Impress the in-laws with these delicious dishes.

The best Ramadan Iftar recipes to try tonight 

Thinking up new Iftar recipes night after night is no easy feat, especially if you have a revolving door of guests coming through your home during Ramadan. 
In need of kitchen inspiration, we turned to one of our favourite chefs, Zahra Abdalla, whose famous book Cooking With Zahra has become our go-to guide for both traditional and modern Middle Eastern cuisine. 
Here are our top two healthy and meat-free recipes – so there’s no need to make something separate for veggie guests.


Roasted Cabbage with Lemon and Tahini Sauce

Roasted cabbage with lemon and tahini sauce

“Roasted cabbage with lemon and tahini sauce is a delicious, healthy and vegan dish that I love serving at my dinner parties. I usually like to serve it with some roast chicken, or it can be served as a simple and light meal on its own,” says Zahra. “Every time I prepare this at one of my dinner parties; my guests always leave asking for the recipe.”

Ingredients: Serves 4 – 6  

• ½ head of cabbage
• Salt 
• Freshly ground black pepper 
• Olive oil 
  
  

Lemon and tahini sauce: 

• 1 cup tahini paste
• 2 lemons, juiced
• 2/3 cup water
• ¼ tsp chilli powder (optional) 
• 1 tsp sea salt 
• Freshly ground black pepper 
  
  

Garnish: 
1 cup mixed sprouts, for garnish 

1. Preheat oven at 200°C. Cut half a head of cabbage into 6 or 8 equal-sized wedges, cutting through the core and stem end. Arrange the wedges in a single layer on a baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with olive oil. Flip the cabbage wedges and do the same on the other side.

2. Bake the cabbage for 20 – 30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Roast until tender and golden-brown.

3. To make the sauce, combine the tahini paste and lemon juice in a small bowl. Slowly add the water to this, whisking until the sauce has a light, creamy consistency. Season with chilli powder, sea salt and pepper.

4. Serve the roasted cabbage on a platter and top with a drizzle of the lemon and tahini sauce, and garnish with mixed sprouts. Serve hot or cold.

Kookoo Sabzi Mixed Herb Frittata

 

Kookoo sabzi mixed herb frittata

“Usually this dish is fried,” explains Zahra. “However, as a healthier alternative, I bake it like a cake and slice it before serving. This dish is delicious when served hot or cold.”

• 8 eggs
• 2 cups fresh parsley, finely chopped 
• 2 cups fresh coriander, finely chopped 
• 1 cup fresh green onions, finely chopped 
• 1 cup fresh chives, finely chopped 
• 1 cup fresh dill, finely chopped 
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp barberries (optional)
• ¼ cup walnuts, roughly chopped (optional) 
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper powder 

1. Preheat oven at 180°C.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until well beaten. Then add parsley, coriander, green onions, chives, dill, flour, barberries, walnuts, olive oil, salt and black pepper powder, and mix well until fully combined.

3. Pour the batter into a greased ovenproof skillet or cake pan and bake for 45 minutes.

4. Remove from oven and set aside to cool. Cut into small pieces and serve with baked salmon and sabzi polo.  

Cooking with Zahra by Zahra Abdalla, Motivate Publishing 

Try these sizzling sliders at the best restaurants in Dubai  

A definitive guide to the UAE’s best burgers

We try to follow a ‘clean’ diet most of the time, but after a week of low-calorie lunches, post-workout green juices and energy ball snacks, we’re craving a good ol’ juicy burger once the weekend hits. Well, life is all about balance, right? 
The real question is, where can one find the ultimate cheat day meal? While we’re all for feasting at classic fast food joints, we’ve recently stumbled across a few alternatives that offer a fresh take on our favourite indulgences. 
From loaded double patties to extra cheesy creations, our round-up of tasty stacked buns will satisfy all your carnivore cravings. We’ve also tracked down the best veggie burger the region has to offer for our plant-based diet pals.
Word of warning – this list will leave you feeling very hungry…


