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Dubai Restaurant Review

Welcome to the latest Dubai Restaurant Review. As an influential Dubai Blogger we get invited to new restaurant openings, relaunches and media parties. Here you'll find mini posts with the key points about what's going on in the ever expanding world of Dubai's restaurants. We take items from here to make up our radio show and sometimes do more detailed articles of certain openings.

Watch this space to be in the know about Dubai's latest foodie happenings. It is in this category as well as in the DoinDubai Give-Aways category that we have most of our competitions to WIN complementary meals for DoinDubai Subscibers

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RAJ MAHAL RESTAURANT DUBAI taste genuine authentic vegetarian thali

Authentic vegetarian thali at Raj Mahal restaurant Dubai

Home style tasting Gujerati and Rajasthani specialties with Indian street food to start with at Raj Mahal restaurant Dubai.

AUTHENTIC THALI AT RAJ MAHAL RESTAURANT DUBAI

Where is Raj Mahal restaurant

The Raj Mahal restaurant is located on the ground floor of the Westzone Pearl Residence apartments building just behind the Bur Juman shopping centre in Bur Dubai.

You can park easily on the street. There is no valet at the moment but there is also free parking in the basement.

Food at Raj Mahal restaurant

Food is served to you at your table in a large, pre set thali plates. Servers bring fresh items in a particular order and always ask you if you’d like a little more or less of any item.

Don’t be overwhelmed by the variety of dishes that you’re served! Everything from the condiments, chutneys and sides all have a role to play in this special thali meal!

The vegetables themselves

Everything is strictly vegetarian at Raj Mahal and you can expect dishes made from beans, peas, lentils, corn and a variety of fresh ethnic vegetables too.

If you’re familiar with paneer, don’t worry there’s always a paneer dish on offer too! The breads to accompany your vegetables also vary on a daily basis so you can expect puris, rotis and parathas depending on the day.

RAJ MAHAL RESTAURANT DUBAI DoinDubai Monica Kapila variety of savoury sweets and breads
SPECIALITY BREADS CHANGE EVERY DAY

The desserts

Unlike many thali places we’ve tried in Dubai, the sweet section of this thali is very palatable and not overly sweet!

On the day we visited we tried kulfi on a stick, burfi a special halwa and a traditional mango pudding called aam ras. So do leave room to try dessert.

Anything to drink

Drinks are included in the price of this thali, bottled mineral water is on your table, but you also get a refreshing saffron drink as well as a mildy spiced buttermilk cooler known as masala chaas.

Prices at Raj Mahal

The thali meal including all the desserts, drinks and street food to start is priced at a very reasonable AED 52.

Do note that children aged 10 and under eat for free.

The restaurant is open every day for lunch and dinner and also caters for groups. But NOTE timings below:

MONDAY TO FRIDAY LUNCH 12 TO 3.30pm DINNER FROM 7pm TO 11.30pm

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY LUNCH 12 to 4pm and DINNER FROM 7pm to 11.30pm

Tel 04 236 0460 or 058 504 7000

I would definitely recommend this restaurant and would also not hesitate to visit again. It’s a great place to take visitors coming to Dubai.

LIVE FLUTE PLAYER AT RAJ MAHAL

NOTE

Jain meals (without onion, garlic and root vegetables) AND vegan meals can also be served on request.

Listen to us talk about Raj Mahal restaurant Dubai on Monicas Weekend Dubai Eye here

More ideas for thali meals in Dubai here and a link to an article on Indian street food here.

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COPALA MEXICAN FOOD IN DUBAI authentic tasty Mexican cuisine

Welcome to Copala Mexican Food in Dubai. Authentic, tasty Mexican cuisine prepared with fresh ingredients by a genuine Mexican chef.

