It’s the Cinderella story of the culinary world.
On Monday, home-grown restaurant 3 Fils, long considered something of a hidden gem at Jumeirah Fishing Harbour, nabbed the much-coveted No 1 spot at the Mena’s 50 Best Restaurants awards ceremony held in Abu Dhabi.
This means it beat some of the world’s most prestigious restaurants, which have outposts in the Mena region. You can find the complete list of winners here.
To say it came as a surprise, though, downplays the popularity of this chic casual restaurant, which has racked up a loyal following since its launch. With cosy interiors, a rustic harbour setting and a small but consistently excellent Japanese-inspired menu, food lovers and chefs alike have been singing its praises for a while now.
Being recognised as the best restaurant in the Middle East was still a surreal moment for the team. “I don’t know how to express this feeling,” says Ahmed Abdulhakim, co-founder. “But you do feel more responsible. Proud of the team. I’m also thankful for the trust that’s been given to us.”
The restaurant was launched by Singapore-born chef Akmal Anuar along with Emirati co-founders Abdulhakim and Adnan Ali in 2016. Anuar has since moved on to 11 Woodfire, but when the team accepted the award, they gave him a shoutout on stage.
“For us, it’s all about making people happy,” says sous chef Freddy Kazadi. “It’s not like we came here expecting to be No 1. But I do know that we are not competing. We are learning from others.”
When asked about what they think it is about the restaurant that has people coming back for more, Abdulhakim amiably jokes that it’s a question they’ve all been wondering about themselves.
“But I think, it’s the people. The whole chain, from our suppliers to our staff.”
Having a small but quality-focused menu doesn’t hurt either. According to Abdulhakim, it’s impossible to pick one bestselling dish from a menu that includes Fremantle octopus, sakura ebi, bluefin tuna sashimi, beef carpaccio and (for dessert lovers) African powerhouse – a chocolate tart with a touch of sea salt – and karak ice cream.
From hidden gems to the winner of Mena’s 50 Best Restaurants List, is no mean feat. But it also begs the question – where does one go from here? Will there be expansion plans in the works?
“We have only one plan, and that’s to do something different,” says Abdulhakim. “If we are able to reach more people and give them the same experience, then yes. If not, then no.”
The team behind the restaurant also seem adamant that this new victory will not go to their heads or prompt any change in their service. One of the lighter moments of the evening comes when a question arises about their famous no-reservation policy: will that have to change now?
“We have to be how we are,” says Rami Massuod, general manager. “If we change, other people will change their perception of us.”
And if people flood in by the hundreds? “We will manage. It’s a responsibility, and we are very grateful,” he says. “The team do a lot and I hope all guests understand that.”
Abdulhakim says there may be other plans in the works, perhaps even ones that shine a light on local cuisine.
“It’s something I‘ve always dreamed about – to do something with local cuisine,” says Abdulhakim. "Maybe this will be our next project."
The Mena's 50 Best Restaurants list - in pictures:
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
The Facility’s Versatility
Between the start of the 2020 IPL on September 20, and the end of the Pakistan Super League this coming Thursday, the Zayed Cricket Stadium has had an unprecedented amount of traffic.
Never before has a ground in this country – or perhaps anywhere in the world – had such a volume of major-match cricket.
And yet scoring has remained high, and Abu Dhabi has seen some classic encounters in every format of the game.
October 18, IPL, Kolkata Knight Riders tied with Sunrisers Hyderabad
The two playoff-chasing sides put on 163 apiece, before Kolkata went on to win the Super Over
January 8, ODI, UAE beat Ireland by six wickets
A century by CP Rizwan underpinned one of UAE’s greatest ever wins, as they chased 270 to win with an over to spare
February 6, T10, Northern Warriors beat Delhi Bulls by eight wickets
The final of the T10 was chiefly memorable for a ferocious over of fast bowling from Fidel Edwards to Nicholas Pooran
March 14, Test, Afghanistan beat Zimbabwe by six wickets
Eleven wickets for Rashid Khan, 1,305 runs scored in five days, and a last session finish
June 17, PSL, Islamabad United beat Peshawar Zalmi by 15 runs
Usman Khawaja scored a hundred as Islamabad posted the highest score ever by a Pakistan team in T20 cricket
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Terror attacks in Paris, November 13, 2015
- At 9.16pm, three suicide attackers killed one person outside the Atade de France during a foootball match between France and Germany
- At 9.25pm, three attackers opened fire on restaurants and cafes over 20 minutes, killing 39 people
- Shortly after 9.40pm, three other attackers launched a three-hour raid on the Bataclan, in which 1,500 people had gathered to watch a rock concert. In total, 90 people were killed
- Salah Abdeslam, the only survivor of the terrorists, did not directly participate in the attacks, thought to be due to a technical glitch in his suicide vest
- He fled to Belgium and was involved in attacks on Brussels in March 2016. He is serving a life sentence in France
White hydrogen: Naturally occurring hydrogen
Chromite: Hard, metallic mineral containing iron oxide and chromium oxide
Ultramafic rocks: Dark-coloured rocks rich in magnesium or iron with very low silica content
Ophiolite: A section of the earth’s crust, which is oceanic in nature that has since been uplifted and exposed on land
Olivine: A commonly occurring magnesium iron silicate mineral that derives its name for its olive-green yellow-green colour
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
LILO & STITCH
Starring: Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, Maia Kealoha, Chris Sanders
Director: Dean Fleischer Camp
Rating: 4.5/5
Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere
Director: Scott Cooper
Starring: Jeremy Allen White, Odessa Young, Jeremy Strong
Rating: 4/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
THE BIO
Favourite car: Koenigsegg Agera RS or Renault Trezor concept car.
Favourite book: I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes or Red Notice by Bill Browder.
Biggest inspiration: My husband Nik. He really got me through a lot with his positivity.
Favourite holiday destination: Being at home in Australia, as I travel all over the world for work. It’s great to just hang out with my husband and family.
The specs
Engine: 1.6-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 217hp at 5,750rpm
Torque: 300Nm at 1,900rpm
Transmission: eight-speed auto
Price: from Dh130,000
On sale: now
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champioons League semi-final, first leg:
Liverpool 5
Salah (35', 45 1'), Mane (56'), Firmino (61', 68')
Roma 2
Dzeko (81'), Perotti (85' pen)
Second leg: May 2, Stadio Olimpico, Rome
