Taste Test: Arjwan

As you enter Arjwan–in the new Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa, you are greeted by the sounds of Arabic music and a welcoming cup of ghawa. The décor takes cues from an Arabian aesthetic, with hanging Moroccan lanterns and carved wooden doors with turquoise accents throughout the restaurant.

Chef Mohammed Rageb was very involved in putting together a balanced selection of dishes and explained that the menu has over one hundred offerings, with a menu designated specifically for camel meat dishes. We began with ‘Amoush Poish’ or lightly seasoned crispy bread sticks with accompanying Egyptian chili paste and olive oil. Our hot and cold mezze platter came with some familiar favorites like hummus, beetroot moutable, crispy fried sambousak and vine leaves accompanied by fattoush. The best part is here is Chef Mohammed innovates traditional dishes by using locally grown ingredients; so in the Caprese salad, rather than mozzarella cheese and pesto, he used pomegranate molasses, fried halloumi cheese, and ground zaatar for a twist. And for the first time ever, we sampled camel meat in the form of flavorful crispy camel spring rolls with akkawi cheese.

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Our mains included Egyptian dolma–or stuffed vegetables—in tomato sauce. The mixed grill was an assortment of chicken kebobs, lamb, and sheesh tawook while my personal two favorites included thareed–a warming comfort food with layers of bread nestled in-between a moreish vegetable and meat stew. And the Mandi, which was smoked chicken nestled atop a bed of saffron rice, was garnished with fried onions and cashews. For dessert, we shared a chewy date cake, topped with cream, which was again reminiscent of the Arabic theme.

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Verdict: With very attentive service and a beautiful ambiance overlooking the beach, Arjwan celebrates Emirati culture with its home-style traditional Emirati and Arabic food. This is definitely worth the drive from Dubai!

Visit Arjwan at Sheraton Sharjah Beach
Resort & Spa; 06-599 0088