Chef Express

Startlingly good burger joint to try 29 Reviews

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From Time Out Dubai Eating Out 2010

It’s easy to assume anyone can make a good burger. Sadly, this is rarely the case. Even the most promising places can dish out overcooked meat, tough or overly bready buns, or unimaginative accoutrements. The list of what can go wrong is unending. That’s why finding a good, trustworthy burger joint is such a treat, and Chef Express is one such place. When the weather is nice, it’s worth making a stop just to sit in the al-fresco area outside, which is carefully decorated with fairy lights and pot plants. Though there’s a range of delicious meat options, we’re fond of the barbecue ranch burger, which comes cooked perfectly to order and topped with smoky bits of turkey bacon and a crispy onion ring. The carrot cake dessert makes a perfect end: the slice is moist and the cream cheese frosting delightfully silken and sweetened to perfection. The icing on the cake is the large range of inexpensive shisha at Dhs25 per pipe.

By Time Out Dubai staff
Time Out Dubai, 29 March 2010

• Previous reviews
  • 19 October,2009- reviewed by Daisy Carrington

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Time Out reviews restaurants anonymously and pays for meals. Of course, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or independence of user reviews.

User reviews:

Posted by: Rashed AlM on 01 Jun ' 11 at 17:02

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• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

I heard about this place on timeoutdubai.com, took my friends to it once, and now its our burger/shisha hangout, i live in jumeira and i still manage to go around 4-5 times a month .. We love chef express, please open this side of town.

Posted by: Grace on 30 Mar ' 11 at 11:54

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• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

The place is difficult to find. the food i don't appreciate at all. waste of time to find a place and not so satisfy to the food specially the service.

Posted by: monther on 13 Aug ' 10 at 12:32

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• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

ive been living in international city for almost 1 and a half year. one of the main issues i used to face is to find a good and clean restaurant. one day while driving in international city ive seen the chef express and the name attracted me. so i decided to and check it. so i was like finally there is 1 good restaurant in the town. food was simply amazing delicious, amazing and tasty specially the burger. even during last Ramadan the if tar buffer was really perfect comparing with the value of the money that i had to pay. let me add that i had a good experience as well and it comes to delivery!! they are the fastest in this earth.

guys i do recommend the chef salad with thousand island dressing! its simply great!!!!

Posted by: Afsaneh Baher on 05 May ' 10 at 16:40

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• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

The place to be!!! Fantastic food, amazing ambience and great Shisha!!!

Posted by: Skip on 20 Apr ' 10 at 21:45

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• Best for: Business lunch
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Always a pleasure to hang out in Chef Express

Posted by: Bonita on 19 Feb ' 10 at 07:48

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FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

M a regular customer at chef express. Got good food milkshakes shisha deserts drinks cocktails...u name it! good value for money and good service!
U can go there for any occasion..with friends family a date or business.it is suitable for all!

Posted by: Kamal on 16 Feb ' 10 at 14:21

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• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Oh yes...now one name that brings a wide grin on my face. Especially cos i am not exactly a burger person,but this one i really loved.we regularly order in from there.It has a distinctive taste, like its made from scratch and not all frozen-deep fried.Just love it! I prefer this to KFC, HArdees and the lot.

Posted by: Bena on 16 Dec ' 09 at 06:35

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• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

A spot to have fun, food and sheesha, all that and easy on the pocket too! :)

Posted by: Adham on 08 Dec ' 09 at 09:28

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• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Its the best Burger in UAE, taste of meals speak for themselves. Very nice place to chill and have a wonderful time.

Posted by: Tareq on 12 Nov ' 09 at 10:03

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• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

This is a charming little place in International City with a gorgeous outdoor seating area with a little fountain. Very atmospheric in the evening. The place is a cafe, with loads of burgers, salads, shisha & desserts. We started with a chef salad and BQ chicken wings. The salad was fresh & crisp and the wings were delicious. Then we had a cheese burger & mexican burger. Portions were very generous and everything was incredibly tasty.
We had the fruit salad which came in a fresh pinneapple boat. Presenation & service was excellent.

Posted by: Dorr on 31 Oct ' 09 at 08:15

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• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Love, love this place!
Good food. Good service.
It makes you feel at home.
Genuine atmosphere.

