HOMEGROWN
Gerbou
TAMARA’S TOP PICK!
Timbuktu Market An exciting addition to Dubai’s foodie scene, Timbuktu Market is set to debut this October in Two Towers, Barsha Heights. Inspired by London’s Borough Market, this two-storey street food venue will feature a mix of homegrown and international eateries, communal seating, a coffee shop, Motion Cycling fitness studio, and shops selling local produce. The line-up includes Dubai supper club sensations Panamericana, Haya’s Kitchen, and Moreish by K; local hidden gems Asian Street by Thai and neo-Filipino street food Kalye Juan; as well as renowned international concepts such as Gyoza Guys, McFly’s Chicken, Churros Garcia, and Sushi Amemiya. Timbuktu Market, Two Towers, Barsha Heights. @timbuktu_market
Supperclub chef Haya Bishouty
Sufret Maryam Chef and owner Salam Dakkak garnered herself a following with her family-style cooking and authentic Middle Eastern flavours, served at her JLT restaurant, Bait Maryam, since 2017. Now, Dubai foodies have another chance to sample chef Salam’s soul-warming Levantine dishes with the opening of her first upscale concept, Sufret Maryam. Newly opened in Wasl 51, Sufret Maryam serves elevated Levantine cuisine in a space where Palestinian heritage and modern design combine. Sufret Maryam, Wasl 51, Jumeirah 1, daily 12pm to 12am. @sufretmaryam
MILES’ TOP PICK!
Chef Salam Dakkak
Sufret Maryam
Natasha Sideris
Nala
Chef Gabriela Chamorro
Girl and the Goose A notable figure in Dubai’s homegrown food scene is former-cabin-crew-turned-selftaught-chef, Gabriela Chamorro. Chef Gabriela saw her childhood dream come true when she began her underground dining experience, Girl and the Goose, inside her JBR apartment, four years ago. Since then, it’s become a supper club sensation with a cult following and an ever-growing waitlist. So much so, the Nicaraguan chef is now opening a permanent, licensed, restaurant in Business Bay, in partnership with Rosy Hospitality (the team behind Couqley). Girl and the Goose, Business Bay, Dubai. @girl.and.the.goose 18 SEPTEMBER 2024 | WHATSON.AE
Set to open later this year in Nad Al Sheba is Gerbou, a sustainable, homegrown restaurant that celebrates Emirati cuisine and culture. Gerbou, which means welcome to my humble abode in Arabic, will see Atelier House Hospitality join forces with Tashkeel, a beloved beacon of arts and culture in the UAE. Housed in a renovated building from 1987, the restaurant will offer both indoor and outdoor seating, with all spaces designed by Kristina Zanic Consultants. On the terrace, Ghaf trees will offer dappled shade for those dining alfresco during the day. Mirroring the look and feel, the menu promises to be a flight through Arab and Emirati flavours, with locally-sourced, sustainable ingredients taking centre stage. Gerbou, Nad Al Sheba. @gerbou
Coming soon to Al Quoz’s endlessly exciting Alserkal Avenue is a soulful, African-inspired, high-end fast-food concept called Nala. Brought to you by Tashas Group – founded by Natasha Sideris and also behind Flamingo Room, Avli, Bungalo34, and tashas café – Nala will offer freshly prepared meals using natural ingredients that are sustainably sourced and feature unique, unexpected flavours and dishes inspired by African and Middle Eastern cultures. Nala, Warehouse 47, Alserkal Avenue. @eatatnala