Ever wondered where chefs like to go on their days off? When you’re an expert at cooking and spend your days – and nights – in the kitchen whipping up exciting new dishes and plating gorgeous-looking creations, where do you go for a top-notch, excellent-value meal?
We’ve asked Dubai’s top chefs their picks of the best budget restaurants in Dubai, and both rediscovered some familiar favourites – and uncovered some hidden gems.
There’s something for everyone on this list – whether you like your food super-spicy, daringly delicious or straight-up comforting.
If you think you have to spend a fortune to get a world-class meal in Dubai, think again. Follow the lead of the city’s top chefs and you’ll be in for a treat at these budget restaurants in Dubai.
So, in order to get you in the mood for good food (of the wallet-friendly variety), we’ve chatted to Dubai’s top chefs about what whets their appetite when they’re dining on a shoestring.
3 Fils
Recommended by: Craig Best, executive chef at Sunset Hospitality Group and Damien Duviau, head chef at Nobu Dubai.
What is it? This famous low-key joint at Jumeirah Fishing Harbour has formed something of a cult following in recent years. Serving up super-fresh sushi, the popular Wagyu Overload burger and plenty more exciting dishes, it’s always full, whatever time of day you visit, but it will be worth the wait.
Best says: “Since 3 Fils opened back in 2016 it has been a favourite of mine. The food is incredible, the price point is incomparable to a restaurant of that level, it is very laid-back, not at all pretentious, and it has a relaxing environment. The beef carpaccio, the rocoto sour sauce and veal chorizo oil are something special. I’m a massive fan of sushi, and I can’t choose between the dragon or the volcano; so I always order both.”
Must-order dish: African Powerhouse. The Ghana dark chocolate and Madagascar vanilla combination is ridiculous – ask for more sea salt on top, too.
Duviau says: “3 Fils has very affordable prices, delicious food and is a super-relaxed place to visit. The quality of sushi is superb, especially the scallop sashimi with mandarin and sumac. It’s very good value for money and the specials change frequently to keep it exciting.”
Must-order dish: Otoro sushi – with added foie gras.
Jumeirah Fishing Harbour, Umm Suqeim 3fils.com (04 333 4003).
Allo Beirut
Recommended by: Prashant Chipkar, culinary head, Masti; and Fadi Naim, exec chef, Couqley French Bistro & Bar.
What is it? This cute street food joint on Hessa Street is hugely popular – as you’ll be able to tell by the multitude of cars parked out front every day. Home to some of the tastiest shawarma in town, this Lebanese joint is a top place to dine on excellent dishes on a shoestring.
Chipkar says: “I like Allo Beirut because of its wide choices and the freshness of the dishes. There is always something to choose regardless of the time of the day you go. They always deliver on their promise too – the food is fresh, quick and always consistent. I usually go to Allo Beirut at least twice a week to grab a quick lunch before coming to Masti or late at night after work. They do an excellent Francisco sandwich, chicken and beef shawarma and a great breakfast.”
Must-order dish: Foul medames, fava beans cooked with garlic and lemon juice and topped with chickpeas and tomato.
Naim says: “This is a simple, go-to spot for me. What makes Allo Beirut special is that it has a nice variety of Lebanese street food that reminds me of home, with affordable prices and great taste. I only get to visit once a month, usually during the week when I want to go out for dinner. However, when it comes to ordering in, I order Allo Beirut at least four or five times a month. It’s convenient and just so consistent.”
Must-order dish: A classic shawarma.
Hessa Street, Al Barsha, allobeirutstreetfood.com (800 862 34788).
Al Mallah
Recommended by: Laura Said, private chef in Dubai.
What is it? This old-school Lebanese cafeteria has been serving up tasty street food in the UAE for more than 40 years. Starting off as a juice bar, it now has more than 150 items on the menu from shawarmas to grills, falafel and more, and is a popular spot if you’re looking for super-tasty and authentic eats at an excellent price.
