Why Dubai is making me fat

BY ONEIKA RAYMOND

The food in Dubai is contributing to the rapid expansion of my waistline. Would you like to see some examples of why? 

 
We arrived in Dubai two days later than scheduled (due to a major bungle on my part that I will explain later!), and we have been making up for lost time, food-wise.  There have been many opportunities to indulge our tastebuds, and we have been doing so, without mercy.
 
Some photographic evidence of the things we’ve been eating:
 

Lentil soup with accompanying pita chips

The lovely hotel hosting us during our stay, the Pullman Dubai Mall of the Emirates, has been contributing greatly to the ridiculous amount of calories I have been consuming on a daily basis since my arrival in the UAE.  The food is good and there is a lot of it.  This is dangerous for me- Liebling is long and lithe and has never had to worry about gaining a pound in his life, lucky boy!

An assortment of kebabs: kofta, chicken, and lamb

Tabbouleh- similar to hummus, but made from eggplant

Our first night, we had the pleasure of dining at Bastakiah Nights, a restaurant found in Bur Dubai, the historic centre of town.  I’m usually not very adventurous when it comes to foreign cuisines, but this was a great choice!  We each had a starter, main, and drink for about $30 USD per person.

Berry marble cheescake

 Yesterday, we headed to nearby emirate Abu Dhabi and checked out the Emirates Palace, the hotel which is reputed to be the second most expensive hotel ever built (stay tuned for a post on this place, it is insane). Needing a reason to linger for a bit longer, Liebling and I headed to one of hotel’s cafe and ordered the cheapest things on the menu- one of them being this delectable cheesecake, which was a whopping $16. Very expensive, but very tasty.  Will I pay that much for a piece of cake in the future? Probably not, but for the experience and ambience it was totally worth it and very filling to boot!

So I’m eating well and gaining weight… But instead of crying the blues, I’m taking advantage of the opportunity and my heart is content. Because what’s the point of going on vacay if you can’t enjoy, let your hair down, and loosen your belt a notch?

Which of these dishes catches your fancy? What type of food do you tend to eat when you travel?

Psst! Don’t forget to “like” me on Facebook if you haven’t already! Your support is much appreciated!

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37 Comments

  • Yum! Looks very Mediterranean but also cosmopolitan. I also eat whatever I want on vacation, but I do try to get the local specialties. Looking forward to the post about that crazy expensive hotel!

  • The croissants and pitas look delicious…what can I say I'm a sucker for carbs…

  • Wow, I wouldn't stand a chance if I was there. Everything just looks so delicious!

  • all of it looks so good! I'm looking forward to the rest of the details of your trip!

  • It'd be hard not to indulge in such delicious-looking food like that!

  • I wanna eat all of these foods you posted with especially with extra hummus and banana peppers. Sigh I think I'm gonna go buy a shawarma plate after reading this post.

  • Oh my! I'm so hungry right now and should not be looking at these pictures. LOL! The rice looks like it's super fragrant. Enjoy!

  • I love middle-eastern cuisine and their portions are huge so I understand you "suffering". I cannot diet on a vacation, I don't know how ppl do it, but if I am on vacay I am eating to my heart's content. When you get back deal with the weight, in the meantime have all the fun you can endure.

    Jules

  • I love all of it. When I went to Armenia I ate A LOT!! Even though most of it (if not all) was healthful I over-indulged and left as a whale. When I travel I am pretty much game to eating anything, especially the local fare. I feel your pain girl. But you will be back running it off in no time. Btw, LOVE the long dress!

  • I've been doing a lot better with regards to trying the local food! I figure that I wont have the opportunity when I get back home..

  • It was really good and I basically inhaled it! I dont even know what the red things are! But they sure were tasty!

  • I have the exact same philosophy! I am the worst with portion control- if you put it in front of me, I will eat it! I have to go through some serious detox when I get back to London, but for now I will continue to indulge!

  • This is what I figure! Besides, life is too short not to indulge and have a good time, and who knows when/if I'll make it back to Dubai! So eating everything in sight… lol. And thanks! I got it in Seattle at Marshalls last summer!

  • I will take 1 of everything please! Yuuuuuuuum!!!

  • I eat anything and everything when I travel. I am so hungry at the moment and all of these photos are not helping the situation!!

  • Honestly…I stick to rice and beans…I know…very boring! My stomach is weak! And I first started traveling to Central/South America where rice and beans is a staple. Would you believe that I have never been to Europe/Middle East/Asia…
    That cycle will be broken soon when I head to Istanbul in a few months!
    The Tabouleh looks amazing to me!

  • everything looks so yummy! How is the price of food over there? Good for you for trying some local cuisines! Best part about travelling!

  • I'm so sorry, but just trying to actively document my adventures abroad… Many of which include food.. LOL! And I'm just a glutton hahah. 🙂

  • Sorry my dear!! Hopefully these pics can keep you warm during a brutal Winnipeg winter! lol

  • Lucky girl! You HAVE to have the Turkish pancakes when you go to Istanbul! I LIVED on those when I was there! I wish I could remember the real name, but they are kinda like quesadillas with different fillings!

  • I have to do a post on prices. Food was kinda expensive, I'm not going to lie! Not super duper expensive, but definitely comparable to eating out in North America!

  • Oh wow! I can’t wait! I’m gonna be in Dubai this June. I heard it’s going to be HAWT but I can’t wait. This post looks delicious!!!

    Eartha

  • Wow, thanks for sharing. We’ll be traveling to Dubai in October and can’t wait to try some of these delicious dishes.

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