Sizzling Wok, Cityma Hotel, Bur Dubai, Dubai, U.A.E.

SIZZLING WOK, DUBAI, U.A.E.
 

Contact No: 009714 409 8000

Website: www.citymaxhotels.com

Dine In + Take Away

Opening Hours: 12:00 PM - 03:00 PM & 6:00 PM - 12:00 AM  (Saturdays - Wednesdays) & 6:00 PM - 1:00 AM (Thursdays & Fridays) & 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM (Friday Brunch)

Experience the tantalizing taste of Pan Asian Cuisine! Dine in at Sizzling Wok!

Reaching out to customers from Citymax Hotel, eminently located in the eminent Mankhool Road of Bur Dubai. Sizzling Wok exemplifies Fine Dining with Flavorsome dishes served with a difference.



Signage



Entrance

Its décor radiates elegance, comfort and soothing ambiance with vibrant red and soft caramel interior, wooden panels and seating and lamps and chimes retaining the Pan Asian concept.


Interior

Interior

The menu features a whopping selection of Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian Offerings with indicators besides each offering, Red Chili for Spicy, Half Red Chili for Medium Spicy and Nut for Meals containing Nuts, and Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages. 

My and my dining companion's culinary tour started off with a refreshing Strawberry Mojito, a perfect blend of Fresh Mint Leaves, floating in a mix of Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice, Strawberry Syrup and Soda, suggested by the Restaurant Manager, Mr. Joseph Jacob, served with Complimentary Vegetarian and Prawn Crackers.


Strawberry Mojito





 Vegetarian and Prawn Crackers

Our overwhelming experience continued with mouth watering servings of Vegetarian Wontons stuffed with finely chopped Mushrooms, Beans, Carrot and Broccoli, Chicken Bun made with Tender Braised Chicken and Sea Food Dim Sums, filled with a delicious mix of Hamur, Squid and Prawns freshly prepared by Chef Tek Bahadur in the Live Cooking Station followed by Hot Pot Soup, an Asian broth of Sea Food and Vegetables, which is a spoiler if you are planning to have main course.



Live Cooking Station



Vegetable Dim Sums



Hot Pot Soup

How could we miss out on having the all time favorite, Drums of Heaven Sizzler! Crispy Chicken Lollipops tossed in sticky Garlic and Chili Sauce served with a difference on a Sizzler Plate catering to our craving for spicy food.


Drums of Heaven Sizzler

Our opulent Main Course included Pak Choi, Crispy Chinese Greens and Tofu flash fried with a touch of Ginger, Garlic and Soy, quite alluring though I am not a Tofu Fan; Kari Ayam, flavorful Malaysian Chicken Curry with Potatoes and Coconut Milk; Vegetarian Pad Thai, flat Thai Rice Noodles with Peanuts, Bean Sprouts and Green Onions cooked to perfection and Steamed Jasmine Rice with an appetite stimulating aroma.



Pak Choi



Kari Ayam



Pad Thai Noodles



Steamed Jasmine Rice

 

Freshly prepared Condiments, Soy Sauce, Oriental Sauce and Yanglo Sauce served with meals were the Cherries on the Cake.



Yanglo, Chili & Garlic & Soy Sauce

We concluded our artery busting meal with a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream, catering to our sweet tooth but light on the tummy.



Vanilla Ice Cream

Besides food cooked to perfection, extremely friendly and welcoming staff combined with commendable service contributed to a remarkable dining experience. Chef Tek Bahadur patiently guided us through the ingredients of each offering and recommended dishes based on our preferences, Mr. Joseph Jacob, the Restaurant Manager welcomed us and ensured we had a fulfilling experience and Mr. Rishiraj Bhatnagar, the Deputy General Manager of Citymax Hotel, personally stopped by to welcome us.

 

From a scale of 1 to 5, 1 being Poor and 5 being Exceptional, I rate this restaurant as 4.5 (Between Very Good and Exceptional) solely due to exquisitely presented scrumptious offerings not very tough on the pocket, extra ordinary service, elegant interior and soothing ambiance.

Total Bill:

Virgin Mojito: AED 25

Vegetarian Dim Sums AED 24
Chicken Dim Sums: AED 30
Sea Food Dim Sums: AED 30Drums of Heaven Sizzler: AED 30Hot Pot: AED 25
Pak Choi: AED 28
Kari Ayam: AED 32
Vegetable Pad Thai Noodles: AED 24
Steamed Jasmine Rice: AED 20
Lychees with Ice Cream: AED 20
TOTAL: AED 288 (AED 144 Per Person) Meal will suffice for 4 people

Check out the Dim Sum Festival from 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM (Saturdays - Wednesdays), until 15 December, 2013  an excellent opportunity to feast on variety of Dim Sums served with freshly prepared condiments for only AED 39 per Person.

