< Previous50 February 15 – March 14 2023 timeoutabudhabi.com DIN TAI FUNG is almost as well known for its lengthy queues as its dumplings. And our latest visit has proven that we’d queue for hours for this Taiwanese restaurant – even if at The Galleria mall outpost you’re unlikely to face a long wait. The no-frills eatery, which has found legions of fans in cities including Tokyo, London, Jakarta and Dubai, opened for the Àrst time in the capital in June last year. Split over two Áoors, you’ll Ànd the upstairs section (which has an outdoor terrace) next to coffee shop %Arabica. We did say no-frills, and the interiors are nothing to shout home about, with lots of light woods and rattan, and an open kitchen where you can see the chefs at work on those brilliant buns. Overordering is impossible to avoid after Áicking through the laminated menu with pictures of each of the delicious dishes – particularly as you Àll out a form with the quantity of each dish you want, rather than embarrassing yourself by rattling off every dish under the sun outloud. Start off with soup – our pick would have to be the hot and sour – paired with sides like the bean curd puffs or the spicy cucumber that are perfect for sharing. The main event is obviously the dumplings, and the menu is quite frankly overwhelming, with pot stickers, shu mai, wontons and, of course, the legendary xiaolongbao. If this is your Àrst foray into the steamed buns, don’t worry, because there’s a handy guide on how to eat them Din Tai Fung O Open Sun-Thu 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat 11am-11.30pm. The Galleria Al Maryah Island (02 446 7273). “Overordering is almost impossible to avoid” WHAT IS IT... Legendary Taiwanese restaurant at The Galleria WHY GO... To order far too many delicious dumplings correctly with the dipping sauce made fresh at your table. Your dumpling order is as personal as your Àngerprint, but if you really don’t know where to start, we’d recommend the steamed mushroom and vegetable dumplings, the szechuan shrimp and chicken wontons, and, of course, the chicken xiaolongbao. The red bean buns, with a sweet Àlling, are an unexpected delight, too. The menu covers more than just dumplings, with roasted duck, stir-fried beef, fried rice and chow mein, but after all those dumplings, we’re far too stuffed to even look. With legendary dumplings (and without a queue), Din Tai Fung should be your go-to for fuelling up at The Galleria. Time Out reviews anonymously and pays for its mealstimeoutabudhabi.com February 15 – March 14 2023 51 WE DON’T LIKE to throw the word ‘underrated’ around lightly, but it’s the only word we can use to describe The Foundry. The gorgeous steakhouse at the Southern Sun Abu Dhabi has it all: A stunning setting, impeccable service, great deals, and prime cuts of meat. The only thing it’s missing is the crowds. The interiors are rather difÀcult to describe. Step out of the elevator and you’re greeted with some grand seating perfect for groups, with large metal backs on each of the chairs. Head further inside for regular seating, as well as booths with the same bronze detailing that makes the space feel sleek and modern. We’re quickly led to a booth, from where we can see the chefs at work. The menu features plenty of standard steakhouse fare: Oysters, crab cake and beef tartare to start, plus signature dishes including a wagyu burger and veal schnitzel. If you’re here for the cuts (of course you are), you can choose between New Yorker striploin, tenderloin Australian stanbroke and sirloin South African karan, or opt for a signature cut of US black angus chateaubriand or Australian grilled Áank steak to share. More surprising is the number of vegan and gluten-free options, from the cauliÁower buffalo wings and Asian tofu salad to the stuffed portobello mushroom or Beyond burger for mains. You can also take advantage of the brilliant offers throughout the week, including a cheese and grape night which includes three hours of unlimited grape plus a cheese platter, main course and dessert platter for just Dhs189 on Wednesdays and Fridays, and an all-you-can-eat Japanese night for Dhs188 on Thursdays. Whether you’re splashing out on the steaks (which start from Dhs160), or making the most of a mega deal, the food is incredible, and will no doubt leave you asking each other “why haven’t we been here before?”