Noodle House

Description:

• This is one of my favorite lunch spots in Dubai (it's also open for dinner). The friendly eatery mixes dishes from Southeast Asia, including China, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia. The crowd here is just as diverse, giving locals and expatriates a chance to interact since seating is at long communal tables. Excellent dishes, which you'll order by checking off your selections on paper menu pads, include noodles and soups (with plenty of vegetarian options), wok-fried noodles and rice, and specialties such as Szechuan spiced beef, Thai chicken with cashew nuts, and chili prawns. Since many of the cooks hail from Indonesia, I recommend trying the Bakmi goreng (wok-fried Indonesian noodles) with chicken and prawns. Let your server know how spicy you want it, and order one of the exotic iced tea fusion drinks to wash it down. A creative selection of cocktails is also offered -- my favorite is the creative and potent saketini. During peak hours, be prepared to wait for a short while to be seated.

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Highly Recommended 2010