< PreviousMighty Mexican food 30 September 30 – October 13 2020 timeoutdubai.com FANCY A TACO? Craving guac? These top Mexican restaurants will sort you out. Cactus Jacks This Mexican restaurant has been serving hungry customers in Dubai since 2002. Cactus Jacks is the spot to enjoy al fresco vibes, late night fiestas and sizzling fajitas. You won’t find too many actual cacti, but you will find signature Mexican mixed drinks along with a slew of themed nights and daily deals. Expect live entertainment and a decent happy hour offering up a special tapas menu and drinks starting from Dhs25, from 4pm until 6pm. Don’t forget to order: Enchilada de pollo. Chicken enchiladas stuffed full of spice and slathered in cheese and sour cream. O Millennium Airport Hotel, Al Garhoud (04 702 8855). Chalco’s Mexican Grill Mixing up authentic Mexican dishes with a touch of Californian style, Chalcos is a casual Mexican spot that whips up fresh dishes in JLT, Motor City and Business Bay made on site. It serves pretty much every quick and easy Mexican dish you could ask for – nachos, burritos et al – all fully customisable. Oh, and if you ever wondered what Mexican cola tastes like, Chalcos serves it nice and cold. Don’t forget to order: Burrito bowl. Load it up with your favourite fillings – we’re a fan of the chicken with a generous dollop of guac. O Various locations including Cluster D, JLT; Apex Atrium, Dubai Motor City and Regal Tower, Business Bay, www.chalcosmexicangrill.com. El Chapo’s Tacos El Chapo’s Tacos made it on Time Out Dubai’s best Latin American Restaurants 2020 list, and it’s one that you should check out. Run by the same team behind Mr Miyagi’s, El Chapo’s Tacos is one of the liveliest Mexican restaurants in Dubai. The real stand-out here is the incredible guacamole, which is prepared right at your table. Its cheesy set-up of cacti spread around, neon pun signs lining the walls and that ‘El Chapo’ theme only adds to its charm, making a keen spot to sip on its range of Mexican mixed drinks. It’s over the top, in the best kind of way. Don’t forget to order: Mushroom and Oaxaca cheese quesadillas. Delicious. O Studio One Hotel, Dubai Studio City, www.elchapostacos.com (04 514 5411). El Mostacho This low-key Mexican spot is a hit if you live or work in JLT. The casual teeny space boasts vibrant décor, with trinkets bought at Mexican markets, such as crafts from Guadalajara and Oaxaca. Here, we also recommend the Chalco’s Mexican Grill 28 - 33_FEATURE_MEXICAN_11383547.indd 3028/09/2020 12:01:44Mighty Mexican food timeoutdubai.com September 30 – October 13 2020 31 Maria Bonita Taco Shop & Mexican Grill This longstanding spot is a popular, casual eatery. There’s a newer version at Souk Madinat Jumeirah, but it’s the original in Umm Suqeim that we like best. Set up in 2002, the restaurant is proudly Mexican and the grub’s authentic. The rib-eye tacos are a standout, with massive chunks of juicy meat, while the cactus salad is also a highlight. Don’t forget to order: Tableside guac, smashed exactly how you like it (with plenty of zingy lime, please). O Umm Suqeim, www.mariabonita.ae. Maiz Tacos Once a spot only popping up at events around Dubai, the popular food truck whipping up fresh dishes has now found a home for its Mexican restaurant right in Dubai’s JLT. A minimalist space with birch-hued benches and neon signs on its pastel walls, the Mexican eatery puts its focus on its food, serving up a range authentic tacos to gobble down. We recommend picking up its shredded chicken taco mixed with pico de gallo, tomato salsa, pickled onions and coriander, or the ‘El Jefe’ – a taco packed full of slow-cooked slices of beef. There are also vegan options. Don’t forget to order: Churro ice cream sandwich to round off your meal in a sweet way. O Cluster Y, JLT (04 514 4712). “The fresh guac, made tableside, is standout” Maiz Tacos Loca La Carnita On the hunt for some pre- and post-dinner drinks with a touch of Mexican flair? La Carnita in Dubai Marina is your go-to. This trendy taqueria has quickly become a lively spot to salsa on the dancefloor. Food-wise, try out its cod and carne asada tacos, or take on a giant bowl of tortilla chips with guac and you’ll be happy. Along with its