Dubai Food Festival bus tour: 5 Dubai restaurants to try

  DUBAI – My inner foodie was jumping for joy as soon as my travel buddy and I stepped on the bus for the Dubai Food Festival Bus Tour at the start of our culinary tour around the emirate. Expat Media was invited by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment to join the tasty treat, and we just couldn’t say no! With a band of UAE-based journalists in tow, our small group was given an exclusive look at three of the Hidden Gems featured in the festival as well as outlets taking part in the Limited Edition Coffee Series. Dubai Food Festival Bus Tour. JONATHAN YBERA/EXPAT MEDIA The 18-day Dubai Food Festival runs until March 14 and features exclusive menus and foodie experiences, with up to Dh50,000 to be won just by dining at participating outlets.
ALSO READ Dh50,000 to win at Dubai Food Festival Ultimate guide to Dubai Food Festival
Here’s how our culinary journey unfolded as we tried five of Dubai’s Hidden Gems, the unsung heroes of the emirate’s ever-evolving food scene serving authentic and tasty food at affordable prices.

First stop: Andes

Location: One Central Building 2, beside Novotel Hotel Dubai World Trade Centre Food served: Vietnamese Iced Latte Dubai Food Festival Bus Tour. JONATHAN YBERA/EXPAT MEDIA Verdict: We loved the relaxed ambiance at this contemporary South American restaurant located at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The delicious glass of oolong was a perfect start to the culinary tour. The classic Vietnamese iced latte is infused with extracts of milk, vanilla and cream. Dubai Food Festival Bus Tour. JONATHAN YBERA/EXPAT MEDIA Dubai Food Festival Bus Tour. JONATHAN YBERA/EXPAT MEDIA Dubai Food Festival Bus Tour. JONATHAN YBERA/EXPAT MEDIA

Second stop: Cafe Frei

Location: Podium 3 Central Park Towers Food served: Super Frappe, Chocolate Cookies Dubai Food Festival Bus Tour. JONATHAN YBERA/EXPAT MEDIA Verdict: Everyone couldn’t stop taking photos as soon as the chocolate cookies and frappes were dished out at Café Frei. The best part? They tasted as good as they looked. The cafe serves “the world’s favourite coffees”, hot and cold chocolate drinks, pastries and confectionary products. Dubai Food Festival Bus Tour. JONATHAN YBERA/EXPAT MEDIA Dubai Food Festival Bus Tour. JONATHAN YBERA/EXPAT MEDIA Dubai Food Festival Bus Tour. JONATHAN YBERA/EXPAT MEDIA

Third stop: Khaleej Tacos

Location: Opposite Miraj Islamic Art Center, Jumeirah Road, Umm Suqeim, Dubai. Food served: Khaleej Burrito, Khaleej Tacos Dubai Food Festival Bus Tour. JONATHAN YBERA/EXPAT MEDIA Verdict: Khaleej Tacos has made the word “fusion” even cooler. This small restaurant offers delicious Mexican food with a Khaleeji twist. We couldn’t stop drooling at the tasty burritos and tacos they served. Dubai Food Festival Bus Tour. JONATHAN YBERA/EXPAT MEDIA Dubai Food Festival Bus Tour. JONATHAN YBERA/EXPAT MEDIA

Fourth stop: Bosnian House

Location: Near Umm Suqeim Park opposite Emarat Petrol Station, Jumeirah Road, Umm Suqeim, Dubai. Food served: Bosnian Kebab Dubai Food Festival Bus Tour. JONATHAN YBERA/EXPAT MEDIA Verdict: By far my favourite among all the other food stops. I just loved their juicy and tender beef kebab. Servings are also affordable and generous and are big enough for two people to share. Dubai Food Festival Bus Tour. JONATHAN YBERA/EXPAT MEDIA Dubai Food Festival Bus Tour. JONATHAN YBERA/EXPAT MEDIA Dubai Food Festival Bus Tour. JONATHAN YBERA/EXPAT MEDIA

Fifth stop: Al Romansiah Restaurant

Location: Near Centro Rotana Hotel, Al Barsha Food served: Chicken Zurbiyan, Chicken Mandi, Salad, Al Romansiah Mixed Grill Dubai Food Festival Bus Tour. JONATHAN YBERA/EXPAT MEDIA Verdict: Our last stop took us to Al Barsha where we had a full meal at this beautiful Middle Eastern restaurant serving the most delicious Mandi and traditional Arabic dishes. The service was spot on, and the food was amazing. JY/Expat Media Dubai Food Festival Bus Tour. JONATHAN YBERA/EXPAT MEDIA Dubai Food Festival Bus Tour. JONATHAN YBERA/EXPAT MEDIA
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