We gave some of the region’s most discerning foodies – chefs, restaurateurs, food stylists and critics – a virtual Dh50 note and asked them what they would buy, be it a dish, product or ingredient. The only caveat? It must be delicious.
To be clear, this is not specifically about budget eats; there are plenty of tasty street-food snacks and thrifty bites to be found across the UAE. What we’re talking about here are bang-for-the-buck items – food that tastes so good, it’s guaranteed to put smiles on faces, evoke memories, satisfy cravings and transform a bad day into a good one.
A Greek classic for a food critic
The expert: Samantha Wood, founder of impartial restaurant review website FooDiva.net.
The dish: Feta in filo with honey at Kilikio by Mythos in Depachika Food Hall, Nahkeel Mall, Dubai.
The reason: “I am half Greek-Cypriot and desperately missing a taste of home. To help appease my longing, I turn to this honey-drizzled feta filo pie. It’s best eaten piping hot at the restaurant, rather than delivery.”
The cost: Dh45
Balinese betutu for a Japanese chef
The expert: Reif Othman, chef and restaurateur.
The dish: Ayam betutu at The Little Bali, Cluster U, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai.
The reason: “Whether I’m with the family or alone, hungry or otherwise, if I’m in JLT, I’ll be visiting The Little Bali and, more often than not, ordering their ayam betutu [chicken marinated in Balinese spices, grilled and served with rice, sambal matah and lalapan]. If you do the same, I can’t see you being disappointed.”
The cost: Dh32
Chinese dumplings for a ramen restaurateur
The expert: Neha Mishra, ramen specialist and founder of Kinoya restaurant.
The dish: Dumplings with chilli sauce at Kaffe Bloom, The Onyx Tower, The Greens, Dubai.
The reason: “My go-to order for under Dh50 is this dish at the cafe located inside 1004 Gourmet. The dumplings are delicious, light, well balanced and great value for money. The dish even comes with a side order of bubble tea.”
The cost: Dh35
French classics for a cookbook author
The expert: Flavel Monteiro, cookbook author and founder of the Best of Dubai dining series.
The dish(es): Onion soup gratinee and a dish of grilled portobello mushrooms, both at Couqley, Cluster A, JLT, Dubai.
The reason: “The onion soup is something of a French classic and my go-to comfort food after a late night, and Couqley serves it topped with a lovely layer of melted Emmental cheese, and perfectly caramelised onions. My top tip is to eat it piping hot, it really brings a smile to the stomach. The grilled portobello features on the lunch specials as well as the a la carte menu. Basically, it’s fresh mushrooms baked in a light cream with Parmesan. You could have it as a side dish or if you’re peckish, have the onion soup to start and this as the main. Both are vegetarian, but meat-eaters such as myself enjoy it, too.
The cost: Onion soup gratinee, Dh47; grilled portobello, Dh35
A stylish omelette for a food stylist
The expert: Chloe Ride, food stylist and recipe writer.
The dish: MoFo omelette at Nightjar, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai.
The reason: “A dish that’s as individual as the coffee shop it’s served in, the MoFo omelette always hits the spot. A super-fluffy omelette topped with spiced Szechuan beef, fermented tofu, crunchy bean shoots and black vinegar dressing, it’s the perfect mix of spicy, sour and salty, and best savoured over a casual brunch with friends.”
The cost: Dh50
Korean burger for gourmet store head
The expert: Chang Sup Shin, chief executive of Asian speciality store 1004 Gourmet.
The dish: Bulgogi burger by Ugly Burger, Dar Al Wasl Mall, Dubai (delivers across the UAE).
The reason: “Thinly sliced beef rib-eye marinated in sweet soy, grilled and layered between potato buns, onions and mushrooms, the Bulgogi Burger is ugly and it’s messy, but it tastes like gourmet Korean BBQ in a bun.”
The cost: Dh38
Soup and secret sauce for the Food Sheikh
The expert: Food Sheikh, restaurant reviewer and founder of Eat DXB.
The dish(es): Miso Ramen at Kinoya restaurant, The Onyx Tower 2, The Greens; and the double cheeseburger by Pickl, outlets across Dubai.
The reason: “Dh50 on the button will get you a miso ramen from the newly opened Kinoya restaurant. It’s a complete meal in itself – a bowl of complex deliciousness and, if you’re lucky, the queen of ramen herself, Neha, might be there to prepare it for you.
"Or go for one of the best burgers in town, the double chuck patty with Stevo’s secret sauce, cheese, home-made pickles and a potato bun from Pickl. It’s a messy, carb-heavy umami heaven.”
The cost: Kinoya’s miso ramen, Dh50; Pickl’s double cheeseburger, Dh45
Cheesy bao for a British chef
The expert: Gerard Brack, head chef at folly Workshop, Time Out Market Dubai.
The dish: Chicken bang bang by BB Social Dining at Time Out Market Dubai.
The reason: “A bobby-dazzler of a dish – the steamed and toasted bun alone is worth Dh50. The combination of fried chicken, spicy sauce, lightly pickled red onion and all-important freshly grated Parmesan [which cuts through the sharpness of the onion and mellows the heat from the sauce] make this a harmoniously flavoured little bao banger.”
