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After spending the morning wandering through the historic Dubai souks, with their intoxicating aromas and vibrant atmosphere, my appetite was primed for something special. That’s when we decided to elevate our culinary adventure by visiting Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant—my first-ever Michelin star dining experience, and surprisingly, one that wouldn’t break the bank.
My love affair with Mediterranean cuisine began long before I set foot in Dubai. The vibrant flavours of falafels, the creamy richness of hummus, and the delicate balance of spices have always captivated my palate. Even my first taste of kunafa happened right here in Dubai during a previous transit stop, leaving me craving more of the region’s culinary treasures.
During that brief layover, I sampled a modest Mediterranean platter that left me determined to explore Dubai’s food scene more thoroughly on my next visit. Fast forward to our first international family trip, and despite the limitations of having “only one stomach”, I was committed to making every meal count.
Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant
Opened its doors in 2014, this restaurant quickly distinguished itself by focusing exclusively on authentic Emirati cuisine—a culinary tradition that surprisingly remained underrepresented even in Dubai’s diverse food scene.
The restaurant occupies a beautifully restored heritage building with walls made of coral stone and gypsum, traditional wooden beam ceilings, and wind towers (barjeel) that once served as natural air conditioning in the pre-electricity era.
Michelin Star Status
For those unfamiliar with the significance of a Michelin star, it represents one of the highest honours in the culinary world. The Michelin Guide, created by the tyre company to encourage road trips in France, has evolved into the global standard for exceptional dining.
Stars are awarded based on five criteria: quality of ingredients, mastery of cooking techniques, the harmony of flavours, the personality of the chef reflected in the cuisine and consistency over time.
Al Khayma received its coveted Michelin star in 2022 when the guide finally made its way to Dubai, recognizing the restaurant for elevating traditional Emirati cuisine to fine dining status. What makes this accomplishment even more remarkable is how the restaurant manages to honour the simplicity of Emirati food—dishes born from desert living and seafaring traditions—while executing them with precision and attention to detail worthy of international recognition.
Since I was shopping in the souk and had never visited a Michelin Star restaurant, I thought it would be a good time to experience it.
Ambiance at Al Khayma
Hidden in the historic neighbourhood of Al Fahidi Historical District, Al Khayma feels like a secret spot you’ve lucked into finding. After the busy, noisy souks nearby, walking into this peaceful restaurant was just what we needed on a sunny afternoon.
The place is set up in an old-style courtyard house with tables both inside and out in the open air. On the inside, there’s plenty of space, comfy cushioned seats, warm glowing lanterns, and walls decorated with old photos and traditional items. Soft Arabic music played in the background, adding to the whole experience. Since the place was crowded and we didn’t have a prior booking, we were seated in an open area which was good too. Breezey and greenery around.
Despite having a Michelin star, the place doesn’t feel stuffy or fancy—just warm and welcoming. When I first looked at the menu, I worried there wouldn’t be much for a vegetarian like me, but was happy to see they had a handful of vegetarian dishes.
Al Khayam Food Review – My Dining Experience
Our order was modest but perfectly suited for two vegetarians: Veg Sambosa as a starter, Mutabbal with Pita Bread, Veg Saloona, Rice, and two glasses of Coke to wash it all down. I did want to order desserts, but we wouldn’t have been able to finish them.
The Veg Sambosa arrived first. These have a fascinating cross-cultural history, travelling from Central Asia to the Middle East and South Asia along ancient trade routes and popularly known as Samosa. Though nicely presented and freshly fried, I found them somewhat plain compared to the spice-packed samosas I’m used to back home in India.
Next came the Mutabbal with Pita Bread, which was the highlight of our meal. The smoky eggplant dip came with olive oil pooled in the centre and a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds. The three massive pita breads were warm, and fluffy, and reminded me of naan. This Mutabbal was hands-down the best I’ve ever tasted—perfectly smooth with just enough texture to honour its roasted eggplant origins.
For our main course, we had Veg Saloona with rice. This mixed vegetable curry came in a tangy tomato-based gravy with generous chunks of vegetables. While a bit more acidic than we expected, it paired well with the fragrant rice and offered a comforting option for my mother, who tends to be hesitant about trying unfamiliar foods.
First Experience, Best Experience at Al Khayma
My first Michelin star experience at Al Khayma was definitely memorable, and not just for the food. The service was attentive without being intrusive—our server patiently explained each dish and happily answered my curious questions about traditional Emirati cuisine.
We visited for a late lunch around 2:30 PM and were lucky to get seated right away, but I noticed the restaurant filling up quickly as we finished our meal. When we left around 4 PM, there was a small queue forming at the entrance. If you’re planning to visit, especially during the tourist season or for dinner, I’d strongly recommend making a reservation in advance. Evening visits would be particularly nice, as the traditional lanterns create a magical atmosphere after dark.
What surprised me most was the final bill—just AED 146 (roughly Rs 3,500) for two people at a Michelin-starred restaurant! This is comparable to what we’d pay for a nice dinner at an upscale restaurant back home in Hyderabad. For a cuisine and dining experience that felt so special, the value was exceptional.
Al Khayma proves that fine dining doesn’t always mean emptying your wallet. It offers a perfect balance of cultural immersion, quality food, and accessibility that makes it an unmissable stop on any Dubai food journey—especially for vegetarians who don’t want to miss out on the Michelin experience.
That’s about it for this post. Feel free to reach out to me for any assistance. Drop your thoughts in the comments below, tweet to me at @Atulmaharaj, DM on Atulmaharaj on Instagram, or Get In Touch.
WHo though that a Michelin star experience could be so easy on the pocket and I am so glad that you could get so many vegetarian options too.I guess the bill would be far more for non-vegetarian dishes though.
Yes it would be definitely more for meaty dishes, but it was a good and affordable experience.