Dine in the desert

WHAT TO EAT Shawarma, hummus and barbeque —Contributed photos

You say hello, I say Dubai!

A few friends have just come from Dubai and I am so jealous! It’s wonderful that the world is now much smaller and we can go anywhere for just a few days to relax and reboot. You can now treat New York like a trip to Davao (thank God PAL has a direct flight!) and treat Dubai like a trip to Cebu (Even Cebu Pacific has been flying to Dubai for the past nine years and in two weeks will have two flights daily!).

I am planning a trip myself for Christmas because when Lonely Planet describes a place as “a stirring alchemy of profound traditions and ambitious futuristic vision wrapped into starkly evocative desert splendor,” you know you have to go! Also, Emirati cuisine is a must-try: hearty meat dishes with flatbread and rice and amazing spices; although I am not sure if I have the courage to eat camel meat. Camel sliders, anyone?

My good friend Carmina Reyes-Romero, who was just there, has been kind enough to share her list of where to eat in case any of you might be visiting Dubai soon. Here’s her list:

Al Safadi on Al Rigga

This is a casual dining restaurant with what Carmina describes as “well-priced meat dishes and a fantastic atmosphere,” serving everything a first timer must try: Lebanese, Arabian and Middle Eastern cuisine. She recommends that you get the barbecue plate. She says to watch out for this twist that is a game-changer: eating shawarma with French fries. I’d be happy to have a McShawarma meal any day!

Al Makan at Jumeirah City Market

It’s another Arabic restaurant for grilled meats but this time inside a souk or market, the Souk Madinat Jumeirah. This is for the last day of your trip, i.e., you can go to the market for pasalubong shopping. Then after you get 35 shawls and a dozen dates for all your officemates and relatives, head here to recharge because their meats are supposedly really good. Shawarma pa more!

Sultan Al Arab

This is to try the “longest shawarma,” which is more than a foot long. I guess it’s for sharing and perfect if you are a big group.

Al Fanar Seafood Market

This is for those who do not eat meat. It’s a kitsch, fun spot designed like an old courtyard house although it is inside the Festival City Mall. Try the chicken machboos, a bezar-spiced rice dish; or the grilled squid called naghar mashwi. There’s a second branch at Town Centre Jumeriah.

Al Hallab at Dubai Mall

The famous, humongous Dubai Mall is apparently part of every tourist’s “pilgrimage.” When you are hungry after all that shopping, Carmina recommends to head to Al Hallab for what she calls the “best shawarma platter ever.” Think roast lamb on a big platter with Arabic bread, vegetables, pickles and hummus on the side.

Majlis at Dubai Mall

This was not on Carmina’s list but for the ever so curious—since I don’t know if I would dare to eat camel meat (maybe 15 years ago, yes)—here’s a new experience: camel milk! They offer coffee (camelccino, anyone?), cakes and eclairs, as well as shakes and ice cream all made using camel milk. Camel milk is supposedly lower in fat and higher in vitamins and minerals than the cow equivalent. And no, the milk was not stored on the camel’s hump. I think it’s a must try!If you have other tips, drop me a message on Instagram @margauxsalcedo. I would love to hear from you!