top-notch Mexican dishes, you’ll find a selection of superb Mexican mixed drinks, and they aren’t even overly priced. Salsa your way down to this Mexican restaurant in Dubai Marina. Don’t forget to order: Cali salad. Complement your tacos with a healthy salad packed full of beans and sweetcorn. O InterContinental Dubai Marina (04 425 4030). Loca This lively spot is beloved by many Dubai residents, and it’s not difficult to see why. The fajitas and enchiladas at Loca are next level, but the real stand-out dish is the fresh guacamole it serves, which is prepared at your table – a neat touch that makes it that much more appetising. Along with its laid-back interiors, live sports and daily deals, it serves specialty Mexican mixed drinks, prepared whatever way you want. Don’t forget to order: Tostada salad with jumbo prawns. More fun than a regular salad. O Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa, Jumeirah 1 (04 346 1111). TACO TRIVIA Americans consume more than four billion tacos each year. That’s 12 tacos per year for every man, woman and child in the country. Hard shell tacos were only invented in the early 19th century, despite the fact tacos predate the arrival of Spanish explorers in Mexico. The world’s biggest taco was created in Querétaro in 2019 and was 102m-long. enchiladas, seeing as they’re smothered in cheese, while the tacos come overflowing with toppings. Don’t forget to order: Azteca tortilla soup. The ultimate comfort food. O Gold Tower, Cluster I, JLT (04 551 6679). 28 - 33_FEATURE_MEXICAN_11383547.indd 3128/09/2020 12:02:22Mighty Mexican food 32 September 30 – October 13 2020 timeoutdubai.com Maya Mexican Kitchen + Bar This laid-back Mexican Restaurant at Dubai’s Le Royal Méridien comes from famed chef Richard Sandoval – the same name behind Toro Toro and Zengo. If you’re after holiday vibes then this is the Mexican restaurant in Dubai for you. Set amid the lush grounds of the Dubai Marina hotel, enjoy a chilled-out atmosphere and top-notch grub at Maya. We recommend the fajitas, but the tacos and creamy, zingy guac is worth trying too. Don’t forget to order: A platter of sizzling fajitas that will make other diners get FOMO. O Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa, Dubai Marina (04 316 5550). Puerto 99 This Mexican restaurant on Bluewaters Dubai has a live mariachi band to add to the vibe. Dishes on the menu include guacamole with a range of toppings, oyster gratin, lobster tamales, coconut drip and mesquite-roasted chicken. If you’re a taco fan then you’ll be happy, as there’s a range from grilled skirt steak to crispy battered shrimp. Ingredients and flavours are sourced from 19 states of Mexico, from Baja California to Yucatán, to ensure a broad selection of tastes. Don’t forget to order: Mexican cheese fondue, which is as good as it sounds. O Bluewaters Dubai (04 557 6627). Taqado It’s Mexican food broken down and put back together at its finest, which makes this homegrown Mexican restaurant chain in Dubai the go-to for lunchtime at work, a quick snack while roaming around Mall of the Emirates or, quite frankly, anytime you’re up for a hearty Mexican meal. Whether it’s Spanish rice, pinto “Ingredients are sourced from 19 states of Mexico” Puerto 99 28 - 33_FEATURE_MEXICAN_11383547.indd 3228/09/2020 12:02:34Mighty Mexican food timeoutdubai.com September 30 – October 13 2020 33 beans, grilled achiote chicken with a dollop of fresh guacamole wrapped up in a tortilla or soft-shell taco or prefer it in a box, Taqado prepares Mexican food in Dubai quickly and ready to serve – no fuss, amigo. Don’t forget to order: Veggie burrito, expertly folded and a cure for all sad days. O Various locations including Dubai Media City, Mall of the Emirates, www.taqado.com. Tortilla A similar concept to Taqado, this Mexican fast food chain is a lunchtime staple, where you pick what you want from a range of proteins, beans, rice, salsas, toppings and more. Dig into burritos, bowls and more, fully loaded and fully customisable. Plus there’s a nutritional calculator so you can check out what you’re eating and make sure your diet stays on track. Don’t forget to order: Nachos queso. As cheesy and crispy as you’d imagine. O Various locations