Food options that can pass the tri-meal test are few and far between. Only a dish that can be consumed for all three meals of the day, completely satisfying our nutritional needs and sense of taste, can pass.

To think of it, can anyone have a burger twice a day and yet crave one more? Or, let’s consider spicy curries and heavy parathas; one cannot have them all day long without any ‘gastric issues’. However, there is one winner which aces the test — the sandwich. But not just any ordinary sandwich, it’s got to be the sub sandwich. Whichever locality of Dubai you are in, a branch of Subway is never far away. The specialty of ordering a Subway sandwich, other than it being easy to eat on the go, is that you can have it just the way you like it, with vegetables or meat, stuffed as per your fancy. What’s more, one even gets to choose the sauces and cheese. So, load it with calories, or make it light as air, it’s like a home-made meal — sort of. Grab the sandwich on its own, or make it a meal by adding some freshly baked cookies and a drink. Similar in taste is Quiznos (04-3903115), with its only weak point being its location. Quiznos is a boon to workaholics in Knowledge Village. Having one of these sandwiches every meal should do no harm, either to your taste buds or waistline. With the option of having it grilled, or simply as it is, this sub is a great option for lunch or dinner, or maybe even brunch. Available at an affordable price, this sandwich station has only one branch right now. Slightly different from the bespoke is Charley’s (04-2329329) in Festival City. Your choice of vegetables will be roasted before being stuffed into the toasted bread. What attracts a first-timer towards Charley’s is the fancy sandwich name. The chain, hailing from Philadelphia, has ‘Philly’ attached to most of its sandwiches. All varieties are affordable and make a good meal if clubbed together with fries and a drink, giving you every penny’s worth of taste.

Subway (branches throughout Dubai)

Dh18-20 for a foot-long sandwich

Quiznos (Knowledge Village)

Dh22-25 for a large sub  

Charleys (Festival City)

Dh15 for regular size and Dh25 for

large size  *****

My Favourite Restaurant

Chili’s

Maybe it’s because I prefer informal settings, but when I get to choose the restaurant we eat at, I always go for Chili’s. Everything about the food, ambience and service is wonderful. The staff help you make your choice by suggesting other specials that may interest you, and they are very diligent in taking down your order. Who doesn’t appreciate good service, right? My favourite dish is the Chicken Crispers — strips of tender fried chicken with honey-mustard dressing, served with French fries. I also appreciate the emphasis on customer care. Every time I’ve been there,  I’ve seen the manager stop by each table to ask if the customers are happy and if the service meets their expectations. The restaurant is kind of pricey, so unfortunately I can’t hop over as often as I’d like to — but whenever I can, I make a beeline for Chili’s.

Maithreyi Muralidharan, Dubai

Try this: Molten

Chocolate Cake

You’ve absolutely got to try this warm chocolate cake. It has a chocolate fudge filling and vanilla ice cream all over it. I doubt if it can be finished by just one person. It took four of us to do so the day we tried it, but I suppose two could also pull it off — if they’re up for the challenge.

Address: Sheikh Zayed

Road, 04-331 3113