Sand dunes, towering skyscrapers and the possibility for endless adventures and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, whether you’re new to Dubai, you know you won’t be in the desert for much longer, you want to buy someone the ULTIMATE gift or you want to get out there and have some fun, here are some of our favourites to add to your bucket list, mamas!

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You either live to eat or eat to live – I’m definitely in the first camp – I love food and everything surrounding mealtimes, from the chat around the table to sharing new tastes and flavours. Something else I love? Walking. And I don’t do enough of it (from the car to school, around the supermarket, sometimes through a mall). I used to walk EVERYWHERE in London – fab for the soul (and perfect for building up an appetite!). The Frying Pan Adventures walking trails of Dubai are a great way to combine food with walking and discovering a side to Dubai that goes beyond the skyscrapers and malls – and their latest edition, Old Dubai: Ramadan Walk & Iftar is one of the best things I’ve ever done in our beautiful desert city.

In collaboration with Gulf Photo Plus (the region’s largest photographic community), the tour – led by the super amazing Arva, a foodie, blogger, food writer and seeker of that must-find ‘hole in the wall’, took us through the winding streets of Ghubaiba, one of Dubai’s oldest neighbourhoods, to observe sunset and the call to prayer at the end of a fasting day before joining the many workers who make our city tick for Iftar.

Usually buzzing with activity and noise, the street was magically quiet in that hour before sunset as people quietly went about their preparation for prayer and Iftar, setting the streets for a communal meal, chatting quietly in groups, sitting cross-legged in meditation and helping in the delivery of food to the area’s many mosques. If you’re a keen photographer then these old areas of Dubai lend themselves totally to capturing some beautifully emotive images, and, if you ask, the many characters along the way are mostly very happy to be snapped. With my handy iPhone I managed to capture a little of the magic, helped by the GPP crew who taught me a few tricks (and whose iPhone photography course I’m signing up to pronto).

As a non Muslim I find the idea of Iftar and breaking fast with family, friends or as part of a community very special so the chance to be in the midst of a fasting community when the sun set and the call to prayer rang out from minarets all around us, when the quiet was broken and Naif suddenly filled with life was completely magical and very humbling. We sat on the streets and shared in the moment with dates, laban and the most delicious pakoras and samosas plus a traditional soup and cut fruit before walking on to a very authentic Afghani restaurant, sitting cross-legged on rugs and tucking into absolutely yummy dumplings with yoghurt sauce, grilled lamb, fragrant rice and a to-die-for dhal that I’d go back for in a heartbeat.

The food was incredible and the experience so very special – meeting new people, observing ancient traditions and seeing Dubai in a completely new way. The Ramadan Walk & Iftar trail is now open for booking with Frying Pan Adventures at AED395 per person. They also offer a whole menu of other tours including ‘The Indian Express’, ‘The Green Line Tour’ (using the metro during the hot summer months), ‘Local Flavours’ and ‘African Food Safari’ to name a few. I’m booking them all  mamas – with visitors from out of town, with my husband, with anyone who loves food and exploring as much as I do – we’ll be tasting, photographing and soaking up the amazing cultures that shape Dubai.

The Ramadan/Old Dubai Iftar Walk runs on June 5, 6, and 11. For more info and to book a spot, visit here.

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If you’re not fasting over the Holy Month of Ramadan and you’re desperate for that morning coffee to set you up for the day, we’ve put together a little list of places we love to head to post drop-off or at weekends with the whole family in tow.

21 Grams Bistro

This unique new restaurant that’s opened up just a stone’s throw away from Kite beach has the perfect mix of cosy vibes and tastefully done interiors plus food that’s made using wholesome, seasonal ingredients sourced from local farmers whenever possible. We love.

Junction of Jumeirah Beach Road and Al Thanya Street, Umm Suqeim 3
T:+971 4 3490744
Open daily 8am – 11pm

Arrows & Sparrows

Fast becoming a fave with many a mama, this gorgeous little cafe in The Greens is super family friendly. With beautiful interiors, a quirky menu and – most importantly – delicious 100% organic coffee, supplied by RAW Coffee Company. Cosy up on one of their benches and order yourself a ‘Latte In A Cone’ (yes, really!) and a babyccino for the littles. Perfect.

Emaar Business Park, The Greens
T: +971 4 5588141
Open daily 8am – 8pm

Baker & Spice

Head to one of our favourite malls and start your day watching yachts glide past the windows as you sip your latte (it’s good to dream about how the other half live, right?). The food is organic, with flavorsome egg dishes and crispy pastries 0r, if you’re feeling adventurous, order the Shakshouka (eggs cooked in tangy tomato salsa spiked with garlic, paprika, and chili), but keep it away from the little ones unless they have a taste for spice!