Said says: “I love this spot in Satwa and whenever I have friends or family visiting from out of town I take them here to eat what I think is the best shawarma in Dubai. It has been a part of Dubai for so long, it’s nothing fancy, just street-style food and has never changed. I feel we lack these staple places a bit in Dubai, but this is definitely a must-try.”
Must-order dish: The shawarma and falafel if you’re veggie.
Satwa almallahuae.com (600 522521).
Al Ustad Special Kabab
Recommended by: Matthijs Stinnissen, executive chef at Ennismore & 7Managment and Mostafa Chhoury, head chef, Iris Dubai.
What is it? This long-standing Iranian restaurant does what it says on the tin. Famed for its yoghurt-marinated chicken and mutton kebabs, Al Ustad Special Kabab opened its doors 43 years ago in 1978, and since then it’s been serving up some of the tastiest kebabs in the city.
Stinnissen says: “My friends introduced me to Al Ustad back in 2012 and I go here every time I want to go out but then remember I’m on a budget for the month. The prices are just out of this world and I think you should try everything on the menu. I only wish it was closer to my home.”
Must-order dish: Don’t miss the khorak barg, especially the barbecued tenderloin.
Chhoury says: “Al Ustad serves really tasty, fresh and juicy kebabs, as well as different types of rice and grills. It is a must-try and it’s close to the souks if you’re going for a day out in Old Dubai.”
Must-order dish: The signature kebab – lamb or chicken – the name says it all.
Bur Dubai, alustadspecialkabab.has.restaurant (04 397 1933).
Betawi Café
Recommended by: Kate Christou, founder LOWE.
What is it? A family-run authentic Indonesian spot in JLT, this café has traditional dishes cooked by Indonesian chefs and prides itself on its flavoursome, spicy cuisine with classic dishes like nasi goreng, satay and gado gado on the menu.
Christou says: “I love Asian food and am often too busy to cook, so I eat out at budget spots at least once a week. Betawi is a small, local venue serving simple, honest food at reasonable prices.”
Must-order dish: Chilli crab.
Cluster D, JLT, betawi.ae (04 454 2329).
Bombay Bungalow
Recommended by: Grégoire Berger, executive chef of Ossiano.
What is it? This cool spot on JBR comes from the team behind Masti and is known for its innovative, fun cooking style (burrata butter chicken anyone?). There are loads of exciting dishes on the menu and while it’s not on the same cheap eats scale as others on this list, it’s a cool, low-key, unlicensed spot with top views of The Beach to check out.
Berger says: “I go to Bombay Bungalow a lot – the pani puri there is affordable and tasty. It’s so flavourful and it represents, in my opinion, what Dubai’s cuisine is all about – an explosion of flavour and diversity. And that’s me too – a Frenchman loving Indian food.”
Must-try dish: Pani puri.
The Beach Mall, in JBR Walk, bombaybungalowdxb.com (800 6928779).
Bosnian House
Recommended by: Pawel Kazanowski, executive chef for Zuma, Middle East and Turkey.
What is it? This traditional Bosnian restaurant is one of the few places you can get authentic Bosnian cuisine in Dubai. The staple of the menu is ćevapi – Bosnian kebabs – which are small pieces of rolled mincemeat, charcoal-grilled and served in portions of ten with Bosnian bread and ajvar (roasted red pepper and aubergine) sauce.
Kazanowski says: “The food here food is simple yet great, plus there are only a few options on the menu so the chefs are very specialised and focused on their creations. It is very affordable with dishes priced around Dhs35 to Dhs49. The design of the restaurant is authentic Balkan and the staff wear traditional clothes which creates a homely atmosphere. It’s an eatery that you can pop in for a quick bite but you’ll end up staying longer as you feel so relaxed, especially after a busy day at work. This place is great at any time and it is even open late at night, so for me, the best time to visit is straight after work.”
Must-order dish: Bosnian kebab.
