With an astounding array of eateries, Dubai has an amazing culinary scene that would keep even the most ardent foodie busy for decades. There is so much choice that it would take about 50 years to eat at a different restaurant every day. There is an incredible variety of international cuisines available to both locals and visitors, leaving them with endless options. The fact that someone would choose to stay home instead of venturing outside their door speaks volumes about Dubai's flourishing dining scene.
People are voluntarily spending large sums of money to have total strangers cook for them in "supper club" situations, which may seem contradictory. Rather than preparing meals in their own homes, diners are paying upwards of $80 to have these unfamiliar individuals handle the culinary duties. Supper clubs are exclusive dining experiences where guests indulge in a pre-fixed menu prepared by amateur or professional chefs. The menu and location are often kept secret until after the reservation is made, adding an element of surprise and excitement. Diners are encouraged to attend solo or with a single companion, fostering an opportunity to mingle and network with fellow food enthusiasts. Attendees are typically welcome to bring their own beverages, creating a convivial and relaxed atmosphere for the shared culinary adventure.
"I aimed to gather people together, unite them at a single table, encourage open dialogue without limits, and simply enjoy a pleasant meal and conversation," explained Ahmad Halawa, a Palestinian chef who launched his supper club in 2019, balancing weekend dinners with a full-time marketing career. Initially, it was just friends and family who joined Halawa. But as word of his delicious dishes began to spread, "I had strangers in my house, and people were booking their seats to come and be a part of the experience," he explains.
Halawa's popularity is primarily driven by word-of-mouth and his presence on Instagram. Frequently, his shows sell out in two days or less. He decided to quit his work in 2021, and he now entertains up to 30 people in his backyard twice a week. The room is exquisitely furnished, with a classy banquet table, gorgeous floral arrangements, and sparkling fairy lights.
Each of these foreign visitors spends more than $100 to savor his inventive Levantine meals, which highlight his well-known knafeh, a classic Arabic delicacy made with delicate pastry and sweet, creamy cheese.
While delicious cuisine is a must for every dinner party, Halawa thinks that supper clubs' social component is making them more popular in Dubai, where expats make up over 90% of the population.
"Dubai is a vibrant city where people frequently come and go, often spending just a year or two here," Susa observes. "Clubs offer a chance to connect with individuals outside of your profession, workplace, and existing social circles."