Posted by: Al Ameen on 28 Oct ' 09 at 06:55

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• Best for: Business lunch
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

I have been here quite a few times. Most of the time I have my business lunch and evening chatt with friends at this place. Very comfortable and a friendly crew.

Posted by: Jam on 27 Oct ' 09 at 19:14

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FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

I read the review on timeout about this place and thought we would try it out. We went out this weekend and found it pleasantly easy to get to contrary to what others have said about International City. Its actually quite lively and full of many eateries.
Chef express has a calm ambiance and very helpful and friendly staff. The food was very filing and definitely value for money. We moved out to the terrace for our dessert of carrot cake to end our evening.
I highly recommend this place to people who live around international city and surrounding areas. I think most of you will be surprised by what it has to offer and you have to go and try it yourself to see that this place has a sense of community and really is not hard to get around. One of the best burgers and great customer service that i had in ages!!

Posted by: Ramon Estrada on 24 Oct ' 09 at 12:00

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• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

Finally found this place after we drove around in that crazy area called International Village. Wow talk about a getto. Still we stuck it out and after trying to ask people how to get into the area we made it. Like an oasis in the desert this is. Shame it would setup out in Intl VIllage. If they open up in the other part of Dubai - count me in.

Posted by: Nimz on 22 Oct ' 09 at 12:43

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FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

As many people who live in International City, life can be very dull at the best of times.....however, I was very fortunate to be staying in the same building as Chef Express.....

It is by far the best chillout spot in International City offering a wide selection of foods and beverages. The burgers are great but pretty much everything on the menu delivers and more.....Highly recommend the excellent salads, seafood selection and healthy fruit salad desert.

As an avid sheesha fanatic Chef Express sheesha team deliver a cracking variety and quality of sheesha. Highly recommend the fresh orange in orange.....fruity!

Above all the friendly smiling staff and value for money keep me coming through their doors, so for those of you not fortunate enough, please jump into a cab and hop on down....it is worth the effort!

Posted by: Alex on 22 Oct ' 09 at 09:21

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• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Went there some time back and thoroughly enjoyed the Burgers, excellent quality and typical huge portions !
I think the secret will be simplicity and freshness, which they managed to hit it.
I dont live in International City anymore but sometimes its worth the drive to go and have my favourire Bacon Burger. Yummy!

Posted by: Jasmin Coleen G. Cabalquinto on 20 Oct ' 09 at 16:10

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FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

I stay here in Dubai at International City M04 Persia Cluster since July 2009. I found Chef Express because of the ambiance especially at night.. it's so romantic coz of candle light,music & dim light outside.. The first time i go at Chef Express when I want to chat with my family using the wi-fi.. I thought that the foods are expensive but its not.. its very affordable!! also the service i like it, they are so approachable,friendly.. i order cheezy fries & my favorite strawberry milk shake!! after that day i said to myself "i'll be back again" i like the place, the people & especially the food! Chef Express is the first restaurant i like it here in Dubai!! Keep it up!!!

Posted by: aiza on 20 Oct ' 09 at 15:57

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• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

my 1st experience here in chef express is such a wonderful thing. is not like the other restaurant here the place is clean and the people are awesome. even the food i really love their strawberry milkshake.. lolx.. love the fries.. haha.. then i am always going there with friends and that place is where me and friends hang out now.. i dont need to go far just to have some relax or what coz that place is something like relaxing especially outside dining area.. well, for me this is the best best for having celebration and have some fun with friends. and i will be go back there again and again.. :)

Posted by: Ambia on 20 Oct ' 09 at 15:12

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FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

The burgers are great but have you tried their Fish & Chips with proper Tartar sauce???? I love this place because its cosy, friendly and great value for money. I take my 19 month old also and she is always greeted by a warm welcome so I would class it as being very family friendly.

Posted by: Husam on 20 Oct ' 09 at 11:07

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FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

I have been several times to Chef Express with my wife and friends. The experience was good almost every time we go there. The staff is very friendly & the food is great. In winter we used to set outdoors where we can hear the sound of the mini fountin, Fayroze songs and smoke the best Grape and Mint shisha in Dubai. although this place is far from my home but i still consider going there atleast 3 to 4 times a month.

