< PreviousUnusual foods 50 OCTOBER 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM Beau Restaurant’s chicken nuggets caviar You’ve definitely seen this around. These are chicken nuggets elevated to celeb status, topped with 30g of Maison Kaviari caviar, a dollop of crème fraîche and a sprinkle of chives that somehow makes everything feel that much fancier. It’s the ultimate mash-up of childhood comfort food and luxury indulgence that’s sweet, salty, crunchy and silky. A fast-food fever dream that blurs the line between ironic snack and serious splurge. It’s the kind of thing that makes you stop mid-scroll, double-tap paper, green matcha batter and avocado might seem like a weird combo – but somehow, they team up like old buddies. Fluffy, earthy and just the right amount of creamy. Then the blueberry compôte crashes the party, sweet and tart, draping the stack like a jewel-toned crown. Whipped yoghurt and banana cream swoop in to add a sweetness that makes this even more enjoyable, while every forkful feels like a new flavour reveal. It’s indulgent, unexpected and very photogenic. It’s breakfast that breaks the rules and still wins. Because ordinary pancakes? Please. We’re not that basic – and neither is Dubai. O Multiple locations, including DIFC, JBR and JLT, eatx.com/common-grounds. Din Tai Fung’s choco xiao long bao Din Tai Fung Dubai has taken dumplings to a whole new (chocolatey) level. Forget your usual chicken or veggie fillings – here, the spotlight is on molten chocolate, oozing out with every bite (so be careful). But it doesn’t stop there. These little parcels come with a side of sea salt cream cheese, because apparently, dessert needed a salty, creamy sidekick. Three of these dumplings will set you back Dhs34, and honestly, that’s a small price to pay for this kind of unusual treat. Sweet, rich, slightly salty – this is dessert dumpling chaos done right. O Dhs34. Multiple locations including Dubai Mall, Dubai Hills Mall and Mall of the Emirates, dintaifungae.com. Local Coffee House’s vanilla, olive oil and sea salt soft serve Local Coffee House in Alserkal Avenue isn’t about playing it safe – yes, it has classic flavours you know and love, but there’s one menu item in particular that stands out, and it’s the vanilla soft serve with a slick drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of sea salt. Vanilla is sweet, creamy and familiar. Olive oil is grassy, slightly peppery and savoury. The salt amplifies that tension. Your brain is hit with a sweet-savoury contrast, which makes this treat exciting and crave-worthy. O Open daily 11am-11pm. Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, @local.coffee.house. KLAY by Karak House’s paratha burger At KLAY by Karak House, the ever-popular smash burger gets a Dubai-style makeover. Forget fluffy brioche bread or pillowy potato buns – these juicy patties are hugged by freshly griddled paratha, buttery and just flaky enough to crackle around the edges. It’s the kind of switch-up that makes you nervous and excited before the first bite. It’s without shame and wonder what other childhood favourites are about to get the luxury glow-up. Call your friends, charge your phone and clear your camera roll – because this absurdly delicious collision of playground nostalgia and five-star indulgence is one you’ll want proof of. O Dhs320. Open daily 1pm-1am. Beau Restaurant, Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 3. Common Grounds’s avo and matcha pancakes Meet your next brunch plot twist – Common Ground’s avo and matcha pancakes. On Beau RestaurantUnusual foods TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM OCTOBER 2025 51 “Meet your next brunch plot twist – avo and matcha pancakes” Common GroundsUnusual foods 52 OCTOBER 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM mouthful feel outrageous, over the top, and exactly what late-night cravings were made for (if you don’t mind the long queue). O Dhs39. Open Mon-Fri 9am-midnight, Sat-Sun 9am-1am. Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, @klaybykarakhouse. Lush Burger’s French fries ice cream TikTok food trends don’t always survive off-screen, but Lush Burger’s fries-and- a clever nod to the city’s love of fusing street food with comfort food classics. The result is a viral burger that people queue up for. It is equal parts indulgence and invention, messy in the best way possible. The paratha adds a richness that makes a classic cheeseburger feel like it’s been upgraded with a desi twist, and once you’ve tried it, going back to regular buns feels… well… basic. Dripping cheese, crisp-edged patties and layers of buttery bread make every NaniUnusual foods TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM OCTOBER 2025 53 ice-cream mash-up deserves its moment. The Business Bay joint has quietly slipped this one onto its secret menu: a cup of soft serve (vanilla, or chocolate if you’re feeling reckless), piled high with golden fries and finished with a slick of olive oil. It feels a little rebellious, like you’ve discovered a culinary hack you weren’t