Samad
As you enter through sandy brick arches, you are greeted warmly and led past an open kitchen of revolving kebabs, glinting blades and licking flames to seats among intricately carved dark wood 8 Reviews
Iraqis have rarely been confined to a single region. Tormented by conflict, sanctions and dictatorship for over 30 years, many fled their homeland in search of a better life. But the very earliest Iraqi tribes were nomadic, roaming the land in search of food, water and grazing for their animals. One thing that unites both ancient and modern Iraqis is their cuisine, which has evolved and adapted to suit all kinds of environments and cultures. And at the end of Deira’s bustling Al Muraqqabat Street, you can find a small collection of restaurants that bear testimony to this.
One such place serving the Iraqi diaspora in Dubai is Samad, the local branch of a Baghdad chain. Casting a warm glow upon the street through its yawning windows, it’s an inviting prospect for non-Iraqis too. As you enter through sandy brick arches, you are greeted warmly and led past an open kitchen of revolving kebabs, glinting blades and licking flames to seats among intricately carved dark wood. Instantly, a small yet welcoming bowl of potato and vegetable soup arrives next to a basket of nan and samoon breads. Then there are plates of black olives, pickles and a bowl of natural yoghurt on ice – not to mention a hearty platter of fresh vegetables on a bed of green leaves.
A glance at the menu reveals how Samad has adapted its food to cater for Dubai’s diverse cultural mix, with a Western selection of dishes and an array of Middle Eastern favourites, such as Lebanese tabbouleh. You’d be well advised, however, to plump for the traditional Iraqi shammi.
What looks like an inflated pillowcase of crisp batter arrives on a base of bread and a scattered salad of white cabbage, onions, cucumber and crimson tomatoes. Tear the dome open to reveal an Aladdin’s cave of tender lamb and chicken pieces tumbling over fragrant wild rice, noodles, sultanas and pine nuts beneath a seductive plume of steam. Like your hosts at Samad, you’ll be thankful you made the journey to this Iraqi haven here in Dubai.
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