. We’ve previously handed The Foundry our best steakhouse gong, but it’s always nice to be reminded of why we love it so much. Get this underrated spot on your radar and take advantage of the superb offers now. WHAT IS IT... Seriously underrated steakhouse at the Southern Sun WHY GO... To enjoy prime cuts for less The Foundry O Open Mon-Fri 6am-10.30am, noon-3pm, 6pm-11pm; Sat-Sun 6am-11am, noon- 3pm, 6pm-11pm. Southern Sun Abu Dhabi, Al Zahiyah (02 818 4888).52 February 15 – March 14 2023 timeoutabudhabi.com Lover of live music? You’re in luck. With artists stopping on their way to their next tour date or making the special journey to perform in the UAE, there are loads of brilliant concerts and gigs happen- ing over the next month. Whether you want to party to Travis Scott at Wireless Festival, get lost in electronic dance music at ULTRA Abu Dhabi or groove along to the pop stars of yesteryear over in Dubai, something is sure to strike a chord. ULTRA ABU DHABI Huge EDM festival ULTRA is making its Middle East debut this year. The postponed festival is Ànally taking place at Etihad Park on Saturday March 4 and Sunday March 5. On the line-up, Nightlife Listen to the music All the best gigs coming up in the UAE ULTRA Abu Dhabitimeoutabudhabi.com February 15 – March 14 2023 53 and it’s bringing with it some big names in hip hop. Headling the event will be the American rapper, singer and songwriter Travis Scott. Famed for songs Sicko Mode and Goosebumps, he will be joined by British rapper M.I.A. (yes, that’s the one who sings Paper Planes) and Lil Uzi Vert. That’s not all either. Somehow Àtting even more names into the one-day festival, you’ll also be able to see Wegz, Black Sherif, Ali Gatie, King, Divine, you’ve got huge names in electronic music headling the event including DJ Afrojack, Calvin Harris and massive electro DJ Skrillex. Joining them will be Adam Beyer, Amelie Lens, Illesium, K8hmr, Nghtmre and Sasha John Digweed. The Main Stage will house the festival’s stadium-smashing sounds, while ULTRA Worldwide’s house and techno brand RESISTANCE will host a stage boasting some of the festival’s best-loved underground acts. O When: Sat Mar 4-Sun Mar 5. Where: Etihad Park, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Tickets: From Dhs360, ultraabudhabi.com. WIRELESS MIDDLE EAST London’s Wireless Festival is making its Middle East debut on Saturday March 11 Young Stunners, K-Trap, Raja Kumari, $kinny, Dizzytooskinny, Dafencii, Casa Vince, DJ Nico, and DJ Liutik. There will be multiple stages to work your way around at the one-day festival. O When: Sat Mar 11 12.30pm onwards. Where: Etihad Park, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Tickets: From Dhs295, wirelessfestival.me. TINIE TEMPAH AND RAYE British musicians Raye and Tinie Tempah are performing at Dubai’s Global Village on Sunday February 20 and you can attend the concert for just Dhs20. Famed for his hits Pass Out and Written in the Stars will be taking to the park’s main stage alongside You Don’t Know Me singer Raye. The event is part of Virgin Radio’s 15th birthday party so Virgin’s DJ Danny Neville will be opening the concert at 6.30pm. If you’re looking for a concert without the hefty price tag, this one certainly makes the case for driving to Dubai for the night. O When: Sun Feb 20 6.30pm onwards. Where: Global Village, Emirates Road, Dubai. Tickets: Dhs20, globalvillage.ae. ATIF ASLAM AND FIRDAUS ORCHESTRA In the mood for some mellow tunes? Pakistani singer, songwriter and composer Atif Aslam is playing at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai on Saturday March 4. He will be joined by the Firdaus Orchestra in order to create a moving-musical concert experience. Fans of Aslam’s songs will hear his famous hits including Pehli Dafa, Jeena Jeena and Rafta Rafta performed by the renowned orchestra. O When: Sat Mar 4 9pm. Where: Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk, Dubai. Tickets: From Dhs140. coca-cola-arena.com REWIND FESTIVAL The sound of yesteryear is hitting Dubai’s Bla Bla on Saturday March 4 with REWIND Festival. An ‘80s and ‘90s themed festival LIVE MUSIC VENUES IRISH VICKERS Gaelic pub Irish Vickers has a band playing every Friday and Saturday from 2pm until late. Serving up pints of the black stuff and plenty of craic, you’re guaranteed a good night out here. O Open daily, noon-4am. The Irish Vicker’s, The Hub Level 6, WTC Mall (02 886 9636). PENELOPE’S In the mood for jazz? Head to Penelope’s in Yas Marina from Wednesday to Sunday from 8.30pm to hear a jazz band play. If vocals are integral to you, book on Wednesday or Saturday night