< PreviousExpo countdown 30 March 31 – April 6 2021 timeoutdubai.com W e are six months out from a show that could shape the world for generations to come – and it’s all happening right on our doorstep. Expo 2020 Dubai will put the city, the emirate and the entire UAE centre stage when the opening ribbon is formally cut on Friday October 1, 2021. It’s been an incredible drum roll of expectation, with a 12-month delay (for obvious reasons) keeping us all on the edge of our seat as anticipation reaches fever pitch. Expo 2020, which will run until March 31, 2022, represents a global gathering of nations dedicated to creating solutions to the most pressing matters of the day, engaging with visitors – who often flock in their millions – via engaging, immersive and interactive activities. More than 190 countries are taking part, underscoring mankind’s unyielding appetite to make this little blue and green marble we call home the shiniest in all the cosmos. There’s plenty to look forward to. Here’s what’s going on at Expo 2020 right now... Educational experience like no other A special preview of Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion (the first of three thematic pavilions that underpin and promote the core values of the exhibition) is running for a limited time – but you’ll have to get your skates on to catch it. Open until Saturday April 10 as part of the Pavilion Premiere preview, the seriously engaging educational destination (we’ve tried it ourselves, it’s an adult’s playground as much it is a kid’s) features dozens of interactive stations, games and videos. And if you keep your eyes peeled, you may spot, and even get to meet, some of Expo 2020’s official mascots. Camera phones at the ready, mums and dads. The pavilion’s emotive exploratory experience includes an interactive walk through the roots of the rainforest and a journey under the ocean. Discover how your actions and choices impact the environment before being empowered to make positive changes in your everyday lives. Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion is open between 3pm and 9pm from Tuesday to Thursday, and 4pm to 10pm on Friday and Saturday. A total of 3,000 guests at a time will be able to go into the monument to sustainable living on weekdays, capped at 5,000 on weekends. You will need to pre-book your tickets online and can travel to the site on the Expo Rider, a dedicated free bus, which is available from the Dubai Mall bus station. The service runs every 30 minutes from 2pm between Tuesday and Thursday and from 3pm on Friday and Saturday. Stick close to Time Out for the first look at Expo 2020’s two other major pavilions – Mobility and Opportunity – when they open. An army of volunteers are in training Major shows require a well-drilled army of volunteers, and Expo 2020 needs a lot of bodies – like, a lot, a lot. Some 30,000 The Sustainability Pavilion 28 - 33_EXPO_11623830.indd 3028/03/2021 18:00:25Expo countdown timeoutdubai.com March 31 – April 6 2021 31 volunteers are needed to keep the global mega-event spinning for the duration of its six- month run. And their vital contribution is not lost on organisers. Abeer Al Hosani, director of Expo 2020’s volunteers programme, said: “As the first World Expo to be held in the Arab world, Expo 2020 promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all. “Volunteers will be at the heart of the action, gaining lifelong skills, and exploring and networking with international visitors, participants, businessmen, entrepreneurs and more. We are delighted with the phenomenal response and commitment from the UAE community, who have been with us throughout this entire journey.” Sadly, the deadline for putting your name forward to serve as a volunteer has passed as of Wednesday 31 March. But no doubt you’ll be seeing plenty of helpful faces once Expo 2020 is in full swing. Feeding minds and bellies The greatest show on Earth is coming to town, and to say we’re hungry for the opening curtain to finally be lifted is an understatement. And while the Dubai instalment of the showcase is set to nourish minds in a way like never before, it will simultaneously be feeding bellies, too. Here we take a look at some of the tasty food and drink vendors that will be keeping an estimated 25 million (Expo loves big numbers) sated during the course of the six-month exhibition. EAT LOCAL Built around the ideas of sustainability, Terra Café is known for sourcing its ingredients from within the UAE. With prawns brought in from Umm Al Quwain, mangoes from Ras Al Khaimah and oysters from Dibba in Fujairah, it lays on an eclectic mix of traditional fare