Sankalp, Oud Metha, Dubai, U.A.E.

SANKALP, OUD METHA, DUBAI, U.A.E.

Contact No: 009714 379 5493 / 94
 

Website: www.sankalponline.com
 

Dine In + Take Away + Delivery (Terms & Conditions Apply)
 

Opening Hours: 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM / 6:30 PM - 11:30 PM (On Weekdays) & 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM / 6:30 PM- 12:30 AM (On Weekends)

 

Go Green with some Vegetarian Delights!

Located opposite Sunrise Super Market in Oud Metha Road, an area famous for endless eateries, Sankalp, a part of Sankalp Group, specializes in authentic North and South Indian Vegetarian Cuisine.


Signage

Sankalp (Meaning: Determination and Dedication) Group, a chain of specialty restaurants serving customers from different parts of India and U.S.A., Canada, London and Australia through brands like Snkalp, Saffron and Sam's Pizza.  has pledged to provide unmatched dining experience by maintaining the highest standards of quality, hygiene, service and customer delight.


Mission Statement

After facing the challenge of finding a suitable parking spot, I and my dining companion explored different dining options and decided to confine ourselves to some vegetarian delights at Sankalp.

Sankalp features vibrant ambiance and minimalist décor mixed with wooden walls, simple wooden seating and a combination of elongated lamps and spot bulbs hooked onto the ceiling setting the tone for a casual dining experience.



Interior 

From the extensive list of Vegetarian North Indian offerings and Non – Alcoholic Beverages, I and my dining companion settled for the flavorsome and moderately spicy Tandoori Sizzler, an assortment of barbecued pieces (2 pieces of each) of three different types of Paneer (Cottage Cheese), Cauliflower, Potato and Vegetable Kababs garnished with Indian Sause served on a sizzler plate with a tantalizing appetite stimulating aroma and a regular soda.




Tandoori Sizzler

In order to satisfy our curiosity about Italian offerings in Sam's Pizza menu, we tried the Garlic Bread with Cheese (4 pieces per serving), which was a bit too greasy for my taste.


Garlic Bread With Cheese

Welcoming, friendly and proactive staff and prompt service exemplified good service quality. One of the attendants patiently guided us through the menu and recommended options based on our preferences. However we felt ignored when we had to ask the staff twice for a condiment and rushed as we were asked to make the payment directly at the cash counter. These little missteps have subtracted some quality points from our dining experience.

Appetizing Food and Friendly and Courteous Staff contributed to provide good value for money.

On a scale of 1 to 5, 1 being Poor and 5 being Exceptional, I rate this restaurant as 3.4 (in between Good and Very Good) with highest ratings on Restaurant Décor, Food Taste, and Friendly Staff.

A casual dining joint offering some delectable vegetarian delights!

Bill for Two:

Tandoori Sizzler:                          AED 28

Garlic Bread With Cheese:           AED 05

Soda:                                             AED 03

TOTAL:                                        AED 36 (AED 18 Per Head)

Prices included in this review are as of November, 2013 and are subject to change.

Rainforest Cafe Restaurant, Dubai Mall, Dubai, U.A.E.

RAINFOREST CAFE RESTAURANT, DUBAI, U.A.E.
 

Contact No: 009714 330 8515

Website: www.rainforestcafe.com

Dine In + Take Away

Opening Hours: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Weekdays) & 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM (Weekends)

 

Experience COMFORTABLE dining in a forest!

 

Prominently located on the Ground level near the Aquarium in Dubai Mall, Rainforest Café Restaurant provides customers with a unique experience of dining in a simulated forest.



Signage



I and 7 of my friends decided to meet there on a Saturday evening.

 

The excitement began from the moment we entered the restaurant through a merchandise store and walked through false rope bridges to reach the dining area. Fascinating décor; tropical music playing at the background; animal figures, like crocodiles, pythons and gorillas that come to life during a simulated thunder and lightning show every 15  minutes; staff dressed like cuddly bears and an amazing view of the Dubai Aquarium enriched our dining experience.