when a vocalist joins in. O Sun-Thu 12.30pm-1am, Fri-Sat 12.30pm- 2am. Yas Marina, Yas Island (050 204 2475). PORTERS This unpretentious English pub in Grand Millennium Al Wahda has live music from Tuesday to Sunday. Metro-Band, who play covers of pop and rock songs is the current band in residence. O Mon-Fri 4pm-3am, Fri-Sun noon-3am. Grand Millennium Hotel,Hazza Bin Zayed Street, Al Wahda (02 495 3936). Bla Bla54 February 15 – March 14 2023 timeoutabudhabi.com Elrow XXLtimeoutabudhabi.com February 15 – March 14 2023 55 from the UK, REWIND is bringing a host of huge pop stars to the country. You’ll be able to see Tony Hadley, Marc Almond, Heather Small, Heaven 17, Go West, Nick Heyward, Altered Images and T’Pau on the beach club’s main stage. O When: Sat Mar 4 noon onwards. Where: Bla Bla, COMING UP LEWIS CAPALDI After a double postponement in 2022, Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi will be heading to Dubai in October 2023. The star, who cancelled his 2022 shows due to health concerns, will now play at the Coca-Cola Arena on Saturday October 7. O Prices TBC. Sat Oct 7 from 7pm. Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk, lewiscapaldi.com. TEXAS Scottish musicians Texas will be performing at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium on Friday April 28. Sharleen Spiteri and co. will be Àlling the stadium with the band’s ’80s and ’90s hits. O From Dhs199. Fri Apr 28 9.30 pm. Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, Garhoud, 800tickets.com. TOM ODELL The British singer and songwriter is coming to Dubai Opera in June as part of his international tour. Known for songs including Another Love and Real Love, his debut album Long Way Down topped the UK album charts. O From Dhs250. Wed Jun 7 8pm. Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, dubaiopera.com . Bonobo Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai. Tickets: From Dhs350, ticketmasterdxb.ae. ELROW XXL Another festival debut in the Middle East, Elrow XXL is coming to D3 Design District Dubai on Friday February 17 and Saturday February 18. What began as a social club in Madrid 148 years ago, Elrow is now a global techno and house music festival and the UAE edition will see over 10,000 people Áock to the arena. UK DJ and actor Idris Elba will be headlining the event and joining him will be Sonny Fodera, Armand Van Helden, Arielle Free, Sam Divine, Wade and more. Plus, the famous Rowmudas Triangle stage will also be coming to Dubai, which is one of the largest stages Elrow has ever produced. O When: Fri Feb 17-Sat Feb 18 2pm onwards. Where: D3, Dubai Design District, Dubai. Tickets: From Dhs300, elrowdubai.com. BONOBO UK electronica star Bonobo will be playing at Dubai Opera on Saturday March 11. The DJ will be playing hits from his latest album, Fragments. He has seven GRAMMY nominations to his name and a back catalogue of performances including three sell-out Alexandra Palace gigs so this should be a good gig. O When: Sat Mar 11. Where: Dubai Opera. Tickets: From Dhs350, dubaiopera.com. SEAL Kiss From A Rose singer Seal is playing at Sharjah’s Al Majaz Amphitheatre on Saturday March 11. In an outdoor concert, the British singer will be performing his greatest hits including Fly Like an Eagle and I Am Your Man at this unlicensed concert. O When: Sat Mar 11, 9pm. Where: Al Majaz Amphitheatre, Sharjah. Tickets: From Dhs250, sharjah.platinumlist.net.56 February 15 – March 14 2023 timeoutabudhabi.com SPEAKEASIES ARE HAVING a bit of a moment across the UAE, which is why we thought it was time to pay a revisit to one of our old favourites. And it’s clear that Dragon’s Tooth is just as small- but-mighty as we remember. Emphasis on the small: The Shanghai-style speakeasy could Àt three dozen people at a push. Located next to Dai Pai Dong, Dragon’s Tooth feels like the quiet corner you head to for an intimate drink with your better half, and there’s a good chance you’ve walked past it without noticing it before. Stepping inside feels like going back in time, and the inside is the deÀnition of dark-and- moody thanks to the deep woods with oriental-style detailings. There’s a large sofa with a few tables on the left side of the room, then the bar, and that’s it. The best seat in the house (in our opinion) is obviously by the bar, where you can watch the mixologists prepare concoctions – some of which are Áaming – in front of your eyes while nibbling on the bar snacks, which are fried bits of dim sum wrapper served in a