from across the country. The menu also features cold-pressed juices, an extensive range of Newby teas and plenty more besides. Must-have dishes include the Umm Al Quwain prawn shiitake with coriander seeds and baby beetroot organic quinoa salad. Those dining on the dash (grabbing a takeaway, not literally running while feasting), will be impressed to know that the containers are made of avocado seeds, in line with Expo 2020’s sustainability ethos, making Terra Café one of the first restaurants to introduce this practice. As they say, you gotta practise what you preach. FOR THE COSMOPOLITAN CREW Those who can’t resist the siren call of knife and fork (or in this case chopstick) will be more than aware of Dubai’s love for Japanese fare. And thankfully the Expo 2020 site is kitted out with its very own sushi masters. Homegrown concept Moshi Momo & Sushi offers classic and a range of fusion sushi inspired by flavours from around the world, “We’ve tried it: it’s an adult’s playground as much it is a kid’s” Terra Café 28 - 33_EXPO_11623830.indd 3128/03/2021 18:00:37Expo countdown 32 March 31 – April 6 2021 timeoutdubai.com such as flamin’ Cheetos (yes, exactly what it sounds like) and the healthier sister to dumplings, authentic Nepalese momos. Made from meat or vegetable fillings coated with flour or wheat flour, the best selling momos include chicken and spinach, and potato cheese corn. The menu also includes vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. FOR THE COFFEE CONNOISSEURS Coffee. For better or for worse (deffo better) it makes the world spin. We wouldn’t get very far without a piping hot cup of Joe in the morning, and that’s part of the reason why RAW Coffee is so well loved – that and its freshly roasted speciality coffee beans. These guys source premium green beans from around the world, with a focus on quality and sustainability. To ensure their beans are ethically sourced, they deal directly with their farmers and the processing partners, and buy fresh beans each year, roasting with care. They are the perfect match for Expo 2020, too, as every food and beverage vendor that collaborates with the next World Expo must sign its ‘Food Ethos’ – pledging to promote sustainability, affordability and wellness. Good guys making even better coffee. What’s not to love? FOR THE CARNIVORES Now we’re talking. It may be very en vogue to graze from the herbivore menu at the moment, but sometimes a real bite is needed for carnivores out on the prowl. Dubai has some of the biggest and baddest burgers in the business, so the expectation on Expo 2020’s offering will be fierce. Focusing on flaming up only the juiciest of bulging buns, the Vida Food Truck prides itself on its 100 percent Angus beef patties, topped with smoked cheddar. If that’s not your calling, butter chicken poutine, made with ripe tomato gravy and cashew nuts alongside some cardamom and fenugreek, is also proving popular among Pavilion Premiere clientele. FOR COMFORT FOOD Shawarma is Dubai’s most iconic dish (it’s a fact: Time Out did a survey and everything). And it’s clear to see why. Easy to grab and go, tangtastic flavour combos that give taste buds the old one-two. We love it, you love, and it’s going to be at Expo 2020. Launched in September 2012, Shawarma Station specialises in authentic shawarmas wrapped in a variety of bread options, such as samoon (an Iraqi flatbread) and Lebanese saj. There are also falafel wraps for the veggies among us or those wanting to try something different. KEEP YOUR COOL We could waffle on all day about our love for desserts. But a sweet treat should never be a throwaway extra wolfed down in pursuit of a sugar kick. Supreme desserts are made with TLC, and that’s why we keep coming back to them. Another big name entry to Expo 2020 Saj 2 Go Moshi Momo & Sushi 28 - 33_EXPO_11623830.indd 3228/03/2021 18:00:55Expo countdown timeoutdubai.com March 31 – April 6 2021 33 DINING IN A DASH? Handheld snacks serve as a delectable way to keep your Expo 2020 experience in motion, all while keeping hunger at bay. 12 Carts is gaining notoriety in the foodie scene for its on-the-go food carts. Here’s what is popping-up at the Sustainability Pavilion: TURN UP THE HEAT BBQ Corn & Chestnuts serves freshly grilled corn and chestnuts (durr) that are perfectly seasoned – choose from spicy chili or zesty salt and lemon. PANCAKES TO FLIP OVER Coffee & Mini Pancakes does what it says on the tin – offering light and fluffy pancakes and your choice of toppings. Also an ideal pit-stop for a premium cup of coffee. FOR DESSERT A gooey filling topped with crispy pastry, the famed Middle Eastern dessert