Umm Suqeim, @bosnianhousedubai (04 211 8000).
Boston Lane
Recommended by: Saradhi Dakara, global group executive chef, New England Brasserie Company (The MAINE restaurants).
What is it? Nestled in the cool courtyard area of Al Quoz, this Aussie coffee shop is a popular spot for breakfast, as well as being famed for its lip-smackin’ cheese and garlic toasties. Inside there’s a cool concept store and this is a cute place for a coffee, too.
Dakara says: “I love this homegrown spot for breakfast. It’s simple and really soulful.”
Must-order dish: Turkish eggs – poached eggs with garlic yoghurt and smoked paprika butter on sourdough.
The Courtyard, Al Quoz, @bostonlane (054 449 2131).
Bu Qtair
Recommended by: João Filipe Martins Garcia, head chef, Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts.
What is it? A household name in Dubai, this longstanding spot in Umm Suqeim has expanded from its original teeny home to a full-size restaurant, but it’s stuck with its affordable, fresh fish dishes. The menu is compact – the catch of the day – doused in curry sauce and served with rice and bread.
Garcia says: “I often go to Bu Qtair, at least once a month – it’s very simple food but full of flavour. The way they cook and the way they present the dishes are original, this is what I’m looking for when I’m off duty.”
Must-order dish: Either the freshly caught fish or prawns, both are unmissable.
Fishing Harbour, Umm Suqeim (055 705 2130).
Calicut Paragon
Recommended by: Akmal Anuar, founder, of Goldfish Sushi & Yakitori and Osteria Funkcoolio.
What is it? Located right in the heart of Dubai’s “Curry Corridor” of Satwa, Karama and Bur Dubai, Calicut Paragon boasts the best Keralite flavours in Dubai on a budget.
Anuar says: “Calicut Paragon is my all-time favourite and it always makes me happy – especially the appams and paratha. Have these with a red chilli curry and a glass of coke – it always hits the spot. The place has a story, and it’s always the same every time you go there. There’s easy parking, it’s super-affordable and has tasty dishes. It reminds me of home a bit, as in Singapore we get our breakfast similarly to here.”
Must-order dish: Appams and parathas to scoop up all the tasty gravy.
Karama paragonrestaurant.com (04 335 8700).
High Joint
Recommended by: Luigi Vespero, cluster director of F&B at Fairmont Hotels and Resorts.
What is it? This cute, teeny budget burger joint in Al Safa is wildly popular with meat-eaters and veggies alike. The chicken burgers are also a hit, while if you’re a vegetarian the King’Shroom or Halloumi Katsu High are winning choices. There are only a few seats, so pick your time wisely when you’re visiting this much-talked-about spot.
Vespero says: “The burgers at High Joint are really, really good – and let’s not forget the loaded fries. It’s always excellent and we always have fun there.”
Must-order dish: The Smokey, topped with pepper jack cheese cheese, tempura onions, bacon and barbecue sauce.
Al Safa 2, @high.joint (04 268 1586).
Homey Chinese Restaurant
Recommended by: Giovanni Ledon, chef de cuisine of Akira Back.
What is it? A low-key, authentic Chinese spot in JLT, Homey Chinese Restaurant serves up dishes you might not spot so frequently elsewhere in the city and specializes in Cantonese- and Szechuan-style cooking.
Ledon says: “The team and I go here for lunch on Friday afternoons, it’s a small local place that serves up food at a good price that’s packed with flavour. I love the braised aubergine, though I think the menu description was lost in translation because the aubergine is crispy and coated with a really flavourful sauce.”
Must-order dish: That braised aubergine.
Cluster V, JLT (04 431 7106).
Jailbird
Recommended by: Tom Arnel, founder of EatX.
What is it? This incredible fried chicken spot serves up free-range fried chicken in a range of ways – from being slathered in truffle mayo to Korean barbecue sauce and banging fiery Nashville spices.