grape bottle. The mixed drinks are obviously the highlight here, and if you’re not sure what to go for, the friendly bartenders will be more than happy to help you out. Alternatively, you can order short drinks, grape, and bottles of hops, with one Singaporean brand on draft. There are also a number of soft drinks, including an extensive tea menu, and fresh juices. Food-wise, the menu is from Dai Pai Dong next door. While you could, theoretically, go all out and pile high the plates with kung pao chicken, mapo tofu and beef fried rice, we Ànd the lighter dim sum menu is all we need to pair with our mixed drinks. Shrimp har WHAT IS IT... 1920s Shanghai- inspired speakeasy at the Rosewood Abu Dhabi WHY GO... To try the flaming mixed drinks gow, spicy siu mai, spring rolls – whether your preference is fried or steamed, Dragon’s Tooth does it exceptionally well. The bar is always packed, but never feels too loud or too busy. We could (and have, many times) while away the hours here while enjoying the show from the bar staff as they swiftly prepare mixed drinks. The Rosewood Abu Dhabi might already be home to Hidden Bar, but the real hidden gem for us has to be Dragon’s Tooth. BAR OF THE MONTH “We could watch the bartenders prepare mixed drinks for days” Time Out reviews anonymously and pays for its meals Dragon’s Tooth O Open Sun-Thu 4pm-1am; Fri-Sat 4pm-2am. Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island (02 813 5588).timeoutabudhabi.com February 15 – March 14 2023 57 MANY BARS AROUND the world have borne the name of the American author. And if Ernest Hemingway was a fan of happy hours and solid pub grub (and who isn’t?), we think he’d be happy enough to bequeath his surname to this spot at the Radisson Blu. This old school pub has been around for a while, and has a bit of character that only age can provide, no matter how hard other newer spots attempt to replicate it. It feels cavernous without actually being underground, and is a perfect spot for sports lovers, with TV screens dotted throughout the “We don’t think the American author would mind lending this pub his name” WHAT IS IT... Solid pub at the Radisson Blu WHY GO... For the excellent happy hour prices Hemingway’s O Open daily 4pm-1am. Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi Corniche (02 692 4999). bar as well as pool tables that give it a lively atmosphere. Pull up a chair near the window and soak up the rays we are so often denied at pubs in the capital. There are a number of hops on draft, and you can also enjoy glasses of grape or short drinks. With happy hour prices coming in at Dhs25 between 4pm and 10pm daily, this is an excellent option for an afterwork pint that won’t break the bank. The food menu is nothing to grumble at, either, with a showing of classic pub fare. Share a portion of nachos with your mates, or kick off your evening rolls and salads. It most likely won’t wow you, but you won’t be complaining, either. If you’re free on a Friday evening, make sure you check out the carvery. Running between 7pm and 9pm, you can get a roast with all the trimmings for just Dhs99 with soft drinks, or Dhs199 with house beverages including Spanish mixed drinks. Sticking around? The two-hour after brunch package will set you back and extra Dhs150. Another great night to visit is Wednesday, when DJ Sonya Mac hosts a quiz night between 8pm and 10pm with big prizes. The happy hour prices are excellent, and it’s a solid option for catching the sportsball in the capital. But do we think this would become Hemingway’s favourite watering hole? Probably not, unless he was a secret lover of nachos and Dhs25 pints. with spicy barbecue chicken wings and jalapeño cheese bites. For mains, the prime beef burger is our go-to, and you can take it up a notch with the cheesy double steak burger, which surely needs no explaining. Vegetarians won’t be able to get their burger Àx, but can grab fajitas as well as a number of starters and sides like curly fries, vegetable spring 58 February 15 – March 14 2023 timeoutabudhabi.com Art & Culture Looking to add a dose of culture to your social calendar? Then look no further, because we’ve rounded up the top free, yes free, art exhibitions, performances and cultural events in the city. Whether you’re looking to introduce your little ones to their Àrst art gallery, or are a seasoned admiring of paintings, there’s something for you. AND THE MIRRORS ARE MANY AT WAREHOUSE 421 Newly opened earlier this month, And The Mirror Are Many