kanafeh is all about taste and consistency. Nablus Kanafeh, serves theirs with a twist of melt-in-your-mouth Nabulsi cheese. FOR THE HEALTH FOOD FANS Never frozen, every organic açaí bowl from Tropicool is packed with healthy goodness. Layered with good-for-you toppings and bursting with vitamins and minerals, these all-natural treats boost energy and immunity and promote healthy skin. THE AMERICAN CLASSIC Nathan’s Famous New York-style hot dogs are made from 100 percent Australian beef, and are served up fresh at NY Hot Dog. Extra mustard on ours, please. comes in the shape of Baskin-Robbins. They boast an absolute library of more than 1,300 flavours. And though you may not find all of these while marching about Expo’s many attractions, the odds are definitely in your favour for discovering a new fave. THE CROWD PLEASER We champion the independents here at Time Out, it’s what we live for. But we’re not afraid to show love to the big boys, too. Official pizza provider (yes, there are such things) for Expo 2020 is the one and only Domino’s. They will be serving up freshly baked pies from their food truck for the duration of the show, and promise something for everyone, be they chicken lover or vegetarian. Complete your meal on a sweet note with the indulgent Chocolate Lava. There will be plenty of time to walk it all off, so don’t fret about the calories. THE TRADITIONAL ONE The humble saj has been around for centuries. But while us gastronomes and lovers of all things edible here in the Middle East are well acquainted, much of the world has yet to get familiar. From where we are sitting, that means many of the 25 million international visitors set to descend on Dubai are in for a real treat. Family-run Lebanese bakery Saj 2 Go uses the traditional method of flattening the dough by hand and baking one after the other on a hot clay, dome- shaped oven. These are then wrapped round a variety of vegan, dairy and meat fillings. Repeat visits? We reckon so. WAFFLE ME UP You’ve had them sweet, but have you ever chowed down on a savoury waffle? Another homegrown brand feathered into the Expo 2020 food vendor line-up, WOFL offers a selection of creative savoury and waffle sandwiches using fresh ingredients. Batter is made from scratch (big fans of this), and while the majority of toppings include selected raw vegetables and fruits. We guarantee the most ’grammable sandwich at Expo 2020. RAW Coffee 28 - 33_EXPO_11623830.indd 3329/03/2021 11:47:12Emirati desserts 34 March 31 – April 6 2021 timeoutdubai.com Life is sw Al Fanar 34 - 39_EMARATI DESSERTS_11621128.indd 3429/03/2021 11:47:58timeoutdubai.com March 31 – April 6 2021 35 weet The city’s chefs talk luqaimat, aseeda bobar and more Emirati desserts you need to try during Dubai Food Festival. By Amy Mathieson 34 - 39_EMARATI DESSERTS_11621128.indd 3529/03/2021 11:48:08Emirati desserts 36 March 31 – April 6 2021 timeoutdubai.com D o you know your luqaimat from your khanfaroosh? Expert on aseeda bobar? Whether you’re an Emirati dessert pro, or a novice when it comes to all things chebab, what’s for sure is that you’ll have had traditional flavours with a modern riff parcelled up in your dessert when you’ve been dining out in Dubai recently. Emirati desserts – and flavours – are big news right now and we’re happier than, well, a kid in a candy store. Those delights will soon have an even more dazzling spotlight on them, with Dubai Food Festival running with more than three weeks of carefully-curated masterclasses, chef’s tables, incredible special menus and enough sweet treats to last the remainder of 2021. It’s fair to say Dubai has a sweet tooth, and happily that is catered for with more than just a teaspoon of sugar sprinkled across the city. And alongside the syrups and honey, there’s an absolute explosion of local flavours to try – with everything from cardamom to rose water starring on menus across town. Dubai Food Festival, which runs until Saturday April 17, is the ideal time to experience new tastes in the city. The annual foodie celebration is dedicated to all things culinary, and with a strong focus on diversity there will be something to suit everyone. With an emphasis on value and accessibility, there will be a plate, bowl and fork for everyone. Similarly, when it comes to Emirati desserts, there’s a sweet treat in the city with your name on it, and there’s no better time than during Dubai Food Festival to taste a candied goody you might not have tried before. Time Out has caught up with top chefs and restaurants across the city to discover where the tastiest Emirati desserts can be found. Flavours and identity “Local