20 February 2009

From Dubai with Love

 
 Al Hili

I'm back and black!! I've been away on holiday in Dubai it was amazing, highly recommended, the sun, the kofta(some delicious kebab thing) the desert safari, the gold, the aqua park...ok I'll stop but I did bring a lil' gift back for you all, a restaurant review ;-)

Yep much to the annoyance of my company, my determination to find the Nigerian restaurant in Dubai that I'd heard so much about paid off.

Now where would you expect to find a Nigerian restaurant in Dubai? Only in the depths of the gold souk of course, that place was Naija central, full of Nigerians of all shapes and sizes buying gold for their next owambe party, myself included. All that gold shopping does work up your appetite so I asked a group young men if they knew of any nearby Nigerian restaurants and that is when they told us about 'AL HILI,' everyone that we asked thereafter seemed to know the place so as we got closer you can imagine the anticipation.

We finally reached our destination, initially I was confused, the sign said 'Al Hili' but it was a hotel? The restaurant was of course in the hotel but it was not one of those nice hotel joints, first we had to go to the back, then through a suspect looking alley way before going up some even more suspect stairs, at this point we'd decided that we were not going to eat here, the horrible smell (God forgive me) that welcomed us confirmed it. Then there was the fact that they were selling shoes in the same place that food was being served?! To be fair the food didn't look too bad but I wasn't gonna take the risk, it's all about basic hygiene and presentation people, those shoes just spoilt it such a shame.
Has anyone else been there and actually had something to eat? It would be interesting to hear what the food tastes like. Has anyone been to any other African restaurants in Dubai? Please where are they, I need to know for future reference.

Thanks,
Ms Fly x






Shoes on sale in the restuarant


8 comments:

Anonymous said...

lie lie!! In my life!! NEVER will i eat in an establishment of this caliber!! Forgerrit!!

lol!! See how the guy is now leaning over the food so the sweat from his armpit is now dripping into the jollof rice...ewwww mahn!!

Ms Fly said...

Hahahahaha Queen Vic you never fail to make me laugh. I know right that guy and his armpit ewwwwww

Anonymous said...

Reminds me of someone I know with that "Singlet". To be fair the person is a fantastic cook. I am shocked they let those slippers through customs?

Anonymous said...

We went to the naija restuarant with no name (well, apart from the carrier bag - African Restuarant). The venue is as previously described as the bloggers. On a positive note, the food was very nice, we had to wait a while for pounded yam (prepared with real yam Ekiti style). There was 10 of us (including kids), so we bought jollof rice, pounded yam, moi moi, beans and dodo, stock fish, egusi soup and many others. We had takeaway twice, the venue is small and very busy around lunchtime, the food is also freshly cooked. The owner(is very nice and polite), but there is a need to expand or open another branch nearby. Suggestion - open a branch on the ground floor facing one of the many market street in Deira and put up a signboard. The food will appeal to Naijas and other nationalities. A better location will cost loads, but you will certainly make very good profit. Do it soon before someone else steals the idea! I will be back soon.
Overall rating: Food 7/10, Service 6/10, Venue (as per the other bloggers), Price 8/10.

Anonymous said...

Good to hear your views.
I have been trying to wonder why Alhili is not making conscious efforts to relocate to a better location and upscale this restaurant! Alas, i realized that she would be too far from her target customers - market traders. Trust me for the fact its d "reigning' 9ja joint in Dubai everyone will make it there and at whatever price since the food is quite delicious. I have eaten (dine-in) there twice; at the smaller but neater & nicer location near California Hotel also in Deira. My 1st experience with African restaurant was in the smaller branch it wasnt too fancy but the food and service was commendable after having tasteless arabic food & Mac- D for so long it was a great relief to find 9ja food. Afterwards i had take-away orders until i was at the gold souk with some elderly people who became really hungry and we were informed there was a branch close by....boy was i confused when we arrived Al Hili :(!! First we passed through a shop selling boxes then at the end of the corridor was a reception to a hotel and on the left was the staircase cum latrine leading to the famous Alhaja's restaurant/shoe market where Henry (a staff) prides himself in sharing that President Obasanjo even comes there to eat.......why should i be surprised? Anyway, it lacks all the hygienic ambiance and that was a total turn off as i immediately lost my appetite. It's very rowdy and i have decided I wouldnt be so hungry to ever want to eat there again (trust me i know Al hili food even if wrapped in foil! It's also got some spongy strands i cant describe in it). They also have a branch in Houston; never been there but Alhaja should take a cue from 805 Ole Kent road Lon (except for the noise factor).
Anyone found any nice place with affordable 9ja food in Dubai? Hear there is a 9ja chef on Batueax but men its too pricey!

Anonymous said...

Wow, African restaurant has just opened a funky branch still in deira ofcourse but more neat & inviting...... about 5minutes walk from Al Hili! It's close to Goldland and Ana Palace hotel.
Yes i tried the Bateaux, very tasty and classy not so pricey for a good 4-course meal (Av Dhs300).

Anonymous said...

Does anyone have the address for this new branch of 'African Restuarant' in Deira

Talal shaikh said...

Excellent Article, i must say, there are various African sheesha shops and Restaurants in Deira near Grand Hyatt