Brunswick Eastery.Bar.Terrace

Brunswick Eatery.Bar.Terrace in Dubai

Tucked away inside the Sheraton Dubai Mall of the Emirates, this crowd-pleasing spot ticks all the right boxes for a casual feast with family or friends. 
The industrial-chic setting, seasonal fuss-free menu and live streaming of the biggest sports games have helped make this one of the most popular spots in town. After a recent revamp, there are now three different dynamics within the space – a cocktail bar, a main dining area and a pretty plant-filled terrace. 
We highly recommend ordering one of their delicious burgers, made using organic Australian minced beef. The Shopshire blue burger is guaranteed to impress, but our personal bun of choice is the excellent triple cream brie burger. 
Veggies are also catered for with a crispy grain burger that comes with a mix of Puy lentils, quinoa, mushrooms and buckwheat, topped with purple cabbage and vegan mayo – yum. 

Gourmet Burger Kitchen

Gourmet Burger Kitchen in Dubai

Located inside City Centre Mirdif, GBK is a long-standing favourite among die-hard burger fans. 
The perfect pitstop for a speedy pre- or post-cinema bite, the grub is cooked and served quickly but is by no means fast food as you may know it. All dishes are crafted using top-notch ingredients, including 100% prime Australian Angus beef and farm fresh veggies. 
A few must-try buns include the hot smoked BBQ, the wagyu cheese with beef bacon (those with an appetite can make it a double-patty) or the trio of mini burgers if you fancy sampling three different varieties. Other menu highlights include the tasty Cajun chicken and lamb burgers.


T.G.I. Fridays

T.G.I. Fridays is a delicious choice for the whole family   

One of the best places to eat out with kids, T.G.I. Fridays is a top pick for a family-friendly feast. The relaxed eatery has several outposts located across the region, including Mall of the Emirates, Mall of Egypt, City Centre Deira and City Centre Bahrain.
The cowboy triple meat is the real deal when it comes to big burgers, and will arrive to your table topped with tender pieces of BBQ beef rib meat, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, melted cheddar cheese, roasted beef bacon, horseradish sauce and crispy frizzled onions. It’s well worth the meat sweats you’ll experience after munching your way through this colossal bun!

If you can’t decide between a plate of eggs or a bun, go for a dish that combines the two – the hangover burger. As the name suggests, it’s the ideal meal after a big one the night before.

Article Source: https://www.malloftheemirates.com/blog/dining/discover-the-uaes-best-burgers

These healthy restaurants will keep you on the right track.

Healthy meals to try at restaurants in Dubai and MENA region

Eating out does not have to mean blowing your healthy habits. While smart menu choices come into play (pretend you did not see that strawberry cheesecake), we’ve recently discovered a number of delicious restaurants in Dubai and across the Middle East that offer tasty dishes for the calorie-conscious. 

Our foodie experts have also made sure that all these culinary hotspots are family friendly so the whole gang can enjoy nutritious nosh on your next outing. 

L’Eto

L’Eto restaurant is a healthy must-try in Dubai

This newly opened stylish chain has already become a firm favourite with Dubai’s fitness set. Located inside Mall of the Emirates, the food focus at L’Eto is on super fresh ingredients used to craft a range of healthy dishes, such as quinoa salads, eggs, wraps, balsamic glazed vegetables and even a guilt-free edamame and mushroom burger! You can also build your own plate from a spread of healthy options at the salad bar. 

Pasqua Café

Pasqua Café in City Centre Maadi

From light soups to an array of veggie-packed salads and protein-rich meat and fish fillets, this Cairo-based Mediterranean eatery is guaranteed to satisfy healthy eaters. Located amongst all the shops and entertainment venues in City Centre Maadi, Pasqua Café also offers a wide selection of fresh fruit smoothies to help wash down your nutritious nibbles. 

Ebn El Balad 

Expect mouthwatering Middle Eastern food at Ebn El Balad

Aside from the deep-fried mezze, mounds of rice and oh so tasty shawarmas, Arabic cuisine is actually very healthy. Most Middle Eastern restaurants will offer lean grilled meat platters, fattoush salad, lentil soup, falafel and stuffed vine leaves. 

Ebn El Balad offers all these classic dishes plus plenty more in a casual setting situated inside two of the top malls in Egypt, City Centre Alexandria and Mall of Egypt.