Interior

From the whopping selection of distinctively labeled Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian Continental, Italian, Mexican and Arabic offerings and Non-Alcoholic Beverages, I and 2 of my friends settled for:

Rainforest Pita Quesadillas (AED 59 Per Serving): Grilled Pita Bread Stuffed With Grilled Chicken, Roasted Peppers, Caramelized Onions and Melted Cheese served with fresh Pico De Gallo and Sour Cream


Rainforest Pita Quesadillas

Ala Puttanesca (AED 59 Per Serving): Penne Pasta with Spicy Tomato Sauce, Anchovies, Roasted Pepper, Mushrooms, Black Olives and Extra Virgin Oil


Ala Puttanesca

Island Margarita (AED 39 Per Serving): Margarita Covered with Strawberry


Island Margarita

Sparkling Volcano (AED 69 Per Serving): Rich Homemade Chocolate Brownie Cake Served Warm with Vanilla Ice Cream, Fresh Whipped Cream and Topped with Caramel and Chocolate Sauces



Sparkling Volcano

Though well presented the Pasta and Quesadillas were a bit dry. A little more generous helping of Tomato Sauce in Pasta and Cheese in Chicken Quesadillas would have contributed to a perfect meal. However, the refreshing Island Margarita and Chocolicious and Heavenly Dessert compensated for the main course.

Friendly, pleasant and attentive staff and prompt service further enhanced our experience.

Attractive Interior, Prominent Location, Good Service, Refreshing Beverage, Heavenly Dessert and Graceful Presentation of Food and Beverages made our experience worth the money spent.

 

On a scale from 1 to 5, 1 being Poor and 5 being Exceptional, I rate this restaurant as 4.1 (Between Very Good and Exceptional), with the highest ratings on Interior, Location, Food and Beverage Presentation and Service.

 

A must visit for all Children and Children at heart!

Prices included in this review are as of August 2013 and are subject to change.

Spice Kraft, JLT, Dubai, U.A.E.

SPICE KRAFT, JLT, DUBAI, U.A.E.
 

Contact No: 009714 363 5329

 

Contact No: 800 775 

Website: www.spicekraft.ae

Dine In + Take Away + Delivery (Terms & Conditions Apply)

Opening Hours: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM & 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Missing home made food! Dine in at Spice Kraft!

 

Located in Cluster I (Shop No. 5 & 6, Lake Level, Platinum Tower), Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai, with sufficient parking slots available in the vicinity, Spice Kraft specializes in serving Vegetarian Indian and Chinese Cuisine.

Signage

Based on a colleague's recommendation, I and one of my friends decided to dine in there.

 

Simple interior, pleasant ambiance and comfortable seating are some of the factors that enhanced our dining experience.

 

Offerings include delights from different parts of India - South Indian specialties like Idli and Uttapam, West Indian specialties like  Dhokla, Thepla and Gujarati Thali and North Indian specialties like variety of Chaat, Punjabi Dahi Kadi and Amritsari Malai Kofta. In addition to Indian Cuisine, its menu also includes Grilled Sandwiches and Chinese delights like Soups, Fried Rice, Noodles and Manchurian and Non-Alcoholic Beverages like Fresh Juices, Soft Drinks, Mocktails, Tea and Coffee.

We were started off with a Complimentary refreshing shot of Fresh Lime Water.



Fresh Lime Water

For starters, we settled for:

Dahi Papadi Chaat (AED 10 Per Serving): (A savory Indian snack) - Crisp fried Dough Wafers made from refined White Flour and oil (Papadi) topped with Whisked Yogurt (Dahi), Boiled Potatoes, Spicy and Sweet Chutneys (Different Condiments made from Fruits, Vinegar, Sugar and Spices) and Sev (Fried thin Noodle Shaped Snacks made of Gram Flour) garnished with Cilantro and presented in a glass plate garnished with Ketchup.


Dahi Papadi Chaat

Our main course included:

Paneer Lababdar (AED 20 Per Serving): Cottage Cheese (Paneer) Cubes served in a rich and creamy Tomato and Capsicum Gravy garnished with Cheese.



Paneer Lababdar



Tandoori Roti (AED 2 Per Piece): Indian Bread made with Whole Wheat Flour

Butter Naan (AED 4 Per Piece): Indian Bread made of White Flour topped with Butter



Indian Bread

Proactive and courteous staff and prompt service also enriched our dining experience.

 

Delicious food, graceful presentation, pleasant ambiance and courteous staff contributed to provide good value for money.

On a scale of 1 to 5, 1 being Poor and 5 being Exceptional, I rate this restaurant as 3.6 (in between Good and Very Good) with the highest ratings on Food Taste and Presentation, Ambiance and Service.