Dubai Marina promenade
T: +971 4 04 3624686
Open daily 8am – 11pm

Bystro

This Sassy Mama favourite ticks all the boxes, mama. Not only do they do a great cup of coffee, serve fantastic food, and have plenty to keep little tummies happy (the mini pancakes definitely deserve a mention), but there’s a small play area with toys and books that will keep tots entertained while you make it your mission to top up your caffeine levels.

Al Manara, Sheikh Zayed Road
T: +971 4 3368056
Open daily 9am – 4pm

Friends Avenue

We love this super cute little hangout – the coffee is great, breakfast is fab (and portions are huge) and their salads are fresh and delicious. It’s quirky and cosy too, a lovely place to sit and work or catch up with friends.

Cluster T, Fortune Executive Tower, Ground level
T: +971 4 5545813
Open daily 8am – 8pm

Happy Egg

One of the most adorable little cafes we’ve found in Dubai, this little spot on Umm Al Sheif Street is decked out in gorgeous Tribe interiors accessories and serves up the most delicious coffee (and a mean shakshouka too!).

32 Umm Al Sheif Street (same strip as Maria Bonita)
T: +971 4 3944729
Open daily 8am – 3am

Jones The Grocer

Need somewhere for your brekkie/caffeine fix post drop-off? We hear you, mamas! And we are SO grateful for Jones the Grocer whose outlets will be open and serving up everything from the most amazing coffee to coconut flour pancakes in the mornings plus lots more.

Al Manara, Sheikh Zayed Road
T: +971 4 3466886
Open daily 7.30am – midnight

Lafayette Gourmet

Tucked away in City Walk, Lafayette Gourmet is a beautiful space that’s dedicated to all things food! The sister cafe of Lafayette Gourmet in Galleries Lafayette – you’ll find the same passion for delicious coffee and more.

City Walk
T: +9714 4033033
Open daily 8am – 2am

Lime Tree Cafe

This Dubai institution is a firm favourite with mamas around the city for many reasons – not least because it serves a great coffee and slice of cake! And not just that all of their 3 cafes have ‘fun corners’ aimed at keeping the kiddos entertained, allowing mama to sip her coffee in peace.

Sheikh Zayed Road – open daily 7.30am – 9pm
Al Quoz – open daily 7.30am – 6pm
Jumeirah 1 – open daily 7.30am – 6pm
T: +971 4 3256325

Reform Social

Yes mamas, you can still grab your pub grub at Reform Social & Grill! While their outdoor areas are all shut during fasting hours, they serve up breakfast from 8am so this is a fab choice if you’re up early (always?!) and need to get out somewhere that doesn’t mind if the kids are running wild!

The Lakes
T: +971 4 4542638
Open daily 8am – midnight (liquor served all day)

Tom & Serg

Serious coffee drinkers won’t be disappointed by a visit to Tom&Serg – and now we mention it, neither will serious foodies either. But it isn’t just the menu that makes this Al Quoz warehouse-style café worth a visit, as you’ll find a small kiddie area at the back of the upstairs area too, with books, LEGO bricks, and a couple of play mats. There’s a small table and chairs too, making it possible for the littlies in your party to decamp and enjoy their babycinos together.

Al Joud Centre, Al Quoz
T: +971 56 4746812
Open daily 8am – 4pm and on weekends until 6pm

The Sum of Us

Mmmm, is there anything better than a warm buttered slice of homemade sourdough bread? The Sum Of Us has a comfort menu inspired by all those good old family favourites, sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. And the coffee? A-MA-ZING!

Burj Al Salam
Sheikh Zayed road
T: +971 56 4457526
Open daily 8am – 11pm

XVA Gallery Cafe

What better time to head into the old historic Al Fahidi District than during Ramadan? Get yourself some headspace by wandering the quiet streets before heading to the beautiful XVA Gallery –  home to the XVA Cafe (Gordon Ramsay says it’s his fave in Dubai), rumoured to have the best cheesecake and mint tea in the city.

Al Fahidi Historic District 
T:+9714 3535383
Open daily 7am – 9pm

The post Our Fave Places For Coffee Over Ramadan appeared first on Sassy Mama.

Need somewhere for your brekkie/caffeine fix post drop-off? We hear you, mamas! And we are SO grateful for Jones the Grocer whose outlets will be open and serving up everything from the most amazing coconut flour pancakes in the mornings to cheese boards of dreams in the evening plus everything in between throughout the Holy Month of Ramadan.

