I consider cooking an art and love to cook and learn new techniques. I’ve attended quite a few cooking classes and it has enhanced my cooking skills. But for the very first time I got an opportunity to learn and cook Arabic dishes from a talented and an experienced chef, thanks to Monica of Doindubai.com. Yes, the BME events hosted by Monica kickstarted with this fantastic event, after the summer break.
Located in the beautiful DoubleTree by Hilton at the end of The Walk in JBR, Al Maeda is their specialty restaurant offering Levant and North African Cuisine. You can expect traditional Arabic dishes with a modern touch.
The restaurant is gorgeous with a lovely layout and an open kitchen. It also has an alfresco dining option. This vibrant space is a perfect spot for dining with family or friends.
My Experience
We were a group of 6 bloggers, all ready with our aprons and raring to go. The class started at 12 in the noon. But before that we were served a chilled Moroccan drink and a variety of freshly baked Manakish. My favorite was the cheese Manakish.
It was a 3 course menu with a starter, 2 main course dishes and a dessert.
Starter
Loubieh Bel Zeit is a traditional Lebanese dish that can be had cold or hot with bread or rice. Made with green beans, fresh tomatoes, onions, garlic and spices-it is healthy and delicious.
2 of the bloggers volunteered for Chef Lawrence for preparing this dish. Within no time, it was ready.
Main Course
Vegetable Kawage had a medley of fried veggies in a tangy tomato gravy. This dish goes well with the Arabic bread.
I put on my chef’s hat to prepare this dish or in other words, I assisted chef Lawrence to prepare this dish. It was so much fun making it-right from chopping the veggies to frying and preparing the gravy.
Kousha Mahshi is a meat and rice stuffed baby marrows. We were taught to make it in a mint yogurt sauce. Vegetarians can use chickpeas or other vegetarian alternative, instead of the meat.
Again 2 other bloggers assisted and volunteered to make this dish, along with the chef. It is such an interesting dish, I am going to make a veggie version at home.
Dessert
Kunafa is my favorite Arabic dessert and I was overjoyed to learn to make this dessert. But let me warn you, it’s not easy to make this dessert. Maybe with practice and expertise, you can make it. Well, I am going to take it as a challenge and try it at home.
We were served freshly baked bread to go with our meal. The bread was baked right in front of us. The best Arabic bread that I’ve had in Dubai.
I can’t believe that in 2 hours we cooked up a feast. Of course, chef Lawrence and his team were guiding and helping us throughout. Not only was the cooking class fun, we also learnt new techniques and exotic new dishes. I would recommend this class to everyone. Instead of going for just lunch, why don’t you add 2 hours for learning something new. And after that sit down and enjoy your meal that you cooked in a beautiful surrounding. To make it more fun, go along with your friends…more the merrier.
Once we were done with our cooking, that’s what we did. We sat down and had a leisurely meal. It was an afternoon well spent.
Cooking Class Details
• Learn how to cook authentic Arabic dishes with the guidance of Chef Lawrence at Al Maeda.
• The class will take place every Tuesday from 12:00pm to 2:00pm.
• It is priced at AED 199 per person (inclusive of 3 courses menu and you also get a goody bag with the recipes you learnt and an apron)
• Optionally, after the class for just AED 50, you can have a pool and beach access.
• The menu changes every week, so you can learn something new every time.
• Bookings are required 24 hours in advance.
• Bring your kids along and let them have fun during your class at Kidz Venture Kids Club for free.(kids from 5 to 12 years old)
• For bookings, you can call 055 166 8092.
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