Talar’s Food & Drink Hot List

Crafted in the UAE with just four ingredients, this homemade chilli oil delivers bold, addictive flavour in every spoonful. A longtime staple in the Bhalla household, it was born from a decade-old family recipe and created to share their favourite kitchen essential with the world. It is made with heart-healthy olive oil, red chillies, garlic and gluten-free soy sauce. The blend is perfectly balanced and ideal for drizzling over meals or using as a marinade for your proteins.  

Visit BHALLASPICES.COM 

Founded in 2009,  Casinetto brings the rich flavours of Europe to the UAE by sourcing premium ingredients directly from farmers, bakers and artisans across Italy and beyond. Whether you're a home cook or a professional chef, its handpicked selection, from truffles and tomato sauces to blue cheese and olive oil, is all about making every meal unforgettable. Top picks include AMICA’s Sea Salt Chips Alfredo, which are gluten-free and hail from Italy, along with the Fassano ready-made beef meatballs.  

Visit CASINETTO.COM 

The Jackfruit Chronicles is a new memoir from award-winning food writer and novelist Shahnaz Ahsan. Blending memories, history, and heart, the author takes us on a sensory journey through the rich world of Bengali cuisine and its roots in Britain. Beginning with her grandfather Habib’s arrival in England in the 1950s, the book is a powerful story of migration, resilience and identity, whilst highlighting the Bangladeshi diaspora in the UK. Alongside this personal and cultural history, Ahsan shares cherished family recipes – from sour tomato broth to jackfruit kofta curry.  

Visit AMAZON.AE

With a flavour profile that captures the sweetness from orange and rhubarb, Lyre’s Italian Spritz will transport you to a seaside restaurant off the coast of Capri. The unique non-alcoholic aperitif is packed with flavour and combines the perfect balance of bitter and sweet. 

Visit MMIHOMEDELIVERY.AE 

Founded by Necip Camcigil, The Growhouse by One Life is his latest culinary experience that has opened in Dubai’s Alserkal Avenue. After the launch of the very successful One Life Kitchen in D3, Camcigil wanted to bring diners a farm-to-table experience with the fresh produce being grown in the same building as the eatery. The chic café and co-working space features a regenerative biodiversity farm where they grow all their own ingredients. From freshly made pastas to crunchy salad bowls, The Growhouse is a welcoming and fresh take on food in the UAE.  

Visit ONELIFEDXB.COM 

At Rascal’s Bakehouse, indulgence is served daily with a unique lineup of sweet pastries and artfully crafted desserts, paired perfectly with freshly brewed coffee and matcha. Brought to life by the team behind Rascal’s Deli, this charming brick-and-mortar spot is a dream for anyone with a serious sweet tooth. Treat yourself to their latest creation, The Waffle, or savour a slice of the iconic San Sebastian cheesecake by executive pastry chef Antonio del Moral Martinez. 

Visit TABLE4TWOGROUP.COM 

In celebration of Emirati Women’s Day, Jumeirah’s locally founded A Normal Day is teaming up with rising local chef Hessa Aljassmi, a Le Cordon Bleu alumna currently training at École Ducasse, for one week only – from 28th August to 4th September. Lucky guests can enjoy a flavorful three-course menu that blends bold Emirati flavours through Chef Hessa's fresh lens. The dishes reflect the bistro's signature style of sophisticated comfort food with a local twist, with the exclusive menu promising to be a unique culinary journey.  

Visit @ANORMALDAY 

Calling all vegetable lovers! Sabzi is the new cookbook by award-winning, Iranian/Pakistani chef Yasmin Khan. Inspired by her travels and the meals she cooks at home, the book is named after the Persian word for herbs, as it offers over 80 vibrant vegetarian and vegan recipes rooted in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and South Asian flavours. From colourful mezzes to fragrant soups and bold salads, these easy, plant-based dishes celebrate traditional food cultures while nourishing the body.  

Visit AMAZON.AE

Located in the same spot as their previous hit eatery Orfali Bros in Jumeirah’s Wasl 5, the three Syrian brothers have just opened their latest fun and flirty dining experience – Three Bros. The menu is full of delightful dishes that combine French flair, Syrian flavours and Mediterranean soul. Notable items to order at the 22-seater restaurant include their adobo chicken wings, TNT patatas and grape juice and olive oil beverages.  

Visit THREEBROS.AE 

If you’re looking for a unique and meaningful art piece for your kitchen – or a thoughtful housewarming gift – Melissa Haddad’s ceramic designs from Beirut-based BEIT Collective are a perfect choice. Inspired by the spirit of Lebanon, these beautiful pieces come in two earthy tones: Tyrian purple and cedar green. Whether hung on a wall or displayed on a countertop, they bring character and charm to any space. 

Visit BEIT-COLLECTIVE.COM 

Created by the team behind the Balkan-inspired bistro 21grams, Piehaus is a new addition to the popular Alserkal Avenue. The modern yet warm aesthetic of the space reflects what the menu offers – simple, no-fuss, delicious food that will keep you coming back for more. The chefs make a variety of pies everyday using traditional techniques and fresh ingredients, such as a goat cheese, honey and thyme pie to some sweet offerings – a standout – which consists of crispy phyllo dough with a warm tahina filling and a sprinkle of cardamom sugar. 

Visit @PIEHAUS

Born in Southern Italy, Frantoio Muraglia, is dedicated to producing Italy’s finest extra virgin olive oil. Housed in a vibrant, hand-painted rainbow ceramic jar, this oil is as much a showpiece as it is a kitchen essential. With its bold, fruity flavour, it’s perfect for dipping bread or drizzling over fresh salads, bringing both colour and richness to your food and table.  

Visit WAITROSE.AE 

You can always count on popular Korean supermarket 1004 Gourmet for unique and delicious desserts – and the brand’s latest frozen offerings are perfect for the upcoming autumn season. Highlights include distinctive gelato flavours from Nagasaki, Japan, such as sweet potato and green tea. And don’t miss the white chocolate and fresh strawberry frozen mochi balls from MOCHIMORE, a sweet treat worth stocking up on. 

Visit 1004GOURMET.COM 

Looking for a go-to sip stop in Lebanon? Look no further as Caren Ohanessian and Diala Bassatne launch their L'Gahwa pop-up cafe at the scenic Faqra Club on the outskirts of the Kfardebian village. The cosy spot features a variety of matcha drinks and coffees, becoming a fast favourite for people in Lebanon. 

Visit @LGAHWA