I've been a regular visitor to the UAE as a tourist and each I've always wanted to try authentic Emirati Cuisine, today I got that chance with a visit to Meylas in Al Raha Beach - Al Muneera
Before we get to the food, I have to talk about the ambience, from the old rickety pedestal fans to the rusty iron door and instructions on the menu on how to eat with your hands. The aim was to evoke nostalgia of a bygone era for the locals and to give the visitors a glimpse of what life used to be like in the UAE as well as a taste authenticity. Thai Khun and Dishoom follow a similar style back in the UK and it works just as well for Meylas.
What I particularly like is the inspiration behind Meylas conveyed in this video by founder Shaikha Al Kaabi, she's managed to pull off her vision and concept brilliantly.
As for the food I had the Lamb Salonat Bedu, a bedouin style stew with potato, carrot and marrow served with white basmati rice and accompanied by a tangy and hot pickle containing lime, chilli and garlic. The lamb was on the bone and beautifully tender and the gravy bore a striking similarity in taste to sub-continent dish of Aloo Gosht but with a tad less heat. It was delicious.
I couldn't have asked for a better introduction to Emirati cuisine and I'm looking forward to my next visit.
