Whether new in town or a seasoned expat, there are times when your otherwise peachy life in the Emirate, can suddenly seem stifling. Characterised by endless emails with old friends from back home, watching copious amounts of your national TV channel on satellite network and reminiscing about ‘the good old days’ and all those you left back home, homesickness is but a natural part of life as an expat. If you’re craving Mom’s home-baked pies, or your local neighbourhood restaurant’s authentic cuisine and you simply can’t afford to fork out another plane ticket, check out our guide to the tried-and-tested homesickness busting restaurants and cafes below. Almost as good as being back home, with the luxury of being but a cab ride away!
So you’re missing...A Genuine South African Braai
Try: The Grand Grill, Habtoor Grand Resort & Spa Tel: 04 399 4221
If you can’t be bothered to fire up the braai at home, and fancy a bit of Bobotie, this meat lover’s paradise is the place to park your boots. It may be a little staid in comparison to your typical post-rugby rowdy do, but the succulently marinated meats will more than make up for the civilised atmosphere.
So you’re missing...Properly British Fish’n’chips
Try: The Fish & Chip Room, Jumeirah Beach Residence Tel: 04 4270443
Battered Cod, Iron Bru and open till 4am? Where do we sign up! While several places in Dubai attempt the comfort food of ol’ blighty, The Fish & Chip Room get it pretty much spot on. Expect to pay a little more than your corner fish and chip shop from home, but also be prepared for Jumeirah Beach to whisk away and the sights, smells and sounds of Blackpool to come rushing back on first bite.
So you’re missing...Fresh and feisty ‘Chaat’ from Bombay Street Vendors
Try: Bombay Chowpatty, Karama Tel: 04 396 4937
Craving the spicy, tangy tasty bhel puri that the street vendor down your old home used to knock together using his bare hands? Look no further than Bombay Chowpatty. Complete with filling drinks, side dishes and tasty treats for a snack experience that even the puritan Bombaywalla in you would start dancing a jig to, make your way down to the no frills, no fuss Karama street-front kitchen.
So you’re missing...Your Mom’s German Apple Strudel
Try: Hofbrauhas, JW Marriot Hotel Tel: 04 607 7977
A Bavarian Beer House that serves sauerkraut, Black Forest cake and waitresses in Lederhosen one would imagine Hofbrauhas to be a scripted parody of all things German, but ironically it is a vibrant meeting spot for German expats who miss a slice of home. We especially love the live music and friendly staff.
So you’re missing...Your Uncle’s Friendly All-day American Diner
Try: Johnny Rockets, Jumeirah Tel: 04 368 2339
For a giant hot dog dripping with chilli, a milkshake you can drown yourself in, retro 50’s tracks from a real jukebox and neighbourhood-diner style decor, you’d be hard pressed to find a more authentic Americana experience this far from the good ol U S of A. It may not be an all-day diner and pancakes might be a distant dream, but for a diner experience complete with super-friendly staff, Johnny Rockets is the way forward!
So you’re missing... Chinese Food from the streets of Hong Kong
Try: Lan Kwai Fong, Oud Metha Tel: 04 335 3680
While the location may be millions of literal and figurative miles away from the bustling area of Hong Kong known as Lan Kwai Fong, the namesake restaurant in Dubai is frequently visited by Chinese clientele who flock for the home-cooked feel of the food. Simple, great and with friendly service to boot, Lan Kwai Fong is a favourite with homesick expats and those in search of some taste bud enlightenment.
So you’re missing...Goading on your favourite cricket team at your neighbourhood Aussie watering hole
Try: Aussie Legends, Rydges Plaza Hotel Tel: 04 398 2222
A good-natured, down-to-earth sports bar where the drinks are affordable and the regular patrons will grin at you, and occasionally strike up a conversation may seem like a myth in Dubai, but one such legendary bar exists in Satwa. Aussie Legends promises sport, drink and merriment, with a comforting feel-good factor that will have you reminiscing about home.
So you’re missing...some delicate French pastries and a truly satisfying Cappuccino from Paris
Try: French Bakery, Jumeirah Tel: 04 343 6444
Mille Feuille pastry to die for and a cappuccino that definitely didn’t come out of a paper sachet, French Bakery in Jumeirah is the place to go for homesick French expats. The bakery has a cosy and inviting ambience and while the location doesn’t necessarily lend itself to typical Parisian cafe culture, one pastry is all it will take to help you imagine you’re back on Champs Elysees.
So you’re missing...a cheap, quick and tasty Falafel Sandwich from the man with a cart in Beirut
Try: Al Mallah, Satwa Tel: 04 398 4723
For wholesome comfort food that is ready in under ten minutes and gives you the feeling of being back under the skies of beautiful Beirut, Al Mallah’s falafel sandwich is hard to beat. The ingredients used are always fresh and you can tell the difference. Simple to make and mess up, where other fast food places fail, Al Mallah does it best.
So you’re missing...Filipino Grub from Aunty May’s kitchen
Try: Bulwagan, Karama Tel: 04 337 4029
For Dubai’s abundant Filipino population, Bulwagan in Karama is almost as authentic as their Aunt’s kitchen. If you’re missing some pancit canton, and want to leave with another whole new group of friends, Bulwagan is the place to go for tasty food served up in a sociable restaurant where everyone knows your name, and if they don’t, they find out by the time your gulaman sago- a gelatine and tapioca desert- is done.
