Street food on the shore

Vicki Da Dhaba is a must stop for diaspora in Dubai to try some great lip-smacking cuisine

On the sidelines of a sandy beach at Jumeirah-Umm Suqeim stands a decorated truck and a tube-shaped caravan, which can hardly be ignored as you pass by! It is known as Vicki Da Dhaba, a unique concept in street food, one that is fresh and direct from the frying pan. What makes this eatery - a unit of Cluster Operations, La Vedette Cafe - awesome is its variety and freshness. Vicki Khubchand Odhrani, the articulate general manager, who prides to be called as an attending chef and spot-manager, says, "Our ingredients are fresh, and chicken and meat used aren't frozen."
A graduate from an Austrian university, Vicki is anti-status quo when it comes to food. His recipes touch the head and heart of a foodie and are so delicious that one can't miss it to revisit. Kite-flying on the shore and blazing Indian music from the truck, playing romantic songs, make it an indispensable spot to stop and try some great cuisine.
Vicki says the Indian truck - the signature symbol of his eatery - was decorated in Dubai by renowned artist, Sajid Ansari, which has been tastefully adorned with colourful pictures, bunnies and lights. So is another caravan from Moscow, which serves American French cuisine. Vicki has a big heart as he gives away complimentary tea for people roaming around, and it all comes with a smile!
Vicki calls it a complete restaurant and not merely a fancy food selling truck. From tea and milkshakes with awesome strawberry and banana flavours, to rolls and pav bhaji to tandoori dishes and crispy roti and desserts, the La Vedette Cafe has everything you can ask for a filling sumptuous meal. The American-French speciality are its burgers, with a great combination of salads you can ask for. So are its well-done chocolate rich desserts. 
The main kitchen is in Al Quoz, from where marinated and half-prepared stuff is frequented to the Jumeirah venue. The food, however, is cooked on the spot. With around 50 people to serve at the helm of affairs, Vicki is the captain on the shore to ensure a delicious serving. New to the emirate, as it opened in December last year, Vicki Da Dhaba is getting famous by the day. That can be ascertained from the rush it gets, and when lovebirds feel like being there to cherish the small moments of their long weekend. The truck-caravan is at work from 9am to midnight, and till 2am on weekends. The makeshift courtyard around the truck has been well-decorated in Sindhi and Rajasthan style with comfortable outdoor seating. A couple of canopies makes it an attractive feature on the beach. Vicki also plans summer special layout on the shore around his truck.
It is a pride point in Dubai as it is an extension of Indian street food concept with a complete local palette in an urban and trendy setting. The food is lip-smacking and undeniably delicious. Be it paneer-coated-chicken or mutton pulao, it is a great deal to try. The language inscribed on the dhaba is Hinglish-Vinglish in essence and cool to pronounce and cheer for people from all walks of life. Surely give it a try!
-mehkri@khaleejtimes.com

• Food and Dining
• Supplements