Taste of Dubai is back this weekend, from Friday to Saturday.
While its regular venue – at the Media City Amphitheatre – may have changed to Skydive Dubai, the annual food festival will continue to offer visitors delicious dishes from top restaurants at a fraction of their usual cost.
This year's participating restaurants include newbies such as Indian fine-dining spot Atrangi by Ritu Dalmia and City Social by Jason Atherton; Michelin-starred and lauded venues such as Torno Subito, Akira Back, Hutong, Indya by Vineet, Jun's and The Artisan; as well as a sneak peek at chef Akmal Anuar's latest venture Osteria Funkcoolio.
The al fresco festival is a chance for discerning diners to sample top fare at heavily discounted rates, as restaurants have been given a menu format specifying only three price points: Dh25, Dh30 and Dh35. Of these, one must be a vegan dish and one must be child-friendly.
Pricing and diet considerations aside, organisers also require restaurants to create and serve a dish exclusive to Taste of Dubai this year, making the event a must-visit for true-blue foodies.
Here is our pick of the dishes that sound most delicious – and discounted.
Duck at Hutong
Save: Dh200+
The Chinese restaurant in the Dubai International Financial Centre is serving its signature roasted Peking duck with pancakes for Dh35. Albeit in bite-sized form here, the delicacy is Dh300 at the restaurant for two to three people.
Salmon fish cake at Rhodes W1
Save: Dh140
The tribute restaurant to late British chef Gary Rhodes is serving its salmon fish cake for Dh35, down from an original Dh175 for the full-sized dish. As in the restaurant, the festival version will be made with fresh and smoked salmon, mashed potato and spring onion.
Amberjack at Torno Subito
Save: Dh110
Italian master chef Massimo Bottura will serve his Michelin-starred smoked amberjack with compressed sweet melon and Sorrento lemon sauce for Dh30 at Taste of Dubai, down from Dh140 at the W Dubai restaurant.
Tuna tacos at Akira Back
Save: Dh100
The eponymous restaurant of Michelin-lauded Korean-American chef Akira Back is a go-to for high-end celebrations in the UAE. At Taste of Dubai, visitors can sample its popular truffle tuna tacos for a mere Dh30, down from Dh130 at The Palm Jumeirah venue.
Potstickers at Jun's
Save: Dh60
The tribute restaurant to late British chef Gary Rhodes is serving its salmon fish cake for Dh35, down from an original Dh175 for the full-sized dish. As in the restaurant, the festival version will be made with fresh and smoked salmon, mashed potato and spring onion.
Guacamole tradicional at Maya
Save: Dh50
If you're feeling like Mexican, Maya by chef Richard Sandoval is on site, serving its signature freshly mixed guacamole for Dh30. Ordering it at the Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa spot will set you back Dh80.
Nashi pear crumble at City Social
Save: Dh30
Acclaimed British chef Jason Atherton's restaurant is making its debut at the festival with one of its signature sweet treats for Dh30 – half the price if ordered at the high-rise Grosvenor House venue.
Chole bhature at Atrangi
Save: Dh30
Celebrity chef Ritu Dalmia will serve the popular Indian dish at her first Taste of Dubai outing, for 50 per cent less than its original cost, so Dh30 instead of Dh60.
Food – and savings – aside, Taste of Dubai has various culinary-themed activities, from celebrity chef masterclasses to mum-and-child cooking workshops and an interactive coffee-making stand. Live entertainment is also on the cards, as well as carnival-style games, activities and bouncy castles to keep the little ones one busy.
Taste of Dubai runs from Friday to Saturday at Skydive Dubai; entry fees start at Dh75 a person; more information is available at tasteofdubaifestival.com
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Developer: From Software (remaster by QLOC)
Publisher: Namco Bandai
Price: Dh199
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Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
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