Middle Eastern Lunch at Old Dubai
Lunch time!
What should we do while we are here at Old Dubai? My sister and I were at Al Seef, Dubai, marveling at the beautiful contrast between modern Dubai and this historical corner of the Emirate. Might as well complete the experience with an authentic Middle Eastern lunch, ei?
We've been walking around Al Seef for a while, and we felt hungry. There were lots of people, and most restaurants were full. So when we found this restaurant with some free tables at the outdoor seating, we checked the menu displayed and decided to settle here.
It's a restaurant, Hableeb OHeil, unknown to me, but the biryani and the kunafa looked good. My sister was also eager to try authentic biryani. Crossing- fingers the food would be good, we ordered.
but first, coffee. ☕️
While waiting for our main dish, my sister and I enjoyed our hot coffee.
As usual, I ordered a black Americano, while she got a cappuccino. Gosh, is it possible to get a bottomless coffee?! I finished my coffee even before the rest of our food came.
Kunafa goodness!
Have you heard about the viral Dubai chocolate? You know, that chocolate filled with kunafa and pistachio sauce? We both have not yet tried it. But I know that kunafa is good. It is one of my favorite Arabic desserts. So while we don't have the chance to eat the viral Dubai Chocolate yet, we had the Khunafa alone. And yes! It was so good.
It was perfectly warm and that golden brown crisp, ohhh-lalahh! Mouth-watering. And yes, those are rose petals you can see on top. My sister and I both agreed - the kunafa was heavenly!
Chicken Biryani
Then it came! Our main dish, the chicken biryani. I am really not fond of cashew nuts, but these toppings blended well with the rest of the dish. The caramelized onions were sweet, and the flavors of the different spices burst in the mouth in a very rich, delicious way. It was served with a spicy sauce and some pickles on the side. I would say this is one good biryani. Different from the Hyderabadi biryani we always have.
A great lunch, indeed!
It was a spontaneous restaurant choice, but I would say that we were not disappointed. It complemented the Old Dubai experience. From that much-needed kick from the coffee to that savory biryani, and yes, the kunafa - everything was amazing. And I would say, it was at the average price range, too. I did not cry when I paid, and my purse did not bleed, so looking back (it's been two months), I can say that the price was really reasonable. LOL.
Check out our Old Dubai Experience here:
 | Contrasting Worlds : Back in Time at Old Dubai |
|---|---|
 | Still at Old Dubai - Exploring the Dubai Gold Souk and More |
 | Dubai Abra Ride: Completing the Old Dubai Experience |
📍Haleeb O Heil Restaurant and Cafe
Al Seef Dubai
Dubai, 🇦🇪
March 30, 2025
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The food looks great! I have never tried the Dubai chocolate either but I love kunafa and that one you ate looks delicious.
We tried a variety of sweets with the kunafa/pistachio/chocolate combo, and I think I get where the hype was coming from. It's actually good. ;)
I tried Biryani before, but I never tried Kunafa. It looks good and delicious, so I want to try it soon and experience the heavenly taste.😇
Kunafa is one of my favorite Arabic desserts. Not too sweet, and the textures marry with the flavors very well. Hope you get the chance to try it soon, then hopefully have the same impressions as I do. :D
Really want kunafa! Ever since the hype and virality of Dubai chocolate, I've been curious about all kinds of food made from kunafa!
I've been seeing Kunafa gets more visibility these days. I had it a couple years ago and loved it. I should be getting some again 😃. I love the aesthetic of the restaurant.
Right!? Kunafa's different textures that just play with the tastebuds. Love it.
Yeh, the restaurant is small, yet nicely designed. We settled for the outdoor seating though.
I hope I could also try authentic Arabic desserts like the kunafa. You enjoyed some good food without having to spend much. You and your sister both had a lovely time together.
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