Nestled within the busy surroundings of the Jumeirah Beach Residence is the newly opened Massaad Farm-Table eatery. Located down The Walk near Amwaj Rotana, the concept is the brand’s second space in Dubai and features a classic menu of Lebanese street food, grills and mezze. In line with its name, Massaad promises that the majority of all ingredients are sourced from local farms.
Jars of olives and other various condiments flank the walls of the small indoor seating area in a manner that recalls the decor of a cozy Mediterranean restaurant. Guests can also choose to eat in the outdoor seating area where they can relish in sunny Dubai weather and views of the beach.
A perusal through the menu found typical Lebanese dishes and fresh juices. I ordered grilled haloumi cheese, fattoush salad, babaganoush, falafel and vine leaves. The tastes of the dishes were incredibly fresh and immediately whisked me back to meals in Beirut where the quality of the produce tantalizes one’s palate. The fattoush came in a generous size and was deliciously fresh. Contrary to other versions I’ve had, the babaganoush was more roughly chopped, which brought out the distinct ingredients of tomatoes and onions. It was one of the best I’ve ever had. The falafel was wonderfully crisp on the outside and moist on the inside, which fared incredibly well when sprinkled with the traditional sesame top coating. The vine leaves, a dish that can be found throughout the Mediterranean, were full of flavor and boasted a creamy-like consistency of the rice inside, and the grilled haloumi was just as fresh and not as heavy as other types I’ve had.
This charming eatery has an even more appealing story behind it. It was founded by a Lebanese father and son who came to Dubai and were disappointed with the quality of meat that they found. While neither of them came from a food background, they decided to open a restaurant offering classic Lebanese fare made from produce sourced fresh from local farms on a daily basis. And it has worked. Massaad will soon open its third space in Dubai Silicon Oasis.
The fresh quality of the Massaad’s produce will lure many people to return. It would just be nice if they had better home delivery options!
Massaad Farm-to-Table is located on JBR’s The Walk near Amwaj Rotana. Tel: +971 43629002.
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