I love Middle Eastern food. Period. Going a step further, I can say that I love Syrian food as much I love Lebanese or Egyptian. Thus, one day I found myself at Aroos Damascus in Deira (Muraqqabat Road), a big size restaurant that takes up almost a block – yes, it’s that huge.
It is not fine dining, make no mistake. But what it has going for it is great food. A great set of people working without a pause, great prices and great outdoor seating, especially now that the weather is improving. I know people who swear by the food here and I am convinced they were not wrong. Pardon me if I sound like I am gushing (and I could well be), but I loved the food so much, even the whole veggies they laid on the table (cucumber, chilli, tomato are NOT sliced up), that I have decided to eat at Aroos Damascus at least once a month if not more.
To be fair, there is not too much of a difference between Lebanese and Syrian food – the usual suspects that appear on the menu are hummous, lentil soup, tabouleh, fatoush, shawarma etc. There are of course few very distinct Syrian dishes, such as the Dawood Basha – Syrian meatballs cooked in a rich tomato sauce with carrots and potatoes and served with rice.
Dawood Basha (above pic).
Remember this place is always busy. If you are planning to go on a weekend, be prepared to wait a little. There is plenty of seating, for sure, but there are more number of people waiting to get in too!
I can never leave a middle eastern restaurant without trying their mixed grill or lamb chops. And Aroos Damascus did not disappoint. If you start with a lentil soup (again, my favourite), then remember not to eat too many of the soft, warm bread that makes the round continuously, else you will find yourself too full for the main course.
There maybe other Syrian eateries in Dubai, but there is a reason why Aroos Damascus tops that list.Try it. You will know the difference.
Recommended: Dawood Basha! You wont regret it.
Handy tips:
Price for 2-3 people : AED 150
Credit card NOT accepted. Cash only.
Indoor and outdoor dining options
Phone: 4 221 9825
