Overall Rating
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6.5 / 10
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Well when I sat down to write a blog post for Al Fanar Restaurant, I was clueless of how to start. The brand has been an immense success ever since its birth. All thanks to Mr.Hashem Al Marzouqi who came up with concept of Al Fanar restaurant back in 2011, with a vision of promoting Emirati traditions and cuisine. Thus making the expats more knowledgeable. The term Al Fanar in Arabic is the local term for the kerosene lamp, which in the past was used to light the homes in the UAE. The term is apt for the brand because as mentioned the main objective of this brand is to be a light in showcasing the exotic culture and exquisite taste. Within this small span the brand has opened 6 outlet across the country with one expected to open in London soon. The main reason for me to know the success of the brand is mainly due to the feature of Mr Hashem in Forbes Middles East. He is among the prominent business leaders inspiring the UAE. The brand is one among the few diners who offers a pure Emirati fine dine experience.
Along with the cuisine, the brand throws in an ambiance depicting the past era of UAE. I visited the outlet in Jumeirah’s Town Centre, and despite being located inside a mall; the fit out is converted to depict a rich pearl merchant's house. At the very entrance of the outlet, an iconic Land Rover pickup is parked. This was a sign of a wealthy merchant back in the day,.The hallway and walls are filled with artifacts and old photographs back from early 60's. This displayed the life of the Bedouin's. #MiddleEasternVibe The outlet is divided into three sections namely the Souq, Al Tawash and Badia. The souq portrayed a bustling heritage style marketplace with handicrafts, fragrances like oud and spices on sale. The display was vibrant and classy. The dining area was also a traditional merchant’s dining space layout with three sections. In the past, an upper dining level was allotted only to the wealthy and upper class, the lower level was for medium class and a tree shade for the lower class. In Al Fanar, the same observance is explained with upper deck, lower deck and tree shade. All around the alley, I noticed water barrels just like in the past. With all these, Al Fanar team has definitely won the hearts of the locals with their warm homage to a bygone era. It has also been seen as a popular spot for the expats to experience the true Emirati hospitality and history. I visited the outlet with my family on a weekend. I noticed the outlet was not very occupied. The main reason i think for this is the unusual operating hours even on weekends. The outlet is open only from 12pm-10pm. |
To start our traditional feasting, we placed order for Dango. This was a preparation of boiled chickpeas. It was wholesome of healthy elements in a bowl. Each portion priced AED 18.
For the main course, we ordered the authentic Arabian style biryani, kebabs, shrimps and much more.
The best of all was the signature style Robyan Mashwi. It was a succulent preparation of tiger prawns with Al Fanar’s popular pick of spices. The platter priced AED 79, came with flat breads or rice.
The best of all was the signature style Robyan Mashwi. It was a succulent preparation of tiger prawns with Al Fanar’s popular pick of spices. The platter priced AED 79, came with flat breads or rice.
We tried Beryani Laham (meat) and Beryani Deyay (chicken). Beryani Deyay (AED 52) was a preparation of tender chicken pieces cooked with rice, onions,beans and lentil. The Mutton in Laham Beyani (AED 62) was well cooked, juicy and rich in spices. I felt the rice seasoning for both beryani was the same with saffron and bay leaf flavors.
For kebabs, we ordered Tekat Deyay Emarati and Kebab Emarati. The Tekat Deyay was a moist grill chicken kebab platter that was prepared with spices, yogurt, and lime. Each platter of Tekat Deyay Emarati (AED 55) comprised of 2-3 skewers. The Kebab Emarati (AED 65), a mutton grill platter had a traditional preparation of mild lemon and herb seasoning. All the grills were served with either rice or bread.
For the gravy, we ordered a tomato based Deyay Nashef. This was a signature chicken dish; rich in flavors of tomato and mild spices. The thick Deyay Nashef gravy was priced AED 49. For the sides, it was served with bread or white rice
For desserts, we tried the heritage style Leqaimat aka, dumplings and Khabieah. The Leqaimat was the highlight of the feast. It was crispy golden fried dough balls coated with honey or dates syrup. Each bowl of Leqaimat priced AED 24 consisted of about 20-22 balls.
The Khabieah, was too blunt for our taste. Indeed, it was a complete let down for AED 24. It was prepared with the traditional technique of sautéed flour and mixed with molasses.
The Khabieah, was too blunt for our taste. Indeed, it was a complete let down for AED 24. It was prepared with the traditional technique of sautéed flour and mixed with molasses.
Al Fanar was a good spot to dine in with pure Middle Eastern vibes and cuisine. Although, we felt there was lack of value for money and no WOW factor apart from the interior fit out.