supposed to know about, and that secrecy only makes it taste better. Like we said, it’s not on the menu, but ask nicely and you’ll be handed one of Dubai’s most unlikely desserts. The combination works because it shouldn’t – salted fries cutting through rich ice cream, that drizzle of oil adding an earthy kick. It’s nostalgic (who hasn’t dunked fries into a sundae or shake?) but elevated, the kind of dish that feels both childlike and grown-up at once. It’s messy, it’s indulgent and it’s guaranteed to spark a debate at the table – genius to some, madness to others, but impossible to forget either way. O Dhs28. Open daily noon-2am. JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, Business Bay @lushburgerdxb (04 414 3000). Namelaka’s marshmallow cappuccino At Namelaka, cappuccinos don’t just come in cups – they come in flowers… sort of. The café’s marshmallow cappuccino is served inside a handmade, petal-shaped marshmallow cup that looks almost too pretty to touch. Each petal is torched just enough to hold its form, giving you something soft, sweet and edible to sip from. It’s part drink, part dessert, part art installation – the kind of thing that makes your phone come out before your spoon. Once the ‘cup’ is ready, in goes the cappuccino, made with speciality beans sourced from some of the city’s top roasters. The heat from the coffee gradually melts the edges of the marshmallow, creating a drink that’s quite whimsical and fun. At Dhs42 a cup, it sits firmly in the ‘treat yourself’ category. But where else can you sip on coffee while nibbling on marshmallow petals? O Dhs42. Open Sun-Thu 8am-midnight, Fri-Sat 8am- 1am. Dubai Hills Mall, Dubai Hills, @namaleka.dubai (054 369 8369). Nani’s ‘ice cream’ ramen Nani in Dubai generally doesn’t mess around when it comes to ramen. The bowls are big, steaming and satisfyingly classic. But every so often, Nani throws a curveball, and suddenly you’re face-to-face with ramen topped with shrimp, enoki mushrooms, pickled egg, onion… and ice cream. Not the Din Tai Fung “Dumplings taken to a whole new (chocolatey) level”Unusual foods 54 OCTOBER 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM vanilla soft serve you’d swirl onto a cone, but a scoop of cream cheese ‘ice cream’ that sits proudly on top until the broth’s heat gets to work. It melts slowly into the soup, thickening it into something rich, velvety and kind of disorienting in the best way. The shrimp and mushrooms give it texture, the pickled egg cuts through with tang and the onions and nori keep things grounded. It’s the kind of dish that makes you stop mid- slurp, laugh at the absurdity, and then go back in for more. At Dhs55 for a hefty bowl, it’s surprisingly accessible for what feels like a one-off dining experiment. It’s playful, polarising and guaranteed to split opinions. Weird? Definitely. But it works. O Dhs55. Open daily 11am-10pm. Bay Square, Business Bay, nani.ae (052 910 2748). Papa John’s croissant pizza It’s obvious by now that Dubai’s food scene has no shortage of unexpected mash-ups, but Papa John’s latest might just take the flaky, buttery cake – or croissant, in this case. The brand has rolled out a croissant pizza, swapping the usual dough for layers of buttery, golden pastry that flake with every bite. It looks more like something you’d find at a Parisian patisserie than a pizza chain, but here we are – welcome to Dubai dining logic. Topped with all the usual pizza favourites – think melty cheese, tomato sauce and whichever toppings you normally go for. And when you take a bite, it’s airy layers of croissant dough melding with gooey cheese and savoury toppings. The texture alone throws you off in the best way – soft in the middle, crisp around the edges, and rich enough to make you Papa John’s question whether this belongs in a brunch spread or a midnight snack. It’s part breakfast, part comfort food, part ‘what am I actually eating here?’. In a city that loves food experiments as much as Instagram likes, this one ticks all the boxes – eye- catching, playful and surprisingly tasty. O Multiple locations, including Dubai Marina, JLT, Meadows, papajohns.ae. Pitfire’s smoked salmon and cream cheese pizza And another one. Pitfire has never been shy about pushing pizza beyond the usual mozzarella-and-pepperoni formula, but its smoked salmon and cream cheese breakfast pizza might just be one of its most unique moves yet. Fresh from the oven, the blistered dough comes slicked with olive oil and ricotta cream cheese, then layered Pitfire with thin slices of smoked salmon that drape across the base. Red onions add a sharp bite, capers bring a briny punch, and a scattering of fresh dill keeps it bright. Just before serving, make sure to squeeze a little bit of lemon zest on top, giving the whole thing a zing that cuts through the richness. It’s the kind of dish that feels more brunchy indulgence than pizza night essential. Equal parts bagel-inspired and breakfast-adjacent, this is Pitfire proving that pizza doesn’t have to stick to tradition to be satisfying. It’s familiar, unexpected, and exactly the sort of curveball that keeps Dubai’s pizza scene interesting. Head along to Time Out Market on a weekend morning for the chance to snap this one up. Maybe pair it with a Dhs45 glass of bubbly while you’re there. O Dhs65. Sat-Sun 10am-1pm. Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, timeoutmarket.com/dubai.56 OCTOBER 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM Food Sirene by GAIA Lush Aegean-inspired beach club with a fresh Mediterranean menu found at J1 Beach There’s no doubt we’ve all dreamt of an escape to Santorini. Lazing back under a canopy, watching the sun creep lower while feasting on the Med’s finest. But as it turns out, there’s a glittering slice of Greece nestled into Jumeirah – it’s Sirene by GAIA, and it’s nothing short of picture-perfect. A concept created by restaurateur Evgeny Kuzin and chef Izu Ani (the guys behind DIFC’s famed GAIA), this dynamic duo doesn’t disappoint, so expectations are high before you’ve even dipped your toe into the pool or taken your first bite. At Sirene, every little detail is gorgeous. There’s so much detail, in fact, that your first half hour will be spent soaking it all in, Time Out reviews anonymously and pays for its meals dishes, because beachfront views come with a side of premium pricing. As you would expect, seafood dominates the starter selection, from sea bream carpaccio with a truffle and mandarin dressing to the flavoursome harissa prawns dripping in chilli-garlic oil. Start with baked goat’s cheese enveloped in filo pastry, topped with thyme, honey and a selection of nuts for a creamy and crispy start to the dining experience. Moving to mains, the lamb cutlets are grilled perfectly, lying on a bed of and there’s a lot to see. The Aegan-inspired beach club sprawls out from its restaurant, past the winding fuchsia flowers, down to the fringed cushions on the terrace, over to the arched stone bars and glimmering pools to end at the sandy shoreline. We could go on (and we will). Around the chequered pool is where you want to be. It’s one of those lazing-on- sun-beds-and-quietly-bobbing-in-the-water kind of places. No deafeningly loud music or a party-party atmosphere. Sirene is the perfect spot to catch up with friends, read a book, order some food and chill out. Speaking of food, whether you’re eating on your sun bed or taking a seat in the spacious dining area, Sirene serves a modern Greek-Mediterranean menu that’s almost identical to its big sister, GAIA, in DIFC. So yes, you’re getting the real deal. You will be paying a little more for the same TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM OCTOBER 2025 57 Three more to try at J1 Beach African Queen African Queen is all about Med sophistication. Known for serving up Riviera classics, African Queen hails from Beaulieu-sur-Mer and has attracted a fancy clientele since opening in 1969. The Dubai location features African-inspired décor (there are a lot of leopard and zebra patterns everywhere). The menu features summery plates like salad niçoise and pissaladière, as well as popular Dubai dishes like burrata, lobster linguine and, of course, truffle fries. O Open Mon-Thu 10am-midnight. Fri- Sun 10am-1am. J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1, africanqueen-restaurant.com/dubai (052 778 0760). Bâoli Famous Cannes hot spot Bâoli offers up a pretty stunning destination right by the beach. Here, you’ll get modern Japanese cuisine with a hint of new Asian flavours. The jungle-themed restaurant can easily be described as having ‘sanctuary aesthetics’, but the vibes are anything but peaceful. The vibey and upbeat spot has amazing music blasting and well-dressed diners are on their feet dancing with sparklers in hand. O Open Sun-Wed noon-1am, Thu-Sat noon-2am. J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1, baoli- restaurant.com (04 558 6381). Gigi Rigolatto Gigi is all about elegant Italian culture. With a lively atmosphere, it appeals to both foodies and party enthusiasts. Gigi features a menu of classic Italian cuisine (think pasta, grills and more) while there’s a bar dedicated to the classic peach bubbly drink too. It’s also home to comfy beach cabanas and even a concept store. O Open daily 10am-1am. J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1, gigi-restaurant.com/dubai (04 558 2067). pita soaked in the spices with a side of traditional tzatziki. A known Dubai favourite, the truffle pasta is simple, seasoned and creamy as ever (as it should be), while the classic lobster linguine also proves itself as a tempting choice. You’ll want to linger here to keep those holiday vibes going, so push the boat out with 1kg of GAIA’s famous frozen yoghurt stacked in a tower, drizzled with honey and topped with caramelised walnuts (this is definitely one to share). While not a budget dining spot, Sirene offers much more than just a meal – it’s a blend of luxury, stunning surroundings and a vibrant all-day atmosphere with a lively crowd ready to tuck in. No matter when you visit, the experience is lush through and through. Sirene by