What Is Third Culture Dining, A Culinary Trend With Global Fusion Of Flavours On A Plate? 5 Restaurants In Dubai To Experience It

These restaurants serve as a melting pot of diverse cultures and traditions where global flavours meet local flair.

by Andrea Cutinho
What Is Third Culture Dining, A Culinary Trend With Global Fusion Of Flavours On A Plate? 5 Restaurants In Dubai To Experience It

Dubai is celebrated as the first choice of tourists to splurge on luxury shopping, witness unparalleled architecture, gawk at majestic skyscrapers, and devour delicious cuisines. Third culture dining is emerging as a chic trend in Dubai as people flock to devour various cuisines from diverse cultures.

What Is Third Culture Dining?

Third Culture Cuisine is a method of cooking that combines various cultural influences to create lip-smacking dishes. It allows chefs to explore various possibilities of amalgamating different cultures into their food and celebrates the rich heritage that comes to the table. Third Culture Dining has become a smoking hot trend in Dubai owing to its stronghold as a global destination for significant tourist attractions and making tourists feel at home. 

Best Restaurants In Dubai For Third Culture Dining Experience

1. Jun’s

third culture dining
Pic Creds: Jun’s/Instagram

Jun’s star chef Kelvin Cheung leaves no stone unturned and offers a modern fine dining experience at the heart of Downtown Dubai with a fusion of North American Asian cuisine. Offering a magnificent view of the Burj Khalifa, the classy ambience of the place is home to the most famous dishes, such as the Lobster pani puri, Miso Chilean Sea Bass, and the Jalapeño Onion Wagyu Smashburger – all a fusion of North American Asian Culture with a touch of Middle Eastern flair.

Where: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Downtown Dubai
When: 12 pm to 2 am
Cost for two: AED350

2. Moonrise

third culture dining
Pic creds: Moonrise/Instagram

Established in 2021, the Moonrise restaurant is the latest entry into the third-culture cuisine in the Dubai market. The brainchild of self-taught chef Solemann Haddad, the menu encompasses irresistible flavours of Italian, Japanese, French and Middle Eastern. Nestled on the rooftop of the spectacular Eden House, the Saffron and Pineapple Chutney, Foie Gras Puri, and Kebab Jus, are their most famous traditional recipes with a cultural fusion.

Where: Eden House, Al Satwa
When: 6 pm to 11:59 pm (closed on Sunday and Monday)
Cost per person: AED500

3. Mattar Third Culture Barbeque

third culture dining
pic creds: Mattar/Instagram

Known as the Third Culture ambassador of the Arab world, Mattar Third Culture Barbeque has a rich menu of mouth-watering dishes that leaves tourists and locals coming back for more. People flock to this place from all over the world to enjoy the sweet and savoury Pastrami Muffaletta, Brisket Mandi, and Beef Chorizo that are so tender that they melt in your mouth.

Where: Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai
When: 11 am to 11:30 pm
Cost for two: AED80

4. Asil Dubai

third culture dining
Pic creds: Asil restaurant/Website

The Asil Restaurant in Dubai offers a culinary adventure with a cocktail bar and a chic setting. Asil meaning ‘Noble’ in Turkish brings the taste of Morocco, Lebanon, and Turkey into the sophisticated Arabic allure. The elegant restaurant’s nightly entertainment, DJ music, henna painting, mesmerising live shows, and belly dance fills each trip to Dubai with an aroma of nostalgia.

Where: Rixos Premium, The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence
When: 1 pm to 3 am
Cost for two: AED480

Also Read: 8 Must-Try Pizza And Pint Spots In Dubai For A Perfect Night Out

5. ILOLI Dubai

third culture dining
Pic creds: ILOLI/Instagram

ILOLI brings the essence of traditional Japanese cuisine blended with a modern touch of Dubai. Dishes like Tanjia, Arabic Shish Tawouq, and Harira Soup are cooked with fresh ingredients by trained chefs from Japan. Explore the flavour of Japan with a touch of the Middle East as every bite transports you to the cultural heritage of two countries from the comfort of your table.

Where: Dubai Marina Walk
When: 12 am  to 6 am, 10 am to 12 am
Cost for two: AED200 

If you wish to experience a delicious fusion of various cultures on your palette, these restaurants are the perfect fit for you. A perfect celebration of authenticity and cultural identity, grab your reservations to experience memories that last a lifetime.

Cover Image Courtesy: Visit Dubai/Website
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First Published: October 07, 2024 7:47 PM