flavours are popular because, in a sense, they resemble the national identity,” says Hashem Al Marzouqi from authentic Emirati restaurant Al Fanar. “Each country has their own unique flavour based on their region, so people from different countries like to try the local flavours when visiting. Most of our recipes in Al Fanar were inspired by recipes that were passed down through the generations.” Al Fanar was set up in 2011 by Al Marzouqi, and will soon be launching in the brand- new Time Out Market Dubai, showcasing its popular Emirati eats. It was the first Emirati restaurant to open in the city, and as well as the machboos, those with a sweet tooth flock in their droves for the luqaimat – meaning small bites – a crispy, fried dough ball drizzled with date syrup and roasted sesame seeds, which is the restaurant’s best-selling dessert. But you don’t necessarily need to visit an Emirati restaurant to get a taste of the UAE. Natasha Sideris, founder of tashas cafés, Avli by tashas and Flamingo Room by tashas, “The way to one’s heart in this country is through food” Walnut and rose petal halwa from DISHTRICT Amna Al Hashemi says she loves the local flavours. tashas café has loads of Middle Eastern tastes on the dessert list – most notably the pistachio and rose meringue, that comes with fresh berries and pomegranate pearls. “They certainly inspire us in creating our desserts, but we would never try to replicate a traditional dish,” adds Sideris. It would be like an American arriving in Greece and setting up a Greek restaurant. The locals always know how to make it the best way.” Dessert culture in the UAE “In Emirati culture sweets and desserts are an important inclusion in every cuisine. It is a sign of happiness and celebration, whether it 34 - 39_EMARATI DESSERTS_11621128.indd 3628/03/2021 18:02:42Emirati desserts timeoutdubai.com March 31 – April 6 2021 37 is a wedding or Eid, sweets are a must,” says chef Mussabeh Al Kaabi, executive oriental chef at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. “Desserts such as balateet (also considered a fine way to start the day), which is made from vermicelli, saffron, cardamom, rosewater and sugar, or luqaimat, which is made from flour, sugar, egg, yeast, water and milk powder, reflect this as they are special and require care. They need a perfect balance of ingredients for the right texture, something which many cooks find challenging.” DISHTRICT, a brand-new homegrown from the team behind Dubai’s Moshi Sushi and a concept that started off as a pop-up at Beach Canteen, opened in February in Jumeirah’s rapidly ascending culinary star Wasl 51. And it is targeting pudding fans with its gulab jamun cheesecake, matcha milk cake, and the walnut and rose petal halwa, which comes served in a golden globe. Rahul Sajnani, CEO and founder, says that diners in the UAE have the right palate for desserts. “From breakfast to afternoon teas, from Umm Ali to gulab jamun – every meal has a wide range of sweets to choose from,” he says. “Being raised in this country has taught me the way to one’s heart is through food. Knowing this, I worked on incorporating some of the most popular desserts into unique fusions such as gulab jamun cheesecake. “The idea came from the UAE’s love of cheesecake and luqaimat. We also wanted to come up with a unique milk cake, as it’s a sweet that’s very popular in the UAE. I just wanted to make sure that everyone’s favourites could be found under one roof.” Meanwhile, Al Fanar’s mission is to educate people about Emirati culture through food. “Food is part of the culture, and by trying the local flavours visitors get immersed in Emirati culture, as if they are having a meal with a local family,” says Al Marzouqi. “Local flavours such as cardamom, saffron and turmeric have important health benefits too. So we use these, but manage to keep tradition while modernising desserts by infusing local spices and ingredients.” Chebab NEED TO KNOW Aseeda bobar A sweet pumpkin purée flavoured with cardamom Balateet A sweet dessert made with vermicelli and flavoured with saffron, cardamom and rosewater. Chebab An Emirati pancake made with cardamom, saffron and dates. Khanfaroosh Emirati fried saffron and cardamom cakes, drizzled with honey. Luqaimat A sweet, syrupy dessert made with fried dough balls. 