Dubai Dining

A February 2001 trip to Dubai by baligirl

I spent 12 days in Dubai on business. Unfortunately, I did not have much time for sightseeing, but I did get to dine in many wonderful restaurants courtesy of the office I was visiting.

  • 8 reviews

Dubai DiningBest of IgoUgo

Overview

Shopping. Dubai is a shopper's paradise. There are numerous malls, and the Dubai airport duty free shops are a full-day event.

Quick Tips:

To enter Dubai, you must have a local sponsor. Business travelers can have the office they visit obtain a Visa for them, and tourists may obtain one from their hotel.

Best Way To Get Around:

Taxis are cheap and reliable.
The Princeton Hotel is perfect for the business traveler. Oversized rooms with large workdesks and internet connection are standard. There are three phones in each room.

For the tourist, I would not recommend ths hotel. Stay at one that has dining and shopping options available, such as the LeMeridien or Al Bustan.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by baligirl on February 17, 2001

The Princeton Hotel
Garhoud Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The Coconut GroveBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

While Coconut Grove is technically an Indian Restaurant, the menu reflects choices from several "mini-restaurants." Cuisines available include South Indian, North Indian, Goan, Mangalorean, and Balti. My favorite was the South Indian, and I got to sample many foods I have not had outside of my home, including a savory Avial and Pulissery with Savai. These are dishes not available in North American Indian Restaurants.

The ambiance is quiet and unhurried, and the service is excellent. I visited ths restaurant twice and was very pleased both times.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by baligirl on February 17, 2001

The Coconut Grove
The Rydges Plaza Hotel, 9th Floor Dubai, United Arab Emirates
(04) 398-3800

La VignaBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

This restaurant is a bit limited on the number of vegetarian/vegan selections, but what they do offer is great. They make a nice chesseless pizza, and a tasty vegetable risotto.

The atmosphere is great, and you may elect to dine indoors or outdoors.

Live European music is featured in the evenings, Saturday night is Ladies' Night, Wednesday is airline crew night, and pleanty of free parking is available.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by baligirl on February 17, 2001

La Vigna
Century Village Dubai, United Arab Emirates
(04) 282-3636

Kamat Restaurant offers excellent South Indian, North Indian, Chinese and Jain food at incredibly low prices. Kamat is set up like a diner, with speedy service and a non-nonsense decor.

The menu displays over 100 choices, with catgories including traditional Indian snacks, starters, kababs, veggie dishes, rice delicacies, breads, accompaniments, soups, noodles, deserts and ice creams, fresh fruit juices, milkshakes, refreshers and stimulators.

You can try a little of everything and share and walk away satisfied with the meal and the ridiculously low amount on your check.

Kamat is a don't miss if you visit Dubai.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by baligirl on February 17, 2001

Kamat Vegetarian Restaurant
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
396-7288

This is actually the Chinese Place at the Food Court in the Bur Juman Mall. I wouldn't mention it except for the fact that the food here is wonderful! Whether you are a vegetarian or not, do not miss the Manchurian Veggie Dumplings. The service is quick so you don't miss a minute of shopping, the prices are low, and the cuisine is the perfect yummy "junk food."
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by baligirl on February 17, 2001

Chinese Palace Restaurant
Bur Juman Centre Dubai, United Arab Emirates
(04) 351-9074

SukothaiBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Sukothai offers the best Thai food I have ever had in my life. They serve plenty of vegetarian/vegan options, and even have a vegetarian pre-set menu.

The decor is museum-like. The entire restaurant is designed in handcarved wood, and reminds me a little bit of traditional Balinese architecture. The dishes are little pieces of art in and of themselves.

The service is so good it is a little unnerving. You are not allowed to do anything for yourself. The servers wear the most adorable Thai costumes, complete with sarongs and sandals.

Sukothai offers and entire Thai experience in addition to the remarkable cuisine.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by baligirl on February 17, 2001

Sukothai
Le Meridien Dubai Dubai, United Arab Emirates
(04) 702-2307

Long YinBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Long Yin is another one of the many fine specialty restaurants at the LeMeridien Hotel.

The food is excellent, some of the best Chinese food I have encountered. However for those who are adventerous in their food tastes and vegertarian, Long Yin only offers the basic vegetarian dishes, such as tofu with vegetables and veggie fried rice.

Service is excellent, and the wine list is very good.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by baligirl on February 17, 2001

Long Yin
The Le Meridien Hotel Dubai, United Arab Emirates
(04) 702-2325

About the Writer

baligirl
baligirl
Citrus Heights, California

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