The finest restaurants in Dubai are often locally run and owned rather than part of larger chains, and one standout is the charming Bait Maryam. Ranked #28 on the World’s 50 best Middle Eastern and North African restaurant list, it’s also home to the Best Female Chef of 2023 by Forbes Middle East and boasts a Michelin Bib Gourmand. Located in the Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Bait Maryam was opened in 2017 by Salam Dakkak, whose vision and name of the restaurant were inspired by her mother. In Arabic, “bait” means home, and the space truly embodies this, with cozy wooden tables, traditional ceramic tiles, decorative trinkets, and rows of condiments creating a warm, homey atmosphere. Guests can find it indoors or in the lovely outdoor glass greenhouse, which overlooks Dubai’s stunning water and skyscrapers.
The menu celebrates Levantine culinary heritage with recipes passed down for generations from grandmothers to mothers to daughters, blending flavours from Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan. Bait Maryam serves up various Arabic comfort foods with traditional and modern twists. Featured on “Somebody Feed Phil” the restaurant drew me in for its authentic flavours and home-style cooking. The hummus was velvety smooth, while the lamb kebab Hammodi was presented beautifully, with vibrant reds, greens, and whites. We paired these with freshly pressed pomegranate juice and mint tea.
The meal was rounded out with fresh salads like the crisp, tangy Fatoush, and piping hot pitas, perfect for scooping up mezze. Although the chicken and rice were a touch dry for me, the Manakeesh flatbread was great, we enjoyed the one with cheese and zaatar, and there were several variations like Kafka and cheese, and even a sweet Nutella and Halawa version. The extensive menu can feel overwhelming, but the warm and attentive staff are more than happy to help you navigate and guide you- a fact reflected by the restaurant’s Welcome Service Award. The restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Although alcohol-free, Bait Maryam offers plenty of tempting beverage options. The portions are generous, the prices are affordable, and the ambiance is refreshingly genuine, setting it apart from Dubai’s glitzy dining scene. This little gem is a true tribute to Middle Eastern comfort food, with passion and love infused into every dish.
Happy dining,
Shanea
12/07/2024