34 - 39_EMARATI DESSERTS_11621128.indd 3729/03/2021 11:48:28Emirati desserts 38 March 31 – April 6 2021 timeoutdubai.com Chef Ali Salameh, head chef at Emirati restaurant Al Mashowa, says that although Dubai now serves up international sweets, local Emirati desserts retain popularity with citizens, residents and visitors alike. “We keep true to traditional recipes and flavours such as saffron and cardamom,” he says. “Our modernisation of dishes is about making the most of local Emirati ingredients such as camel milk, dates and date syrup that pay homage to our heritage and tradition. “Our most popular dessert is luqaimat, which is often served at gatherings including weddings – it’s a timeless, simple dish.” Shaking things up Dubai is a fast-paced city, and creativity is key, so diners will often find a touch of Emirati flavour where they might not expect it. Barcelona-born brand Brunch & Cake has found huge popularity since setting up in the UAE. There are now two branches in Dubai. Famed for its Instagrammable brekkies, the desserts are top of the bill too – and not just to take a snap of. The dessert menu incorporates plenty of Emirati flavours. “When we set up in the UAE we took the chance to incorporate traditional flavours of the country to present locally-loved flavours with a Brunch & Cake twist, and the response was incredible,” the team tells Time Out. “Cheesecakes are popular in the UAE so we localised our version by integrating pistachios into the mix. Meanwhile our sticky date and apple pudding pie combines the natural sweetness of dates topped with a scoop of ice cream, while we also have our show-stopper dessert, the Cinnamon Rose Rolls. Cinnamon is a versatile spice that can bring out the accents in a meal.” Tania’s Teahouse in Jumeirah is another spot that’s much-loved for its Instagrammable interiors and pretty-as-a-picture dishes. Founder Tania Lodi incorporates local flavours wherever possible in the menu, plus she’s a huge fan of sweet treats. The café serves up dishes including rose and saffron milk cake, and Lodi loves “getting creative” when it comes to using dates in desserts to modernise classics. “When I think of Emirati desserts, I immediately salivate thinking of the rich flavours and aromas of cardamom, dates, rose, and saffron,” she says. “These ingredients invoke instant fond memories, and the aromas are just incredible.” “We took the chance to incorporate traditional flavours with a twist” Brunch & Cake And if you’re looking for top, authentic dishes to try, Dubai has plenty of homegrown talent whipping up treats in the kitchen. Amna Al Hashemi, founder of Mitts & Trays, made headlines in 2016 when she launched her restaurant, becoming the first female Emirati chef patron. She prides herself on a homely restaurant with traditional flavours, and has always loved coming up with creative desserts. Al Hashemi now has two branches of the popular restaurant – in City Walk and Bluewaters Dubai. She agrees there’s a clear link between Emirati culture and sweets. “That time of gathering around tea, coffee and desserts after lunch is one of my favourite hours of the day,” she says. “Listening to everyone and having conversations with others removes that load of stress from work and reconnects me to our culture and roots.” Al Hashemi adds that sweets evoke a homely feel, and loves a warm pumpkin aseeda on a winter day. ”It’s not too sweet and basically has the consistency of porridge and is flavoured with saffron, cardamom and spices of your choice,” she says. “I also enjoy balateet, but I’m not sure if it’s technically a dessert as we have it for breakfast, too. But it’s the trickiest to make, cooking the vermicelli perfectly without getting it overly sticky or oily is an art.” And following that passion for cooking was similar story for Emirati chef Fatma Alajmi, specialty chef at Kitchen Connection, who started off in the front office at Jumeirah before deciding to follow her heart. “Emirati desserts are much-loved as they include so many fragrant flavours,” she says, adding that her favourite to make is aseeda bobar. “Spices like cardamom and saffron are interesting and refreshing for the palate.” 34 - 39_EMARATI DESSERTS_11621128.indd 3828/03/2021 18:03:03Emirati desserts timeoutdubai.com March 31 – April 6 2021 39 Dubai Food Festival runs from Sunday March 28 until Saturday April 17. For more details, visit dubaifoodfestival.com Meanwhile, Annika D’Souza, founder of Crumb & Co. bakeries, which specialises in doughnuts, is working on more flavours with Emirati ingredients due to popular demand. “We’ve seen a lot of karak chai-inspired desserts but there is so much more you can do with Emirati Ingredients such as saffron, rose, cardamom and dhibs,” she says. “We are seeing a rise in appetite for Emirati flavours and incorporating them into other desserts, which is quite apt for the melting pot that this city is.” Watch this space for Emirati-inspired doughnuts? Fingers