Dubai stands as one of the most luxurious places in the world, offering a wide variety of options that include the best cuisine from around the globe. But beyond the prestigious Michelin Guide restaurants, there are other types of places in Dubai that locals frequent and tourists do not know about.
These are simpler places, offering traditional food and relaxing spaces outside of luxury. Although their amenities are excellent, these places break the norm and are also exquisite in their recipes, gaining fame among the locals. Among them, the specialized site Time Out recognized Harummanis, a Malaysian eatery that dazzles its diners.
Harummanis, a hidden gem in Dubai
Harummanis is a Malay-Singaporean restaurant led by Chef Akmal Anuar. Located in Jumeirah 1, this venue stays true to the chef’s traditions, serving original dishes that maintain the essence of this culture. Dubai residents choose it for specialties such as beef cheek rendang and ketoprak, featuring Japanese sesame sauce and traditional peanut sauce. A flavorful spot that few know about, but one that delights its visitors with every bite.
The space is decorated in a 70s style, creating a fresh and relaxed atmosphere. Anuar sought to preserve the dishes from the nasi padang stall his family owns in Teck Whye, Singapore, recreating the most traditional recipes while adding a modern and special touch.
Alserkal, a vibrant and special spot for Dubai residents
Alserkal is one of the most exciting avenues in all of Dubai, home to countless places that locals visit regularly. As noted by Time Out, this street features several restaurants, bars, and cafés that are often underrated by tourists but highly appreciated by residents. Among them, Kokoro Handroll Bar stands out as an ideal spot for sushi lovers.
This is the city’s first specialized hand roll bar, offering one of its most famous and well-regarded dishes at an affordable price compared to other venues. These are crispy squares of nori sheets wrapped with rice and an unforgettable filling. The venue’s décor is relaxed yet appealing, setting it apart from other places that focus on luxury and opulence.
Lowe, a hard-to-find gem in Dubai
Following Time Out’s recommendations, Lowe is one of the most unique dining options. As the guide points out, this place is hard to find but offers an otherworldly experience. Located in Al Barari, it serves traditional local dishes, expertly prepared with excellent and unforgettable recipes. According to its official website, Lowe “is a contemporary and experimental dining experience with a local ideology that showcases seasonal ingredients cooked naturally over fire.”
The menu is quite diverse, featuring flavors from the Middle East and Japan, as well as exquisite burgers made with the finest meat in the world. What makes this place unique is that alcohol is available since the restaurant is licensed to serve it, making pairing meals with cocktails one of its main attractions. An ideal spot to explore, where both locals and tourists can enjoy a great time.