COPALA MEXICAN FOOD DOINDUBAI CHICKEN AND CHICKPEA SOUP
COPALA MEXICAN FOOD IN DUBAI NOT TEX MEX

Copala Mexican Food in Dubai – Where is it

COPALA cafe/restaurant is located on Level 1 of Index Tower in the DIFC area of Dubai. But don’t worry these aren’t swanky gate village 5 prices at all. This is a casual cafe with friendly service in an iconic residential building in Dubai adjacent to Gate Avenue.

The food at Copala

Expect authentic Mexican dishes cooked using fresh ingredients many of which are sourced direct from Mexico itself. Everything is very reasonably priced, moreover portions are extremely generous.

Dishes are professionally prepared and presented by Adan, a genuine Mexican chef. The whole restaurant was started and is run by 2 Mexican lawyers living in Dubai.

Exasperated at not being able to find genuine home style Mexican dishes they opened Copala to showcase proper Mexican food and ingredients to Dubai diners.

To begin with at Copala – Mexican Food in Dubai

Try the excellent Portobello chcharon guacamole. It’s their signature guacamole using Hass avocados from Michoacan in Mexico.

No ordinary guacamole, expect sides of red onion, coriander, lime, salt and crispy fried mushrooms with home made tortilla chips.

COPALA MEXICAN FOOD DOINDUBAI AVOCADO CRISPY MUSHROOMS RADISH APPETISER
COPALA MEXICAN GUACAMOLE WITH CRISPY MUSHROOMS

You could also select the cheese croquettas with fresh, green salsa or the chicken quesadillas. For any vegetarians or vegans there is also the option of the cauliflower tempura popcorn with chipotle dip.

A substantial soup at Copala

One of the heartiest and tastiest soups we’ve tried in a while, the red Pozole soup is made with Mexican corn, shredded chicken and served with in a sauce/gravy of Mexican spices along with a hand made cheese tortilla. See main picture.

Main courses at Copala

Choose from a range of vegetarian, non vegetarian, vegan or even keto main courses! We liked to the crispy tuna gorditas served with sour cream and a fresh green salad.

But we also recommend the fabulous crispy, Mexican cheese crust that forms the cover for the chicken pastor dish with coriander and onion too.

COPALA MEXICAN FOOD DOINDUBAI TUNA GORADITOS
TUNA GORDITAS SHOWN IN CENTRE OF MAIN COURSE SELECTION COPALA

Desserts at Copala

We were served a fresh zingy fruit salad incorporating roasted pineapple and chamoy chilli as well as a comforting, soft Mexican dessert flan called Flan de Elote made with a creamy, but lightish, goat milk caramel.

COPALA MEXICAN FOOD DOINDUBAI DESSERT FLAN
FLAN DE ELOTE MEXICAN DESSERT

Don’t leave without trying the excellent Mexican espresso coffee

We also were inspired by the genuine Mexican artisanal cups, scarapes and the REE brand of Mexican coffee all on sale at Copala. These would make unique gifts too.

COPALA MEXICAN FOOD DOINDUBAI HAND PAINTED ENAMEL DRINKING GLASSES
HAND PAINTED STAINLESS STEEL DRINKING GLASSES GREAT GIFT IDEA

We were tempted to buy a jar of the special Mexican chilli paste prepared fresh, an ideal gift for any real foodie.

COPALA MEXICAN FOOD DOINDUBAI MEXICAN COFFEE
LOVE THE MEXICAN ESPRESSO AT COPALA DUBAI

Worthy of note about Copala Mexican food in Dubai

The focus on the flour used to make the tortillas, the chips, the quesadillas and everything that uses corn. It’s milled freshly and then this flour without lot’s of preservatives, enhancers or colourings is what’s used to make the dough for all the above items.

So it’s easy on the stomach, very unprocessed, tasty and good for you too.

Try Copala for yourself and let us know what you think by sharing your pictures on instagram and tagging @copaladubai and @doindubai

Copala Mexican food in Dubai – need to know

TEL 04 878 5757

EMAIL Hola@copalarestaurant.com

COPALA INSTAGRAM

Vegetarian, Vegan and Gluten Free and Keto options are available.