Arnel says: “It’s some of the best fried chicken in the city – crispy and light. Alexi Mostert is a sando genius.”
Must-order dish: Nashville Sando. Fried chicken tenders are smooshed in a brioche with cheese fondue, pickled onions and Jailbird’s special sauce.
Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah @jailbird.ae
Khoori Special Kabab
Recommended by: Solemann Haddad, chef patron at Moonrise.
What is it? Perfect Iranian skewered meats grilled over an open flame, seasoned with a secret blend of spices that could probably solve all the world’s problems, or at least make you forget them while you’re eating. It’s the ultimate carnivore’s craving.
Haddad says: It is one of my favourite eateries in Dubai. The team and I go there after service and eat incredible kababs. Their loomi tikka, marinated in onion juice and dusted with black lime and black pepper, is a must-try. It’s not just my favorite kabab in the city (along with their kubideh) but also the originator of what we now know as Bahraini tikka. Its sharp, punchy, and tender flavors have won me over to the extent that it has even inspired our final beef course at Moonrise.
Must-order dish: Loomi tikka, marinated in onion juice and dusted with black lime and black pepper.
Little Bali
Recommended by: Reif Othman, founder of Reif Japanese Kushiyaki
What is it? This cute spot in JLT promises to relieve you from your regular everyday food boredom, with authentic flavours and dishes that you might not have tried before. There’s everything from seafood to meat, a full veggie menu and heaps of noodles and rice, too.
Othman says: “I go to Little Bali whenever I feel like eating Asian food, especially on the weekends with the family. The place is clean, the food is all fresh, and above it all, it’s the consistency. That’s important for me. Plus it’s very affordable.”
Must-order dish: Ayam betutu – roast chicken in Balinese spices with rice and sambal matah.
Cluster U, JLT, littlebali.ae (04 554 8575).
Mama’esh
Recommended by: Colin Clague, chef and consultant
What is it? A homely, neighbourhood-style bakery, Mama’esh is famed for its bread and manakeesh. Homegrown in the UAE, it now has several branches across Dubai, with the first opening in 2015 in Business Bay. Proudly stating that “Palestine is just a bite away” expect fair prices as well as free bread, tea and water if you’re dining in.
Clague says: “It’s an amazing Palestinian restaurant with a great terrace for al fresco dining, you can’t book and it’s always busy. The breakfast is hugely popular, the foul medammas, moutabel and hummus are all great, but the highlights are all the bread and wraps, the smell from the kitchen is wonderful. It’s also a real bargain.
Must-order dish: The wraps, which come stuffed with everything from oven-baked chicken shawarma and Lebanese sujuk to halloumi and zaatar.
Business Bay, mamesh.com (04 264 6728).
Maiz Tacos
Recommended by: Alex Stumpf, co-founder and exec chef, BB Social Dining.
What is it? Maiz Tacos started out as a food truck, popping up all over the city and delighting taco fans with its Mexican dishes. Thanks to its popularity it launched a physical restaurant in JLT in 2019 and another in Dubai Hills in 2022 serving up a range of tasty tacos, nachos, guac and more.
Stumpf says: “Maiz is our family to go to with the kids. Tacos for life.”
Must-order dish: The El Jefe – six-hour slow-cooked Angus chuck with salsa verde, onion and coriander.
Cluster Y, JLT @maiztacos (04 514 4712).
Maisan15
Recommended by: Moritz Neumann, director of culinary at JW Marriott Marquis Dubai.
What is it? This quirky, yet hip spot that’s part art gallery, part café and attracts a cool, laid-back crowd. There’s a Middle Eastern touch to the food there, which is brilliant. It takes some beating in terms of value for money. If you want incredibly creative food without the fanfare of marble floors, a hotel lobby, butler-style-wait-staff and a strict dress code, then this is the place for you. Homely, charming, tasty food and excellent bang for your buck.