A casual dining joint offering some delectable vegetarian delights!


Prices included in this review are as of August 2013 and are subject to change.
 

 

Hatam, Deira City Centre, Dubai, U.A.E.

HATAM, DEIRA CITY CENTRE, DUBAI, U.A.E.

Contact No: 009714 295 5155

Dine In + Take Away + Delivery (Terms & Conditions Apply)

Opening Hours: As Defined by Mall Management

 

Indulge in the taste of authentic Iranian delicacies at HATAM!



Signage

Hatam serves its customers from several locations in Dubai (like JAFZA, Marina Mall, Dragon Mart, Bur Juman Center, Deira City Centre and Dubai Festival City), Abu Dhabi (like Delma Mall, Marina Mall and Mushriff Mall), Sharjah (like Sahara Centre and Mega Mall), Al Ain (like Al Ain Mall and Souq Extra) and Fujairah (like Khorfakan).

I and 2 of my friends decided to dine in at the branch in Deira City Centre.


As usual, we preferred lazing on the elongated sofa like seats in the indoor seating area rather than the cushioned chairs in the outdoor seating area.

Elegant Persian interior with sober colors, softly illuminated lighting and comfortable seating contribute to a relaxed and pleasant dining experience.



Interior

 

Hatam offers variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian authentic Iranian delights. Its menu includes food offerings like Hommus, Moutabal, Lamb and Chicken Kababs, Mixed Grill Platters and Lamb and Chicken Biryani and non-alcoholic beverages like Soft Drinks, Fresh Juices and Dough (Fresh Buttermilk wit Dry Mint and Salt).

We were started off with complimentary Salad served with Walnuts and Feta Cheese followed by Hommus (Pureed Chick Peas, Tahina and Lemon Juice served with Olive Oil: AED 16 Per Serving) served with complimentary warm and soft Tandoori Bread, which was the highlight and Soft Drinks (AED 9 Per Serving).

Salad

Hiommus

Bread



Our main course was Chicken Mixed Grill Platter (One Piece of Minced Chicken Kabab, 3 Pieces of Boneless Yogurt Chicken and 3 Pieces of Sheesh Tawook - Skewered and Grilled Chicken : AED 42 Per Platter), which comes with Rice, Salad or French Fries.



Chicken Mixed Grill Platter

Courteous and responsive staff and prompt service enhanced our dining experience.


Pleasant Ambiance, Delicious Food and Appetizing Presentation contribute to provide good value for money.


On a scale of 1 to 5, 1 being Poor and 5 being Exceptional, I rate this restaurant as 4.1 (between Good and Very Good) with the highest ratings on Food Taste and Presentation and Restaurant Location.

A great option to enjoy a satisfactory meal!


Prices included in this review are as of August 2013 and are subject to change.

California Pizza Kitchen, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai, U.A.E.

CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN, MALL OF THE EMIRATES, DUBAI, U.A.E.

Call Center No: 009714 440 9300 

Website: www.cpk.com

Dine In + Take Away + Delivery (Terms & Conditions Apply)

Opening Hours: As Defined by Mall Management

Treat yourself to some delectable California Style Cuisine! Treat yourself at California Pizza Kitchen!

California Pizza Kitchen, commonly referred to as CPK, serves authentic California Style Cuisine and is conveniently situated in several different locations like DIFC, Mall of The Emirates, Mirdiff City Center and Dubai Mall.

I and one of my colleagues decided to try it out based on positive reviews from some of our colleagues who frequently order salads from there.

We landed up for lunch in the Mall of Emirates branch as we were in the vicinity.
 

Signage

Soothing ambiance, softly illuminated lighting and comfortable cushioned seating contribute to a pleasant dining experience. Though we planned for a quick meal, we lingered over lunch and ended up over eating.

We decided to sit in the indoor seating area as we preferred lazing on the sofa style seats rather than cushioned chairs in the outdoor seating area.


Though named California Pizza Kitchen, besides pizzas, its menu includes variety of other vegetarian and non-vegetarian offerings like soups, salads and pastas and non alcoholic beverages like milk shakes, mocktails and soft drinks.

 

For beverages, we ordered Apple Raspberry Mojito (AED 24 per serving), which was very refreshing and has become one of my all-time favorites and Avocado Shake (AED 23 per serving), which was garnished with whipped cream.




Avocado Shake

Apple Raspberry Mojito




 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ironically, we did not settle for Pizza but will definitely try it out in my next visit.