These foodie spots challenge Italy in the pizza stakes.

Where to get the best pizza in the Middle East

Whether you’re partial to a deep pan, Roman-style squares or you’re a loyal thin and crispy fan, most of us can I agree on one thing – a mutual love for pizza.

One of Italy’s most famous foodie exports, the humble pie’s roots date back to 1889 when the first pizza is said to have been made to honour the Queen consort of Italy, Margherita of Savoy. Consisting of baked dough garnished with tomatoes and basil to represent the colours of the Italian flag, this foodie favourite has undoubtedly come a long way since with limitless options.

From stuffed crusts filled with melted cheese to gluten-free bases and a seemingly never-ending variety of toppings, we have tried them all to report back on the top three places for pizza fans to try across the Middle East. 

California Pizza Kitchen 

Serving up some of the tastiest slices in town, California Pizza Kitchen in Mall of the Emirates is a relaxed spot for all to enjoy and one of the best restaurants in Dubai to take your children.

The casual eatery is well loved for its classic Margherita (take your pick from either hand-tossed original crust or thin and crispy), but delve further into the vast menu and try the spicy chipotle chicken and fire-roasted vegetable options.

California Pizza Kitchen in Dubai

800 Degrees Neapolitan Pizza Dubai

Whipped up fresh using high-quality ingredients shipped straight from Naples, 800 Degrees Neapolitan Pizza is one of the best places to grab an authentic slice of pie. 

Build your pizza from an extensive selection of toppings (think rosemary turkey and smoked provolone) or opt for baked pasta, burratas, salads or grilled meat mains. We’ve chomped our way through the entire menu, and we’re delighted customers!

Find 800 Degrees Neapolitan Pizza located in Mall of the Emirates and City Centre Me'aisem.

800 Degrees Neapolitan Pizza Dubai in Mall of the Emirates

Pizza Hut

You just cannot go wrong with a round of pizzas at this ultimate cheat-day foodie spot. We are long-time lovers of the too-tasty-to-resist super supreme pizza – an indulgent doughy bite loaded with toppings and stuffed with a melted cheese crust. 

Pizza Hut is located in Mall of the Emirates, Mall of Egypt, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Sharjah, City Centre Ajman, City Centre Qurum, City Centre Deira, City Centre Muscat, City Centre Alexandria and City Centre Maadi

Article Source: https://www.malloftheemirates.com/blog/dining/foodie-edit-3-of-the-best-pizza-places-in-the-middle-east

You’ve spent an entire day shopping with friends and family, and not only is your mind consumed with how knackered you are, but also how you’re absolutely starving for a fulfilling meal –whether sweet or savoury.

Your pressing hunger may fuel your urge to walk into the first restaurant you see to eat for the sole purpose of temporary surviving, yet may eventually make you frustrated at your failure to satisfy your deepest, most intrinsic cravings.

Have no fear, for we are here to help you out!

Welcome to our 101 guide on how to please your taste buds and leave your tummy jolly full with the help of all the restaurants Mall of Egypt has to offer. With the generous range of cuisines, there's a restaurant that meets your every craving.


Guilty savoury indulgence: Halawet El Jibneh (Tamara)

Otherwise known as sweet cheese rolls, Halawet El Jibneh from Tamara integrates the savoury essence of cheese with sweet syrup drizzled to coat a perfectly cooked dough. 

Relentless sweet tooth: Ghazal Beirut (Tamara)

This is the dessert for the mischievous; one of which the contrast in texture and flavour allows it to comfortably stand unrivalled. First, your taste buds are tickled with the fluff of sweetness from the cotton candy (halawet el sha’ar), followed by the creamy-like mastic ice cream. This is definitely a go-to if you’re bound to hit the gym next thing in the morning.



Carnivore-wants-meat craze: Classic Smash (Smash Burger)

Leaning towards a mouthwatering burger? Head to Smash Burger and try out their Classic Smash; comprising heavenly juicy patties topped with melted cheese and rich seasoning. Not to mention, the patty-bun ratio is spot on.



