Homestead Restaurant and Bakery is Dubai’s homegrown, regional version of Paul and Le Pain Quotidien. Similar to the two French propositions, it offers a healthy, wholesome rural take on cuisine…but of this region. Also familiar is the rustic, almost barn-yard theme adopted for the interior. It’s a warm, inviting, cosy, homely atmosphere. A place you will feel at home the minute you walk in. Homestead takes pride of place at Meraas’s third Last Exit (D89) food truck park in Al Khawaneej, known as The Yard.
The food at Homestead is a delightful collection of regional favourites, including (of course) Emirati. I spent a leisurely early Friday morning there just after Ramadan, enjoying the ambience almost as much as their delicious Shakshuka. Breakfast is taken seriously at Homestead, and I had a hard time choosing – the masala omelette begging my attention. There’s a separate menu for lunch and dinner. If you like Persian-Iranian, try their Mirza-Ghasemi, a vegetarian classic made with smoked and mashed eggplant, tomato, garlic and egg. They also have Jūjeh Kabab.
I was looked after by Maral, a pretty, young Turkmen lady whose sisterly hospitality made my meal all the more special. In fact, I found everyone I interacted with at Homestead genuinely friendly and happy.
And then, of course, there is the bakery, itself a reason to visit.
Homestead is one of the better venues I have visited this year. I have absolutely no reservations in recommending it – for breakfast, lunch or dinner. It’s worth the drive from wherever you are, and well worth a detour: http://www.lastexit.ae/al-khawaneej/.
Waste NOT. Want NOT.
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