Belad Al Sham is a newly opened Syrian restaurant in the (also newly opened) Avenues Shopping Complex on Umm Suqeim Road, Barsha 2. It’s kinda hard to find because Avenues is not exactly known as yet. Find Al-Housh Traditional Kitchen, itself a hidden gem (but that is for another blog post), and turn into Avenues past the super snazzy Jazz Lounge Spa (http://www.jazzloungespa.com/) and you will find Belad Al Sham.
The interior is spanking new and sparkling clean; it’s obvious that the owners have spent a bob or two. We sat upstairs drinking Pepsi while our take away was being prepared. Our order was for a (hungry) party of six and it took them about 20-minutes to prepare. Let’s start with the packaging, which was excellent, and perhaps the best I’ve seen in Dubai.
The mezza, hot and cold, was very good. I loved the Hummus. The 1.5 kilo mixed grill was above average but still not as good as my new, mid-segment, casual dining favourite in the area, the Village Grill in Motor City. If anything, it was let down by both over-dry chicken dishes, Shisk Tawook and Grilled Chicken. I would specifically ask for them to undercook (something I usually do but forgot this time) to ensure everything is nice and juicy. Mind you, I had to do that with the Village Grill too. But now they’ve got it spot on.
Above all else, I recommend you order the lamb shank with Biryani rice – it’s superb.
All in all the food was good, better than I expected. Prices are very competitive. Service was typical Syrian, warm, welcoming and friendly. Worth a try.
Waste NOT. Want NOT.