A world of food in Dubai's International City

International City often brings out slightly incredulous reactions from people you're conversing with. Oh it's so far away, why would you live there, it's so run down, isn't it unsafe - these are the usual comments. But overlooked by the general populace of Dubai who prefer the bright lights or fancier addresses of the city is the fact that IC - as it's fondly called by residents - boasts a lively, more authentic feel than you'd find in most other places, barring sections of old Dubai.
With a slightly grungy, underground vibe to it, IC is also its own little self-sufficient world; you don't have to leave the place for most essentials and needs. Furniture to food, entertainment to health clinics, IC has it all. With that comes a vivid food and eating out scene. IC's different clusters are famous for a large number of restaurants - both fine-ish dining and cosy, hole-in-the-wall joints. Really high end fine dining doesn't exist here, though it's now available in Dragon Mart 2 right next door. But don't expect each country-named cluster to offer up only indigenious fare from that nation. China cluster is indeed dotted with delightful little hot pot and noodle joints, but France seems to specialise in hearty Pakistani, Arabic food and the best sheesha places. Greece has the best of every cuisine, while Italy, strangely belying its name, seems not the go-to cluster for food. It's impossible to list every gem here - a lazy search on Zomato threw up over 364 restaurants in IC alone - we'll start with a few of our favourites this time. And keep watching this space.

Hush Burger
This place shuts down those who claim IC isn't home to any of those upmarket looking, cool joints. Tiny as it is, it's the right place if you're craving those ol' favourites - club sandwiches, fries and wedges, buffalo wings, and burgers of course. We can't decide what this place does better: its 11 different burgers (beef and chicken), an entire meal of fries (Hush Fries, topped with chicken or beef, cheddar, herbs and spices) or its ease as quick place to take your date to, if you're in the neighbourhood. It might seat only about 10-12 people, but people swear by their burgers.
France cluster. P 03 building. Ph: 044308009
Madras Masala
Indian restaurants are easily spotted anywhere in Dubai. But imagine our delight on stumbling across a place that ticked all these boxes - South Indian, non-greasy, healthy, filter coffee (screeching yes!) Don't expect ambience here: we recommend takeaway or delivery. But the filter coffee is the best we've had outside Chennai, and the mini meals are plain heavenly when you wake up late and stark raving hungry on a Friday. They also make some mean and spicy mutton dishes - Chettinadu, Milagu masala, Chukka, kadhai and curry. You're welcome.
China cluster. E 02 building. Ph:  04 4580620, 04 4580820
Indulgence Cafe
It has something of a cult following, and people visit IC from other areas to hang out here. Weekends can see youngsters queueing up to get a table. Famous for its quirky interiors, iced sheeshas, and casual artwork on the walls, Indulgence takes it up a notch by letting customers play board games around the table - pictionary, jenga, cards, taboo etc - plus xbox, and lively music. The cosy couches don't hurt either. Doesn't lag behind in the menu; some seriously eclectic offerings ranging from chutney pizza, momos, khau suey, pink sauce pasta, masala fries, nutella and oreo milkshakes and whatnot. A true gem, if not hidden, in IC.
France cluster. R 26 building. Ph:  04 447 4145

Friendship Cafe
This is a true hidden gem. We were blown away by a stunning little book café - yes, a book café - with the most delicious food to boot. For starters, the tiny café is is really hidden; the entrance doesn't look more than a dusty side door into the building, but once you spot it, you're transported like Alice in Wonderland to an intimate, beautifully curio-dotted space that you won't want to leave. It is also one of the few Chinese-run joints that make you feel welcome (the friendly staff speak English, and will explain the menu when asked). But the big draw is their offbeat fruit-based desserts, and staples like beef noodle soup and hot pot, and shelves upon shelves of books (okay, mostly Chinese, but there's a few good English ones too, or just take your own reading material!).
China cluster. E 06 building.
Ph: 04 4541161
marypaulose@khaleejtimes.com
 
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