at Warehouse 421 is meant to examine the process of memory-making. The title is a reference to the Mahmoud Darwish poem, On the Last Evening on This Earth, the exhibition spans mediums including sculpture, video, printmaking, photography, and textiles. O Free. Until Mon May 8. Open Tue-Sun 10am-8pm. Zayed Port, Mina Zayed, 421.online (02 676 8803). LULLABIES: A JOURNEY THROUGH SONG AT CULTURAL FOUNDATION Young and old will enjoy Lullabies: A Journey Free art Being a culture vulture doesn’t have to cost a dirham as these exhibitions and events prove Cultural Foundationtimeoutabudhabi.com February 15 – March 14 2023 59 through Song at the Cultural Foundation. The exhibition presents a collection of sleep songs from around the world in different media formats, including video animations and interactive games. Elsewhere in the Cultural Foundation, there are a number of other exhibitions for you to check out without spending a dirham. These include Fahrelnissa and the Institutes: Towards a Sky, which features the work of pioneering female artists in Jordan, Fouad Mimi: Two trees in Harmony, with works from Jordanian artist Fouad Mimi between the 1970s and today, as well as Life Is A Circus, the Cultural Foundation’s Àrst NFT art exhibition with works from 12 UAE-based artists. The Children’s Library Abu Dhabi is also free to visit, should your little ones want to read up on art after their visit. O Free. Until Thu Mar 23, 2023. Open daily 9am-8pm. Qasr Al Hosn, culturalfoundation.ae (02 657 6348). STEPPING FORWARD AT WAREHOUSE 421 Warehouse 421, Alserkal Arts Foundation, and New York University Abu Dhabi will be presenting Stepping Forward: Performance Research and Practice, Here at Warehouse 421 on Saturday February 18. The series of talks and performances aims to bring together artists, academics, and the public to explore the critical role of performance art and contemporary practices. O Free. Sat Feb 18 10.30am-9pm. Warehouse 421, Mina Zayed, 421.online (02 676 8803). ROOFTOP RHYTHMS AT ARTS CENTER NYU ABU DHABI Hosted by Dorian Paul Rogers, the Middle East’s longest-running open-mic night event returns in February. Listen to up-and-coming poets and musicians performing original material every Friday from February 24 to May 19. You can Ànd the complete schedule online now on the Arts Center website. O Free. Fri Feb 24 to Fri May 19, 2023. Every Fri 8pm- midnight. The Marketplace, Arts Center NYU Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, nyuad-artscenter.org (02 628 6868). RACHMANINOFF 150TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION AT ARTS CENTER NYU ABU DHABI On Monday February 27 classic music lovers can enjoy a solo piano programme by Ioannis Potamousis. The acclaimed pianist will perform works by composer Sergei Rachmaninoff to celebrate his 150th anniversary, alongside pieces by composers that inspired him. O Free. Mon Feb 27 7.30pm-10pm. Arts Center NYU Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island nyuad-artscenter.org (02 628 6868). UNDER THE SEA MURALS AT AL QATTARA ARTS CENTRE Run by The Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, the third edition of Al Qattara Murals is now open. Themed Under the Sea, this year’s murals include works by 20 UAE-based artists, including Saggaf Al Hashemi, Atma Al Dhaheri, and Sarwa Abdulrahman. Elsewhere at the Al Qattara Arts Centre, you’ll be able to check out works from Emirati and expat artists living in the UAE in the permanent collection. The centre is also home to the Al Qattara Archaeological Basement where you can learn more about the archaeology of the oases in Al Ain through key objects found during the excavation of the centre, including a lion Àgurine dating to the Iron Age II period, which span the Late Islamic period to the Iron Age. Make a day trip of it and explore Al Ain Oasis after you’re done. O Free. Until Sat Jan 6, 2024. Open daily from 9am-8pm. Al Qattara Arts Centre, Al Qattarah, Al Ain, abudhabiculture.ae (050 123 4567). WORTH THE DOSH THE SHOT: PHOTOGRAPHY THROUGH TIME AT MANARAT AL SAADIYAT This exhibition, which opened in December, features original prints of photographs taken from the 1840s up until the modern day. You’ll no doubt recognise some of the subjects, which include some of the world’s most prominent political, artistic and literary Àgures. This might just be the best Dhs30 you spend this month. O Dhs30. Until Mon Apr 24, 2023. Open daily 10am-8pm. Saadiyat Island, manaratalsaadiyat.ae. Warehouse421Next >