In the background of increasing connectivity and busy lifestyles, a silent trend in the culinary world has been steadily on the rise. Solo dining has started to reshape the traditional way foodies visit restaurants, as more people get comfortable enjoying their own company and eating out alone.
Once seen as the ultimate social no-no, dining alone is shedding its stigma and has evolved into a weekly occurrence for many introverts and even extraverts. In the fast-paced world we live in, where time is often the greatest luxury, taking yourself out with only a meal for company has become an act of self-care.
Restaurants around the world, too, are adapting to this cultural shift, with more eateries in major cities catering to those breaking bread alone. In the UAE, IchiRyu Ramen House Dubai is the first Japanese-style solo dining experience, and is apt for those wanting a safe space to eat in peace without the small talk.
“Bocchi seki [table for one] offers diners a unique and immersive culinary adventure, inspired by the famous solo dining culture in Japan,” Filipino co-founder Nicolai de Guzman tells The National. Whether diners are slurping home-cooked noodles or savouring the ramen restaurant’s flavourful broth, they’re able to do so in the comfort of their own cubical space, shielded from the person next to them.
There are many who want to enjoy good food at their own pace and with minimal interaction
Nicolai de Guzman,
co-founder, IchiRyu Ramen House Dubai
“It’s an introvert's haven,” de Guzman adds. “The concept allows guests to enjoy their ramen in a discreet and personalised setting. There are a lot of foodies out there who want to enjoy good food at their own pace and with minimal interaction.”
Despite having opened less than six months ago, the venue already has people queuing for its private booths, and plans are afoot to open more venues with solo seating.
Solo dining is nothing new in Asian culture. Bocchi seki, which also translates to “lonely seats”, are single-person dining areas common in restaurants and even major educational facilities including Kyoto University. In Korea, #hobbap has close to two million posts on Instagram, while the Japanese have a dedicated word for “silent eating” – mokushoku.
Earlier this year, Toronto’s first solo dining restaurant, Yunnan Noodle Shack, opened its doors. Jane Yu, the restaurant’s co-founder, tells The National the decision to open was based on a gap in the market. “The concept of solo dining is relatively new to North America, but we recognised there is a demand for solitary experiences and a tranquil dining environment,” she explains.
“Separate seating areas provide a sense of privacy and comfort, allowing customers to enjoy their meals without any forced interaction.”
Single-person restaurants may be growing, but the idea isn’t being welcomed by all in the food industry. London Hotel Cafe Royal recently came under fire for charging solo diners double to protect the business from the empty seats left by those eating alone.
The two-Michelin-starred restaurant has only 11 tables and cited increased supplier costs and higher salaries as reasons for the extra fee for individual diners.
As a solo female diner, people tend to immediately assume you’re lonely
Judy Cogan,
freelance writer
Celebrity PR manager and regular solo diner Mayah Riaz disagrees with an individual surcharge and says it could deter solo diners should it become commonplace. “I do understand why restaurants feel the need to do this, but it would be punishing solo diners and might put an end to me dining alone,” she says. While having not yet experienced an additional fee for eating on her own, Riaz has previously been refused entry for asking for a table for one in both London and Cape Town.
Despite this Riaz has not been put off solo dining. “It’s my me-time. I look forward to it because I listen to a podcast or audiobook, or use the time to think about a project.”
Another regular solo diner is freelance writer Judy Cogan. While she’s never been turned away from a restaurant for being alone, she has on occasion been given the worst seat in the venue. “I was given a stool at a bar despite having booked a table,” Cogan tells The National. “I questioned it and was eventually given a proper table, but I then felt a bit guilty so I rushed the meal to leave quickly.”
Cogan has had both positive experiences eating alone in restaurants, as well as a few toe-curling ones she’d sooner forget. “As a solo female diner, people tend to immediately assume you’re lonely. I treated myself to a fancy meal at a restaurant in Morocco and the food arrived on a huge, tiered cake stand to the tune of Here Comes the Bride, which was a bit embarrassing.”
The rare bizarre reaction aside, fans of the trend say eating unaccompanied not only allows them precious time for themselves, but also affords them total freedom to order anything from the menu.
As Riaz explains: “It gives me a chance to sample the menus I want to. It’s not always easy to be as spontaneous with friends as they may not want to visit the restaurant of your choice.”
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
Zayed Sustainability Prize
More on Quran memorisation:
Credit Score explained
What is a credit score?
In the UAE your credit score is a number generated by the Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB), which represents your credit worthiness – in other words, your risk of defaulting on any debt repayments. In this country, the number is between 300 and 900. A low score indicates a higher risk of default, while a high score indicates you are a lower risk.
Why is it important?
Financial institutions will use it to decide whether or not you are a credit risk. Those with better scores may also receive preferential interest rates or terms on products such as loans, credit cards and mortgages.
How is it calculated?
The AECB collects information on your payment behaviour from banks as well as utilitiy and telecoms providers.
How can I improve my score?
By paying your bills on time and not missing any repayments, particularly your loan, credit card and mortgage payments. It is also wise to limit the number of credit card and loan applications you make and to reduce your outstanding balances.
How do I know if my score is low or high?
By checking it. Visit one of AECB’s Customer Happiness Centres with an original and valid Emirates ID, passport copy and valid email address. Liv. customers can also access the score directly from the banking app.
How much does it cost?
A credit report costs Dh100 while a report with the score included costs Dh150. Those only wanting the credit score pay Dh60. VAT is payable on top.
