Last weekend, Ed and I went to Jumeirah Lake Towers to try something fresh! We heard a casual Middle Eastern restaurant that is originally from Bahrain is now in the UAE. Since I'm always excited to discover new flavors, we ventured out to a neighborhood miles away from ours and searched for YaSalam!
 |
After less than 10 minutes of walking from the metro station to the concrete jungle of JLT, we found YaSalam! The restaurant is tucked in the corner of HDS Tower in Cluster F. It looks like a simple shawarma joint from the outside, but inside, it is a brilliantly furnished dining spot.
YaSalam is a casual restaurant that is focused on "simple but exciting food, hand-prepared daily from fresh and natural ingredients." The concept originated in Bahrain and it's good to have another restaurant which highlights clean and healthy eating the UAE.
 |
| casual Middle Eastern restaurant in JLT Dubai |
 |
| can't help but love the quirky bar stools |
 |
| Fresh and clean food coming right from the open kitchen! |
Ed and I were warmly welcomed. We were the only customer, but the kitchen staff were busy whipping up meals in the kitchen. I think they are getting lots of calls for food delivery.
Yasalam's menu is quite limited during the weekends. I was hoping I could have the well recommended Roast Lamb Shank Ghoozi. Unfortunately, the staff informed us that it's only available for lunch on weekdays. So, Friday dinner option was only between shawarma and salad. Nevertheless, YaSalam offers a huge variety of shawarma and to-die-for salads!
 |
| YaSalam's Menu |
 |
| tick menu for make-your-own Shawarma |
I was intrigued with the make-your-own shawarma option. I actually attempted to build one, but then I thought it could turn into a self-made disaster and could ruin my first dining experience at YaSalam! So, I went with the Super Food salad. Best. Decision. Everrr!
The Super Food salad is a healthy bowl of mixed greens, chickpeas, edamame, quinoa, avocado, olives, nuts and seeds. All wonderfully tossed in light Balsamic dressing! It has a medley of textures. I love how the ingredients complimented each other.
 |
| YaSalam! Super Food! |
Ed, on the other hand, wanted a heavy meal; hence he ordered Chicken Shawarma Platter. The generous portion of flavorful chicken breast slices comes with creamy hommos and a side salad which he switched to spicy fries... because I told him so. Heheh! I mean, I said I can share my salad with him, so we should try something else.
 |
| Shawarma Platter |
YaSalam has a a good range of side dishes. We were able to try two of them - Spicy Fries and Falafil Bites. If I were to choose between the two, I'd go for Falafil Bites! Not just because it's healthier, but because it's more traditional and satisfying, especially when dipped in tahini sauce!
 |
| Falafil Bites |
Fruit juices are available. Ed and I had the Green Apple and we both think it's excellent that YaSalam offers it natural and freshly squeezed!
 |
| Dinner freshly served! |
Desserts are kept in cute cups; take-away and food delivery-ready! We shared a Carrot Cake and we love it. Frosting is not too sweet. Cake is moist and flavorful. Overall, it's a delish dessert cup that I would probably have when I visit YaSalam again.
 |
| YaSalam's Carrot Cake in cup |
For me, YaSalam is a 3.5 out of 5. Service is good. Food is superbly fresh. I could have actually rated it higher if they offered more than shawarma and salad for dinner on weekends. Still, I would consider returning to YaSalam if I'm in the area.
Prices of what we had as of August 2016:
Chicken Shawarma Platter: 28 AED
Super Food salad (medium): 25 AED
Chicken breast top-up for the salad: 6 AED
Fresh Juice: 15 AED
Falafil Bites: 11 AED
Location:
YaSalam!
HDS Business Centre
Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai
Contact Number: 800 YASALAM (800 9272526)
Website: yasalam.net
We were invited to dine at YaSalam! Opinions in this blog post are my own.
0 Blogger Comments
