Meat lovers rejoice! There’s a meaty new shack that has opened right by the photogenic shores of La Mer Dubai. SMK (or ‘Smoked Meat Kitchen’) is a brand new UAE-born concept spearheaded by UK Smoke Master, Luke Tully.

The team have been trained by Shoreditch London’s well-loved restaurant SmokeStak.

SmokeStak is the brainchild of Michelin Star Chef David Carter. “His permanent restaurant in Shoreditch is to BBQ what opera is to nursery rhymes.” – London Evening Standard.

Luke has recently moved to Dubai, and brings with him many years of smoked meat talent. 

What makes SMK unique is that the meat served here is not conventionally grilled, but rather smoked for many hours on end resulting in very succulently soft, flavorful meat.

 

The menu is very sparse, but they like to stick to what they’re good at. The signature dish here is the SMK  Brisket Bun, served with pickled red chili, which adds a fruity heat to the tender brisket, served in a specially baked bun.

The beef is unbelievably soft, flavorful and juicy and SMK credits this to their meticulously slow smoking process over English oak. The brisket has been cooked a good 12 hours to ensure the tenderness of the meat, and the marriage of the gourmet rubs that have gone into this very special recipe.

I also like the special touch of branding the bun with the tagline ‘Eat Meat Repeat’.

 

However, my personal favorite here is the SMK Smoked Beef Rib with Celery Slaw. This no bun, all meat goodness is so moreishly succulent and juicy. The celery slaw acts as a cooling respite from all that meatiness, and the hit of pickled chili goes beautifully well by adding a third dimension of fiery-sweet to the dish. An absolute winner.

 

For sides, the SMK Fries are a must-try. These fritter-shaped deep-fried potato chips are topped with pulled beef and their signature pickled chili and cucumber.

 

They also have an interesting selection of mocktails. May I suggest ‘Cuddles on the Beach’? This is a sober version of the very famous citrus-based cocktail, and the fruity mix is the perfect accompaniment for washing down all that meaty indulgence.

 

Next time you head out to La Mer, look up this simplistic urban-style shack on the beach. At SMK, the meat takes center stage, and the casual vibes with a direct view of the beach are just what you need for whetting that appetite.

SMK is located in La Mer North, and is open seven days a week from 12pm to 12am.

SMK is also coming up with a unique ‘Cater and Carve’ concept for home entertaining. For more details, get in touch with them on 050 7032915 or drop them a line at smokers@smk-uae.com