Category Archive: Food

Gourmet by Kcal: A Gluten-Free Organic Eatery

Kcal, the ‘healthy fastfood’ concept that offers customized monthly meal plans, now has an upscale dine-in version. Joining hands with one of Dubai’s most popular five-star establishments, Gourmet by Kcal is a marriage of delicious ideas between the original Kcal and Le Meridien Mina Seyahi.

Gourmet by Kcal at Le Meridien Mina Seyahi review by The Tezzy Files Dubai food and lifestyle blog (2)

This unique concept is a godsend for the health-conscious. Every single dish served at Gourmet by Kcal is gluten-free, and all the ingredients used are fresh, locally sourced organic produce that is mainly bought from the Ripe Market. If you are counting calories, you will also be happy to see that the menu features a breakdown on the nutritional information of each and every dish.

Gourmet by Kcal at Le Meridien Mina Seyahi review by The Tezzy Files Dubai food and lifestyle blog (9)
The philosophy behind the Gourmet by Kcal brand.
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Staycation at Tilal Liwa Hotel, Abu Dhabi

About a week ago, I headed off with the family for a mini break to Tilal Liwa Hotel. Located 175 kilometers beyond central Abu Dhabi, Tilal Liwa Hotel is located in Madinat Zayed – the Western region of Abu Dhabi, in close proximity to the Saudi border. Getting to the hotel from Dubai entails an infinitely long road-trip across the desert, and adds to the thrill of adventure and exploring a brand new territory right in our very own backyard.

Tilal Liwa Hotel staycation review holiday in Abu Dhabi UAE by The Tezzy Files Dubai Travel and Lifestyle Blogger (5)

Tilal Liwa Hotel is a strikingly Arabesque 4-star property that was originally created for VIP guests and royalty visiting the annual Camel Beauty Contest. Yes, such a thing exists – and only in the UAE! Celebrating its tenth year, this event showcases the best breeds of camels both from the UAE and beyond. During the event, the occupancy at Tilal Liwa is on record high. However, given the unique concept of this beautiful property, the hotel has been opened up to the public and is slowly but surely gaining a steady stream of tourists and local staycationers alike.

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A Recipe for Luqaimat, an Emirati Sweet Treat (Courtesy Siraj Restaurant)

I’ve been raving about my dinner at Siraj, the Emirati restaurant with a contemporary twist located in Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai. One of the decadent desserts I had the pleasure of tasting was their Luqaimat, a well loved Emirati delicacy of deep fried dumplings.

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Crisp on the outside and dreamily soft inside, with the delicious flavours of cream, sugar and cardamom kicking in with every mouthful, these delicious plump little pillows truly are hard to resist – in fact why resist at all?

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Asian Feasting at Toshi!

We took our tastebuds on a culinary tour around the Far East last week thanks to the elaborate spread at Toshi, Grand Millennium – Dubai. Although its name might suggest strong Japanese roots, Toshi is a pan-Asian restaurant offering a delicious fare from Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and China.

You can opt to order a la carte, but a better foodie choice would be to try the restaurant’s buffet. The buffet changes every day of the week, and we were there on a Monday, trying out their Asian Barbeque & Satay Night.

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Iftar Preview at Al Khaimah (Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa)

We were invited to a mock-Iftar party at Al Khaimah last night. Located in one of Dubai’s oldest hotel establishments, Al Khaimah at the Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa is a spacious banquet hall that has been accentuated with beautiful Arabesque decor. The interiors look rather vintage, and have these gorgeous Aladdin lamps and Persian carpets displayed at every corner.

Al Khaimah Iftar at Arabian Courtyard and Spa (2)

Unlike many other hotels who have to revamp their space for that localized touch this Ramadan, Al Khaimah already has the much sought-after look and feel of the season.

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Layali Zaman Ramadan Majlis (Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre )

Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, is scheduled to commence next week. With a plethora of Iftar options being offered around the city, Dubai diners are truly spoilt for choice. Fancy having an Iftar meal in the majestic surroundings of an Arabesque majlis? Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre is revamping the interiors of their Falcon Ballroom this Ramadan. Enter the Layali Zaman Ramadan Majlis, and embrace the auspicious grace of the holy month.

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An Introduction to Puerto Rican Cuisine by Yvette Ali

One of the biggest perks of blogging is getting to meet very interesting, creative and likeminded individuals. A few months ago, I had a chance encounter with the lovely, bubbly Yvette Ali. I fell in love with her endearing accent, and my heart missed a beat when she mentioned she originates from the very colourful country of Puerto Rico. As we were at a foodie event (at the launch of the BBC Good Food show to be precise), I had a long list of questions for her about her native cuisine. Till I met Yvette, my idea of Puerto Rican dishes was vaguely similar to Spanish offerings. However, Yvette tells me their food has a great deal of African and Latino influences thrown in as well!

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By day she freelances as a consultant (do check out her site by clicking here), but in her spare time Yvette whips up a feast that takes her back to her cultural roots. In today’s guest post, Yvette gives us a vivid glimpse into the world of Puerto Rican cuisine, and ends by generously sharing a recipe for her all-time favorite Escabeche de Pescado con Vianda. Read on for more!

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Lunching at Amore Cafe & Resto (The Boulevard, Downtown Dubai)

Amore Cafe & Resto is strategically located bang opposite the entrance of Souk Al Bahar on The Boulevard, Downtown Dubai and boasts of stunning views of the Burj Khalifa. I received an invite to try out this Lebanese joint, and enjoyed some of the best Levantine dishes I have had the pleasure of eating till date.

It was a lovely sunny Dubai afternoon, the perfect setting for a lunch date at The Boulevard. Amore Cafe & Resto has floor to ceiling glass windows that take full advantage of the stunning views of the neighbourhood. You can also opt to dine alfresco, but with the soaring temperatures outdoors, we were forced to choose a table inside.

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‘Punjabi Food Festival’ at Antique Bazaar (Four Points by Sheraton, Bur Dubai)

Antique Bazaar is an experience in itself. Apart from the delicious lineup of very popular Indian dishes the restaurant has to offer, the interiors have the look and feel of a bygone palatial courtyard, complete with intricately hand-carved furnishings and portraits of mythical royalty.

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Book at table around 9 pm any day of the week, and you are in for a visual treat. Antique Bazaar has its very own band of Bollywood singers and dancers who keep diners entertained with a whole array of old and new numbers, and even take on song requests.

Antique Bazaar 4 points by Sheraton Bur Dubai review of the Punjabi food festival by The Tezzy Files UAE food and lifestyle blogger (47)

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Staycation at Manzil Downtown Dubai

Playing tourist in my own city, the family and I headed out for a staycation at Manzil Downtown last weekend. Located at the heart of Downtown Dubai, just a stone’s throw away from The Dubai Mall and closeup views of the iconic Burj Khalifa, Manzil Downtown is the perfect choice for tourists and residents alike.

Manzil Downtown staycation hotel review by the tezzy files dubai lifestyle blog blogger (83)

‘Manzil’ translates to ‘home’ in Arabic, and with its minimalist design accentuated with Arabesque decor, this hotel is an ideal place to unwind. Despite being a long-term resident of Dubai, Manzil Downtown made us forget we are in the center of the city. The ambiance is one of serenity and calm, and the staff are well versed, efficient, and very hospitable.

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