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8 must-try Filipino restaurants around Dubai

Dubai - Good food is all over town, here are some of our top picks

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One of the beauties of Dubai and even the UAE at large is its diversity. With a thriving expat population, coming to this cosmopolitan is akin to travelling the world. With that experience of course comes having the chance to sample some dishes from that mixed culture.
Let's look at Filipino food for example. One of the largest expat communities in the UAE, Filipino food often finds itself in the headlines. Recently, a Filipino dish won the heart of superstar chef Anthony Bourdain.
If you're looking to try out Filipino food in Dubai, there are a multitude of places where you can enjoy a world of flavours from the country. This is not a "definitive list" so if we missed a place that one should check out, please do share with us.

Cabalen Snacks

Al Attar Centre, Al Karama
If you haven't been to Al Attar Centre in Karama, you missing out on this small haunt which has combo meals (rice and two meat dishes) for Dh14 - and it also comes with soup on the side. We recommend the papaitan soup.

La Mesa Restaurant

Centurion Star Building, adjacent Deira City Centre

Taking its name from the Filipino term 'table', La Mesa is a festive experience. The ala carte options are numerous but what takes the cake is the Filipino 'Boodle Fight'. Boodle fights are a shining example of Filipino camaraderie, it is a meal laid out on banana leaves and everyone simply digs in.

Jaks Mankoks

Opposite Iranian School, Al Karama
The red sign of Jaks Mankoks is noticeable from a distance. This late-night joint serves delectable pares - a rice dish which is topped with beef marinated in sweet sauce and garnished with crispy garlic. The best part is that it only costs Dh18.

Carinderia ni Tandang Sora

Near Kalyan Jewellers, Al Karama

 

A post shared by Melchora Aquino (@carinderia_ni_tandangsora) on Sep 21, 2016 at 2:58am PDT

Stepping inside the Carinderia (pronounced as ka-reen-der -ya) is like stepping inside a museum. The quiky menu is laden with historical facts about the country. Not only do you eat some good Filipino comfort food, you also learn something about the country - stimulating the taste buds and the mind.

Uling at Parilya

Manila Centre, Al Satwa
Say what you will about Al Satwa, but the district is known for the density of Filipinos that live there. Uling at Parilya is a must visit because of one good reason - the silog (a portmanteau of rice and egg, paired with a meat dish) part of their menu costs only Dh20 and comes with unlimited rice.

Hot Palayok Restaurant

Al Wasl Hub, Al Karama
Forget your expensive Dh100-or-so-buffets. What if we tell you that you can get a buffet sized meal for the low cost of Dh30? Oh, they also have karaoke so if you want to show off your vocal talent, the stage is set.

Dampa Seafood Grill

Centurion Tower, across Deira City Centre

In the Philippines, a dampa is a place where one can go to eat grilled seafood caught fresh from the sea. This restaurant emulates that vibe with its primarily seafood oriented menu. And to up the authenticity, there are no utensils because the restaurant encourages you to eat with your hands.