At the aforementioned brunch at Sofra bld, Hubs and I left a little…ready for something else.
As our room at the Shangri-La was constantly interrupted by the sounds of jet skis and music from nearby Pearls and Caviar, we decided to go out for a bit. I am pretty much always in the mood for salmon (of any variety), so our first stop was to Sho Cho. We lucked out with ‘cooler’ temperatures and chose a seat outside for sundowners (and LOTS of people ‘playing’ on jet skis). Noisy motorized watercraft aside, the food was fantastic, as were the drinks (a half pint of Heineken for Hubs and a delicious Dark and Stormy for me). For 6:30 PM we had the place entirely to ourselves…
We ordered the Sho Cho seared salmon sashimi (with garlic, ponzu, ginger, and chives – delish, I could’ve had the entire thing to myself). It disappeared quite quickly.
For our other starter, we ordered the tempura prawn with creamy garlic and chili sauce (no diet in sight!). When the waiter asked if we wanted ‘only one,’ we confirmed and I’m not sure who would be able to consume two full orders, but good luck to you. I would order both dishes again without hesitation.
For our next stop, we went upstairs to Noodle House and choosing another seat outside (I love seeing the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque all lit up at night). For reasons unknown, I have desperately been craving laksa, so (since I often get my way), we ordered the Singaporean Curry Laksa to share (along with another round of drinks). Debating between a usual favorite, the classic mojito, I tried the Mai Tai (which was entirely too sweet — there was enough grenadine to practically have the drink stand up on its own). The laksa arrived, and I was glad we had decided to split the dish (the portion is quite large). The noodle dish was everything I had been dreaming of — sweet, savoury, and quite filling. This is a dish I can definitely see ordering again.
Overall, I think the ‘pub crawl’ or multiple stop tour is the best option to experience Souq Qarayat Al Beri. Had we not just gone to brunch, we would’ve started the night at Left Bank (always good for a cocktail) and had we the energy, we could’ve carried on at the nearby Etoiles. And certainly, had their been room for it, we would’ve gone for dessert at the Meat & Co. (Chocoholic Experience, anyone?).
Where would you add to the list? Any dishes in the souk I’m missing out on?
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