Meat the South Americans

To explore cuisine of the Latin nations, look no further than Pachanga, which covers the highlights, then BBQs them and shoves them onto a giant skewer

Latin America is woefully under-represented on the UAE dining scene, featuring in barely a handful of hotels, which is why most diners have little idea as to what constitutes fine dining throughout this continent that stretches from the Caribbean to Cape Horn. Well, I can set that right in one simple word. Meat.

Admittedly there’s far more to South American food than just meat, but for the sake of keeping things simple that’s my statement — and I’m sticking with it. And if it’s meat you crave then look no further than Pachanga, which is billed as a restaurant where you can enjoy ‘Latin spirit’ with a chef from Venezuela and beef from Argentina.

Overall, though, it’s Brazil that’s best represented at Pachanga due to the churrasco option — barbecued meat, Brazilian style.

Any meat-lover will be more than pleased by Pachanga’s churrasco — all you do is sit there and wait for the next round of meat to arrive at your table.

There are different cuts of beef, followed by lamb and chicken, all cut off massive skewers that are brought to your table every fifteen minutes or so. A word of warning — the servings are large, so go easy at the start or you’ll struggle to make it through the full offering.

Also recommended is the whole lobster, which is an incredible feast, arriving as it does in one piece, but prepared for you to easily enjoy the best bits. Whilst ripping into your lobster, you’ll be entertained by the live music, which turns Argentinian on Wednesdays at the tango night — be sure to bring your dancing shoes and a willing partner.

For those keen to try South American cuisine, Pachanga will certainly give you a succulent introduction. Sadly, Peruvian cuy chactado was not on the menu (a guinea pig dish), but the more usual, popular dishes of the continent are there, waiting to be explored. Vegetarians need not apply.

wknd@khaleejtimes.com

In seven words: 
Be prepared to enjoy the meat sweats

What we liked: 
The Brazilian BBQ

What we didn’t like: The columns around the dance floor are an unusual bit of interior decorating

Restaurant best for: Meat-lovers

Cost for two: Dh500 (approx. without drinks)

Did you know: 
Argentineans eat an 
average of 100kg of beef per person per year

Contact: Pachanga, The Hilton Jumeirah Resort, Dubai, 04-3991111

• Food and Dining