Australia Day in Dubai: burgers, brunches and barbecues
Say G’day to the best Australia Day deals in town…
Border restrictions be damned, we’re going to do Australia Day the best way we know how: with bucket loads of beer, burgers and lamingtons. With a week of events surrounding Australia’s National Day on January 26, here’s where homesick Aussies can celebrate Australia Day in Dubai this year…
Grove Road
When: January 22 to 28
This Australia bistro at the Pointe, Palm Jumeirah, is coming to the party with a week-long special menu of Aussie favourites. Grove Road’s ‘Sweet As’ menu features a classic chicken parma (that’s a crumbed chicken breast topped with napoli sauce and melted cheese, for the uninitiated), meat pies, fish and chips, and a Bunnings-style snag (if you know, you know). On the sweet front, expect tuck-shop staples including lamingtons and vanilla slice. They’re also offering an Eski full of five drinks for Dhs150.
Grove Road, the Pointe West, Palm Jumeirah, Sun to Thu from 5pm, Fri and Sat from noon. Tel: (04) 564 9874. @grove_road_by_bystro
Bidi Bondi
When: January 22 to 27
Bidi Bondi is celebrating Australia Day with a range of events this year. Things kick off with the annual ‘Straya Day brunch on Friday January 22, priced at Dhs199 for an all-inclusive Aussie barbecue. On Saturday January 23, listen to a live stream of the Triple J Hottest 100 from 9am, with a barbecue all day. On Tuesday January 26, enjoy classic Australian tunes and a sausage sizzle. Then, wrap things up with the ‘Straya-themed quiz night on Wednesday January 27.
Bidi Bondi, Al Manhal, Shoreline Residences, Palm Jumeriah, Jan 22 to 27. bidibondi.com/straya-day
Jones the Grocer
When: January 22 to February 9
Satisfy those cravings for a proper Aussie burger (we’re talking beetroot, pineapple, fried egg, the works) at Jones the Grocer. To celebrate Australia Day in Dubai, the Sydney-born cafe chain is serving a dedicated menu from January 22 to February 9, loaded with massive burgers and nostalgic desserts, including pavlovas, vanilla slice and lamingtons. You can also pick up a hamper packed with all-Australian ingredients, for a true taste of home.
Jones the Grocer, various locations in the UAE, Jan 22 to Feb 9. jonesthegrocer.com
Yalumba
When: Friday January 29
Dubai’s first ever ‘party brunch’ is still going strong, some 15 years after it first bounded onto the scene. Next Friday, it will be celebrating its South Australian roots with an Aussie Day brunch. It’s priced at just Dhs259, including house wine and drinks for four hours.
Friday Brunchology, Yalumba, Le Meridien Dubai Airport Hotel, Fri 29, 12.30pm to 4.30pm, Dhs259 house drinks, Dhs529 premium drinks. Tel: (04) 702 2455. yalumbadubai.com
Bull & Roo
When: January 24 to 30
Bull & Roo’s Australian-accented cafes will be serving Aussie faves from January 24 to 30. Head to the Sum of Us, Tom & Serg or Common Grounds for a cheeky chicken parma, jam doughnuts and lamingtons. You can also order the lamingtons and doughnuts directly from Rise & Dawn Bakehouse.
The Sum of Us @_thesumofus_, Tom & Serg @_tomandserg_, Common Grounds (JLT, DIFC and Mall of the Emirates) @_common.grounds_, and Rise & Dawn Bakehouse, @_riseanddawn_
Reform Social & Grill
When: Saturday January 30
The Australian Business Council in Dubai is hosting a Big Family Barbecue at Reform Social & Grill, Saturday January 30. It’s a dual celebration for Australia Day and Waitangi Day, with a barbecue, thong tossing, bogan bingo and a jumping castle. It’s Dhs299 with house drinks or Dhs199 with soft drinks from noon to 3pm. Mates rates kick in from 3pm to 5pm, and under 12s dine for free.
Reform Social & Grill, The Lakes, Sat Jan 30, noon to 3pm. abcduae.com
The Pangolin
When: Saturday January 23
Listen to Triple J’s Hottest 100 while you tuck into party pies, Bunnings’ sausages, or lamb chops with potato salad, with a selection of Aussie drinks from Dhs26. The Pangolin’s ‘Straya Day celebrations are running all day this Saturday, January 23, from 12pm.
The Pangolin, Els Club, Dubai Sports City. Tel: (054) 4438 288. thepangolindubai.com
The Blacksmith Bar & Eatery
When: January 26 to 30
This laidback Dubai Marina eatery has added some Australian pub classics to its menu for the week, including a chicken parma and an Aussie meat pie on the mains, and a fruity pavlova for dessert. They’re even pouring pints of Fosters for Dhs35 if you dare.
The Blacksmith Bar & Eatery, Tue Jan 26 to Sat Jan 30. Tel: (04) 407 8873. @theblacksmithdubai
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