Posted by: Desiree Cortez on 20 Oct ' 09 at 10:33

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FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

I went me and my date there last week.i had a Swiss Melt Burger and a Chef Cocktail. It was the best burger i had. and the cocktail taste tempting which made me want more.the ambiance is cool with the New York theme and they had a very big mural from broadway

They have shisha too,we tried the Fresh Pineapple Shisha,their Shisha men are not only experts but artists too coz they made a very nice decor when they serve the shisha.

The staff are friendly, even though they're busy they always make sure to make rounds from time to time and they always put a smile on their face.

Thanks for the lovely time

Posted by: Z on 20 Oct ' 09 at 09:32

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FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

I'm an avid burger lover and by far this is one of the best burger joints I have been to. It has excelled beyond Fuddruckers and Johny Rockets, which for some reason, have dropped the ball somewhere along the line. I have been repeatedly to Chef Express, I have recommended it many of times and so far no one has been disappointed. The portions are generous, the presentation is simple yet appealing to the eye and the ingredients are always fresh. Staff is friendly and are willing to prepare almost anything in the kitchen you would order given they have the ingredients. I also happen to like Shisha which i regularly enjoy there. Two thumbs up and keep up the great work!

Posted by: S. Farmazar on 20 Oct ' 09 at 07:34

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FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

I have eaten there several times and the food and service has been excellent every time. I am not really into burgers but they have the best fish & Chips i had in Dubai. The salads are fresh & tasty.
The service is very warm & welcoming.
It is one of the best hangouts in International City. Well done.

Posted by: Batoul on 19 Oct ' 09 at 23:50

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FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Chef Express is one of my favourite hangout places in dubai,, I go there everyday. you would definietly have a lovely time with great food and shisha. a great place for just a quick snack or a proper meal. you could also enjoy the free wifi and get some work done!
They have an amazing menu and great variety of cocktails & desserts which are delicious.
Their burgers are mouth watering, so moist and cooked to perfection.
staff are welcoming and very friendly. if you haven't been there yet you are actually missing on one of the best burger places in town.
highly recommended for everyone. you'll just love it.

Posted by: Muskan Ohri on 19 Oct ' 09 at 21:36

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• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Love it! I'm a very very picky burger eater but Chef Express stole my heart with their Mushroom Swiss!

Ambiance wise- it's an upscale New York themed diner with a cozy feel to it.

A definite visit!

Posted by: Moh. Amin on 19 Oct ' 09 at 13:47

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FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

That's How i felt, the First Time i went there, i was surprised with burgers and promising Tastes. Since then & on i keep going there almost everyday. Now I can suggest this restaurant to all people with fully confident. Just give it a try and u won't regret. if you want to have either burger or an Unique Salad, this the place i personally guarantee.

The remarkable Advantage about this restaurant is, how friendly staff are, i always have conversation with the owner, i don't just order to Waiters or waitresses, we always have greeting, and that could help you to have a perfect evening there in a real friendly Place.
and don't let me start about the rest of the things there.
Have nice Time in Chef Express.

Posted by: fareedah on 19 Oct ' 09 at 12:14

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FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

soooooooooooo true, when i think of chef express am like mmmmmmmmmmmm good burger, exquisite environment ( so loving the new york theme). ah! and they have one of the best mouth watering carrot cake..and what can i say about the staff, they are always welcoming... definitely a cool place to hang around with your friends or family...so much for a burger joint!!! :) :):)

Posted by: Dorsaf on 19 Oct ' 09 at 12:08

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• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Excellent Place with incredible good service!!!
I guarantee you'll enjoy your time there!!

Posted by: Sultan on 19 Oct ' 09 at 10:51

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FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

I have been living in International City for a while now and I wasn't really content with my surroundings, but when this restaurant opened up the area just lit up! I started seeing more people around.

I was amazed by the quality and the care they put in cooking their burgers, sandwiches or even their breakfast meals, and how healthy and fresh their salads are and how fulfilling and original their juices and cocktails are.

The service there is excellent ! the staff are always welcoming and smiling and I can see that they greet me sincerely, the calm relaxing decor and the ambience are great when I have some friends with me, or when I'm alone reading a book, surfing the free provided internet or playing with their touch screen games.

I'm a bit picky about my shisha and I'm really lucky that they have a couple of experts in the art of making shisha! especially the "Special" shisha that seems like its flavor lasts forever!!

oh yeah and they have the best Monday offer, FREE shisha with any meal! how cool is that!

So seeing that all that is just a few steps from my place, I'm starting to enjoy living in International City!