Neumann says: “You need to know it, to be able to find it. It has a cosy little courtyard to sit outside at, which is perfect for that Saturday mid-morning breakfast or lunch when the weather is right. I love the urban-style interiors and the open kitchen, where you can see the chefs in action. There is always something new on the menu which makes it fun and always gives you a reason to come back. And the filtered water is free, which is a nice touch.”
Must-order dish: Order the dips trio. It’s miso babaganoush, zammous and muhammarah labneh served with perfectly pillowy signature bread. Fantastic presentation, colors and flavours. The Maisan tabouleh offers an excellent twist on the classic and chefs add some kohlrabi into the mix to give it crunch. Don’t skip on the churros for dessert. They are close to perfection – incredibly flaky, cardamom and cinnamon sugar coated. Make sure you ask for the chocolate and the caramel dip while you at it…
Al Barsha, @maisan15 (04 244 7291).
Masmat Baha Restaurant
Recommended by: Hattem Mattar, pitmaster and restaurateur.
What is it? An authentic Egyptian restaurant in the heart of Al Barsha that serves native dishes at insanely great prices. From real Alexandrian liver to homestyle molokheya, Baha is the spot to grab a bite if you fancy a taste of your (Egyptian) home away from home.
Mattar says: “This is my go-to budget spot in Dubai when I’m craving Egyptian food. A fantastic reminder of home and well-executed homey dishes at an excellent price. Their mombar is great. It’s a kind of Arab sausage dish made with sheep casing stuffed with a mixture of rice and meat mixture then deep fried. Chef’s kiss.”
Must-order dish: Definitely the mombar.
Al Barsha, @maisan15 (04 244 7291).
Noodle Bowl
Recommended by: Lily Hoa Nguyen, founder of Vietnamese Foodies.
What is it? This cheap and cheerful noodle joint in Satwa was founded in 2006 by Michael Teng. It’s hugely popular and serves up dim sum, noodles, soups and more – and everything’s worth trying. Portions are generous and are as big on flavour as they are in size.
Hoa Nguyen says: “As a homegrown and locally-owned business, Noodle Bowl still retains its excellent food quality and homely vibe today. Despite being around for a long time, Noodle Bowl’s cooking quality remains top-notch and they use very authentic spices and sauces that make the dish flavours unforgettable. I go there anytime I have cravings for Malaysian rice and noodle dishes with deep umami flavors and fiery chilli and spices.”
Must-order dish: The original Malaysian laksa lemak soup with prawn.
Satwa (04 345 3382).
Ocean Basket
Recommended by: Carmen Landsberg, executive chef of Brunch & Cake
What is it? This South African name serves up fresh seafood in Mirdif Mall. Expect a wide selection of Mediterranean-inspired dishes including combos of prawns, fish, and calamari. There’s also a seafood platter with all three that can be ordered either grilled or fried.
Landsberg says: “I love so many of the items on their menu and would go once a week if I could. It reminds me so much of home as there it’s a really popular place, situated close to the beach. There is nothing better than thinking of being on the beach in South Africa eating fresh seafood.”
Must-order dish: Seafood platter for one – with mussels, prawns, fish and calamari plus rice and fries with a village salad.
City Centre Mirdif, Mirdif dubai.oceanbasket.com (04 201 1566).
Raju Omlet
Recommended by: Luma Makhlouf, founder of Maiz Tacos.
What is it? The clue is in the name with this one – everything about this place is egg-centric. From half-fry to eggs kejriwal, plus of course practically every omelette you could imagine – from mushroom to masala corn, Mexican to chilli cheese. There are also egg curries and egg noodle dishes.
Makhlouf says: “Get there early on a weekend morning before the queues start. Consistency is key here because, every single time I go it’s so good. I’ve been about a million times and never had a bad meal.
Must-order dish: Tikka egg wraps.
Cluster T, JLT rajuomlet.net (04 344 9933).
Saigon
Recommended by: New Chaklang, chef and founder of Café Isan.
