FEAST THE DISH urban atmosphere that takes inspiration from 1920s Shanghai. TIMBITS Key features include industrial In 2011, Canadian expats chrome light fixtures juxtaposed flocked to the first Dubai with crimson fabrics and an array branch of the much- of perfectly clashing patterns. The loved Canadian art on the walls conveys the establishment. Originally cosmopolitan dynamism of called Tim Horton Shanghai. For a more relaxed Donuts, they offer many dining experience, I’d recommend doughnuts at their UAE the terrace overlooking the pool branches, including and the stunning Marina skyline. doughnut holes called Enjoy a starter platter with some “timbits”, which debuted drinks, then sit back, relax and try a THIS WEEK’S in 1976. They come in few of our dishes to see what you’d ESSENTIAL assorted flavours DISH like for next time. including Old-Fashioned Glazed, Chocolate Dip, Our dishes are influenced by Apple Fritter and Honey recipes passed down from Dip in packs of 10, 20 generation to generation, from and 40. They’re a great Cantonese, Sichuan, Shanghai treat to have at parties. and Beijing styles. Everything is But be warned, they’re made fresh to order, including all incredibly addictive. the traditional Chinese sauces. All Where: Tim Hortons, our poultry is organic, and every Dubai Outlet Mall dish on the menu is MSG-free. Contact: +971 552136880 THE PITCH Spices are a huge part of my cooking. Incorporating Chinese Executive Chef Bing Luo on: spices into dishes adds the perfect flavour. Our Beef Short Ribs, for instance, are flavoured with MAIDEN SHANGHAI Chinese five spices and certain hops. They literally melt in your A STUNNING BISTRO THAT offset with quirky vintage touches mouth. TAKES CHINESE CUISINE UP and decadent chandeliers. You A NOTCH OR THREE may have seen some pretty snaps Our house duck dish is amazing. of the place on Instagram. Fancy a karaoke night out with Bing’s Peking Duck, roasted the The kitchen is led by Luo Bing, friends? Maiden Shanghai are authentic way, is a great option for who previously headed the about to unveil their soundproof impressing the guests you’re award-winning Hutong in London, karaoke room featuring a dining with. and started out as a Sichuan chef. multi-language system for diverse After cooking around the world, pals to croon the night away with If you’re watching your weight, Dubai called, and he took up the signature beverages and dishes try the Chicken Soup. The health position at Maiden Shanghai to made for sharing. benefits are almost endless, as the experience the food scene here. Prefer something more luxe soup is created from a bone broth. He told us more about the menu DOUGHNUTS and less lyrical? Book one of their We also have a marinated salmon he has created… They can be ring-shaped or spheres, glazed, three private dining rooms for that offers light Asian flavours with something special. The one on the a twist. sprinkled with sugar, dipped in chocolate or We offer classic Chinese dishes restaurant’s second floor, for icing, but they’re always a naughty treat with a unique twist in an artsy, instance, can seat 15 to 20 guests To end your meal on an oriental umans struggle with separation. Fact. So when and has its own private terrace sweet note, the Mango Pudding is Nestlé started selling the “holes” for Polo mints, with epic views. a dessert that matches well with H people cheered. Thankfully, doughnuts also come in PERUVIAN HOT! DOUGHNUT PICARONES Downstairs, in the glam main any of the mains. small spheres, which alleviates any fears that a pile DONUTS POPPERS These are the Peruvian take on restaurant, there’s art of iconic of discarded doughnut holes are going to waste somewhere. Made with Pisco (sugared lime For the ultimate comfort food of doughnuts that originated in the Chinese figures, like the actress Maiden Shanghai Doughnut variations appear in many cuisines, from chickies and praline cream) you’ll find the US’s Deep South, go to P&Bs. capital city of Lima. They’re Anna May Wong, and the Where: Five Palm Jumeirah, Dubai in Armenia to zalābiya in Yemen. The Dutch brought them to US these on the British gastropub’s The hearty signature main – Black made with wheat flour, sweet super-contemporary design is Contact: +9714 455 9988 as “Olykoeks”, but the genius responsible for introducing the well-rounded menu. It’s Angus brisket is slow-cooked for potato and pumpkin purée, hole in 1847 was Hanson Gregory, an American seaman. Some available on the Friday night 22 hours over oak wood – with a then served with dried figs Signature dish say he did it to avoid a soggy centre by increasing the surface Funk Soul Supper brunch, too. side of potato salad, Southern- infused with honey. Usually, area for frying. Others say he was sparing ingredients. But the Start with as many starter bites style ‘slaw, mac and cheese or Picarones are served with best story claims he needed both hands free during a storm, so as you like (Crack ‘N Cheese braised greens is a winner. Finish Anticuchos (read: skewered KUNG PAO LOBSTER he impaled his olykoek on the ship’s steering wheel. Balls are great) and of the nine with a cone of mini doughnut meat) so it’s probably best to Chef Bing Luo talks us through the menu’s superstar It’s America that has gone all in on doughnuts with the mains go for the Banging holes filled with gooey Nutella start with the lamb kebab to nail Our Kung Pao Lobster is a highlight. We prepare and clean the fresh lobster, National Donut Day honouring “Doughnut Dollies”, who served Burger or the Twisted Taco. and rolled in cinnamon dust. the right flavour combinations. combining two varieties of Chinese chillies with salt and pepper and them to WW1 troops. For those who simply don’t care about the Where: The Black Lion Where: Perry & Blackwelder’s Where: 7 Elephants homemade Kung Po sauce for a kick. We prefer to stir-fry the lobster to DONNELLY/SCRIBE DEIDRE ANGELA HUNDAL, history of the batter-based delicacies, should try one of these... Contact: +9714 359 2366 Contact: +9714 366 6197 Contact: +9714 354 4354 retain its nutrients, and enhance the smoky, spicy, sweet and sour flavours. WORDS: 32 SHORTLIST SHORTLIST 33.