Zahrat Al Quds is an authentic Palestinian restaurant in Al Majaz, Sharjah. Although soon to be relocated, its current location looks and feels so deliciously nostalgic, I fail to understand why they would want to leave – walk in and it’s like stepping into any family run local restaurant in the region – Palestinian, Lebanese, Iranian, Egyptian, Syrian, Iraqi – any. I was smitten before I was seated at our table.
Once our order of Mansaf, Grilled Ribs with Rice and Mosakhan Rolls was given, we were served complimentary bowls of earthy freekeh soup with shredded chicken, a traditional Palestinian soup as old as time itself.
We also ordered salad and starters. They were entirely forgettable compared to the mains, each better than the next. I am lucky to have amazing Jordanian friends who often invite us over for mansaf. Believe me when I tell you the mansaf at Zahrat Al Quds did not embarrass itself. Quite the contrary; I will no longer have to grovel when I crave Mansaf – I’ll just come here. The grilled ribs, served on a bed of heavenly-scented rice and garnished with slivers of toasted almonds, were a showstopper and simply sensational. And the mosakhan rolls, slightly singed around the edges from the oven, were a masterpiece. Do not leave this restaurant without trying each of these dishes.
Even if you don’t know anything about Palestinian or Jordanian cuisine, there will be an English speaker with a friendly smile to help you order. I was impressed with the service. Zahrat Al Quds is a restaurant worth driving from Dubai to Sharjah for; worth driving from any Emirate to Sharjah for. I feel that there are very few restaurants like this in the whole of the UAE – authentic, unpretentious, nostalgic and modest. Oh, and with fantastic food. Yalla, don’t waste another minute.
#1 Food Blogger on Zomato Dubai – 2018, 2019 and 2020
Xerxes (pronounced Zûrk’seez) 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. What you have read was NOT influenced in any way by the venue. Join his culinary journey on Instagram: @ravenousxerxes or reach out to him via email on xerxes@dellara.com.