We’ve been fans of this Aussie import since the very day we discovered their walk-in cheese room (pure heaven, these guys are the largest independent retailers of French, British, Italian and Swiss cheeses in the UAE). From freshly baked goodies made daily in-house to that all-important coffee bar plus live jazz over a glass of grape, kiddie cooking classes, family lunches and takeaway options for those nights when you really can’t think of anything to whip up in the kitchen – Jones the Grocer does it ALL brilliantly. Oh and there’s also a lovely little selection of gourmet products and deli items so that you can recreate some of that Jones magic at home (and make your kitchen cupboards look a little more stylish in the process).

And this Ramadan, a new ‘tick as you go’ interactive menu is not only fun but fabulous for foodies. Build your own salads, cheese, charcuterie and antipasti boards and platters before tucking into mains including Jones signature Waguy burger or Chili Prawn Linguini or Ramadan specials like Pistachio herb crusted lamb rack with moussaka, Quinoa falafel wrap or Three cheese truffle toastie with fig and pomegranate jam (um… yes we’ll take it all) and desserts to-die-for.

Meet your friends for a cuppa and a catch-up, tap away on your laptop over coffee, take the kids for post-school munchies, have a big ol’ family lunch or grab a takeaway – this Ramadan Jones the Grocer is THE place to go.

Jones The Grocer Outlets in Dubai Open During Ramadan:

• Al Manara along Sheikh Zayed Road: 730 am – midnight
• Emirates Golf Club: 6 am – 10 pm
• Dusit Thani: 24 hours

Careem to offer 20% off all Careem rides to Jones the Grocer across the UAE – valid from 14th May to 16th June. The code is JONESTHEGROCER

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Already in New York, London and Abu Dhabi, world renowned restaurant Asia de Cuba is now at the Westin Mina Seyahi and is rumored to become THE place to be. With fabulous food and a gorgeous setting, here’s why you need to check it out for your next night out.

The occasion:

It was meant to be a date night with Mr Y but that changed when he announced that he’d actually be on a plane to Cairo at the time of our reservation. Fabulous! Rather than cancel I asked my friend if she fancied coming. So then I suddenly had to get a new outfit and book a blow dry .. or is it only me who makes twice as much effort for their female friends as their husband?!

The Venue:

I was so excited when I heard that Asia de Cuba was opening at the Westin Mina Seyahi. The London and Abu Dhabi branches are two of my favourite restaurants ever so I couldn’t wait to give this one a try. The interior is gorgeous! There’s a strong Latin feel with bold patterned fabrics, lush living walls and Cuban poster art. It’s not the brightest of restaurants but the dramatic double height ceiling ensures that it doesn’t feel claustrophobic.

The Vibe:

The exotic decor creates a glamorous atmosphere while the friendly, welcoming staff and upbeat Latin music ensure that by the time you’ve sat down you are definitely in the mood for good food and good times.

The Food:

The cocktail menu features classics such as mojitos alongside more unique offerings which blend Asian flavours with tropical ingredients – long story short, sake and rum is a triumphant combo!

The food menu is an innovative fusion of Chino-Latin cuisine with dishes that are designed to be shared. To start we had the salmon cerviche with coconut, passion fruit and cucumber salsa, glazed sweet potato with chipotle honey soy and the pork chiccarones. All yum! For our main course we had the chilli-rubbed king scallops and Asian-style paella, oh and some grilled vegetables to make us feel virtuous. The food it’s absolutely fantastic and full of flavour. To complete our gluttony we ordered the donuts for dessert. Now let me be clear, these are not just any old donuts. They are small, fluffy balls of heaven served with caramel and thai chilli chocolate sauce. You MUST try them!

Room for Improvement:

We went on a Sunday night so the bar upstairs wasn’t open. The lovely manager allowed us a peak though and it looks fab. I’d love to go back when it is open so we can continue the night with more drinks and live Salsa music!

What We Loved:

We loved everything from the restaurant design and the lovely staff to the funky music and fabulous food. My friend hit the nail on the head when said it had been ages since she last saw a menu with so many interesting dishes on it. Due to the sharing concept the more people you go with, the more you get to try so gather your friends (or even a few strangers) and get yourself to Asia de Cuba. I promise you won’t regret it!

The post We Check Out New Hotspot Asia de Cuba appeared first on Sassy Mama.

Want to know how to up the veggies in your kid’s packed lunch without getting protests? We have three weeks’ worth of lunchbox recipes for you (all for free!). The best news is that these dishes are big on fresh, colourful vegetables and protein – and they are all nut-free too, as per most school’s requirements. There are some treat recipes in there for snacktime, but we’ve even snuck veggies in here where we can (check out our Zucchini Chocolate Chip Muffins!).

We hope our meal planner and simple recipes help you out in the kitchen, mama. If you find this useful, please share the love by sending this link to a friend. You’ll never be stuck for the answer to “What’s for lunch mama?” again!

Click here to download Lunchbox Ideas:

Let us know which recipes are your kids’ favourites!

Love,
The Sassy Mama team

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