Need-energy-now mood: Iced Coffee (Caribou)

If the wide range of stores and options at Mall of Egypt makes your shopping experience a tad tiresome, that is precisely when you should go for Caribou's Iced Coffee to cool off and wake up. Its thick and creamy consistency complemented with the right amount of coffee and sugar will keep you buzzing for more, and ensures you’re all fuelled up for another shopping marathon.

Seafood-zest mania: Smoked Salmon & Shrimp Salad (Viking)

If you’re craving seafood yet can’t help but cringe at the calories, opt for Viking’s Smoked Salmon and Shrimp Salad for a lighter option. With a side of crispy iceberg lettuce, rocket, red onions, capers, toasted olive bread, and Cocktail dressing on top to harmonise all the fresh ingredients together, who said healthy can’t be just as delicious as junk?

Adventure-maybe-even-spicy: Boneless Buffalo Wings (Chili’s)

A bowl of rebellious spice oozing with every bite. Fulfill your protein craze with the scrumptious Boneless Buffalo Wings from Chili’s. Served with a dip, it caresses your taste buds with a cooling effect, along with an additional freshness offered through its vegetable sticks.

The 70’s-culture food: The Butter Finger Milkshake (Smash Burger)

Experience the 70’s with another fan favourite from Smash Burger: the Butter Finger Milkshake, with the perfect amount of sweetness and butter to embrace your sweet tooth.



Simple sweetness: Gâteaux Soirée from La Poire

Why pass by the family empty-handed when you can pick up your own assortment of Gâteaux Soirée with some creamy, tangy, and fluffy desserts from La Poire that will guarantee to leave them chipper?




Genuine Chocolate: Gold Bars from Patchi

If your goal is to present something far from traditional at family gatherings, don’t stress to impress because Patchi’s gold bar chocolates will do that for you in a second! Their milk-praline filled gold bars are an all-time family-pleaser that will firmly set your mark on the dinner table.

It’s a challenge to stick to a diet let alone a lifestyle that abstains from the most common acts that we perform every day. Veganism, the new nutrition and lifestyle trend that has been booming lately, is either a walk in the park for some, or absolutely impossible to achieve.

So what is veganism exactly?
It is the rejection of the notion that animals are in any way the property or resources of humans. Vegans try their best to not eat or use anything related to animals or their by-products, believing in their rights as living beings.

It goes far beyond refraining yourself from eating meat, chicken, fish, honey, milk and eggs. It entails the abstinence from using fur, leather, cosmetics and soaps with animal ingredients.

Sounds difficult, right?

It isn’t for those who believe in animal welfare and bravely expose themselves to what goes on behind the curtains in mass production farms and cosmetic factories. Things have changed drastically since our hunter-gatherer days. We’re now producing such a vast quantity of animal products that we are decimating our natural resources and destroying our environment in the most gruesome ways. To a vegan, cows and chickens are just as cute as our furry dogs and cats and shouldn’t go through the suffering solely for our own pleasure.

So what about the nutrients we’re missing out on? No protein?

That actually isn’t true.

Vegans can eat any type of fruit, every type of vegetable, nuts and seeds, carbohydrates, beans and legumes (tofu, edamame, hummus, black beans, chickpeas, lentils), non-dairy milks, chocolate (made from coconut, soy or rice mlik), junk food (fries, onion rings, cookies, cake, candy), etc. They get their protein sources from: lentils, tofu, peas, peanut butter, almonds, spinach, whole wheat bread, potatoes, broccoli, kale. Meat alternatives could be veggie burgers, vegan sausages, tempeh bacon, deli sandwich slices; the list is endless. The good part is you usually can’t notice the difference in taste.

Begin by getting informed. See how animals are being treated due to our over consumption in factories and animal farms. Check your wardrobe, the makeup and beauty products that you use to make sure they don’t test on animals. Slowly, begin decreasing your intake of animal based products to whatever extent you can at first. Allow yourself the occasional cheat family meal, favorite food until you get the hang of it. Don’t shy away from the idea of veganism simply because you can’t follow it 100 percent correctly at first. Being partially vegan is still a start!

It’s important to be aware of what goes on behind the scenes with the food and commodities that are made for our consumption. By not buying that fur coat, you are minimizing the industry’s possibilities to boom and clearly say you do not support their actions.