including Dubai Festival City, www.tortillaarabia.com. Taqado THREE TO TRY TOP TACOS Atún taco at COYA A former winner of our Restaurant of the Year accolade, this fancy Peruvian restaurant does a range of tacos, too. Our pick is the atún with tuna, green beans, wasabi – all for just 166 calories. Tasty, and low-cal. O Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach (04 316 9600). Crispy fish tacos at The MAINE We love a battered cod, and never more so than when it’s drizzled in lemon aioli, topped in pico de gallo and wrapped up in a soft flour tortilla. The crispy fish taco is served at all three branches of The MAINE, and it’s every bit as lip-smacking as it sounds. O DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Beach, JBR (04 457 6719). Trio of tacos at Black Tap Black Tap offers up three different tacos, and they’re so good that we couldn’t pick just one. The beef taco is packed with salsa verde, pickled jalapeños, sour cream and coriander, while the chorizo is piled with pico de gallo, drizzled in chipotle mayo and lathered in sour cream. Last but not least, we have the fish taco with pineapple salsa, chipotle mayo and coriander. O Locations include Jumeirah Al Naseem, Dubai Festival City and Rixos Premium Dubai, JBR, www.blacktapme.com. Tortuga This fancy restaurant boasts stunning views across the waterways of Dubai’s Madinat Jumeirah, and it has top tacos. You can also get 25 percent off Mexican mixed drinks every Monday. Don’t forget to order: Churros with chocolate, always a winning combination. O Jumeirah Mina A’Salam, Umm Suqeim (04 432 3232). ZOCO This casual spot in Al Habtoor City feels a little like a cave, and the vibe is upbeat and friendly. The food is tasty enough, and the tacos always come out on top – choose from chicken, beef and vegetarian tacos. There’s also a brand- new vegan menu so if you’re plant-based you don’t need to miss out. Don’t forget to order: Street corn, slathered in lime mayo and queso fresco. O The Atrium, Al Habtoor City, www.zocodubai.com (04 437 0044). ZOCO 28 - 33_FEATURE_MEXICAN_11383547.indd 3328/09/2020 12:02:4534 September 30 – October 13 2020 timeoutdubai.com Avenue W hat’s the first thing that pops into your head when you see the word “art”? Whatever you have in mind, Dubai’s iconic art hub Alserkal Avenue surely has it on show in one of its 13 art galleries right in its artsy compound in Al Quoz. And, that’s not even including its other communal spaces such as the upcycled workshop café KAVE, the comfy Cinema Akil screening indie flicks and its creative A4 Space. Have a scout around Alserkal Avenue and you’ll find plenty more beautiful crafts that that will have you buzzing with existential thoughts for days. Even better, there’s always something new and creative going to keep heading back there. Excited? We are. QUICK GUIDE Alserkal It’s the artiest area in the city, Darragh Murphy gets the lowdown 34 - 37_TOD_2018_QUICK GUIDE_11383832.indd 3428/09/2020 16:11:11Quick guide timeoutdubai.com September 30 – October 13 2020 35 WHAT’S NEW? Minutes before I fall asleep Created by Pakistani artist Fahd Burki, the non-narrative works focus on the act of image making, using geometry and colour to question the boundaries of two- dimensionality. In the exhibition, the works build upon a set of paintings made in 2018 and transform from painting to sculpture in the form of ‘reliefs’. Intrigued? Head to Grey Noise to check it out. O Until Nov 12. Mon-Thu & Sat 11am-7pm. Grey Noise, Alserkal Avenue, www.greynoise.org (04 379 0764). Memory Drum What is it like for an artist during the 2020 lockdown? Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim’s solo- exhibition Memory Drum aims to describe that through a series of new paintings and sculptures. New creations include Flowers and Boulevards. The Flowers paintings are growing from schematic pots, while the Boulevards paintings recall aerial maps of cities and landscapes. It’s an interesting glimpse into a creative mind and where it wanders when being isolated in an art studio. O Until Nov 12. Sat-Thu 10am-6pm. Lawrie Shabibi, Alsekal Avenue, www.lawrieshabibi.com (04 346 9906). On Stones and Palimpsests Marking her second solo at the gallery, artist Hera Büyüktaşcıyan delves into the scenery of war-torn landscapes and cities, bringing their ruptured states to life through her drawings, sculptures and video in this fascinating exhibition. Through map-making and mark- making, she brings cracks and tears, and stamped, fossilised forms to life, showcasing what these structures have witnessed. O Until Nov 7. Sat-Thu 10am-7pm. Green Art Gallery Dubai, Alserkal Avenue, www.gagallery.com (04 346 9305). Die Herbst There’s nothing like ringing in the autumn season like… gigantic red bookcases? Well, that’s the theme of Die Herbst from creative duo Sonia Brewin and Sven Müller. Visitors can expect the signature SVENM gallery’s style of art, with red bookcases in various forms, paintings full of exhilarating autumn colours and signature SVENM furniture sculptures. For something strange yet wonderful, head here. O Until Oct 17. Sat-Thu 10am-7pm. SVENM, Alserkal Avenue, www.svenm.com (050 473 3749). Last Days of Soft Machine It’s the celebration to end all celebrations, but Philip Mueller’s solo exhibition showcases the exhaustive lifestyle of excess and countless, short-live fun through his conclusion of his Beach Resort Tiberio art series. The Black Flamingo Sad Boys are seen partying in all manner of ways in a densely covered island filled with greenery. Like a fever dream, his paintings are vast, yet extremely detailed with bizarre touches. Not one to be missed at Carbon 12. O Until Nov 4. Sat-Thu 1pm-9pm. Carbon 12, Alserkal Avenue, www.carbon12.art (04 340 6016). POPULAR GALLERIES… Green Art Gallery For works of artistic prowess across the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia and beyond, this now four-decade old gallery is your top spot. It plays a big role in introducing modern Arab art throughout the year, touching on vital topics in the Arab world. It’s all about bringing something new at this art gallery, and you’re sure to have some new ideas of your own when you have a gander around its exhibitions. O Open Sat-Thu 10am-7pm. Warehouse 28, Alserkal Avenue, www.gagallery.com (04 346 9305). 1X1 Gallery Founded by the hugely influential Indian founder Malini Gulrajani, this gallery often 34 - 37_TOD_2018_QUICK GUIDE_11383832.indd 3528/09/2020 12:04:16Quick guide 36 September 30 – October 13 2020 timeoutdubai.com collaborates with local and international galleries, art fairs, and museums as well as with independent curators and art organisations, meaning you’ll get to see some of the best creations from around the world throughout the year. Now based in a 7500 sq. ft warehouse, you’ll find plenty of profound work to ogle at for hours on end. O Open Sat-Thu 11am-8pm. Warehoue 10, Alserkal Avenue, www.1x1artgallery.com (04 341 1287). Carbon 12 This is where the work of institution-grade artists get to shine. First opening its doors back in 2008, Carbon 12 was made to be a platform for students to display their talents for the world to see, thanks to its six to eight exhibitions it holds every year. Exhibitions are creative and varied, expect dark humour. O Open Sat-Thu 11.30am-7pm. Warehouse 37, Alserkal Avenue, www.carbon12.art (04 340 6016). Grey Noise If you’re after contemporary art and experimental streams of thought about all things culture – oh, and the colour grey – then art gallery Grey Noise is the place to be. Showcasing an impressive portfolio of artists with a focus on work from South Asia, Middle East and Europe, these artworks go deep into matter, objects and the space around them, and will certainly have those philosophical thoughts whizzing around your mind. O Open Mon-Thu and Sat 11am-7pm. Warehouse 24, Alserkal Avenue, www.greynoise.org (04 379 0764). Gulf Photo Plus A picture is worth a thousand words, so they say, which means you’ll have tens of thousands of words crammed into your head at this gallery. Gulf Photo Plus is Dubai’s centre for all things photography, equipping and inspiring the local and international photography community through photography workshops, free artist talks and the region’s longest-running international photography event, GPP Photo Week. O Open Sat-Thu 10am-7pm. Warehouse 36, Alserkal Avenue, www.gulfphotoplus.com (04 380 8545). GET ARTY KAVE: The Story of Things