• Hidden Gems returns to Dubai Food Festival 2019, shining a light on 40 of the city’s undiscovered culinary treasures 
  • Residents can vote for their favourite restaurants through the Zomato app until 25 February with the Top 10 Hidden Gems to be announced on 2 March
  • Special menu promotion at all Hidden Gems restaurants just AED35 throughout DFF 
 
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 06 February 2019: Dubai Food Festival (DFF) is set to bring back Hidden Gems, its annual list of the most appetizing culinary spots in the city – chosen by the city’s residents. Through a partnership with food app Zomato, DFF gives Dubai residents and visitors the power to vote for their favourites from 40 shortlisted restaurants and cafes. Ten lucky voters will stand a chance to win big with Zomato, with each taking home AED1,000 and a year-long Zomato Gold membership (terms and conditions apply).  
 
Offering incredible flavours, the Hidden Gems are a pocket-friendly option to enjoy delicious meals every day of the week. To help the public try out food at multiple Hidden Gems before casting their votes, all 40 restaurants are offering a special DFF meal priced at AED35 per person from today until 2 March, with the 10 winners extending their menu until the festival ends on 9 March. All set menus can be viewed on individual restaurant pages on Zomato’s website and their app, with an option for delivery.
 
This year’s shortlist reflects the diverse dining options across Dubai, from little eateries tucked into the streets of Al Muraqqabat, Al Rigga and Karama in Old Dubai, to lesser-known food havens in Downtown Dubai and JLT. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from including unique cuisine combinations like Mexican and Filipino as well as various vegan-friendly and gluten-free options. The list is also a must-try for those looking to taste Emirati flavours and recipes within the city. The Chicken Madfoon from Bait Al Mandi is a sight (and taste) to behold while the Balaleet and Khoboz Khameer from LocalAwi puts a modern twist on classic Emirati breakfast dishes. 
 
Voting is now open to the public until 25 February on www.dubaihiddengems.com through the Zomato website and app. Users can register on Zomato or log in with an existing account to cast their votes. While only one vote can be submitted once per restaurant, voters can revisit the Hidden Gems page multiple times during the voting period to vote for other shortlisted restaurants. The list of top 10 Hidden Gems will be announced on 2 March.
 
The complete Hidden Gems shortlist is below:
 

Restaurant name

Cuisine

Location

Bait Al Mandi Restaurant

Emirati

Al Barsha

LocalAwi

Emirati

Al Barsha

Socialicious

Thai, Vegetarian

Jumeirah Village

Eat Artisanal

Mediterranean

Business Bay

Asian5

Asian

Downtown Dubai

Spicy & Ginger

Thai

Za'abeel

Shanghai Kitchen

Chinese

Al Satwa

Indulgence Cafe

Indian, Pakistani

International City

All Fresh

Fast Food

Za'abeel

Sai Dham Vegetarian Restaurant

Indian, Chinese

Oud Metha

House of Pizza

Pizza

Palm Jumeirah

Two Seasons Restaurant

Indian, Chinese

Al Karama

MTR - 1924

Indian

Al Karama

Sticky Rice

Thai

Jumeirah Village

Golden Myanmar Restaurant (Chang Cheng)

Chinese, Indonesian, Thai

Al Quoz

312 Cafe

Cafe, Fast Food

Al Sufouh

Qiso Cafe

Fast Food Cafe

Dubai Silicon Oasis

Ketli Café

Indian

Al Karama

Chalet Grill Plus

Middle Eastern, Indian, Chinese

Al Barsha

Cancios Restaurant

Mexican, Filipino

Al Muraqqabat

El Greco

Greek

Jumeirah 1

Bangkok Town

Thai

Hor Al Anz

New Asia Flavours

Indian, Chinese

Discovery Gardens

Danial

Iranian, Indian, Seafood

Al Safa

Cedar Tree

Lebanese

Motor City

Samarkand Restaurant

Pakistani, Indian

Al Barsha

New Marina Restaurant

Arabian, Chinese, Indian

Al Rigga

Healthy Little Secrets

Healthy Food

Business Bay

Thai Time

Thai

Al Safa

Lakeside Spice

Indian

Business Bay

Wok's Den

Asian Street Food

Jumeirah 1

Khana Khazana - Ibis Styles Hotel

Indian

Al Hudaiba

Spice Hut

Pakistani, Chinese

Mirdif

The Desi Circle

Street Food, Indian

Al Karama

Baker Street Cafe

Cafe, Bakery

Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT)

Al Falamanki

Lebanese

Jumeirah 2

Catfish

Healthy Food, African

Business Bay

Unforgettable Biryani

Pakistani, Filipino

Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT)

Sultan Dubai Falafel Restaurant

Arabian, Middle Eastern

Deira

Dil Se Desi

Chinese, North Indian, Indian, Bengali

Bur Dubai