What is it? This authentic Vietnamese joint serves up traditional dishes such as summer rolls, pho, bun, wok-fried dishes and more, Saigon prides itself on its authentic cuisine.
Chaklang says: “Saigon is my favourite place, all the dishes there are really fresh and very light – which is perfect as I don’t like heavy food. I’ve been there a lot now and the food is always really good, we get it on delivery too. I love Vietnamese food, the pho and chicken-fried rice are really good.”
Must-order dish: Banh xeo – crispy Vietnamese rice crêpes with beansprouts and prawn.
Cluster D, JLT (050 738 0669).
Sallet Al Sayed
Recommended by: Stephen Flawith, founder of Pickl.
What is it? A casual Middle Eastern seafood restaurant that specialises in fresh fish, served in a simple, tasty way. There’s loads of fish on the menu from sherri to koffer, red snapper, sea bass, salmon, sardines and more.
Flawith says: “Sallet Al Sayed is great any time of day, I tend to angle more towards lunches there as the traffic is busier in the evenings leading into Karama. It serves up possibly some of the best grilled shrimps in the UAE, the bread and hummus are also to die for. A small independent that outstrips the larger players by a country mile. You can tell they care about each and every order that goes out and have truly perfected their product range. Price also plays a part, they don’t break the bank and offer a better quality than their pricier counterparts. Get off the beaten track and get into Karama, Bur Dubai and Deira. This is where the real magic happens.”
Must-order dish: Grilled shrimp with secret sauce, tomato salad and hummus.
Karama (04 335 5722).
Sticky Rice
Recommended by: Nick Alvis, executive chef in Dubai, Andy Toh Chye Siong, executive chef of Hakkasan Middle East.
What is it? Housed in JVC, this homegrown restaurant was set up by “Mama”, who had “fire in her eyes, a dream in her heart and a passion for food”. Sticky Rice has soared in popularity and is known for its homely atmosphere, family-run vibe and traditional, tasty eats – with a range of spice levels optional.
Alvis says: “Whenever I have a night in on my own to watch a movie I’ll order it in. Why is it so fantastic? It’s the closest (taste-wise) I have ever come to when I was travelling, island hopping and diving in Thailand.”
Must-order dish: The chicken pad krapow with sticky rice and crispy fried egg.
Toh Chye Siong says: “The flavours are very authentic and I love going on my day off or getting it delivered.”
Must-order dish: Classic green curry.
Sohbha Daffodil, JVC stickyrice.ae (04 580 8350).
Streetery Food Hall
Recommended by: Urosh Mitrasinovic, executive chef and hospitality consultant in Dubai.
What is it? You can’t get closer to an authentic Asian food market in Dubai than this low-key, cool space in JLT. Split into separate kitchens and serving everything from Thai curries to barbecue, there’s something for everyone at Streetery.
Mitrasinovic says: “When something is made with effort and love, you can feel that on a plate. These have that effect on me every single time. They’ve also managed to successfully modify traditional dishes for a highly-competitive market such as Dubai and I strongly relate to that.”
Must-order dish: Prawn curry with paratha.
Cluster D, JLT streeteryfoodhall.com (04 587 3373).
Ravi Restaurant
Recommended by: Libor Dobis, corporate chef, ROKA
What is it? This Satwa spot has been around for more than four decades and is one of the most beloved Pakistani restaurants in Dubai, famed for its pocket-friendly fare. Popular for affordable and super-tasty curries, dhal, biryanis and more, budget dining never looked so tasty.
Dobis says: “I take my family here after karate training. They serve honest, traditional food – the curries are spicy, which I love.”
Must-order dish: Chicken peshawari, naan and roti.
Satwa (04 331 5353).
Reif Japanese Kushiyaki
Recommended by: Danilo Valla, executive chef at Roberto’s.
