Bu Qtair Restaurant: A gem it is!

I've heard of Bu Qtair before, seen videos of it, read blogs written about it and even one of my favorite chef and host Anthony Bourdain featured it in his show No Reservations. Now it's my chance to share my own dining experience. I don't know why I am so excited to write about it but it seems that this restaurant has a charm that no one else will fully understand but certainly feel. It's probably the humbleness that goes with this little shack that pulls people to come and just simply love it.

It is quite a popular restaurant in Dubai, a gem as it is dubbed by many, tourist hot spot, located at Jumeirah beach near the seven star Burj Al Arab just opposite the fishermen accommodation. It is a little modest porta cabin that houses the restaurant as well as the kitchen while in front of it is a large lot that serves as the dining area under the stars alfresco of course with few mono block tables and chairs, it's dark and diners rely on the lights coming from some lamp post nearby and mobile flash lights. I know I hate to eat in the dark especially if I am eating fish with bones on but this one is just different, I just don't care, I eat and enjoy.

I came with my family - husband and two kids. The parking is hard to find and we have to go around several times. It was 7:30 pm when we finally start queuing, the line is long and there are about 20 people ahead of us so I took the liberty to take some photos while standing in the queue. Forgive the photos as I used only my phone camera in capturing these and curse the phone for not having enough battery that night to use the flash, the photo turns grainy after editing the brightness though.





Inside the cabin, the scenario is this, people order in the small window in the kitchen. There is no menu just the fresh the catch of the day.


You can chose the fish either big or small just tell the Mr. who's taking your order, also don't forget to asks for some prawns , tell him how many grams you want and he will put both the fish and shrimps in a tin plate, he writes your order with your name on a small sheet of paper and you pay cash  but don't expect a printed receipt cause there's none. It's like a barter exchange. Your order will be cook and expect to have it after about 45 minutes. How to know your order is ready? Yes I will tell you just keep on reading.



Outside the atmosphere was busy, the diners sits in white mono block chairs chatting and patiently waiting for their orders to come. The staff are so busy serving and taking orders. Once your food is ready, you will hear your name reverberate twice or three times. A table will be given to you and you take the chairs you diligently guarded while waiting. Don't feel violated though when your table is taken from you if you haven't placed your order just yet. You will get it back once you order is ready. It's just the way it works.

I pity myself for not being able to get a decent photo of the cooked fish and prawns but it only serves a promise that I have to go back one more time or even more bringing friends and family to this humble fish shack.

Our bill:
2 medium sherry (1 spicy 1 normal- they just washed the fish to remove the spices to make it not spicy)
200 grams prawns
4 paratha
1 plate of steamed rice
1 bowl of fresh fish curry
4 cola
1 big water
Total : AED 195 or USD 53

My Yellow Bells

Carla is a lifestyle blogger based in Dubai who's thankful to call this ever-evolving city her second home. The pages of this blog are filled with stories about her expat life in the sandpit. It features dining and travel adventures in and around the city and beyond. It also features food recipes, parenting tips, and fashion style.

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Carla

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