The waters of Dubai Creek host a wide number of floating restaurants, the majority of which serve up buffets onboard gaudily decked up wooden dhows. Bateaux Dubai is a far cry from the norm. This glass-enclosed air conditioned luxury cruise, complete with a set gourmet menu and live entertainment, makes for a very memorable experience and it is therefore no surprise to learn that Batueax Dubai has been touted as one of the top 10 things to do in our city.
My husband and I set aboard Bateaux Dubai last Friday. Docking time is between 7.45 to 8.15 pm, and the cruise sets asail at 8.30 pm sharp.
Bateaux Dubai’s mooring location is right behind the Bateaux Dubai retail store, located in newly opened retail hub Al Seef Dubai (in Bur Dubai). Valet parking is available at Al Seef Mall, adjacent to Consulate of Kuwait or you can also park at the Al Seef mall parking.
The glass-enclosed cruise-liner is a sight to behold, and looks very majestic on the waters of Dubai Creek. The interiors are just as fancy; think starched white table cloths, fresh fragipani bouquets, polished wooden accents and classic renditions by a live pianist.
We were hosted by a very lovely young lady called Nipuni from Sri Lanka. The service here is par excellence, and the staff are friendly without being overly intrusive.
We started off with welcome drinks; a tangy-sweet lemon mint flavored with exotic prickly pear. Next came a basket of freshly baked assorted breads and French butter, and a platter of mini starters.
However, the highlight from our starters round was this moreishly flavorful Mushroom Soup. Creamy, soulful and absolutely brimming with mushroom goodness, we actually requested for a second cup-full each!
One interesting point to note is that unlike many floating restaurants, Bateaux Dubai has their very own kitchen right inside the vessel itself.
By our second round of soups, the cruise had set asail and we were taking in the glorious sights of our city from a totally new vantage point.
A cruise map sits on every guest’s table, highlighting the landmarks we will be passing. Dubai Creek is seeped in history, having played a major role in the region’s economic development. Historically the port for fishing and pearl diving, Dubai Creek divides ‘Old Dubai’ into two parts; Bur Dubai and Deira.
Our cruise took us past the mesmerizing sights and sounds on both the sides of the city, and we even got to leave our table to get a better look from the deck. Some of the noteworthy landmarks we cruised past included:
- Dubai Chamber of Commerce
- Dhow Wharfage
- Deira Clock Tower
- The Bastakiya
- Sheikh Saeed House
- Spice and Gold Souq
- Dubai Heritage and Diving Village
- Dubai Courts
- Grand Mosque
- Maktoum Bridge
- Floating Bridge
Coming back to the food, Batueax Dubai features a set 3-course menu comprising of a starter, main and dessert, and they even have a separate menu for vegetarians. Bateaux Dubai is fully licenced, and you can also choose to go for an unlimited alcoholic package featuring house beverages.
We chose to stay sober, and went for the non-alcoholic package which comes with unlimited fresh juices and soft-drinks. I loved their Sweet Melon juice, not a very commonly found juice option in most menus.
For starters, I went for the Katafi Wrapped Scallops, a pair of plump juicy scallops coated in crisp, golden-fried katafi pastry sitting on a tabbouleh salsa, sprinkled in miso dressing. The scallops were scrumptious! Loved the hit of seafood with the freshness of the tabbouleh.
My husband went for the Smoked Chicken Breast. What may sounds very ‘everyday’ is upped to fine-dining status here with immaculate plating and is served with generous chunks of foie gras, avocado, soya, citrus and sweet chili dressing.
After a very satiating round of starters, our expectations for the mains were steadily climbing uphill. Happy to report Bateaux Dubai outshone our expectations with seriously delicious, Insta-worthy dishes.
I went for the Roasted Barbarie Duck, gamy chunks of duck meat with a hint of smoked flavor, served with red cabbage, confit sweet potato, pumpkin puree, and a mandarin and blackberry Shiraz juice.
However, my husband’s order was even better! Loved his Beef Tenderloin, cooked a perfect medium-rare and served with celeriac fondat, braised pearl onions, mushroom tortellini, coriander mash, Shimiji mushroom and Miso-Thyme jus.
As you can tell, the sides are given as much love and attention as the main dish itself.
If you know me well enough by now, you know my favorite course is dessert. Absolutely devoured the Sweet and Salty Caramel Chocolate here! This rather simple-looking dessert consists of quite a few complex layers of flavors. This white chocolate sponge is topped with orange chocolate sauce, which in turn is glazed with sea-salt caramel. The sponge sits on a graham cracker dough for added texture. Dots of decadently tangy-sweet orange gel decorate the platter, and a scoop of caramel ice-cream acts as the palate cleanser between greedy spoonfuls.
Pricing & Booking Details for Bateaux Dubai
The Bateaux Dubai experience starts at AED 415 per person inclusive of unlimited soft drinks, and the alcoholic package (inclusive of unlimited house beverages) is AED 520 per person. To make a booking, click here or give them a call on 04 814 5553.
This two-and-a-half hour cruise is all things luxe. From the impeccable interiors, the excellent service, the beautifully presented gourmet dishes and the picturesque sights and sounds of the old city, Bateaux Dubai is a must-try experience for the novice tourist and the seasoned Dubai dweller alike.
The Tezzy Files 