BAIT MARYAM

Few things in this world are stronger than the bond between an Arab woman and her mother. And few places in this world is this more visible than at Bait Maryam Restaurant in Dubai. In the Arab language, Bait actually means home and Maryam, perhaps obviously, is the name of Dakkak’s mother. So Dakkak, essentially, is cooking some of the region’s best Middle Eastern comfort food - in the style of her mother - in a homey restaurant named after the lady who inspired her to cook. 

The story could easily end here. It is as simple and as beautiful as that. And should be reason enough for any empathic and feeling human being to want to dine at Bair Maryam. But Bait Maryam is more than just a mere tribute to a mother, it is an institution and a home away from home for locals and for Middle Eastern travelers on business or leisure in Dubai - as well as a great introduction to the various Middle Eastern kitchens for travelers of other nationalities.

Bait Maryam is about as far removed from the stereotypical perception of Dubai that one might easily be left with. And for that reason it is a great entry on the list of must-dine Dubai restaurants. There is no flash or glitter here, merely a homey dining setting which looks more like a private residence than a formal restaurant setting. The tables are communal, the chairs are minimalistic and functional and the walls look like something out of your mother’s decorated living room.

Middle eastern Comfort food like no other

And then there is the food. The food is as simple, yet as bright and as colorful as the interior. It has never seen the likes of truffe, Wagyu, Caviar or other such ingredients that are so unproportionally popular in Dubai. But it has seen the love of a woman whose love for food and culinary tradition has only ever been outshun by the love for her mother.

Bait Maryams food is an ultra-authentic mix of various cuisines from the Middle East: Jordenean, Lebanese and Palistinian to name a few. The kind of food that people of Middle Eastern origin will fondly and vividly remember from their childhood. From shakshuka for breakfast over hummus and meze to falafel and a wide spread of local favorites. All of them as easily recognizable and pleasing to Middle Easterners palates as their own mother’s versions would be. 

The menu however, also encompasses a lot of perhaps lesser known Middle Eastern specialities such as the deep-fried cauliflower in tahini sauce with crispy fried onions or very own Maryam Kabab, kebab stuffed with cheese and pistachio for extra flavor and seared on the grill till, juicy and fall-apart tender. Even the Jordenian national dish Mansaf,braised lamb cooked over rice to melt in mouth perfection, is traditionally served every Friday for lunch. An event that should not be missed, always sells out and would require a reservation in advance.

Looking at the menu, it is of imposing broadness, stretching over numerous nationalities and cuisines. And what makes it even more impressive is the fact that everything is cooked from scratch, with love, and absolutely relentless dedication by Chef Dakkak.

“I cook my food as if I were cooking in my own home,” she says. And she is far from joking. All the meat comes from her own local butcher and the produce, oils, herbs and spices is from local markets or sourced from the best possible producers from all countries across the region. All are, obviously, of top quality. oils, herbs and spices. 

No expense is spared in making the diner feel at home at what has become an extension of her own home. Dedicated to the memory of her mother. And looking at the menu, it is above all quite amazing that something so authentic, so flavorful and so full of love, time and dedication can come so relatively cheap.

In a home so full of wonder and surprise, only three things are certain if you pay a visit to Bait Maryam during a trip to Dubai: It will not be your most expensive meal of the trip, but it will easily be your most authentic and soulful meal of the trip.