If the only thing you knew about Armenia is that it’s where the Kardashians are from, then prepare to be enlightened

Not quite sure what Lebanese-Armenian fusion food entails? You soon will. When we heard the latest addition to the Boulevard in Downtown was going to bring us authentic Lebanese-Armenian food, we admit we pictured a frantic family dinner with the Kardashians and some sort of diva-led meltdown. But what we got couldn’t have been further from car crash reality TV.

Walking into the cosy café immediately kicked any worries to the side. The chatty staff picked up on our confused expressions as we tried to navigate the complex menu.

Hummus was given a new twist with the addition of smoked sausage, which proved a more satisfying starter than we expected and left us with space to dig in to stuffed peppers and lightly fried kebbeh.

While waiting for our main course we noticed a birthday party in one room and just one empty table in the other room – a good indication that Mayrig has taken off.

Suddenly, three waiters appeared with steaming plates, including a rich tomato-based sausage casserole, flatbread topped with mince beef and kebab meat treated with a sweet cherry sauce.

The huge portions aren’t for the fainthearted and we struggled to put a dent in our mains, but if it’s hearty food cooked with love in a buzzing environment that you’re after, then Mayrig will soon become a firm favourite.

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown, Dubai
Tel: (056) 3649794. Metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall.
Sun to Sat noon till midnight. 
mayrigdubai.com