1 Froyo at Yogurtland
It looks like Mr Whippy, but is a much healthier option than the one you get with a chocolate flake.
Little ones can can choose their desired flavour before being allowed to go crazy on the toppings – this is froyo done to perfection.
Note that the cost of the froyo is based on weight. And, if you’re clever about it, the youngest family members will think they are eating ice cream, oblivious to the fact that froyo is actually a healthier version of their favourite frozen treat… Winner.
Dhs32.50 (medium cup with three toppings). The Dubai Mall, and Springs Souk, Dubai (056 179 1798).
2 Banana Hazelnut Waffle at Sugar Factory
Warm, squishy waffle slathered in rich Nutella, chunks of chewy brownie, hazelnut crunchies and chocolate sauce – it honestly doesn’t get much better. We defy mums and dads to resist helping their little one out with this. Plus, it’s got banana in it so at least they are getting one of their five a day.
Dhs45. Various locations in Dubai including Dubai Festival City and City Walk (04 284 3456) and in Abu Dhabi at The Mall at World Trade Center Abu Dhabi (02 491 4123).
3 The Cake Shake at Black Tap
Don’t even worry if you aren’t celebrating turning another year older, you don’t need a birthday as an excuse to tuck into this super shake that looks as though it has come straight out of the Chocolate Factory having been whipped up by Willy Wonka’s Oompa Loompas. It’s a milkshake and slice of cake in one – oh, and it’s probably as big as your child’s head. A bag for the car journey on the way home may be a sensible idea.
Dhs69. Various locations in Dubai including Jumeirah Al Naseem, Rixos Premium Dubai, JBR and Dubai Festival City Mall and in Abu Dhabi at Yas Mall and Yas Island, www.blacktapme.com.
4 Dream Extreme Cheesecake at The Cheesecake Factory
Undeniably every kid in Dubai’s favourite restaurant – and most requested when it comes to birthday meal treats. Top tip though, prevent little ones filling themselves up with savoury delights because pudding is what it’s all about. We particularly love – and often dream about – the Dream Extreme, which is sweet, creamy cheesecake laced with Oreos. Good for the tastebuds, if not the kid’s sugar levels.
Dhs36. Open Sun-Wed 10am-midnight, Thu-Sat 10am-1am. Various locations, including The Dubai Mall. Downtown Dubai (04 325 3521).
5 Strawberry Shortcake in a Jar at Sugarmoo
It’s so pretty it almost looks too good to eat… Almost. Try keeping the kids away from this cute little pot of strawberry goodness. The layers should be mixed together from the start for maximum flavour, and we won’t look badly on you if you decide to go for a second pot, they aren’t that big – even for little tummies.
Dhs22. Various times and locations, including Mercato Mall, Jumeirah Beach Road and Nakheel Mall, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai (800 78427).