 

We picked three different delicious offerings from the menu:

1. White Corn Guacamole (White and Blue Tortillas Served with Diced Avocado, Black Beans, Sweet Corn, Crunch Turnip, Black and Serrano Peppers and Cilantro - AED 35 per Serving).

 

White Corn Guacamole

 

2. Signature Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps (Lettuce Cups Served with Mushrooms, Chestnuts and Green Onions in Spicy Ginger Soy Sauce, Crispy Rice Noodles and Chili Ginger Sauce - AED 40 per Serving).



Signature Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps



3. Pesto Cream Penne Pasta (Penne Pasta with a Basil and Pine Nut Pesto Cream Sauce Sun Dried Tomatoes and Parmesan Cheese - AED 47 per Serving).



Pesto Cream Penne Pasta

 

Welcoming, friendly, pleasant and responsive staff and prompt service enhanced our dining experience.

 

 

Pleasant Ambiance, Good Service, Delicious Food and Beverages and Appetizing Presentation contribute to provide good value for money.

 

On a scale of 1 to 5, 1 being Poor and 5 being Exceptional, I rate this restaurant as 4.3 (between Very Good and Exceptional) with +4 ratings on Ambiance, Location, Service  and Food and Beverage Taste and Presentation.



A must visit for all Food Lovers!


Prices included in this review are as of August 2013 and are subject to change.

Bosporus Turkish Restaurant, Jumeirah, Dubai, U.A.E.



BOSPORUS TURKISH RESTAURANT, JUMEIRAH 3, DUBAI, U.A.E.

Tel:  +971 4 380 8090

Website: www.bosporusdubai.ae

 

Dine In + Take Away

 

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 2:00 AM (Saturday to Wednesday)

 

                      10:00 AM to 5:00 AM (Thursday & Friday)

                                                     

Take the bridge to Turkey with Bosporus!

 

Bosporus also known as the Istanbul strait, is the world's narrowest strait that is still used for international navigation. It connects the Black sea with the sea of Marmara and separates Europe from Asia.

Aptly named, Bosporus is also a Turkish Restaurant, which is prominently located along the Beach road in Jumeirah 3 with ample parking available at the rear of the restaurant.

 

As usual, I and 3 of my friends wanted to have something different for dinner on one of the weekends and decided to try this place based on a friend's recommendation and positive reviews.

 

While driving down the beach road, its hard to miss the vibrant red signage board and blue lights in the outdoor dining area.



Signage

 

The restaurant's name truly reflects its Turkish concept and cuisine.

Its interior communicates its Turkish concept with brick like walls and paintings of ancient Turkey.



Interior

Customers can choose between indoor or outdoor smoking and indoor nonsmoking area.

Pleasant ambiance, softly illuminated lighting and comfortable cushioned chairs enhanced our dining experience.


The menu includes huge variety of vegetarian and non vegetarian food and non - alcoholic beverage offerings including Soups, Salads, Hot and Cold Appetizers, Doner, Grills, Desserts, Soft Drinks, Milk Shakes, Mocktails and Juices and different flavors of Sheesha.

Based on our preference, we were started off with Humus (AED 20  per serving), Muhammara (Chili Paste with crushed Walnuts - AED 20 per serving), Turkish Bread (AED 5 per piece), Pide Cheese (AED 25 per serving) and Beverages (Soft Drinks - AED 13 each). 



 

Humus

Muhammara

Turkish Bread 



Pide Cheese

We were almost through with starters and our main course arrived - Delicious  Chicken Doner Kebab plate served with Rice and Yogurt (AED 55 per serving) and Sag Kavurma (Tender Chicken served with Rice and Vegetables - AED 65 per serving) exquisitely presented in a pan.







Chicken Doner Kebab

Chicken Sag Kavurma

 In line with its unique presentation, our check was also placed in a treasure chest like box.

Check

Staff are very friendly, attentive, responsive and welcoming and provide unmatchable customer service.

 

The staff who was assigned to attend to us assisted us with a suitable seating area and was very friendly and responsive. As we were not familiar with the cuisine, he patiently assisted us by recommending us dishes based on our preferences.


Pleasant Ambiance, Exceptional Service, Delicious Food and Appetizing Presentation provide good value for money.


On a scale of 1 to 5, 1 being Poor and 5 being Exceptional, I rate this restaurant as 3.8 (between Good and Very Good) with the highest ratings on Interior, Opening Hours, Service  and Food Taste and Presentation.



An ideal option for exquisitely presented delectable authentic Turkish delicacies!


Prices included in this review are as of August 2013 and are subject to change.