crossed. Love local Local ingredients are a key focus for restaurants, not only in Dubai, but globally right now. With a firm eye on sustainability and shorter travel times for produce to decrease its carbon footprint, sourcing ingredients closer to home is vital. Emirati chef Hend Raisi, commis 1 at Jumeirah Beach Hotel, inherited her passion for cooking from her mother and family. She joined Jumeirah in 2020 and is now stationed in Kitchen Connection at Jumeirah Beach Hotel, and applauds the accessibility of ingredients in the UAE. “I was curious to start cooking Emirati desserts as I was not used to them, in the past I only created European versions,” she says. “But I love Emirati desserts as they are simpler and have fewer ingredients – using items such as cardamom, saffron, nuts, dates, things that are available everywhere and not complicated.” Mediterranean restaurant BOCA in DIFC is known for its dedication to sustainability and uses locally-sourced produce wherever possible. And this year, for the first time, the menu will feature four types of native desert plants found in the Emirates. But it’s not just the savoury plates that star local ingredients – the dessert menu is packed full of them, too. First up there’s the vanilla rice pudding, which uses local black lime. Emirati blossom honeycomb is used in the marinated figs and dark chocolate dessert, while there’s saffron starring in an orange and saffron cheesecake. Chef Matthijs Stinnissen says that local ingredients are unique in flavour and texture so it’s an exciting challenge to use them. “It is always amazing when you realise how much you can do with so little,” he tells Time Out. “We live in the desert so you might think there is not much to work with, but when you start digging deeper, talking to farmers, cooks, chefs, and incorporate techniques then you will be amazed at what you end up with. “As chefs and restaurateurs, we need to explore new flavours all the time, especially if they come from our local environment. There is tremendous work being done by the government, farmers and fishermen towards building a local and sustainable industry and it is our responsibility to support them.” But what goes into coming up with a super- innovative, local dessert? “I always check what is in season, and what I feel comfortable with using in terms of availability,” adds Stinnissen. “Inspiration could come from a night drive back from the restaurant or from a dish or technique that I have come across from the past, it then keeps evolving over a period of several months. I’m in love with lumi (black lime), the honey that is made in this region is also unique and I’ve recently learned nuanced differences between sidr and ghaf honey from the west coast versus those from the east. “Dates and nuts are also in abundance here and chefs could have endless creativity using them. I also started using saffron in desserts, and there is still a lot to explore.” Well-known culinary name Silvena Rowe loves working with local ingredients and is an ardent supporter of produce from the UAE. One of her favourite Middle Eastern desserts is muhallabia (a milk pudding), which she makes sugar- and gluten-free for a health- conscious lifestyle, and serves with lulu dates. “Lulu dates are the dates of Dubai – a small, sweet type of date that is very special here,” she says. “If you›re a date connoisseur, you will know it is very delicious. Plus for this dessert I always use camel milk and very rich home-made pistachio butter. It›s one of the most delicious desserts that I›ve created in years thanks to local ingredients.” From high-end restaurants to hole-in-the- wall street food joints, Dubai’s menus are bursting with exciting flavours when it comes to dessert, so next time you dine out – most likely at Dubai Food Festival – skip the starter and save room for pud. And if you haven’t tried luqaimat yet, your weekend just got a lot sweeter. Couqley THREE TO TRY CLASSICS WITH A TWIST Burrata and ricotta kunafa at Couqley French Bistro & Bar A twist on the much-loved cheesy dessert, this kunafa with pistachios comes with a twist of orange blossom water. O Cluster A, JLT (04 514 9339). Maple date cake at Clinton St. Baking Company The warm, comforting flavours of dates, in a hearty cake from this US baking shop. O City Walk, Al Safa Street (04 344 0705). Pistachio profiteroles The classic Bateel date pudding is always a hit, but try the choux pastry filled with pistachio praline cream and crispy kadaif. O Various locations including Mall of the Emirates and JBR, www.bateel.com 34 - 39_EMARATI DESSERTS_11621128.indd 3929/03/2021 14:48:42Next >