We've all heard of fusion dining, but Chalet in Dubai has taken the concept to another level, bringing us what might be termed confusion cuisine. Located in a small shack with a mock-Swiss roof, the restaurant has American-style bench seating and serves Arabic, Indian and Chinese dishes, all of which can be washed down with a Bickford's cola from Australia.
We went with the falafel plate for a starter, which came in small patties - or, more accurately, pucks. When we'd finished chewing, we moved on to our main courses and things improved. I had Murgh Shan, a Punjabi dish of julienned chicken cooked in a spicy tomato and cashew gravy.
The bird was moist and the sauce textured, with a good blend of sweetness and tang. Our other main was Chin Chin Lamb, which promised shredded lamb braised in oyster sauce. The meat actually came in strips, but was well cooked and as lean as could be hoped. The gravy was simple but well flavoured, with a satisfying smoky undertone.
The gloopiness often associated with oyster sauce was, happily, not an issue. With both dishes, the portions were inordinately generous, and the entire bill came to Dh122. The only real disappointment was the Australian cola. Culinary adventurism, it seems, has its limits.
Jumeirah Beach Road, near Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai (04 348 7351)
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
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Tax authority targets shisha levy evasion
The Federal Tax Authority will track shisha imports with electronic markers to protect customers and ensure levies have been paid.
Khalid Ali Al Bustani, director of the tax authority, on Sunday said the move is to "prevent tax evasion and support the authority’s tax collection efforts".
The scheme’s first phase, which came into effect on 1st January, 2019, covers all types of imported and domestically produced and distributed cigarettes. As of May 1, importing any type of cigarettes without the digital marks will be prohibited.
He said the latest phase will see imported and locally produced shisha tobacco tracked by the final quarter of this year.
"The FTA also maintains ongoing communication with concerned companies, to help them adapt their systems to meet our requirements and coordinate between all parties involved," he said.
As with cigarettes, shisha was hit with a 100 per cent tax in October 2017, though manufacturers and cafes absorbed some of the costs to prevent prices doubling.
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
