Brambles Brings Healthy Northern Californian Styled Cooking to Dubai

New home grown café Brambles is now open in Barsha Heights and serving up unique healthy offerings including avocado pizza, kale brownie and more, and boast a vegan and vegetarian menu in addition to meat and fish dishes too. Here the brains behind Brambles—Mandana Shabani—reveals healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring.

Northern Californian Styled Cuisine

“Northern California, home of the farm-to-table movement, was my ‘hood’growing up. Farms and farmers markets, authentic restaurants on every corner, and restaurants like Chez Panisse played an essential role in my approach to food. Brambles, is the result of my childhood surrounded by these wonderful things. Cali Cuisine captures familiar flavors, but with fresh curiosity. It is chef-driven and showcases the freedom and free spirit that California is known for.”

Food Trends in 2019

“I think we’ll see a big influx of chef-driven fast casual restaurants. Healthy soul food and healthful kids’menus will also be prevalent in 2019. 2018 already saw a popularity in Middle Eastern spices and foods, and we will continue to see this trend take off. And of course, vegan/meat free foods and clean eating will become even more popular as most restaurants will start to offer these options on their menus. Finally, we will see a new appreciation for healthy fats this year.”

The Essentials of a Homemade Healthy Meal

“A well-stocked pantry is the key to easy meal prep. I always keep interesting spices on hand, ras-al-hanout or black lemon powder will always add a nice zing to any dish. Also canned tomatoes and beans are a nice addition to any quick stew. And you’ll never catch me without fresh herbs in my fridge, fresh thyme makes everything better! I love roasting, everything and anything. It is quick one pan method to make a whole meal without staying in the kitchen for hours. Toss your veggies with a little grape seed oil, fresh thyme, garlic and spices and pop it in the oven and you’ve got dinner in 30 minutes or less.”

Dispelling the Myth about Healthy Food

“One of the reasons I first decided to open Brambles was to change people’s misconceptions on healthy eating. Whole, fresh foods are delicious. Roasted, caramelized vegetables completely change the flavor components of a dish. Healthy food doesn’t need to be bland, boiled veggies, and steamed chicken breast. It can be beautiful, bold sauces made from fresh ingredients or rich, savory, umami-filled vegan stews bursting with the flavors of fresh herbs and spices.”