Meatballs

The idea of grinding up perfectly good meat into a small ball before boiling, frying or steaming it might not sound very appealing to most people. However, meatballs are a staple part of diets the world over and are devoured from as far away as Sweden to Iran and all the way to Indonesia. Varieties differ wildly, from the Chinese version, known as Lion’s Heads which are usually steamed or boiled and served with soy sauce in a soup, to the German style, known as kolpse, which is presented to the diner with a helping of caper sauce. Such is the cosmopolitan nature of restaurants in Dubai that almost all of these varieties and more are on offer to the inquisitive diner. But if it’s fine Swedish meatballs you’re after, then head on over to Ikea (04-2037555) in Festival City. Yeah, we know, it’s not really a restaurant, it’s just a giant furniture store which happens to sell food, too. But if it’s good Scandinavian-style meatballs you desire, and maybe a new set of cushions, then look no further. The meatballs are served in gravy, but are hardly swimming in the stuff. They are, however, top grub. For those who require a more formal setting, try the Greek-themed restaurant Elia (04-5012690) in the Majestic Hotel in Bur Dubai. The venue’s version of beef meatballs served with cabbage dolma is simply delicious. The meat is tender, aromatic and cooked to perfection. It’s just a shame that they are only served as a starter, as one could easily make short work of a heartier portion. Living in the Middle East, one has to mention kofta, the Iranian version of meatballs, which are served at Afghan Cuisine (04-4227922) in International City. This (surprise, surprise) Afghan eatery serves an excellent kofta qoma, a tomato-based soup. The koftas, tiny balls of minced beef, bob about in the soup, but be careful when you’re fishing them out: one slip and you could send your dinner rolling away from you across the restaurant floor.

Ikea, Festival City

Dh10 for meatballs *****

Elia, Bur Dubai

Dh35 for meatballs  *****

Afghan Cuisine

Dh15 for meatballs *****

My Favourite Restaurant

Calicut Paragon

Although I do like to dine out like a king in a posh venue from time to time, it’s not easy on the wallet — especially when you have a family ritual of dining out every Thursday. I stay at a place that’s close to some very popular restaurants, but yet my family and I prefer to dine out at Calicut Paragon. In spite of being North Indians, we absolutely love the taste of authentic Keralite food. Being a casual eating joint, I cannot say much for the ambience, but I can definitely speak up for the food. The vegetable biriyani tastes great and so do the rest of the South Indian dishes served like dosa, vada, fish curry and so on. A word of caution — the restaurant can get really crowded during weekends. I can think of numerous instances when we have been put off by the long line of people waiting to get in. Cheap and tasty, I would recommend Calicut Paragon as a great place for a casual dinner with friends or family.

Vicky Yadav, Dubai

Try this: Kingfish Fry

Seafood lovers or foodies hoping to become one must have a taste of the Kingfish Fry. Cooked with strong flavoured masala powders, deep-fried  pieces of fish are served along with pieces of onion and cucumber. The dish tastes great along with rice. You don’t have to order another curry to go with it.

Address: Opp Lulu Park, Karama, 04-3358700