The essential guide to Time Out Market Dubai

Imagine finding the most delicious dishes in Dubai, in a variety of cuisines, cooked up by beloved local chefs, all in one stunning Downtown Dubai space. That's exactly what's promised – and delivered on – when you step through the doors of Time Out Market Dubai, an international concept that has made its Middle Eastern debut at Souk Al Bahar.

You get to pick plates from 17 award-winning, homegrown haunts, helmed by celebrated chefs like Reif Othman, Alex Stumpf and Hattem Mattar. So whether you are in the mood for a juicy burger from Pickl, chicken tikka masala from Masti, a Pitfire pizza or Latin-American treats at Slab Cocina, you'll find more than 200 dishes to keep you more than satisfied at this 43,000sqft gourmet find.

The newest additions to the line-up include a little sister of popular Asian restaurant Jun's, plus Italian concept Onda by Alici curated by chef Domenico Santagada and modern French dining at Odeon. An iteration of Thai restaurant Cafe Isan has also been added to the offering.

A global culinary destination

This is the seventh Time Out Market in the world, following on from cities such as New York, Lisbon and Montreal. Co-CEO Didier Souillat says: "Dubai is a prime destination for any concept that wants to be an authority on food. The city has gone from strength to strength when it comes to quality and variety."

Souillat says the city never ceases to amaze him: "Dubai has continued to thrive unlike anywhere else in the world. There is always so much positivity – that has kept the hospitality industry going. That has amazed me."

The Frenchman emphasises the starring role of local chefs, saying "We waited for the burst of the homegrown talent – Dubai was ready."

Homegrown flavours

The defining factor when choosing which concepts go into Time Out Market Dubai is that they must be a homegrown brand. The city has so many exceptional restaurateurs and the space is a showcase of the culinary excellence demonstrated throughout. Lana Lusa shines a light on authentic Portuguese cuisine, while À La Grecque serves up the best Greek dishes.

Co-CEO Sandy Hayek says: "Time Out Market Dubai is supposed to reflect who we are as a city. That's at the heart of it. We want to make sure we cherish, preserve and highlight the UAE's traditions. It's very important. People are also very curious to try it out – the seafood comes straight from the fish market – so we have had a great response."

Although the food hall showcases many of the brands that locals and residents alike love, tourists visiting the prime Souk Al Bahar location will also discover the sheer breadth of experiences on offer. Dip into exquisite dim sum at Long Teng or Panko chicken coconut curry at Cafe Isan and perfect brews made from 100 per cent Arabica beans from Ethiopia at Boon Coffee.

Must-try dishes

There is so much choice, you might not know where to start your culinary journey. Though they laugh that it's like picking their favourite child, both Hayek and Souillat do admit to craving certain plates.

Souillat's ultimate comfort food is a dish that is actually a bestseller across all Time Out Markets internationally – traditional Japanese ramen. And, the discerning diner divulges that Reif's umami-packed bowls are world-class.

Hayek also enthuses about Mattar. This is the first ever permanent location for the artisanal smokehouse and the lines at its counter show the support this meatery has. "People have always been waiting for Hattem Mattar's pop-up, but a permanent spot brought a sense of excitement for everyone. We've seen the demand from the second we opened the doors."

Given that she is surrounded by food, Hayek has a lot of choice when it comes to meals, but she admits, "The one dish I cannot stop ordering is the crispy duck bao from BB Social Dining. I literally eat it every day."

Future menu additions

Not ones to rest on their laurels, the Time Out Market team are always thinking ahead. "I wish there were more kitchens!" laughs Sandy. "Something that I'd like to see more of is sushi, as it's so popular in Dubai. I think we'll see our current kitchens bringing more of that. In terms of new concepts, it would be interesting to see Korean food join the roster, as it's something we don't find a lot of here and it's a huge international trend. It would be a unique addition to the market."

A testament to the success of the venture? People keep coming back. Its secret? A guarantee that you'll find something you crave, in a social atmosphere at an affordable price. Hayek also adds an additional element as to why there's such a buzz: "It's exciting to see the energy between all these great chefs as they work in the kitchens – that's the intangible quality we didn't expect."

Bite into more of Dubai's growing food halls or book a table at the best places to view Burj Khalifa.