Named after one of my favorite Mediterranean salads, Tabule, the tangy, fresh parsley medley that often appears as a cold mezze at the start of an Arabic feast, is an authentic Lebanese restaurant set in the picturesque landscape of Roda Al Murooj.
We were there last Saturday to try out their BBQ Brunch, which proved to be both a visual and gastronomical treat. The lush greenery and astute architecture beguiles the mind into thinking you are dining in an exotic location, far, far away from the urban jungle of Dubai.
We were greeted at the entrance with kahwa; a perfect photo opp for a tourist in the city. My little girl spotted the bouncy castle at the corner, and spent most of the afternoon jumping with glee and made friends with the resident leopard mascot.
The beautifully balmy weather is absolutely perfect for alfresco dining, and we sat under the shade of umbrellas, and tucked into a very satiating Arabic feast.
I love brunches where you get served on the table, and don’t have to get up for seconds! At Tabule, the service is excellent. We were hosted by the very amicable Karim, a young Egyptian boy who took a special interest in explaining the dishes to us.
The mezze round consisted of many well-loved, authentic hot and cold starters including tabule (ofcourse), fattoush, hummous, baba ghanoush, rice-stuffed grape leaf parcels and more.
Despite having spent most of my life in the Middle East, I came across a starter I have never had before. This is a simple chickpea dish that is served with a drizzle of pomegranate syrup which adds a tangy hit I absolutely loved. I devoured this bowlful, and even asked for seconds!
The highlight of the brunch is the mixed grills. Fresh off the smoke is an enticing mix of flavorful kebabs, plump, juicy prawns and succulent portions of lamb. If you have a liking for a particular item, you can order in more from the grilling section of the brunch.
Wash it all down with fresh Arabesque juices. I love Karkade, a tangy-sweet Hibiscus drink that is often served during the fasting months. It was great to find it on the menu well past Ramadan!
Tabule is a licensed restaurant, and you can upgrade your brunch package to include a selection of house wines and beer.
The outdoor venue makes it an ideal venue for shisha, and with a brunch booking you get 50% off, making it a very affordably AED 40 a pipe.
Dessert included freshly fried Kataief (yet another item that is often reserved for Ramadan), cheesy Kunafa, Umm Ali and our favorite… Ashta, a traditional mastic and rose water ice-cream.
The ice-cream was so good that my little one left her bouncy castle twice in a row to have a bowlful!
We washed down all this over-indulgence with steaming hot cups of minted tea.
Overall, Tabule is an absolute delight. The gorgeous ambiance is not to be missed with the current breezy weather we are enjoying. The service is absolutely friendly and professional, and the food exquisitely authentic.
The Tabule BBQ Brunch runs every Saturday from 12 noon to 4 pm, and starts from AED 149 with soft beverages (and AED for the alcoholic package). For bookings and further inquiries, give them a ring on +971 4 321 1111. Bon apetit!
The Tezzy Files 