Four-day collections of TOH
Day Indian Rs (Dh)
Thursday 500.75 million (25.23m)
Friday 280.25m (14.12m)
Saturday 220.75m (11.21m)
Sunday 170.25m (8.58m)
Total 1.19bn (59.15m)
(Figures in millions, approximate)
Some of Darwish's last words
"They see their tomorrows slipping out of their reach. And though it seems to them that everything outside this reality is heaven, yet they do not want to go to that heaven. They stay, because they are afflicted with hope." - Mahmoud Darwish, to attendees of the Palestine Festival of Literature, 2008
His life in brief: Born in a village near Galilee, he lived in exile for most of his life and started writing poetry after high school. He was arrested several times by Israel for what were deemed to be inciteful poems. Most of his work focused on the love and yearning for his homeland, and he was regarded the Palestinian poet of resistance. Over the course of his life, he published more than 30 poetry collections and books of prose, with his work translated into more than 20 languages. Many of his poems were set to music by Arab composers, most significantly Marcel Khalife. Darwish died on August 9, 2008 after undergoing heart surgery in the United States. He was later buried in Ramallah where a shrine was erected in his honour.
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
more from Janine di Giovanni
WITHIN%20SAND
%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20Moe%20Alatawi%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStarring%3A%20Ra%E2%80%99ed%20Alshammari%2C%20Adwa%20Fahd%2C%20Muhand%20Alsaleh%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Infiniti QX80 specs
Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6
Power: 450hp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000
Available: Now
How has net migration to UK changed?
The figure was broadly flat immediately before the Covid-19 pandemic, standing at 216,000 in the year to June 2018 and 224,000 in the year to June 2019.
It then dropped to an estimated 111,000 in the year to June 2020 when restrictions introduced during the pandemic limited travel and movement.
The total rose to 254,000 in the year to June 2021, followed by steep jumps to 634,000 in the year to June 2022 and 906,000 in the year to June 2023.
The latest available figure of 728,000 for the 12 months to June 2024 suggests levels are starting to decrease.
WORLD CUP FINAL
England v South Africa
Yokohama International Stadium, Tokyo
Saturday, kick-off 1pm (UAE)
How to vote
Canadians living in the UAE can register to vote online and be added to the International Register of Electors.
They'll then be sent a special ballot voting kit by mail either to their address, the Consulate General of Canada to the UAE in Dubai or The Embassy of Canada in Abu Dhabi
Registered voters mark the ballot with their choice and must send it back by 6pm Eastern time on October 21 (2am next Friday)
How%20champions%20are%20made
%3Cp%3E%0D%3Cstrong%3EDiet%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%0D%3Cbr%3E7am%20-%20Protein%20shake%20with%20oats%20and%20fruits%0D%3Cbr%3E10am%20-%205-6%20egg%20whites%0D%3Cbr%3E1pm%20-%20White%20rice%20or%20chapati%20(Indian%20bread)%20with%20chicken%0D%3Cbr%3E4pm%20-%20Dry%20fruits%20%0D%3Cbr%3E7.30pm%20-%20Pre%20workout%20meal%20%E2%80%93%20grilled%20fish%20or%20chicken%20with%20veggies%20and%20fruits%0D%3Cbr%3E8.30pm%20to%20midnight%20workout%0D%3Cbr%3E12.30am%20%E2%80%93%20Protein%20shake%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETotal%20intake%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204000-4500%20calories%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESaidu%E2%80%99s%20weight%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20110%20kg%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStats%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Biceps%2019%20inches.%20Forearms%2018%20inches%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Results
Stage seven
1. Tadej Pogacar (SLO) UAE Team Emirates, in 3:20:24
2. Adam Yates (GBR) Ineos Grenadiers, at 1s
3. Pello Bilbao (ESP) Bahrain-Victorious, at 5s
General Classification
1. Tadej Pogacar (SLO) UAE Team Emirates, in 25:38:16
2. Adam Yates (GBR) Ineos Grenadiers, at 22s
3. Pello Bilbao (ESP) Bahrain-Victorious, at 48s
Company profile
Name: Tharb
Started: December 2016
Founder: Eisa Alsubousi
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: Luxury leather goods
Initial investment: Dh150,000 from personal savings
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
Monster
Directed by: Anthony Mandler
Starring: Kelvin Harrison Jr., John David Washington
3/5
The specs
Engine: 0.8-litre four cylinder
Power: 70bhp
Torque: 66Nm
Transmission: four-speed manual
Price: $1,075 new in 1967, now valued at $40,000
On sale: Models from 1966 to 1970
Last-16
France 4
Griezmann (13' pen), Pavard (57'), Mbappe (64', 68')
Argentina 3
Di Maria (41'), Mercado (48'), Aguero (90 3')
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Profile of RentSher
Started: October 2015 in India, November 2016 in UAE
Founders: Harsh Dhand; Vaibhav and Purvashi Doshi
Based: Bangalore, India and Dubai, UAE
Sector: Online rental marketplace
Size: 40 employees
Investment: $2 million
LIVING IN...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
The Bio
Favourite Emirati dish: I have so many because it has a lot of herbs and vegetables. Harees (oats with chicken) is one of them
Favourite place to go to: Dubai Mall because it has lots of sports shops.
Her motivation: My performance because I know that whatever I do, if I put the effort in, I’ll get results
During her free time: I like to drink coffee - a latte no sugar and no flavours. I do not like cold drinks
Pet peeve: That with every meal they give you a fries and Pepsi. That is so unhealthy
Advice to anyone who wants to be an ironman: Go for the goal. If you are consistent, you will get there. With the first one, it might not be what they want but they should start and just do it
The specs: 2018 Opel Mokka X
Price, as tested: Dh84,000
Engine: 1.4L, four-cylinder turbo
Transmission: Six-speed auto
Power: 142hp at 4,900rpm
Torque: 200Nm at 1,850rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L / 100km
