Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destinations Season 4 Episode 14 Dubai
- TV-G
- November 22, 2016
- 21 min
Located in the heart of the Persian Gulf, Dubai is the bustling, modern metropolis known for its glitz, glamour and larger-than-life attractions. But beyond the towering skyscrapers and theme parks lies a vibrant culinary scene waiting to be explored. In this episode of Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destinations, host Andrew Zimmern takes viewers on a journey to discover the unique flavors and traditions that make up the diverse food culture of Dubai.
The episode begins at the bustling Deira Fish Market, where fishermen bring in their daily catches to sell to local vendors and restaurants. Andrew meets with a local chef who shows him how to prepare a succulent grilled fish dish, seasoned with traditional Emirati spices. From there, he explores the nearby spice market, where vendors sell a colorful array of exotic spices that are used in many of Dubai's traditional dishes.
Next, Andrew visits the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, a charming district that provides a glimpse into Dubai's past. Here, he tries a traditional Emirati breakfast dish called balaleet, which consists of sweetened vermicelli noodles topped with cardamom and saffron-flavored scrambled eggs. He then makes his way to a nearby cafe to try karak chai, a fragrant, spiced tea that is a popular beverage throughout the Middle East.
In the afternoon, Andrew meets up with a local food blogger, who takes him to a popular street food market. Here, vendors sell a diverse range of dishes, from Indian-style chaat to Turkish-style pide. Andrew tries a handful of different foods, including grilled camel meat and a unique dessert made with cream and rose water syrup.
As the sun begins to set, Andrew heads to a luxurious rooftop restaurant to try some of Dubai's high-end cuisine. He samples dishes like foie gras with roasted quince and pistachio, and succulent lamb chops served with a spicy harissa sauce. Andrew also meets with the restaurant's head chef, who talks about the inspiration behind his modern, inventive menus.
Finally, Andrew visits one of Dubai's many shisha lounges, where locals and tourists alike come to relax and socialize. He tries a few different flavors of shisha, including one flavored with rose and another with grapefruit and mint.
Throughout the episode, Andrew discovers that Dubai's food scene is a reflection of the city itself – diverse, vibrant and constantly evolving. From traditional Emirati dishes to modern, high-end cuisine, Dubai has something to offer for every palate.