City Insider: Where Team MAIA Eat Out

From hidden neighbourhood gems to world-renowned dining spots, Team MAIA – a leading luxury PR and brand communications agency in Dubai – knows a thing or two about eating out.

In this edition of City Insider, three of our team members share their go-to dishes, favourite underrated restaurants, and the most memorable dining experiences that have left a lasting impression. Whether it’s a hole-in-the-wall serving the best local flavours or an elegant spot redefining fine dining, here’s feast of recommendations to help guide your next epicurean adventure in the UAE and beyond.

Where’s your go-to restaurant for a guaranteed amazing meal?

Emily Karpin, Account Director

I’m fairly new to Dubai, so I’m still exploring various places, but I’m a sucker for consistency, and Hot Pot never seems to disappoint here. My favourite is Nine Squares, the Jumeirah branch. It’s always delicious, the staff are lovely, and they provide the best ingredients for your dipping sauces. Bonus points for the third level of outdoor seating, which offers a lovely breeze in winter. Insider tip: there’s a mosque you can hear in the distance if you visit at the right time during the call to prayer, which enhances the ambience. What’s better than enjoying a spicy, delicious hot pot while experiencing another culture at the same time?

What’s one dish you must order whenever you see it on a menu?

Ely Balmoria, Senior Account Executive

In a Thai restaurant, it’s always Pad Thai, with its perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavours. At a Chinese spot, I’m all about Dan Dan Noodles for their spicy, savoury kick. For Filipino cuisine, Chicken Barbecue and Lumpiang Shanghai are a must. In a Vietnamese restaurant, I love a good Banh Mi and Vietnamese Rolls. In Korean restaurants, I can’t pass up Bulgogi and the flavourful Banchan. When it comes to Indian food, I always go for Butter Chicken, and in Japanese places, it’s Karaage and Ramen.

What’s the most unforgettable meal you’ve ever had, and where?

Richard Thorburn, Associate Director

The Dome in Edinburgh used to be my ‘if you know, you know’ restaurant, but then BeautifulDestinations published a reel there and it suddenly became a lot harder to get a table. But honestly, I can’t blame them. With their iconic decorations, Christmas time is particularly special, something that I got to experience a couple of years ago. With Scottish roots, the venison with neeps and tatties (go ahead, Google it) was a taste of tradition.

What’s your favourite under-the-radar spot that more people should know about? Why?

Emily Karpin, Account Director

It’s hard to say one for Dubai, seeing again as I’ve just been here under 2 years, but Bu Qtair Restaurant is one I found a few years back when I visited and seem to recommend here that not too many people know about it. It’s a no-frills standalone restaurant that serves only crispy shrimp and fish by the weight. You walk into the chaos of one line, always with no menu in sight, and no one knowing what to do. But once you get up to the window, you then order your shrimp and fish by weight. It comes with delicious doughy bread or rice with the most delightfully spicy curry sauce. You can sit outside and enjoy the water view and afterwards take a walk along the water.

Which city do you think has the best dining scene right now?

Richard Thorburn, Associate Director

Perhaps I am biased, but I do honestly think that it’s Dubai. That’s not something I could have said six years ago when I first came to the city, so speaks volumes about how much the dining scene has evolved with so many acclaimed international concepts now entering the market. Fine dining is one thing, however, the thing I love the most about the dining scene in Dubai is the variety. There aren’t many cities in the world where you can have a Michelin star restaurant located next to homegrown neighbourhood hangout – I hope this never changes.

Which chef or restaurant in the MAIA portfolio are you excited about?

Ely Balmoria, Senior Account Executive

I’m really excited about Chef Moon and his restaurant, HANU. Chef Moon brings a unique, refined approach to Korean cuisine, offering an elevated dining experience with premium meats, thoughtful food presentation, and expertly crafted flavours. HANU focuses on quality, featuring exquisite dishes with perfectly sliced beef, flavourful banchan (Korean side dishes), and sauces that complement each meal. The attention to detail in both the ingredients and presentation makes HANU truly stand out as a top destination for an unforgettable Korean fine dining experience.

If you could have a meal at any MAIA client restaurant tonight, where would it be and why?

Emily Karpin, Account Director

I work on the Maybourne account, which includes Claridge’s, The Emory, The Berkeley, The Connaught, The Maybourne Beverly Hills and The Maybourne Riveria. They all have some of the best bars and restaurants in the world, so I’d love to do a Maybourne “house of Maybourne foodie crawl” and check them all out. I’m talking platters of fresh French fries served atop silver platters with a cold crisp martini on the side to abc kitchens by Jean-Georges which combines all 3 NYC concepts into one new one at The Emory. Everything Maybourne does they do it in style, so I’d like to experience it on a whole new level.

Do you always leave room for dessert?

Emily: I know this is going to be a very unpopular opinion, but no, I do not. I’m more of a savoury person, so you’ll see me enjoying a bread basket with butter or olive oil or ordering an extra savoury dish instead of dessert if it was always up to me.

Richard: Come on, you already know the answer to this, regardless of whether there is room or not.

Ely: Even if I’m full, I’ll always make space for a small treat, because dessert is what? FUNDAMENTAL.