The greatest show on Earth, Expo 2020 Dubai, is coming to town, and to say we’re hungry for the opening curtain to finally be lifted is an understatement.
And while the Dubai instalment of the showcase is set to nourish minds in a way like never before, it will simultaneously be feeding bellies, too.
Here we take a look at some of the tasty food and drink vendors that will be keeping an estimated 25 million (Expo loves big numbers) sated during the course of the six-month exhibition.
Eat Local
Built around the ideas of sustainability, Terra Café is known for sourcing its ingredients from within the UAE. With prawns brought in from Umm Al Quwain, mangoes from Ras Al Khaimah and oysters from Dibba in Fujairah, it lays on an eclectic mix of traditional fare from across the country. The menu also features cold-pressed juices, an extensive range of Newby teas and plenty more besides. Must-have dishes include the Umm Al Quwain prawn shiitake with coriander seeds and baby beetroot organic quinoa salad. Those dining on the dash (grabbing a takeaway, not literally running while feasting), will be impressed to know that the containers are made of avocado seeds, in line with Expo 2020’s sustainability ethos, making Terra Café one of the first restaurants to introduce this practice. As they say, you gotta practise what you preach.
For the cosmopolitan crew
Those who can’t resist the siren call of knife and fork (or in this case chopstick) will be more than aware of Dubai’s love for Japanese fare. And thankfully the Expo 2020 site is kitted out with its very own sushi masters. Homegrown concept Moshi Momo & Sushi offers classic and a range of fusion sushi inspired by flavours from around the world, such as flamin’ Cheetos (yes, exactly what it sounds like) and the healthier sister to dumplings, authentic Nepalese momos. Made from meat or vegetable fillings coated with flour or wheat flour, the best selling momos include chicken and spinach, and potato cheese corn. The menu also includes vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
For the coffee connoisseurs
Coffee. For better or for worse (deffo better) it makes the world spin. We wouldn’t get very far without a piping hot cup of Joe in the morning, and that’s part of the reason why RAW Coffee is so well loved – that and its freshly roasted speciality coffee beans. These guys source premium green beans from around the world, with a focus on quality and sustainability. To ensure their beans are ethically sourced, they deal directly with their farmers and the processing partners, and buy fresh beans each year, roasting with care. They are the perfect match for Expo 2020, too, as every food and beverage vendor that collaborates with the next World Expo must sign its ‘Food Ethos’ – pledging to promote sustainability, affordability and wellness. Good guys making even better coffee. What’s not to love?
For the carnivores
Now we’re talking. It may be very en vogue to graze from the herbivore menu at the moment, but sometimes a real bite is needed for carnivores out on the prowl. Dubai has some of the biggest and baddest burgers in the business, so the expectation on Expo 2020’s offering will be fierce. Focusing on flaming up only the juiciest of bulging buns, the Vida Food Truck prides itself on its 100 percent Angus beef patties, topped with smoked cheddar. If that’s not your calling, butter chicken poutine, made with ripe tomato gravy and cashew nuts alongside some cardamom and fenugreek, is also proving popular among Pavilion Premiere clientele.
For comfort food
Shawarma is Dubai’s most iconic dish (it’s a fact: Time Out did a survey and everything). And it’s clear to see why. Easy to grab and go, tangtastic flavour combos that give taste buds the old one-two. We love it, you love, and it’s going to be at Expo 2020. Launched in September 2012, Shawarma Station specialises in authentic shawarmas wrapped in a variety of bread options, such as samoon (an Iraqi flatbread) and Lebanese saj. There are also falafel wraps for the veggies among us or those wanting to try something different.
Keep your cool
We could waffle on all day about our love for desserts. But a sweet treat should never be a throwaway extra wolfed down in pursuit of a sugar kick. Supreme desserts are made with TLC, and that’s why we keep coming back to them. Another big name entry to Expo 2020 comes in the shape of Baskin-Robbins. They boast an absolute library of more than 1,300 flavours. And though you may not find all of these while marching about Expo’s many attractions, the odds are definitely in your favour for discovering a new fave.
The crowdpleaser
We champion the independents here at Time Out, it’s what we live for. But we’re not afraid to show love to the big boys, too. Official pizza provider (yes, there are such things) for Expo 2020 is the one and only Domino’s. They will be serving up freshly baked pies from their food truck for the duration of the show, and promise something for everyone, be they chicken lover or vegetarian. Complete your meal on a sweet note with the indulgent Chocolate Lava. There will be plenty of time to walk it all off, so don’t fret about the calories.
The traditional one
The humble saj has been around for centuries. But while us gastronomes and lovers of all things edible here in the Middle East are well acquainted, much of the world has yet to get familiar. From where we are sitting, that means many of the 25 million international visitors set to descend on Dubai are in for a real treat. Family-run Lebanese bakery Saj 2 Go uses the traditional method of flattening the dough by hand and baking one after the other on a hot clay, dome-shaped oven. These are then wrapped round a variety of vegan, dairy and meat fillings. Repeat visits? We reckon so.
Waffle me up
You’ve had them sweet, but have you ever chowed down on a savoury waffle? Another homegrown brand feathered into the Expo 2020 food vendor line-up, WOFL offers a selection of creative savoury and waffle sandwiches using fresh ingredients. Batter is made from scratch (big fans of this), and while the majority of toppings include selected raw vegetables and fruits. We guarantee the most ’grammable sandwich at Expo 2020.
