We round up the latest news on the UAE food scene this week.
Saya’s new branch is for lovers of all things pink
Home-grown brand Saya Caffe, long considered an Instagrammer's haven, has opened a new outpost at Al Wasl 51 in Dubai, named Saya Brasserie. Half of the space is described as a "pink paradise", with neon lights and floral touches, and the other is a stark black-and-white "2D-designed" room. The 2D room features hand-sketched drawings, a faux fireplace and artistic tributes to Dubai. The menu includes scrambled shakshuka, smashed avocado, plus cafe classics such as Spanish latte, falafel and chicken salad. The pink theme extends to dessert, which includes rose croissants and Saya's Pink Balloon (vanilla cheesecake with rose lotus crunch, milk sauce and candyfloss).
Say aloha to Hawaiian delivery Hoa Poke Bowl
Also new on Dubai's expanding culinary scene is Hoa Poke Bowl, from the creators of 3Fils. Specialising in the healthy Hawaiian meal, the delivery-only concept gives customers the chance to pick from a base of rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles, finished with a choice of protein and myriad toppings. Ready bowls include the intriguing-sounding Bling Bowl with salmon and caviar, and the Marty McFly, with panko teriyaki chicken breast and creamy sriracha (pictured). The salmon tacos make a great side. Hoa Poke Bowl is delivering to Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai Marina, Emirates Hills and Jumeirah Beach Residences through Deliveroo and Talabat.
More information is at www.eathoapoke.com
A double treat from Marina Social and Keto Goodies
Maria Social in Dubai has teamed up with Keto Goodies to host a scrumptious ketogenic three-course meal. Available tomorrow and Saturday for lunch and dinner, the menu includes starters such as Norwegian salmon ceviche with avocado puree, watermelon and cucumber salsa; a classic tomato and burrata with basil pesto and salt; and steak tartare with truffle dressing, hazelnuts and aged Parmesan. For the main course, choose between a succulent roast (beef, lamb or chicken) and grilled cauliflower steak. All mains come with keto-approved vegetables such as green beans and yellow courgettes. Finally, dessert is a baked Alaska, accompanied by a raspberry and yoghurt ripple. The low-carb meal is priced at Dh250, and guests will also get a free hamper of Keto Goodies treats to take home.
Reservations are essential and can be made by contacting 04 446 6664 or reservations@marinasocialdubai.com.
Costa teams up with Fatafeat to launch new menu items
Popular Middle Eastern food and lifestyle television channel Fatafeat has joined forces with British cafe chain Costa Coffee to launch six dishes, now available in the brand's outlets across the UAE. On the menu are harissa beef moussaka, spiced beef kofta, grilled halloumi and zaatar panini, slow-roast lamb sourdough baguette and ashta kunafa. There's even a vegan Moroccan salad, in keeping with the twist on traditional Arabic dishes theme. Crafted by acclaimed chef Mohammad Orfali, the range is also available through delivery platforms Talabat, Zomato, Deliveroo and Careem, with prices ranging from Dh20 to Dh28.
Cafe 302 has a 50% discount on its Veganuary menu
It's the last few days of Veganuary, and if you need motivation to keep up with the diet, Cafe 302 in Al Maha Arjaan by Rotana, Abu Dhabi, is offering a 50 per cent discount on its plant-based dishes until Sunday. On the menu are dishes such as winter beetroot salad; black bean and sweet potato quesadillas; penne vegan Bolognese; and quinoa, beet and white bean burger. There's also a cool Veganuary T-shirt available at the restaurant for purchase for Dh60, to celebrate the meat-free month.
Savour Dai Pai Dong’s limited-time clay pot menu
Connoisseurs of authentic Cantonese cuisine will be able to enjoy Abu Dhabi restaurant Dai Pai Dong's limited-edition clay pot menu until Sunday. A traditional comfort food dish, it is cooked using the flavour-preserving clay pot method. Tuck into meat dishes such as beef short ribs with black pepper, spicy sea bass, chicken with shiitake mushrooms or roasted duck rice. Prices from Dh78.
Grab a cuppa for only Dh9 from Fifth Street Cafe
The cafe in Courtyard Marriott World Trade Centre, Abu Dhabi, has just the deal to start your morning on a right note. Customers visiting between 7am and 11am on a weekday can get a cup of coffee for Dh9 only – prices usually start from Dh15. The offer is valid on all hot coffees except the caramel macchiato.
