BU QTAIR Restaurant, Dubai - AKA the Fish Shack

Perhaps not everyone in Dubai has been to what is affectionately referred to as the 'fish shack', but most will have heard of its name said in hushed, reverent tones around the office water cooler. It is not in a glitzy mall and you won't find it in any restaurant directory for Dubai (I am not sure it has even made it into the Dubai Lonely Planet Book). There are no menus and you will be sitting on plastic stools and eating off paper plates. But do you know what, it might just be the best meal you could possibly have in Dubai for USD$10 a head!


What this 'shack' lacks in glitz and glamour it makes up for in producing simple, no fuss, fantastic seafood. People from all backgrounds and pay grades sit outside with their feet in the sand, eating with their hands with fiery curry sauce dripping down their chins. And they all LOVE it. It is one of the few places in Dubai that I can take a guest knowing that it will consistently produce a great experience and top food. No small honour indeed!


This time round I was in a group of 3 and we ordered a Hamour the size of your arm (although I believe they often have different fish depending on the catch of the day) and a sizable stack of paratha (flaky indian bread). When you arrive you enter the shack,line up behind the counter, where you will simply select your fish of choice (the only type of 'fishing' that I enjoy) and 10-15 minutes later it emerges from the oil cauldron in all its glory. Despite being deep fried, the fish was not over oily. Instead the marinated spicy outside was deliciously crisp while the perfectly white meat inside was soft and moist. They serve the fish with a spicy fishy curry (watch out for those small bones) and a plate of vegetables which features predominantly raw cabbage and onion - i know this doesn't sound particularly appetizing but the sharpness and crunch of the vegetables combined with the soft fish and fluffy paratha are a match made in culinary heaven. The curry and vegetables are refillable for free, so don't hold back.

In my opinion the prawns (also deep fried) are too oily, unable to handle the cooking process with the same grace as the fish.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

As the weather gets cooler, this place gets busier so unless you are happy to wait 30 minutes for a table and chair, get there early. Go with an empty stomach, wear your most casual comfortable clothes and be prepared to have one of the finest dining experiences in Dubai without the pomp and ceremony that often accompanies Dubai dining experiences.

The bill (for 3):
1 x BIG Fish
9 x Paratha
3 x Chai Tea
3 x soft drinks
1 x Big bottle of water 

TOTAL: Dhs 115 (US$ 31)
(price of the fish varies based on weight, and we arent sure on the price breakdown above, since we were handed a bit of paper with the total written on it)

Restaurant address: 4D Street - Jumeira - Dubai

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