal views. Then there was the cold breakfast platter, which consisted of a variety of breads and herb and plain butter. I ordered the signature breakfast menu from At.mosphere, which consisted of a decadent selection of dishes that were all served in reasonable portions and at regular intervals. So, how is it to eat at the world’s highest restaurant? It’s “completely fantastic!” in my opinion. The best time to visit At.mospehere, in my opinion, is during breakfast or lunch – but make a lunch reservation for 1 p.m. so you can see the beautiful fountain display at the Dubai Mall from the top!
Other Trip Highlights:
La Perle has me enchanted.
Imagine a live show of 65 performers performing mind-blowing aerial, acrobatic, and aquatic stunts – that’s La Perle. La Perle is a world-famous theatre artiste Franco Dragone’s immersive theatrical experience that will surpass similar shows in Paris and Las Vegas. It will feature death-defying tricks that will dazzle the audience repeatedly.
TimeOut Market
Time Out Market Dubai is the world’s first food and cultural market focused on editorial curation, and it’s located in the beautiful Souk Al Bahar. The Market features 17 award-winning chefs and restaurateurs from Dubai, as well as home-grown local favorites and three beautiful bars, providing an amazing taste of the region.
Top Golf Dubai
Visit Top Golf Dubai if you’re looking for more than just shopping, food, and culture in Dubai. Top Golf Dubai, a three-story tower in Dubai’s Emirates Hills, is home to some of the world’s most beautiful golf courses. You will enjoy high-tech immersive games and friendly rivalry while listening to great music, dining on a chef-driven menu, sipping handcrafted drinks, and more!
I can see why people love Dubai after spending a week here – where else can you get so many different styles of vacations in just a few days?! There aren’t many places where you can do that in the country!