Make Art Café, Dubai

Dubai, a once upon a time deserted land has now levelled its dunes to make way for shimmery glass-encased buildings that gloat with Kardishiansque bling and imported haute cuisine which attracts tourists from all over the world. But sometimes all you need is a break from that bling! And if you are looking to spend some peaceful or quiet time, without the pretension, the glam, the profligacy, the grandiose that this desert city is known for, then this place has to be your ‘The place’.

The Burj was Dubai’s lavish magic carpet ride into an epoch of glamour, global fashion, and record-breaking feats from the tallest building to the world’s one of the first 7-star hotel. But to truly experience multi-cultural Dubai, one has to ditch the glamour of these places and wander closer to the historic areas flanking the Dubai Creek. It is this part of the town that has buttered Dubai’s bread since it rose as a tourist attraction over the past few decades.

While entering this café, I felt as if I was opening my history book which talks about the Middle East, surrounded by the oldest museum and historical architecture of the past, this café gives a roof to the tourists and Emiratis who are looking for excellent food and a great time. It gives you an authentic feel and vibe of the Middle Eastern culture and a good break from the skyscrapers of downtown.

Make Art Café is a spot in the city’s historic quarter; the brown walls and space feel light and airy, while the brightly coloured and imaginative use of Arabic patterns gives it a young & eclectic look!

The interior is rooted in the culture with the use of wood everywhere to give a very rustic feel to it. It’s also a creative hub, attracting artists who come to check the endless number of beautiful paintings hung on the wall.

Yummy Yummy Food

Prawn Noodles – Noodles, being the staple diet in many cultures is used extensively in Far Eastern cuisine to accompany soup, sauces, and stir-fried dishes. These noodles were fresh, cooked to perfection and the crunchiness of the prawns added its own charm to the noodles.

Quinoa salad with chicken – When something like quinoa with bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, olives, black bean, crumbled feta and walnuts are put together, it calls for a wholesome meal in itself. This is truly a show stealer for me because this is not only a healthy quinoa salad but also really tasty one! Also, the juicy chicken and the salad dressing made this dish quite exotic!

Vegetable Sandwich – Brown warm bread with garlicky red-pepper, spices and a combo of cucumbers, olives, pepperoncini, tomatoes, radishes, greens, and feta calls for a healthy and flavorful lunch. This is the tastier and healthier way to get all your veggies wrapped in the bread!

Muesli dessert – A dessert is what everyone eagerly awaits and when they said, “delicacy is made with healthy ingredients full of nutrients”, you just want to dig in. This Muesli dessert falls in the same category of being healthy and delicious at the same time.

The selection of teas, coffees, and juices is vast, comprehensive and the best we’ve tried in the city.

Chocolate brownie with Vanilla – It’s rare to go wrong with the brownie and these folks did it just right, this chocolate brownie was baked to perfection and the vanilla ice cream on the top added magic to the this.

The service is impeccable with friendly and polite staff. It’s not cheap, but for the quality and experience alone, it’s worth every penny. These unassuming but soul-feeding kitchens are where the taste of Dubai truly is and is cherished and treasured.

This is the café where they speak the language of food and art speaks heart!