Sometimes we need a space that will serve you healthy grub, offers work benches to customise bikes and furniture, and is pet-friendly. Alserkal Avenue’s upcycling café, KAVE: The Story of Things, is all about protecting the environment by using zero- plastic and using cutlery and crockery that are either up-cycled or recycled after use. KAVE Cinema Akil KAVE: The Story of Things 34 - 37_TOD_2018_QUICK GUIDE_11383832.indd 3628/09/2020 12:04:45Quick guide timeoutdubai.com September 30 – October 13 2020 37 IN NUMBERS 13 The amount of art galleries open for all at Alserkal Avenue 43 The number of outlets in the art district 2008 The year Dubai’s art hub was officially established 500k The number of square feet Alserkal Avenue is spread across in Al Quozoffers simple but healthy dishes, including a bowl of pho along with freshly made roti – which guests can pay forward by buying someone else a roti. There’s also a bundle of different workshops that take place weekly, including guitar making, embroidery lessons, meditation sessions, bottle cutting workshops and chaircycling rides. O Open Tue-Thu and Sun 11am-8pm, Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 9am-8pm. Warehouse 20, Alserkal Avenue, www.thestoryofthings.com (055 102 4469). Cinema Akil Being Dubai’s biggest independent film platform is quite the title, so indie fans can certainly expect it to show critically acclaimed international movies from around the world, from different decades and genres, all to increase awareness of different styles of filmmaking. For years the platform originally brought independent cinema to the UAE when it first started in 2014 with pop-up venues throughout Dubai, but it eventually (and thankfully) finally found a home in Alserkal Avenue. You can thank Cinema Akil co-founder Butheina Kazim for that. Now, you can find international indie flicks and Studio Ghibli movie festivals every year, along with the release of local premieres worth a watch. O Times vary. Warehouse 68, Alserkal Avenue, www. cinemaakil.com (04 223 1139). thegoodlife. Sneakerhead? You’ll find what you’re looking for at thegoodlife. The Good Life space has developed a well-earned reputation by bringing trainer fans the latest, and often hard to come by, releases. The cool shop is a major player in the Dubai sneaker scene and it continues to go from strength to strength. Basically, they know their stuff. O Open daily 10am-8pm. Street 8, Alserkal Avenue, www.thegoodlifespace.com (04 346 0004). HAVE A CUPPA Nightjar Anyone who’s been to London’s trendy Shoreditch neighbourhood will recognise the checked shirts, big beards and people beavering away on laptops. The only difference between here and a Brick Lane bar is that people are sipping coffee, roasted and brewed on site instead of small cans of weirdly-named craft hops. O Open 10am-9pm. Alserkal Avenue (04 330 6635). Wild & The Moon If you’re a vegan in Alserkal Avenue then Wild & The Moon is the place for you. A plant-based menu serving up healthy tasty breakfasts, lunches and even afternoon teas, there’s also a wide range of coffees to try as well. O Open 9am-8pm. Alserkal Avenue (04 343 3392). Warehouse 18 Grab a coffee and settle with your laptop/ book at this spot in Warehouse 18’s shared workspace. Outside there’s a Saj & Co. food truck for when you get peckish, too. O Warehouse 18, Alserkal Avenue (050 416 8830). 34 - 37_TOD_2018_QUICK GUIDE_11383832.indd 3728/09/2020 12:04:5538 September 30 – October 13 2020 timeoutdubai.com Food Edited by Amy Mathieson timeoutdubai.com/restaurants timeoutdubai.com/brunch Terrific Thai Love Thai food? Us too. And here are the ten best Thai restaurants in the city, as revealed at the Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards 2020 38 - 39_TOD_2018_EO Leader_11366341.indd 3828/09/2020 12:05:58timeoutdubai.com September 30 – October 13 2020 39 dinner, which is why Pai Thai is one of the best around. Board your abra and disembark at this popular Thai restaurant set out into the waterways of Madinat Jumeirah. The restaurant is rather grand, and prices match, but it’s top for a special occasion. The classics are excellent and the dim sum needs to be ordered while you gaze out across the water. O Jumeirah Al