Food Bites: vote for your favourites at the BBC Middle East food awards

Plus Noodle House to open in Dubai Mall, Le Royal Méridien's brunch combines three restaurants' fare, Ruth's Chris drops steak from lunch menu, and taste the world at Dusit Thani Dubai.

A chicken dish from the brunch at Amalfi, at Le Royal Meridien in Abu Dhabi.

Voting for the third annual BBC Good Food Middle East awards is underway. There's a whole host of categories – from best restaurant, best chef, and even favourite tea and coffee brand. If you participate in the nomination process, you will be entered in a draw to win a three-night stay at the Dusit Thani Maldives. Visit www.bbcgoodfoodme.com/awards/2012.

Ever since the first Noodle House opened in Jumeirah Emirates Towers in 2002, the chain has gained a reputation for serving decent, reasonably priced South-East Asian food in a relaxed atmosphere. In September, the 15th Noodle House in the region will open at The Dubai Mall. An outdoor terrace offers views of the Dubai Fountain and the Burj Khalifa.

The Friday brunch at the Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi is worth a try, featuring food from three of the hotel’s restaurants: Amalfi (Italian), Soba (Asian) and L’Opera (international). The brunch is priced at a reasonable Dh140 per person (including soft drinks and pool access) and children eat for half the price. Call 800 101 101.

Ruth's Chris Steak House is known for its cuts of meat, but a new lunch menu at both outlets (the H Hotel and The Address Dubai Marina) eschews steak entirely, in favour of dishes such as fish and chips, lobster bisque and shrimp and chop salad. A two-course lunch costs Dh99; Dh119 for three courses. For more information, visit www.ruthschris.ae.

There’s plenty going on this September at the Dusit Thani Dubai on Sheikh Zayed Road. Every Sunday it’s Mediterranean night at The Californian, featuring French, Spanish and Italian dishes for Dh130. On Mondays, the restaurant serves up a variety of South-East Asian dishes, again for Dh130. On Tuesdays, it’s New Orleans BBQ night. Call 04 317 4515.