How many have you tried?

Dubai is a place where big-name restaurants open almost every other day. Celebrity chefs flock from all over the world to bring their gourmet delights to our shores. Fast food giants pop up faster than you can say, “would you like fries with that?”

But we’re all about the little guys. These are the places that aren’t necessarily located on the tourist strips, in the fancy hotels or the shopping malls. These are the places worth seeking out; the neighbourhood stalwarts loved by locals. The places where you can eat like a king and still have change leftover from Dhs100.

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Well, the Dubai Food Festival has just made finding these secret spots a little easier, thanks to its 2018 hidden gems competition.

The top 10 hidden gems were found through an online voting process that allowed the public to pick their favourites out of 35 shortlisted lesser-known restaurants and cafes in the city, that offer value-for-money dining options.

Oh, and throughout Dubai Food Festival, these restaurants will all be offering a one-day-only special deal, where diners can enjoy a two-course meal for only Dhs25 per person.

Here are Dubai’s top 10 hidden gems for 2018…

1. SMAT CAFE & RESTAURANT 

With an Arabian-style setting, Smat Cafe & Restaurant offers traditional Emirati recipes that have been passed on through generations. You’ll find this gem within the Al Barajeel Oasis Complex in Uptown Mirdiff.

Meal Deal: March 6

 2. CHAI AND CO.

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Enjoy an out-of-the-pot experience with piping hot karak tea and mouth-watering Emirati bites at this cafe in Al Warqa.

Meal deal: March 5

3. FISH HUT 

From seasonal king fish and hammour to tiger prawns and calamari, indulge in continental seafood dishes created to suit all tastes. Fish Hut is located in Oud Metha.

Meal deal: February 25

 4. AYUBOWAN

Offering a variety of Sri Lankan delights, Ayubowan can be found at Cluster N in JLT. This place is sure to take you on a culinary journey through the Silk Route, with a wide range of Sri Lankan delicacies.

Meal deal: February 27

5. WOK N ROLL 

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Right in the heart of Al Barsha, this Asian fusion restaurant offers incredible food, including dim sum, rolls and noodles – all at very reasonable prices.

Meal deal: February 28

6. THAT PLACE CAFE 

Located in Jumeirah 3, That Place brings together flavours and iconic dishes from around the world and places them in round, scrumptious buns (just look at that chicken shawarma bun).

Meal deal: February 26

7. GRUB SHACK

With Goan, Chinese, Indian and North Indian cuisine on offer, Grub Shack in Umm Hurrair serves up hearty food and fun vibes, all in a rustic setting.

Meal deal: March 1

8. HOT PALAYOK 

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Tucked away in Al Karama, this Filipino restaurant serves all manner of delicious treats, from Pinoy favourites like adobo and tilapia to pan-Asian food like ramen and sushi.

Meal deal: March 4

9. TUM TUM ASIA 

As well as a trendy take on Asian street food, Tum Tum Asia in Oud Metha also offers a wide selection of vegetarian dishes.

Meal deal: March 7

 10. WOODEN CELLAR

Located at Dubai Sports City, Wooden Cellar offers Greek dishes inspired by the kitchens of grandmothers (affectionately called ‘Yiayias’). Tuck into tender meats roasted on a spit or souvla.

Meal deal: March 8

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Featured image: Smat Cafe & Restaurant, That Place Cafe, Wooden Cellar