Everything you need to know about Timbuktu Market Dubai

Meet the vendors who are serving curry, churros, and chicken.

Dubai’s food scene is set to sizzle. Timbuktu Market Dubai will open this year in Two Towers, Barsha Heights. Drawing inspiration from one of the oldest food markets in the world, Borough Market, London, it brings together local as well as international chefs. Expect flavours from around the world, and foodie fans to sit, chat and, of course, eat with, thanks to the communal seats. Here are the concepts coming to Timbuktu Market Dubai. 

Asian Street by Thai

Asian Street by Thai is small but mighty. So much so, it counts the former Prime Minister of Thailand, Thaksin Shinawatra, as one of its guests. Located in JLT, the venue includes only four tables. Now, it is expanding and will share its authentic Thai flavours with a wider audience. If you order one thing, make it the Green Curry.

Churros Garcia

If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll be excited to hear about Churros Garcia. The family business has been operating for more than 50 years and has made its way from London to Dubai. The churros come with chocolate and can be served with cinnamon and sugar. Vegan options are available. Plus, the menu includes piping hot paella, which you’ll smell before you see it.

Gyoza Guys 

Gyoza Guys makes its way from London to Dubai. Curator at Timbuktu Market Dubai, Hani Al Malki, explains: “I first met chef Amir Pem during a visit to Maltby Street Market in London. Amir served as the personal chef to Sir Paul McCartney. The owners had raved about Amir’s culinary creations. Once I tried his food, I was instantly captivated.” The chefs fuse together influences from China and Japan, and are famous for their gourmet-style dumplings, yakitori and, of course, gyozas. If it’s good enough for The Beatles, it’s good enough for us. 

Haya’s Kitchen

Haya Bishouty is on a mission to share her family’s Palestinian food, and dedicates her work to tetas – aka grandmothers. In Dubai, she has created pop-up events, supper clubs and workshops. Passionate about the history of food, she has done talks on specific ingredients – wild za’atar, anyone? She explains: “Palestinian poets and authors have used za’atar as a symbol of the strength and resilience of the Palestinian people. Even if you knock us down, we always find a way to get back up again”. 

Kalye Juan 

Those unversed in Filipino cuisine should visit Kalye Juan. Chef Aljon is behind the concept, which describes itself as neo-Filipino street food. Kalye translates to street, and aims to recreate the country’s local food scene in the heart of Dubai. Expect innovative flavours, high-quality ingredient and creative presentation.

McFly’s Chicken

McFly’s Chicken has taken flight, and gone from food markets at festivals in the United Kingdom to joining Timbuktu Market in Dubai. Founded by Phil Capaldi, who recently relocated to Dubai, it specialises in fried chicken. The humble chicken has been elevated, and fuses flavours from Asia. Dishes range from Korean Chilli Wings to K-Town Burgers.

Moreish by K

Kunwal Safder is a powerhouse on Dubai’s supper club scene. Moreish by K was created during Covid-19, and it has expanded from food deliveries to an at-home dining experiences, pop-up events and a residency in the Maldives. Now, she is joining Timbuktu Market, and will showcase her signature Punjabi and Persian cuisine, which includes influences from London and Dubai. Don’t miss the artisan samosas, which come in a mix of fun and fine dining flavours. And, look out for the breakfast options – they’ll be morish, no doubt. 

Panamericana

Panamericana is made up of four chefs: Alfredo Acosta, Alexander Castellano, Diego Solis and Jorge Rodriguez. The team have created pop-up in Dubai, and are now heading to Timbuktu Market Dubai. Drawing inspiration from Latin America, the menu will barbecue and grilled dishes, and the signature dish is the wood fired shawarma. 

Sushi Amemiya

Sushi Amemiya went from a humble four-seat supper club, to a popular restaurant with a long waiting list. Created in Dubai, the concept is now expanding to Timbuktu Market Dubai. Don’t worry, there are 10 seats, so you won’t have to suffer from FOMO. The venue aims to transport you to the backstreets of Tokyo, and offer an authentic dining experience. And, the fish is oh-so-fresh and flown in from Japan, naturally.