What is it? Renowned for its silky smooth ramen and delicious kushiyaki, there are plenty of street food-style plates to get stuck into, so gather your mates and order a bunch of stuff to share. One of the best Japanese restaurants in Dubai, ideal for when you want something more casual but just as tasty.
Valla says: “I always go to Reif’s when I want to have fantastic and delicious Japanese food without going to fancy places. The menu changes quite fast and the portions are not too big; perfect if you choose a lot of dishes. You’re sure to have a good dinner experience. Although the wagyu katsu sando isn’t on the budget side of things, it’s still well worth it if you’re splashing out.
Must-order dish: 18-hour Chicken ramen. It’s so rich in flavour and is definitely a must-try.
Dar Wasl Mall, Al Wasl Road, reifkushiyaki.com.
Rossovivo Artisan Pizza
Recommended by: Giuseppe Giampietro, executive chef at GAL.
What is it? Rossovivo specialises in interesting pizza toppings – with everything from pizza pistachio (mozzarella, cream, pistachio, bresaola and basil) to pizza UAE (mozzarella, minced beef and white onion) on the menu. You can even order from a special mozzarella menu with a range of cow’s milk and buffalo milk cheese.
Giampietro says: “Every time that I miss Italy, I head here as it reminds me of home. The ambience, the hospitality and, of course, the taste of home-made food. It has the power to teleport you back to the home streets of Italy, even if it is for just an hour.”
Must-order dish? The Pizza Diavola, with beef salami, chilli oil and fresh basil.
Internet City, rossovivo.com (04 427 2477).
Texas Roadhouse
Recommended by: Rifky Sadhakathullah, executive chef at Dream Restaurant & Garden of Dream Dubai.
What is it? An all-American joint serving up proper US grub including wings, country-fried chicken, loaded Idaho potato skins and a whole range of steaks, in a casual setting at The Dubai Mall, for when you need a break from the shops.
Sadhakathullah says: “My favourite things have to be the freshly baked bread that they bring to the table and the spicy sauce on the chicken wings. Although I also love the rib-eye steak with loaded French fries.”
Must-order dish? Smoked Buffalo wings with fresh celery and blue cheese sauce.
The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, texasroadhouse.com (04 419 0266).
Wokyo
Recommended by: Jill Okkers exec chef, tashas Group.
What is it? A casual noodle joint in JLT, Wokyo prides itself on Tokyo-style bowls. The menu is ready for you to navigate yourself – from noodles to protein, sauces and more, whatever you want you can create here, making it a top option for everyone – whatever their taste buds.
Okkers says: “I usually go to Wokyo on a Saturday for an early evening, lazy dinner. Order all the sides to share for a starter for a taste of everything, plus you can build your own noodle bowl and the Singapore crunchy peanut sauce is amazing. It’s quick, easy, the food is always good, the service is great and it’s super-affordable.”
Must-order dish: Sapporo ramen, a slurp-worthy bowl of ten-hour slow-cooked broth. Plus the matcha or milk tea soft serve ice cream for dessert.
Cluster J, JLT, wokyo.com (800 96596).
Zagol
Recommended by: Kelvin Cheung, chef and partner at Jun’s.
What is it? Zagol is low key and cool Ethiopian restaurant located in the heart of Karama and one of the most authentic places to reach for your favorite Ethiopian dishes. So if you want to taste real spice and flavours that make you question how a simple dish can be so rich and palate-awakening, then go to Zagol – right now.
Cheung says: Zagol is a weekly staple in our household. The injera, naturally gluten-free fermented flatbread, is flown in daily and with its wide variety of vegetables and meat there’s something everyone in the family enjoys. I personally enjoy the table by the window in the smaller of the two restaurants that are next door to each other. It feels like you’re in someone’s home and you can smell the Ethiopian coffee as you wait for your food.
Must-order dish: Our go-to order is the the beyaynet, a vegetarian lentil based platter which you order based on the number of people in your party and they serve on a large platter in the middle.
Mabrooka 1 Building, Al Karama (050 323 1822).
