Discovering Dubai's Luxurious Gold-Infused Cuisine
Dubai, the glittering gem of the United Arab Emirates, is a city that knows how to indulge in luxury. From its towering skyscrapers to its ultra-modern architecture, Dubai has become a symbol of extravagance. One aspect that truly embodies this lavish lifestyle is the city's embrace of gold-infused cuisine. Restaurants across Dubai have taken culinary creativity to new heights by incorporating edible gold into their dishes, offering diners a chance to experience a touch of opulence with every bite.
The Golden Tradition
The practice of consuming edible gold dates back thousands of years, with roots tracing back to ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Romans, and Indians. Gold was considered a symbol of wealth, power, and divinity, and consuming it was believed to have medicinal benefits. In medieval Europe, gold leaf was used to decorate and garnish extravagant dishes served to royalty and the nobility. Today, while the medicinal claims surrounding edible gold remain largely unproven, its use in cuisine has evolved into a luxurious indulgence and a symbol of status. Dubai, with its affluent population and appetite for the extraordinary, has wholeheartedly embraced this golden tradition.
The Potential Health Benefits
While the primary appeal of gold-infused cuisine in Dubai is undoubtedly its lavish nature, some potential health benefits have been associated with consuming edible gold. Gold is believed to have anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties, and some alternative medicine practitioners suggest that it may help boost the immune system and improve brain function. However, it's important to note that these claims are not scientifically proven, and consuming large quantities of edible gold can have adverse effects on health. In Dubai's restaurants, the gold used is typically in small, decorative amounts, primarily serving an aesthetic purpose.
Dubai's Golden Culinary Cuisine
Dubai's fascination with gold-infused cuisine can be witnessed across the city's dining scene, from opulent hotels to trendy restaurants. Here are some of the best places to enjoy gold-infused dining experiences:
Armani/Lounge
Indulge in a mesmerizing cappuccino that stands out not only for its taste but also for its presentation. Overlooking the stunning Dubai Fountain, this unique signature drink, priced at AED 75, is a blend of premium coffee beans topped with a layer of 23-karat gold. Enjoy tearing through the golden flakes to savor one of Dubai’s most iconic beverages.
- Call: 04 888 3666 for reservations and more information.
Armani/Ristorante
Armani/Ristorante offers an exquisite fine-dining experience with breathtaking views of the Dubai Fountains. The Exclusive Journey, an eight-course tasting menu paired with fine wines, showcases the restaurant's MICHELIN star allure. Highlights include pan-seared Hokkaido scallops, foie gras terrine, and the Golden Burrata (AED 129), featuring creamy Italian cheese with heirloom tomatoes, peach tartare, and basil pesto.
- Call 04 888 3666 for reservations and more information.
Bombay Borough
Situated in DIFC, Bombay Borough offers the priciest biryani in town. The Royal Gold Biryani platter is a luxurious feast with Kashmiri lamb seekh kebabs, old Delhi lamb chops, Rajput chicken kebabs, Mughlai koftas, and malai chicken, all served on saffron-infused biryani and garnished with 23-karat edible gold. This grand dish is perfect for sharing and comes with a hefty AED 1,000 price tag.
- Email reservations@bombayborough.ae for reservations and more information.
Bosporus Turkish Restaurant
This Turkish Restaurant elevates its popular menu items with a regal touch, featuring six dishes wrapped in edible 24-karat gold. Delight in the gold Asado burger, gold baklava cheesecake, gold cappuccino, gold bar kebab, and the splendid gold ribeye and tomahawk steaks. Enjoy these luxurious Ottoman-inspired dishes priced from AED 85 to AED 950.
- Call 04 380 8090 for reservations and more information.
Buur
Buur is a German restaurant offering a variety of meat cuts, including a 24-karat gold-coated Wagyu Steak available for dinner at AED 850. This new spot also provides a combination of food, music, shisha, stunning views, and the unique option to dine on gold.
- Follow @buur_dubai on Instagram for more information.
Dhaba Lane
Dhaba Lane’s exclusive Gold Kulfi, originally available only at the Al Nahda branch, is now offered at all its locations in Garhoud, JLT, and Karama. This decadent frozen dairy dessert is meticulously covered with a generous layer of 22-karat gold leaf, making it both visually and gastronomically indulgent.
- Call o 56 962 4611 for reservations and more information.
Doors Freestyle Grill
Enjoy a luxurious dining experience with their gold striploin steak (AED 786). This prime cut of striploin steak is thinly coated with edible gold, creating a decadent meal fit for royalty amidst a stunning waterfront setting.
- Call 04 204 9299 for reservations and more information.=
Enigma
The Enigma Gold Menu features four sharing courses, including the Kabab Sultani, a lamb loin skewer grilled over charcoal and wrapped in 24-karat gold. The meal concludes with an orange blossom tart adorned with golden clouds and berries. Available daily from 12 pm to 11 pm, this extravagant dining experience is priced at AED 1,500 for two people.
- Email enigma@palazzoversace.ae or call 04 556 8830 for reservations and more information.
Hampstead Bakery and Café
Hampstead Bakery and Café introduces a spectacular new menu item: a 24-karat gold-wrapped French toast brioche. Coated with a mixture of white chocolate and berries, this luxurious treat is priced at AED 220 and offers an almost as impressive view of the Burj Khalifa.
- Call 050 583 0155 for reservations and more information.
Marea
The 24-karat Golden Burrata (AED 220) features handmade burrata flown in from Southern Italy, encased in 24-karat gold leaves and served with fresh tomato, taggiasca olives, and salsa verde. This dish is a testament to the restaurant’s dedication to luxury and quality, known also for its fresh handcrafted pasta and opulent interiors.
- Call 04 583 6366 for reservations and more information.
Nusr-Et
At Nusr-Et steakhouse, located at the Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, enjoy a performance by the Instagram-famous chef Salt Bae while indulging in a luxurious tenderloin steak covered in 24-karat gold leaf. This extravagant dish, priced at AED 1,250, promises a memorable dining experience.
- Call 04 407 4100 for reservations and more information.
The Pods
Dine in style at The Pods on Bluewaters Island, where you can enjoy Dubai’s skyline from a private pod. The ‘goldies’ menu features dishes topped with 24-karat gold leaf, including Yellow Tail Carpaccio (AED 230), Black Cod Miso (AED 345), Wagyu Tenderloin Steak (AED 575), and Dark Chocolate Fondant (AED 175). Each pod offers a unique and Instagrammable dining experience.
- Call 04 453 8994 for reservations and more information.
Yalla Samosa
Yalla Samosa adds a golden touch to Dubai’s culinary scene with their 24-karat gold samosa. Served on a golden dish with sides of marshmallows, ice cream, popcorn, and sauces, this sweet treat (AED 100 for two) allows you to choose your own filling for a personalized and opulent dessert experience.
- Follow @yallasamosa on Instagram for more information.
Behind the Golden Curtain
The process of creating these golden culinary masterpieces is a testament to the skill and dedication of Dubai's chefs. Edible gold, derived from pure 24-karat gold, is carefully processed and transformed into thin sheets or flakes before being delicately incorporated into dishes. Chefs in Dubai's finest establishments undergo rigorous training to master the art of working with edible gold, ensuring that each dish not only looks stunning but also adheres to the highest standards of food safety and quality.
Dubai's obsession with gold-infused cuisine is more than just a fleeting trend; it's a testament to the city's relentless pursuit of indulgence and its desire to push the boundaries of culinary creativity. While the practice of consuming edible gold dates back centuries, Dubai has taken this tradition to new heights, seamlessly blending ancient customs with modern luxury.