The cost: Dh49
Chocolate cookies for the Maine man
The expert: Joey Ghazal, founder and managing partner of The Maine New England Brasserie Company.
The dish: Milk chocolate milkways cookies from Milk Bar, Al Wasl Road, Dubai (delivers across the UAE).
The reason: “These cookies are dangerously good – freshly baked, soft, chewy, just the right amount of chocolate. They’re the perfect late-night munchie, making the fact that I live close to the bakery both a good and bad thing.”
The cost: Dh65 for a box of five (we’re letting this slip past our Dh50 rule because you get five cookies in a box, meaning that "technically" each costs Dh13 a pop)
Edible plants for Pangolin head
The expert: Sergio Lopez, founder and chief executive, The Pangolin Group.
The ingredient(s): Chilli and calamansi plants.
The reason: “For me, the best way to enjoy Dh50 at the moment is to head down to Satwa. Once you’re there, buy two items: a chilli plant and a calamansi plant [spend any change on delicious sweets from one of the shops nearby]. The plants will not only look good on your balcony or in your home, but will also provide you with fruit year-round. It is also a great way for all the family to see produce growing in front of their eyes.”
The cost: Chilli plant, Dh20; calamansi plant Dh20 without fruit, Dh30 with fruit
Tacos and steak for a fine-dining expert
The expert: Matt Broderick, aka restaurant reviewer Fine Dining Matt.
The dish(es): Taco Tuesdays at Maiz Tacos, Cluster Y, JLT, Dubai; and Wagyu skirt steak on the lunch menu at BB Social Dining, Gate Village 8, DIFC.
The reason: “Visit Maiz Tacos on a Tuesday and in return for Dh49, you’ll get two moreish tacos that are always freshly cooked and brimming with light, balanced flavours. Wash the tacos down with home-made lemonade and chips with guacamole and salsa [included in the price] and you’ll leave one very happy diner. Alternatively, the Wagyu skirt steak on the 4B lunch menu at BB Social is served with sticky sesame beef sauce and grilled rice. It’s so perfectly balanced I had to check the menu to see if it really was only Dh50.”
The cost: Taco Tuesdays, Dh49; Wagyu skirt steak, Dh50
'The National' recommends …
The dish(es): Baklava cheesecake and iced Spanish latte at Brunch & Cake (locations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi).
The reason: Because an iced Spanish latte done right is a rarity and Brunch & Cake’s version is rather special: smooth, velvety, just the right side of sweet and creamy without losing the caffeine kick. The baklava cheesecake, meanwhile, features crisp, golden, syrup and drenched filo pastry encasing a rich yet delicate rose-infused filling – pretty to look at, even better to eat.
The product: Marmite Crunchy Peanut Butter (available at Spinneys and Waitrose stores across the UAE).
The reason: This is a divisive one, so if you’re not a fan of the salty, yeasty spread that is Marmite, stop reading now. For anyone who does embrace the uniquely umami joy that only Marmite can bring, we feel it’s our journalistic duty to draw this crunchy peanut butter-Marmite fusion to your eating attention. Try it spread on a hot buttered English muffin or crumpet and report back.
The cost: Iced Spanish latte, Dh34; baklava cheesecake, Dh48; Marmite Crunchy Peanut Butter, Dh27
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
Financial considerations before buying a property
Buyers should try to pay as much in cash as possible for a property, limiting the mortgage value to as little as they can afford. This means they not only pay less in interest but their monthly costs are also reduced. Ideally, the monthly mortgage payment should not exceed 20 per cent of the purchaser’s total household income, says Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching.
“If it’s a rental property, plan for the property to have periods when it does not have a tenant. Ensure you have enough cash set aside to pay the mortgage and other costs during these periods, ideally at least six months,” she says.
Also, shop around for the best mortgage interest rate. Understand the terms and conditions, especially what happens after any introductory periods, Ms Glynn adds.
Using a good mortgage broker is worth the investment to obtain the best rate available for a buyer’s needs and circumstances. A good mortgage broker will help the buyer understand the terms and conditions of the mortgage and make the purchasing process efficient and easier.
Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
SCHEDULE FOR SHOW COURTS
Centre Court - from 4pm (UAE time)
Angelique Kerber (1) v Irina Falconi
Martin Klizan v Novak Djokovic (2)
Alexandr Dolgopolov v Roger Federer (3)
Court One - from 4pm
Milos Raonic (6) v Jan-Lennard Struff
Karolina Pliskova (3) v Evgeniya Rodina
Dominic Thiem (8) v Vasek Pospisil
Court Two - from 2.30pm
Juan Martin Del Potro (29) v Thanasi Kokkinakis
Agnieszka Radwanska (9) v Jelena Jankovic
Jeremy Chardy v Tomas Berdych (11)
Ons Jabeur v Svetlana Kuznetsova (7)
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Heavily-sugared soft drinks slip through the tax net
Some popular drinks with high levels of sugar and caffeine have slipped through the fizz drink tax loophole, as they are not carbonated or classed as an energy drink.
Arizona Iced Tea with lemon is one of those beverages, with one 240 millilitre serving offering up 23 grams of sugar - about six teaspoons.
