Smiling BKK

Quirky Thai Al Wasl Road 5 Reviews

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From Time Out Dubai Eating Out 2009

The Dubai eating institution that is Smiling BKK inspired an entire cover story in Time Out Dubai, with the headline, ‘Secret city’. This was because of its clandestine location – set among Jumeirah villas, only indicated by its neon sign boasting a mustachioed Mona Lisa.

To experience it, you need to have heard of it, Chinese (or should that be Thaiwhispers style, from a friend – or now, us. Unlike Dubai’s endless round of five-star fine diners and below-par canteens, the BKK boasts real charm and absurdity. Its interior consists of dangling coloured lights, photos of customers mixed in with magazine shots of celebs – and a very deceptive mirror that makes you think the place is twice as big as it actually is.

The menu, meanwhile, looks like a bored teen has been at it, renaming all the dishes with names such as ‘Billy Jean’s not my lover’ (steamed fish with basil, lemon and chilli), ‘Fook yu’ (noodles in Thai gravy with meat or seafood) and ‘Six inches of glory’ (sticky rice). Quite. Certain nights of the week you’re invited to sing for your supper (or, at least, shake a tambourine if you require assistance), and every night the staff are cheeky and chirpy.

But what sort of dinner should you expect? An extremely reasonably priced, albeit average one. Still, you’re sure to come out smiling.

By Time Out Dubai staff
Time Out Dubai, 30 March 2009

• Previous reviews
  • 19 May,2008- reviewed by Chris Anderson
  • 26 March,2008- reviewed by Jeremy Lawrence
  • 12 March,2007- reviewed by Time Out Dubai Staff
  • 17 January,2007- reviewed by Time Out Dubai Staff

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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.

Posted by: Jinna on 01 Oct ' 09 at 12:27

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• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

I've been to this place recently and it was absolutely disappointed. First, I called them up to find out the location with street number and staff could not even answer it. So I had to go back to Post office to follow their instruction. Second, they were having problem with power (disconnected) and restaurant was very dark. Third, the staff did not look they care about the customers. They were right next to our table but I had to raise my voice to get their attention. Fourth, They used any page of fashion magazine as a place mate which was shocking. I did not even feel like to leave my cutlery there.The most importantly, food was not impressive at all, curry was watery and meat they used (especially beef) was bad quality.

Posted by: nsl on 16 Jul ' 09 at 13:41

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• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

This is one of the most unusual and interesting places in Dubai. Food was very nice and the atmosphere was quirky and friendly a very nice change from all the super posh, pretentious places in the fancy hotels.

Give it a try - you'll be pleasantly amused if you go with a sense of humor and a healthy appetite!

Posted by: rachel on 14 Jul ' 09 at 18:29

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

I WENT THERE WITH MY FAMILY AND TOTALLY ENJOYED IT. THE FOOD WAS DELICIOUS AND ALL THE STAFF REALLY FRIENDLY. THE ONLY THING I DIDN'T LIKE WAS THE OUTSIDE TOILET. I HAD GREEN COCONUT CURRY AND PRAWN CAKES AND THEY WERE YUM! THE PRICES ARE FINE AND AFTER TALKING WITH THE OWNER MYSELF I CAN CERTAINLY SAY THEY ARE LOVELY PEOPLE WHO ENJOY THE PLACE AND DON'T PUT ON ANY AIRS OR GRACES. FOR WHAT IT IS, THE PLACE IS GREAT. IF YOU WANT UPMARKET THEN THERE IS AN ENDLESS CHOICE. GO JUST FOR THE FUN OF IT.

Posted by: Shweta on 05 Jun ' 09 at 14:47

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• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

A mustachioed Mona Lisa welcomes you to this quirky, unusual restaurant. Inside, there's more craziness - mismatched multicolored lights, dishes with names like 'Fook Mi' and a little rattle to get the waiter's attention. Everything sounds really good but somehow we felt the quality was lacking. Our mains arrived before our appetizers, the hot plate was kinda lukewarm and overall the food was below par. The only dish we enjoyed was the flat rice noodles with shrimp. Well worth a visit just for the 'off the radar' atmosphere, but the food may not make you want to return.

Posted by: Dara on 27 Apr ' 09 at 07:43

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

Having visited this place when it first opened I found it contained all the ingredients for the restaurant with the best of everything. It had the decor, the difference, the price and the meals were fantastic. Recently I've been back after some time and to say I'm disappointed would be an understatement. The sauces were watery and tasteless, the meat of poor quality, the service was terrible (even though there was nobody there except us) and the prices had gone up considerably. It still holds a certain charm but it's completely spoilt by the fact that the proprietors are obviously more interested in making money by cutting corners rather than keeping clientelle.

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