The Michelin Guide is set to release its second list for Dubai on May 23. Before then, though, the anonymous Michelin inspectors, who have been visiting restaurants around the emirate for some months now, have made their selection of Bib Gourmand restaurants for 2023.
Japanese-inspired spot 3Fils; 21Grams, which serves Balkan cuisine; and Aamara, a fine-dining Indian restaurant have all made the cut.
While a Michelin star (or two or three) are considered one of the highest culinary accolades a restaurant can get, Bib Gourmand represents value-for-money spots. Named after Bibendum, the Michelin Man and official company mascot of the Michelin Group, the Bib Gourmand category is “not quite a star, but most definitely not a consolation prize”, according to the guide.
It recognises “just-as-esteemed” and friendly establishments that serve good food at reasonable prices.
Of the three venues revealed for 2023 thus far, 3Fils was part of the debut Michelin Guide Dubai (having received an honorary mention in 2022), while the other two are new to the Michelin family. 3Fils also won top honours on yet another culinary list, coming in at first place on Mena’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2022 and fifth place in 2023.
Stasha Toncev, founder of 21grams, says the award is a testament to the power of community support.
"We have always strived to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, a cherished homegrown space. This recognition from Michelin inspires us to continue nurturing this sense of belonging.
"We have also been privileged to bring Balkan cuisine to the forefront of the culinary world. This accolade reflects our commitment to showcasing the rich flavors, vibrant traditions and diverse culinary heritage of the region. The Michelin recognition marks an important milestone in our journey, but it is just the beginning."
Lists such as these, awarded by culinary experts and industry insiders, are highly sought after by local foodies and gastro-tourists alike, who often plan their social and travel calendars based on the award-winning restaurants they want to sample.
See the full list of Bib Gourmand restaurants in Abu Dhabi (which got its own Michelin Guide late last year) and Dubai, although it remains to be seen which of these venues will make the cut this year.
Bib Gourmand restaurants in the Michelin Guide Abu Dhabi 2022
- Almayass
- Beirut Sur Mer
- Otoro
- Tazal
Bib Gourmand restaurants in the Michelin Guide Dubai 2022
- Al Khayma
- Bait Maryam
- Brasserie Boulud
- Fi'lia
- folly
- Goldfish
- Ibn AlBahr
- Indya by Vineet
- Kinoya
- Ninive
- Orfali Bros
- Reif Japanese Kushiyaki
- Shabestan
- Teible
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• Increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 but given “turbulent times it may be necessary to go faster”
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• More F-35 fighter jets required in the next decade
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More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
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AT4 Ultimate, as tested
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What is THAAD?
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THAAD missiles can travel at over Mach 8, so fast that it is hypersonic.
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Specs
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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CSIL 2-star 145cm One Round with Jump-Off
1. Alice Debany Clero (USA) on Amareusa S 38.83 seconds
2. Anikka Sande (NOR) For Cash 2 39.09
3. Georgia Tame (GBR) Cash Up 39.42
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5. Miriam Schneider (GER) Fidelius G 47.74
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Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