CHECK OUT THEIR MENUS BELOW

COPALA MAIN MENU

COPALA PLANT BASED MENU

Copala is OPEN from 12pm till 9pm everyday. Dine in and takeaway options are both available.

Note the nearest place to have a few drinks before or after your meal at Copala would be Gate Avenue where there is a MgGettigans.

However Copala does serve non alcoholic beer and a range of artisanal non alcoholic beverages made from hibiscus and tamarind.

VISITORS PARKING accessible via Index Tower main entrance (fountains level).  2 hrs validation
Take the service road of Al Mustaqbal st (Burj Khalifa direction), and turn right and go up the ramp, immediately after Index Tower Residents’ parking entrance. 

Note: This post was written in conjunction with Copala but the views are all my own.

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TASCA BRUNCH AT THE MANDARIN ORIENTAL

EATING

TASCA BRUNCH AT THE MANDARIN ORIENTAL

THE TASCA BRUNCH UPADTED MARCH 2022

BRUNCH IS NOW ON SATURDAYS 12.30 TO 4.00PMย 

THERE IS NOW A DEDICATED VEGETARIAN MENU AND A VEGAN MENU TOO.ย ย 

PRICE OF ALCOHOLIC PACKAGE IS NOW AED 450 PER HEAD.ย 

BEST TABLE is definitely anything on the promontory deck overlooking the sea, if it’s not too hot!ย There is definitely a seafood slant to the Tasca Brunch at the Mandarin Oriental. Thatโ€™s because Josรฉ Avillez a Michelin starred chef brings it to you from Portugal.


Expect a range of starters, main courses and desserts all served at your table around a sharing concept.

The Food

The most unusual thing to eat was an Apple Margarita. Delightful! A slice of crunchy apple drenched in some kind of alcohol, we had a piece each but could have asked for more. This came as part of the starter section of food.

I liked my cod cake and tempura beans to start with and our fellow brunchers raved about the veal chorizo. Another all round favourite was the crispy aubergine in a yogurt sauce with pomegranate, we all wanted and got more of this dish. I also went on to make it at home!

We also upon prior request got a non-fish rice dish made with mushrooms that was a real hit all round the table. I actually preferred this to the fish rice.

The hot, fat, crispy outside and fluffy on the inside chips were perfect and how all chips should be, I passed on the wagyu beef strips though. The crunchy broccolini was well cooked and a great accompaniment.

Tasca Brunch at the Mandarin Oriental Apple Margarita
Apple Margarita and clams

The Puddings

Desserts were outstanding with some obligatory custard tarts as these are a Portugeuse classic. Expect light, buttery, flaky pastry and a creamy filling. A range of fruit ice creams and a hazelnut cream pudding complemented the custard tarts. All beautifully presented and demolished by our table.

Custard tarts and hazelnut dessert

Expect a range of starters, main courses and desserts all served at your table around a sharing concept so no getting up and down for a buffet!

The Drinks Package

I think itโ€™s quite a generous drinks package as far as high end Friday brunches are concerned. There is a range of cocktails you can order with no limit. You are greeted on arrival with a choice of red or white sangria or a mocktail. We opted for red sangria and got a tall carafe of it brought to our table.

There is also red, white or rosรฉ wine on offer from Portugal, no sign of those iconic Matheus Rose bottles although we would probably have been the only table that remembers them well!

The passion fruit martini was a success all round only surpassed by the Espresso Martinis had at the end of our brunch. The cocktails are expertly crafted by mixologists, so we really appreciated that.

Passion fruit martini at Tasca brunch at the Mandarin Oriental DoinDubiai
Passion Fruit Martini

The Ambience

Itโ€™s lively and busy at brunch. If you want a table in front of the pool and the sea, then you need to arrive early at about 12.30 or so on Friday. Otherwise youโ€™ll sit on the side facing the Dubai skyline. It seemed a little less noisy near the skyline side, but you maybe nearer the josper ovens and so it might feel warmer. Service was attentive and platters of food arrived at the right time.