GAIA might look like something out of a postcard, but trust us, you won’t need a photo to remember this one. O Open Sun-Thu 10am-1am, Fri-Sat 10am-2am. Licensed. J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1, sirenebeach.com (04 834 0303).58 OCTOBER 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM It’s probably about time we stopped referring to Alserkal Avenue as an arts district and admitted that it’s the go-to destination to try independent, home-grown restaurants and cafés. The latest on the block is Piehaus, sitting opposite the also-new Growhouse by One Life. A corner unit, it’s small with only around 25 seats (including window counters). Like many other popular spots in the area, that means there’s often a queue to be seated, with the busiest period at weekends seemingly being from 10.30am through to 5pm. Step inside and it’s clear Piehaus is more than your usual Dubai café. The Scandinavian-inspired space mixes sleek metal surfaces with playful pops of red, anchored by a gigantic glowing moon in the middle of the room. Minimalist yet edgy, it’s the kind of place that feels effortlessly cool Moreish filo pies, cool design and queues out the door in Alserkal Avenue Piehaus thing that gets your heart racing. If not, the finished goods should do the trick. The menu is limited to pies. In this sense, that’s filo pies from the same team behind 21grams, one of the most-loved breakfast spots in the city. After gaining popularity at the big sister venue, the team’s pies now have their own place to shine. They come with fillings ranging from pepperoni, pastrami and gyros chicken to sweet options such as custard, strawberry and caramel tahini. There are also some mezze items on offer, but if you’re not into pastry, this probably isn’t the place for you. And the pies are hearty beasts, crispy and flaky outside and soft and doughy in – with generous fillings. You’ll want more than one, though you may not be able to finish the first. Coffee is also good here, along with the obligatory matcha and juice options. In a neighbourhood built on independent ideas, Piehaus turns simple pastry into something ambitious, fun, and distinctly Alserkal – a reminder that sometimes the art you crave is best served hot, straight from the oven. One to check out, just get in early before the crowds arrive. O Open daily 9am-6pm. Unlicensed. Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, @piehaus.dubai (052 563 7922). – and endlessly photogenic, judging by the number of phones snapping away. For those waiting, the view into the open kitchen provides entertainment from the pie chef – as long as a man stretching thin dough with his elbows is the kind of Food TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM OCTOBER 2025 59 If you didn’t get a chance to jet away to the Med this summer, Dubai’s Elaia is hoping to fill that Greek-island-shaped gap. Perched on the fourth floor of Pier 7, Elaia joins a lineup of tourist-friendly restaurants overlooking the Marina. It takes the place of what longtimers will remember as The Scene and it’s been given a sleek, aesthetic upgrade – with a large wood-fired oven and an airy Grecian feel. Of course, the main draw here is the stunning vista – especially in winter when the spacious terrace affords incredible views across the sparkling Marina and twinkling skyscrapers. Take a seat and snap A Greek Island-inspired spot with stunning Dubai views and a taste of the Med Elaia a pic as the yachts and brightly lit dhows glide by on the water below. The setting overshadows the food somewhat, but really that’s what you’re here for – a shot for the ’gram and a night out in a spangly venue in the Marina. The vibe is chilled on our visit – a live DJ provides the beats and a handful of tables add to the chatter – though with a newly launched ladies’ night as well as a range of other offers throughout the week it may well heat up as winter rolls around. The menu is Mediterranean, with a Greek leaning (there’s also a list of pizzas from the aforementioned oven), with mezze, salads, grills and more gracing a familiar lineup. Start with a bowl of tzatziki to dip pita in while you choose the rest of your meal. It’s creamy and garlicky, making for a decent bite to pair with a drink as you catch up with your dinner companion. Starters are fine – manchego croquettes are tasty enough, filled with molten cheese ready to be dunked in a not-that-truffly aioli, while prawns saganaki lack the robustness in the tomato sauce that you’d hope for. Mains are an improvement – grilled red snapper is nicely cooked and is a holiday-style plate, but the highlight is the meaty lamb chops, which are pink and juicy, served alongside sweet, ripe cherry tomatoes. Order a Greek salad – of course – as a side and enjoy the crisp, fresh veg studded with tangy feta. A dessert of Greek doughnuts is a little dry, so skip pudding, order another drink and enjoy the views instead – because they really are something. O Open Sat-Thu noon-1am, Fri noon-2am. Licensed. Pier 7, Dubai Marina, elaiadubai.com (04 576 2389).Next >