Qasr, Umm Suqeim, www.jumeirah.com (04 432 3232). Sukhothai Meaning ‘dawn of happiness’ Sukhothai is decked out in warm tones of oak and red with lighting giving the venue an orange glow so that the ambience is relaxed. Choose from five set menus offering authentic, bold Thai flavours at this longstanding restaurant. O Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre, Garhoud, www.sukhothai-dubai.com (04 702 2455). Sticky Rice Sticky Rice is a relative newcomer to the city’s Thai food scene, and it’s been welcomed with open arms. It’s a small restaurant in JVC, with only six tables, coming from an Emirati founder with a Thai mother. The restaurant is adorned with rubber ducks everywhere you look, but the queue lining up outside the door will tell you everything. Sweet tooth? Don’t miss the mango and sticky rice with ice cream to round off the meal. O JVC, www.stickyrice.ae (04 580 8350). The Royal Budha This low-key restaurant in Al Barsha serves up some delicious dishes, and if you haven’t thought to venture here, you should put it on your list. Set just off the lobby, the décor is traditional – there’s low seating if you wish – and the dishes will be familiar. Portions are generous, too. The massaman curry is a must- try and the veggie spring rolls are a hit. O Holiday Inn Dubai Al Barsha, Al Barsha, www.theroyalbudha.com (04 323 4333). Tong Thai An upmarket Thai restaurant in JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai, Tong Thai has a chic vibe with huge floor-to-ceiling windows and moody red lighting. The menu is also exciting with some delicious classic dishes. Try the sharing platter to start to kick off your meal with a variety of flavours. Plus if you love seafood the talay phad phong karee is packed with prawns, scallops, squid and veg. O JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai, Business Bay, www.jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com (04 414 3000). Wise Kwai This kitsch Thai restaurant, filled with Thai movie memorabilia is fun and chilled-out. The menu is packed full of tasty dishes and the classics are all great (try the pad Thai noodles). There’s also a bargain street food snack menu to check out too. O dusitD2 kenz hotel, Barsha Heights, www.wisekwai.com (04 567 2247). Café Isan WINNER Café Isan For laid-back Thai dining, Café Isan is a must- visit. In 2019 it relocated to Cluster B in JLT and now has a petite indoor area and a space on the terrace for outdoor dining. Service is fantastic and friendly, the food is consistently delicious and it’s a top spot for a casual meal. The flavours are fresh and lighter than typical Thai dishes, as they are from Isan in north eastern Thailand and if you like your food spicy you’re in for a treat these pack a real punch. O Cluster B, Jumeirah Lakes Towers (04 557 9778). HIGHLY COMMENDED Thiptara This stunning restaurant has a wonderful terrace set out into Burj Lake with front row seats to Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Fountain Show. Dishes are super-tasty, with classic dishes done well – especially the creamy green Thai curry and the delicious satay. O Palace Downtown, www.addresshotels.com (04 888 3444). The Thai Kitchen Overlooking Dubai Creek and the marina, this longstanding Thai restaurant at Park Hyatt Dubai is always a reliable choice. Sit outside when the weather allows for excellent views and a holiday vibe. Meanwhile inside the open kitchens make for a fun, lively setting. Dishes are packed with flavour with top choices being the zingy soups, fiery sauces and creamy curries. O Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, www.hyattrestaurants.com (04 602 1814). SHORTLISTED Benjarong This Sheikh Zayed Road restaurant is an oldie but a goodie, and you’ll find all your favourites on the menu, from curries to noodles and more. A majestic interior resembles the royal dining halls of King Rama IV while affording gorgeous views of Dubai’s skyline. O Dusit Thani Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, www.dusit.com (04 343 3333). Pai Thai There are few things more special than hopping on a boat and sailing your way to The Thai Kitchen Sukhothai 38 - 39_TOD_2018_EO Leader_11366341.indd 3928/09/2020 12:06:07Next >