The Arabian Tea House in Meena Bazaar is one of those picturesque venues you must visit whether you are a tourist, visitor or a resident of Dubai. Located beside the Dubai Museum in the heart of Bastakiya it’s best to take a taxi there rather than risk driving around in circles trying to find parking. Its interior is a tasteful exercise in retro-yesteryear – stunning if a little touristy.
Firstly, the Arabian Tea House is not a tea house per se; it’s a full-on restaurant…which also serves tea. Its menu is very much an amalgamation of the cuisines of the region rather than being specifically Emirati, which means you can start with Lebanese-style mezza such as Taboola, Falafel, Hummus, Fattoush, etc. before moving on to mains which range from Biryani to Kababs and Stews. The food is delicious. Order depending on what you fancy on the day.
Chicken Biryani 
Baba Ghanoush
Falafel
Falafel
Fattoush
Watermelon Juice 
Fresh flatbread 
…and some lovely tea
Service is friendly and infinitely accommodating. It’s almost as if the Arabian Tea House has been tasked with representing the warmth of Emirati hospitality. The staff speak fluent English and are happy to take you through their menu, guiding you on what to order. Prices are very reasonable. This restaurant is highly recommended and well worth a detour.
Hey! Now read this –
Xerxes physically dines at, or orders from,
each and every venue he reviews. He pays in full for whatever he and his
companions eat, drink, take away or occasionally throw at each other. Xerxes accepts
no money, gifts, discounts or free meals in return for reviews or favouritism.
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