Redefining gluten-free food in the region

First-ever gluten-free café promises great tasting meals

Set in a stunning beach-facing location at Al Muneera in Al Raha Beach, Tawa Bakery is the capital's very first homegrown gluten-free café, serving up delicious and surprising dishes. Inspired by founder Reem Al Shemari's passion for great-tasting food, Tawa Bakery is a guaranteed 100 per cent gluten-free zone with a menu that focuses on flavoursome and inventive continental dishes. 
Founder Reem had always wanted to share her love for food with the world and a couple of years ago, after being diagnosed with celiac disease, her mission was to raise awareness that gluten-free goodness does not mean compromising on taste or quality. The name tawa means a flat frying pan commonly used in the UAE to make Arabic bread and was chosen to reflect the founder's Emirati roots; the cuisine, however, is inspired by Reem's love for continental flavours.
Tawa Bakery's menu reflects current culinary trends and combines wholesome food favourites with premium ingredients and techniques to produce outstandingly tasty dishes. Freshly baked breads, scrumptious burgers and gourmet sandwiches like the signature Tuna Melt sandwich, gourmet pizzas decked with premium Italian cheeses and traditional Arabic dishes such as Manakeesh are served alongside beautifully crafted beverages and tempting delightful desserts. The All-Day Breakfast menu has innovative iterations of classic favourites too, including French toast, Emirati eggs with tomato and homemade granola with Greek yoghurt. 
The creativity doesn't stop at the kitchen; Tawa Bakery's convivial stylish atmosphere has a relaxed neighbourhood charm, tinged with a European sensibility. Every décor element has been carefully selected and takes inspiration from Reem's travels around the world. The beautiful and quirky interior pieces include reclaimed tables from Italy, tiles inspired from a Paris antiques shop, a 1900s French oven, wishbone chairs by Hans J Wegner and the timeless, classic 111 Navy Chairs made from recycled Coca-Cola bottles in each chair. The pretty patio is a great place to sit and relax during the cooler months and take in the lively ambience of beachgoers, families and neighbouring residents. 
When asked her vision for Tawa Bakery, Reem Al Shemari said, "Gluten-free food is very misunderstood. I love food and don't believe a single calorie should be wasted, so even after being diagnosed with celiac disease, I wasn't going to sacrifice taste. I started cooking gluten-free food and my friends found it so delicious that they couldn't believe it was gluten-free. With the lack of gluten-free options in the UAE, I thought 'let's change people's perceptions and give them a real taste of delicious gluten-free food', and others a place where they can confidently order anything from the menu."

• Food and Dining