Dubai: It’s not only the nightly fireworks or the street performers that are drawing crowds on Al Seef Street this Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF). Emirati cuisine and tea have also become a major attraction for foodies.
Tourists and residents have been frequenting Umm Rashed’s Corner on Al Seef Street, which offers authentic Emirati dishes, since the start of DSF on January 2.
Umm Rashed’s Corner is run by an Emirati family that takes great pride in preparing and serving traditional food in Dubai. Its owner, Umm Rashed, has been cooking Emirati dishes since she was nine years old. She developed her culinary skills thanks to her grandmother’s mentoring.
A popular item on the menu is ‘Al Bakoura’, an entrée that comprises vegetables, curry leaves, pepper, as well as other seasoning. Hot ‘karak chai’ or tea is then served to complete the Emirati culinary experience.
Visitor Ehab Asaad lauded Umm Rashed’s Corner’s offerings. “The wide variety of teas that Umm Rashed sells is very apt for the current weather and my children loved the delicious snacks.”
Asaad, who is in Dubai with his family for the first time, said: “I have come here with my children, Abdul Rahman, Hala, Baraa and Ahmad, to participate in the different activities. We were amazed by the variety, the performances and exciting shows oriented for the entire family — especially in this amazing weather.”
The family was also at BurJuman to participate in the DSF celebrations at the mall. “We really enjoyed watching the Ninja Turtles show at BurJuman and made the most of the shopping discounts there. Dubai is a lovely city filled with surprises for everyone,” he added.
A group of Indian friends also gathered on Al Seef Street to experience the festivities at one of DSF’s popular destinations. They tried Umm Rashed’s “rokak bread”, a traditional cracker.
They also savoured another Emirati delicacy, the luqaimat (deep-fried donuts coated in sugar), which they said reminded them of an Indian dessert called gulab jamun.
Dubai residents Ahmad Kamal and his wife from Jordan were caught sipping ‘karak chai’ with their seven-year-old son. The family lauded DSF organisers for including traditional Emirati dishes in DSF’s offerings. They also appreciated the warm welcome they received at Umm Rashed’s Corner.
For Farhan and Haimanit, also from India, “Dubai is an amazing city and we always feel that we are at home and never get bored here. We are always surprised with what DSF offers each year in the form of shopping offers and exciting events. It’s an amazing experience to enjoy Emirati cuisine in an outdoor setting.”