A 680ml can of Arizona Iced Tea costs just Dh6.
Most sports drinks sold in supermarkets were found to contain, on average, five teaspoons of sugar in a 500ml bottle.
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
EVIL%20DEAD%20RISE
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More on animal trafficking
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
More on Quran memorisation:
Results
6.30pm: The Madjani Stakes (PA) Group 3 Dh175,000 (Dirt) 1,900m
Winner: Aatebat Al Khalediah, Fernando Jara (jockey), Ali Rashid Al Raihe (trainer).
7.05pm: Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,400m
Winner: Down On Da Bayou, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer.
7.40pm: Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Dubai Avenue, Fernando Jara, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
8.15pm: Handicap (TB) Dh190,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner: My Catch, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.
8.50pm: Dubai Creek Mile (TB) Listed Dh265,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Secret Ambition, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar.
9.25pm: Handicap (TB) Dh190,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Golden Goal, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.
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The Penguin
Starring: Colin Farrell, Cristin Milioti, Rhenzy Feliz
Creator: Lauren LeFranc
Rating: 4/5
MATCH INFO
Europa League semi-final, second leg
Atletico Madrid (1) v Arsenal (1)
Where: Wanda Metropolitano
When: Thursday, kick-off 10.45pm
Live: On BeIN Sports HD
Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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The specs: 2019 Jeep Wrangler
Price, base: Dh132,000
Engine: 3.6-litre V6
Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 285hp @ 6,400rpm
Torque: 347Nm @ 4,100rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 9.6L to 10.3L / 100km
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
PROFILE
Name: Enhance Fitness
Year started: 2018
Based: UAE
Employees: 200
Amount raised: $3m
Investors: Global Ventures and angel investors
Credit Score explained
What is a credit score?
In the UAE your credit score is a number generated by the Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB), which represents your credit worthiness – in other words, your risk of defaulting on any debt repayments. In this country, the number is between 300 and 900. A low score indicates a higher risk of default, while a high score indicates you are a lower risk.
Why is it important?
Financial institutions will use it to decide whether or not you are a credit risk. Those with better scores may also receive preferential interest rates or terms on products such as loans, credit cards and mortgages.
How is it calculated?
The AECB collects information on your payment behaviour from banks as well as utilitiy and telecoms providers.
How can I improve my score?
By paying your bills on time and not missing any repayments, particularly your loan, credit card and mortgage payments. It is also wise to limit the number of credit card and loan applications you make and to reduce your outstanding balances.
How do I know if my score is low or high?
By checking it. Visit one of AECB’s Customer Happiness Centres with an original and valid Emirates ID, passport copy and valid email address. Liv. customers can also access the score directly from the banking app.
How much does it cost?
A credit report costs Dh100 while a report with the score included costs Dh150. Those only wanting the credit score pay Dh60. VAT is payable on top.
UAE Tour 2020
Stage 1: The Pointe Palm Jumeirah - Dubai Silicon Oasis, 148km
Stage 2: Hatta - Hatta Dam, 168km
Stage 3: Al Qudra Cycle Track - Jebel Hafeet, 184km
Stage 4: Zabeel Park - Dubai City Walk, 173km
Stage 5: Al Ain - Jebel Hafeet, 162km
Stage 6: Al Ruwais - Al Mirfa, 158km
Stage 7: Al Maryah Island - Abu Dhabi Breakwater, 127km
Types of bank fraud
1) Phishing
Fraudsters send an unsolicited email that appears to be from a financial institution or online retailer. The hoax email requests that you provide sensitive information, often by clicking on to a link leading to a fake website.
2) Smishing
The SMS equivalent of phishing. Fraudsters falsify the telephone number through “text spoofing,” so that it appears to be a genuine text from the bank.
3) Vishing
The telephone equivalent of phishing and smishing. Fraudsters may pose as bank staff, police or government officials. They may persuade the consumer to transfer money or divulge personal information.
4) SIM swap
Fraudsters duplicate the SIM of your mobile number without your knowledge or authorisation, allowing them to conduct financial transactions with your bank.
5) Identity theft
Someone illegally obtains your confidential information, through various ways, such as theft of your wallet, bank and utility bill statements, computer intrusion and social networks.
6) Prize scams
Fraudsters claiming to be authorised representatives from well-known organisations (such as Etisalat, du, Dubai Shopping Festival, Expo2020, Lulu Hypermarket etc) contact victims to tell them they have won a cash prize and request them to share confidential banking details to transfer the prize money.
Brief scores:
Manchester United 4
Young 13', Mata 28', Lukaku 42', Rashford 82'
Fulham 1
Kamara 67' (pen),
Red card: Anguissa (68')
Man of the match: Juan Mata (Man Utd)
A State of Passion
Directors: Carol Mansour and Muna Khalidi
Stars: Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah
Rating: 4/5
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COMPANY PROFILE
Company name: Letstango.com
Started: June 2013
Founder: Alex Tchablakian
Based: Dubai
Industry: e-commerce
Initial investment: Dh10 million
Investors: Self-funded
Total customers: 300,000 unique customers every month
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