Themar Al Bahar is a popular Egyptian seafood restaurant on the Ajman Corniche. The interior is fashioned like a tent with colourful (of course Egyptian) Khayamiya-style cloth flowing from a central point in the ceiling. I felt however that it is let down somewhat by its ridiculous fake grass carpeting and the rank stink of stale shisha – piff.
Once seated, one of the wait-staff will take you through to what I call, the ‘fish room’. Quite obviously, it’s where they display (on ice) their impressive range of fresh seafood; good idea to keep fish out of the main dining area, just the thought of adding the smell of seafood (as fresh as it may be) to the already nauseating smell of shisha is…um, not nice.
The friendly (of course Egyptian) waiter chose an appropriately-sized-for-one Sea-bream and convinced me to allow his chef (of course Egyptian) to butterfly and grill it for me, basted with (of course Egyptian) spices. While I waited he brought me their delicious, meal-on-its-own, must try Themar Al Bahar Seafood Soup, which was packed to the hilt with proper, chunky, juicy seafood, not scraps like in some other restaurants.
My butterflied Sea-bream arrived a few minutes after I finished my hearty soup, and needed nothing more than a few drops of lime to turn it into a masterpiece. It was accompanied by a special (of course Egyptian) brown rice, which I am told is typically served with fish/seafood. This too was amazing. Portions are generous.
Service is as good as the food and, in typical Egyptian fashion; warm, friendly, and hospitable. There’s the added bonus of a dedicated parking lot next door, and cherry on top of prices being laughably reasonable…by Dubai standards. I ate like a pharaoh for around Dhs70. Themar Al Bahar is everything you could expect from a value for money, (of course Egyptian) themed, seafood restaurant and well worth a detour.
Waste NOT. Want NOT.