Yas Mall’s new hub for independent foodie start-ups is home to up to 12 outlets at any one time. It opened in June and the first rotation of vendors includes gluten-free bakery Tawa, seafood spot Off The Hook, pasta place Hue and more. One of our favourites is Casa Latina, until now only available wherever its food truck had popped up.
The menu is short and sweet, with choices of quesadillas, cachapas (corn pancakes), empanadas, yucca fries, tequenos pastry rolls and the signature dish – Venezuelan arepas. The grilled corn pockets come with a choice of three fillings: chicken and avocado, shredded beef and cheese and beef. We go for one each and, though they’re tasty, if you can finish three on your own, you’re better than us. They’re incredibly filling, and can get a little dry. Dunk them in some sauce and they’re more palatable, but don’t’ try to finish all three on your own.
There are also mocktails available (the kiwi and lime one is sweet but very refreshing) and bottle of Jarritos to wash the food down.
If you’re still able to eat after the mains try the tres leches dessert. The milk cake is another rich dish, but it’s worth treating yourself ever now and then.
Urban retrEAT is a great addition to the mall, and perfect for picky friends or families who all want to try something different. There’s a kids area for little ones to play in as well, and with a rotating cast of kitchens it won’t ever get boring.
The bottom line:
Fun, affordable and tasty
Open Sun-Thu 10am-10pm; Fri-Sat 10am-midnight. Unlicensed. Yas Mall, Yas Island (050 261 7257).