Meet me at the Mandarin Oriental

Get a feel of the vibe of this place.ย 

Prices for the Tasca Brunch

There are no Entertainer or Zomato type deals for this brunch, but itโ€™s not too expensive at AED 450 for the alcoholic package and AED 350 for the non-alcoholic package. Iโ€™d highly recommend and definitely go there again.

Location

where is Tasca

at the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Jumeirah 1

Four Seasons brunch in Jumeirah

You may also like Saturday Brunch at the FOUR SEASONS IN JUMEIRAH. See our instagram reel for a flavour, PLUS they are currently offering 25% off for all mums this weekend 19th/20th March 2022

This review was written independently of the restaurant, we paid in full for our brunch. The pictures are all my own.
Monica Kapila
Founder of DoinDubai

MOTIVATION

Start your weekend with some rigorous exercise, go for a swim, do a yoga class or an early morning walk, then you can eat brunch guilt free!

ย If you’d like us to review a product or service for this award winning website, then get in touch using the link below:

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Christmas tea at the Mandarin Oriental in London.

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LA PARISIENNE CAFE genuine French cafe & bakery in Dubai

A cool, slightly hidden eatery in the heart of Jumeriah, La Parisienne cafe serves authentic, well priced food in a light and airy setting. Read on to see why you should try La Parisienne, did you know they supply bread to Namos and Nusret restaurants in Dubai?

La Parisienne Cafe

The Food at La Parisienne cafe

We visited for breakfast on a Friday and I chose the goats cheese puff pastry squares drizzled with honey and black sesame seeds on a bed of rocket. My dining partner went for the classic avocado on toast and we couldn’t leave without trying a freshly baked, warm croissant. Check their menu on their website here.

money saving deals monica kapila doindubai goats cheese pastry la parisienne cafe dubai

But I’m trying not to eat too many carbs

Don’t worry there’s plenty on the menu for you to choose that’s not carb heavy. La Parisienne cafe has aรงai bowls, healthy salads and of course you could choose any of the egg combinations without the breads.

Are there any deals at La Parisienne cafe

Yes there are. Kids under 12 get to eat FREE CREPES provided an adult spends at least AED 35 on anything at the same time. That’s easy to do! Or you could go for the very good value Notre Dame breakfast that’s AED 49.

It offers you:

  • a hot drink like a tea or coffee and a freshly squeezed juice
  • a bread basket,
  • some viennoiserie – croissant/pain chocolat
  • AND an omelette too!
La Parisienne Cafe DoinDubai French baguette

Where exactly is La Parisienne cafe

See the Google Map below for the exact location. Roughly it’s just before the large Choitrams that’s situated before the junction of the Dubai canal on Al Wasl road side of town. It’s a good location for breakfast after a walk on the beach in cooler weather, they have a good terrace at the back of the property too. The exact address is Shop 8 Lamar Mall 57 Al Wasl road

Prices

Prices are very reasonable at the cafe. To give you an idea a plain croissant (freshly baked) is just AED 9.00 and a flat white coffee is AED 15 ! Mine was hot, strong and served in a nice cup! I don’t know anywhere else a flat white of this quality to have in house is this price! Full main meals average around AED 60

Opening Hours

Every day from 8AM to 10PM DAILY. So lot’s of opportunities to visit.

Before you leave buy this

Do check out and buy some of the well priced and authentic Extra Virgin Olive Oil at AED 15 each or AED 25 if you buy 2 bottles at the moment!

La Parisienne Cafe DoinDubai Tunisian Olive Oil

Worth Knowing

La Parisienne cafe also offers a full catering service for when you just want to eat at home for yourself or when you’re planning to have a group of people over at home.

Any downside?

The main issue for me was literally just the shop front. It’s not enticing to enter from the outside as there are quite a few graphics making the whole look is a little too busy. But don’t let that put you going in and trying! I think you and your wallet be glad you did!

note

This post was written in conjunction with La Parisienne Cafe but the views are all my own.

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