From Time Out Dubai Eating Out 2011

Now that it boasts three branches across Dubai, you’ve no real reason for choosing to visit the lacklustre Mall of the Emirates spot unless you already happen to be there. Situated between several other open-fronted restaurants, it is no doubt the one you can most rely on for consistently decent Arabic fare. If you’re able to look past the rather-too family friendly atmosphere, filled with the often deafening wailing of badly behaved children, you will find much to enjoy on Al Hallab’s Levantine menu.

Piping hot pillows of steam-filled pita bread accompany speedily demolished bowls of houmous and fresh, zesty tabouleh, proving their mezze is not to be messed with. Even the lentil soup, though tepid, boasts a perfect balance of cumin and pulses, but an order of shish taouk (managed so magnificently by the Garhoud branch) is well marinated, though a little on the tough side. But if we thought the poultry was a challenge, it was nothing compared to attempts to make eye contact with the restaurant’s staff. All in all, we felt like Al Hallab’s Mall of the Emirates team were letting the side down. For best results? Stick to the chain’s other outlets until this lot have upped their game.