UAE food news: new restaurants Pokai, Nostos and Masala Bazaar open in Dubai

Plus: dining deals and prizes at The Galleria Al Maryah Island and Yas Island; and dinner with chef Akira Back

The beef teriyaki poke bowl from Pokai. Courtesy of Pokai

Following its success as a delivery-only concept, Pokai, which specialises in fresh Hawaiian cuisine and poke bowls, has opened its first restaurant in Dubai Internet City. Its healthy menu features six signature bowls, including the spicy tuna tartare, beef teriyaki and tropical salmon, while customers can also get adventurous with the build-your-own versions. Salads make up another part of the menu, with options such as sea bream ceviche, yuzu miso shrimp and marinated chicken. For dessert, try a date pudding pot or mango and citrus cake, or opt for a healthy treat with the gluten-free avocado brownie.

Greek restaurant Nostos opens in Dubai

Nostos is in Mercure Dubai Barsha Heights

New Mediterranean restaurant Nostos has recently popped up in Mercure Dubai Barsha Heights, offering foodies an authentic Greek dining experience within a contemporary setting. The casual, family-friendly eatery offers traditional dishes such as souvlaki, moussaka, kleftiko, flame-grilled meat, seafood wraps and more. Customers can also tuck into hearty but healthy soups and salads, and try appetisers such as fava beans with octopus, stuffed calamari with feta cheese, and rustic Spetsofai spicy beef sausage with peppers and garlic. Mains include the delicious-sounding Mosharaki Kokinisto beef casserole and Pikilia Thalasinon platter (a mix of grilled prawns, mussels, battered cod, grilled sea bass and a green salad).

Contemporary Indian restaurant Masala Bazaar launches in Dubai

Masala Bazaar opened its doors at the Park Regis Kris Kin hotel in Bur Dubai on Thursday, February 13, offering foodies traditional Indian fare with a contemporary twist. Dishes to watch out for include hariyali murgh biryani (chicken biryani with spinach, coriander and green chilli), chingri malai curry (prawns cooked in a coconut and mustard sauce), teen mirch murgh (a sweet yet tangy chicken dish) and the signature Hyderabad mutton chops marinated in an onion masala. Classic Indian dishes such as murgh malai kofta (tender chicken dumplings in a buttery sauce) and tangdi kebab (chicken drumsticks marinated with yoghurt) also find a place on the menu, served up alongside classy interiors that pay tribute to India with colourful murals and dimly lit lanterns.

Take a picture of your food to win a dining voucher on Yas Island

CrazyShakes at Black Tap, one of the restaurant's participating in the competition

Snapping a quick picture of your meal before you've even tasted it is the new normal – so why not sweeten the deal by throwing a prize into the mix? The Fountains, located between Yas Mall and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, is inviting guests to share their most Instagrammable dishes for a chance to win a dining voucher worth Dh200 until Thursday, February 27. Simply head to any of the dozen-plus restaurants located at the casual dining destination, including BlackTap (pictured) and Burger Fuel, and take a picture of what you deem the most mouthwatering dish there, post it on Instagram, and tag and follow the handle @thefountains_yasmall. Entries will be judged by a panel of lifestyle influencers, and winners will be announced every week.

Enjoy foodie offers and deals at The Galleria Al Maryah Island

The new extension of the Galleria is hosting a dining campaign until Saturday, February 29. Collect the restaurant guide from any Guest Services desk or download it from thegalleria.ae to take advantage of the various offers. These include: Dh29 lunches at Burger Fuel, Off the Hook, Charley's Philly Steaks, Pizza Hut and Raising Cane's; and business lunch deals at 99 Sushi (Dh149), Coya (Dh130), LPM Restaurant & Bar (Dh180), Zuma (Dh137) and Roberto's (Dh90). Elsewhere, enjoy buy-one-get-one-free deals at Taqado, Eat Greek and Bentley Kitchen. Finally, Bouchon Bakery, Royal Orchid, Bombay Canteen and Loca will offer complimentary desserts with lunch and dinner.

Sit down to an expertly prepared meal with chef Akira Back

Chef Akira Back

Michelin-lauded chef Akira Back will return to Dubai on February 26 and 27 to serve two curated menus at his eponymous restaurant at W Dubai – Palm Jumeirah (the chef also has a second eatery Paru on Bluewaters Island). Guests will get a chance to meet and chat to the chef, and try his delicious Japanese and Korean creations first-hand. Tomorrow's menu comprises five courses, including cured yellowtail, truffle and umami aioli, tuna tataki, 48-hour short ribs and, for dessert, a creamy yuzu cheesecake. Thursday's dinner includes signature bites such as tuna pizza, braised short rib, served with Asian slaw, and rock shrimps. The menus are priced at Dh495. Bookings are recommended and can be made by contacting [e-mail] or 04 245 5800.

Try an indulgent plant-based dessert at Zest

Vegan fudge brownie by Zest x Artiserie

Sometimes we all need a little treat, but Zest's new fudge brownie with artisan ice cream is not quite as sinful as many. The restaurant and food delivery service, which is known for dishing out healthy food, has teamed up with Artiserie, a start-up creamerie, to create the indulgent vegan dessert, which features a rich and decadent vegan brownie topped with pistachio ice cream (made with coconut milk and cashew nuts) and home-made chocolate sauce. Besides being dairy-free, it's also free of gluten and refined sugar, making it a healthier treat. The restaurant will continue to work with Artiserie and add more dairy-free gelatos and sorbets to its menu soon.

Publique offers two dishes for the price of one

Raclette at Publique

Pay Dh200 instead of Dh400 for a 300-gram rib-eye steak and sole meuniere, or enjoy a goat’s cheese salad and sea bass ceviche for Dh65 instead of Dh130 at Publique on Sunday, March 1. The French restaurant, located at Souk Madinat Jumeirah, will celebrate its third birthday by offering customers a buy-one-get-one free deal on all dishes from noon onwards. Other enticing options on the menu include: grilled octopus, dynamite shrimp and beef carpaccio, plus Publique’s signature fondue, raclette and pierrade.

Leaplings, enjoy a free brunch at Park Hyatt Dubai

Leap-year babies or "leaplings" may only get to celebrate their actual birthday once every four years, but Park Hyatt Dubai is set to make it worth their while. The hotel is offering all those born on February 29 a complimentary Traiteur brunch on Friday, February 28. All they have to do is mention the offer when making the booking and present a valid ID on the day. They can then enjoy the best the kitchen has to offer, including Burgundy snails, pan-seared foie gras, scallops, freshly shucked Fine de Claire oysters, and a selection of gourmet cheeses, charcuterie and terrines. The brunch is otherwise priced at Dh495 per person for the soft drinks package.

Health food restaurant Flow Dubai opens new branch

Home-grown healthy eating and creative hub Flow has launched its second branch in the Mastercard building in Dubai Internet City. On the menu are favourites such as chunky monkey pancakes, spiced chicken sliders and grilled sea bass, while customers also have the option to build their own pancakes, pasta and oats. The branch will also serve an extensive range of coffees (from classic espressos and Americanos to date lattes and mochaccinos, all customisable with a variety of milks, including almond, soy and camel). To celebrate the launch, the branch has an ongoing Bring a Friend offer, with buy-one-get-one deals on items from its grab-and-go section every day from 4pm to 6pm.