Team Social Kandura enjoys exploring Dubai, especially ones involving food and travel through time. We came across a small gastronomic secret in the Old Souk of Bur Dubai, along the Creek, on one of these quests to find hidden jewels beyond the high-speed lanes and modern architectural marvel of Dubai.
A little path leading to the entrance of a 75-year-old renovated heritage building is hidden away in the labyrinth of the souk, draped with vibrant roof-top shades with a length of shops on both sides. Numerous vendors will try to persuade you to buy souvenirs as you move deeper into the building.
This structure, which looks out over Dubai Creek, has seen several generations of travelers and is full of historical tales. This edifice, which served as a meeting place for sailors heading to South Bombay, India, and Iraq, is today recognized as one of Dubai’s heritage sites and is home to the renowned Bayt Al Wakeel restaurant. Bayt and Wakeel together in Arabic translate to “the agent’s house.”
As expected, foodies can binge on delectable Emirati cuisine-inspired seafood and Arabic grilled meat dishes. But, what caught our attention was the restaurant’s glass-bottomed floor. Yes! The floor is made of glass, heavy enough to withstand your weight (fret not). Diners can enjoy a meal with stunning sea views above and below!
Enjoy A Lavish emirati meal with stunning sea views above & below
Fish is traditionally cooked in Emirati houses by being pinned on a stick and placed in a barbeque with the other end of the stick connected to the coal bed at an oblique angle.
Lebanese cuisine, which is popular among the younger Emirati generations, is also offered at the restaurant. According to some, shawarma, hummus, tabbouleh, and mixed grilled platters are now standard fare at Emirati dinner tables, but these are actually relatively recent additions.
When visitors visit the restaurant, which has earned a spot on travelers’ lists of must-see locations in the city, they are introduced to various Arabian flavors, meat preparations, and cooking styles through the meal. You can binge on a wide range of salads, grilled meat, fish basket, golden fried shrimps, Spinach Sambousek and much more.
One is left wondering what it must have been like to be standing there 75 years ago as the sun light streams into the sand-colored walls of Bayt Al Wakeel, a building with traditional inside seats and modern outside glass seating overlooking the Creek.
Bayt Al Wakeel is a well-liked destination for travelers from all over the world and is among Dubai’s must-see historical monuments. It is also well-liked by locals because of its extensive and varied menu of Emirati cuisine.
A meeting point of the old and the new, this is an ideal location to catch a glimpse of the setting sun and enjoy a hearty meal!
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