Homestead – A gem of farm-to-table food in Dubai
I love Homestead. It is a special breed of restaurant that feeds you on every level. Its farm-to-table concept means that most of its produce is grown and sourced locally from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashed’s farms in Al-Ain. Its produce is organic, fresh and local so all the ticks are in place for us who are concerned to have ethical and healthy food. Dear Homestead, can you offer gluten free and paleo dessert options to be perfect, just perfect?!
Everything about Homestead is vast and abundant, beginning with the menu that is in the form of a newspaper, reporting the most important news of the hour; what’s there to eat?! It’s true to size with pages of delicious food spanning many cuisines. I would love to tell you more about the global dishes that they offer but I am kind of stuck on one channel, which is the Emirati one. It is absolutely divine. I highly recommend the lamb biryani or the diyay tahta.
The staff is friendly and professional with ready smiles seeking to make your experience a memorable one. I love how the multicultural staff represents the diverse beauty and strength of Dubai, a country that allows so many ethnicities to live in harmony. At the end of the meal, I went to speak to the manager, a lovely Lebanese woman, to learn more about this new cultural gem which, by that point, I realized I had found. She was so hospitable and remembered me from a time our paths had crossed briefly at another restaurant she used to work at. After a warm and informative conversation, I went back to my table. She graciously sent us some dessert with tea, and then came over and asked sincerely for our feedback. I was touched by both actions. But, then it is known that the Lebanese have mastered hospitality at the level of an art form.
Another impressive thing about Homestead is the sheer size of the place! It is a huge restaurant, with outside seating, and a café/patisseries area. The layout is amazing with so much light coming in from the huge floor-to-ceiling windows and French doors. There is so much beauty and lightness to be enjoyed thanks to the shabby-chic, country-style furniture and subtly colorful interiors that are so well put together with just the right touches of local culture. If you’ve been reading the Bint Battuta blog posts, I think you’ll have realized by now, how much I love old photographs. I admire them so much, because of their ability to instantly transport me to another place and time. Historic photos of old Dubai cover the walls at Homestead and their charm gets me every time I look at them. Another homely touch is the sugar that comes to you in a traditional tin container, made and finished with loving care.
The first time I went to Homestead, was with a soul-sister who loves healthy food as much as I do. Health and well-being is her passion and calling in life and there she was again showering me with precious expert tips as we browsed the menu. We enjoyed sitting outside, soaking up the ambiance which was just as nourishing as the food on the menu. I decided that my brother would also love this place and made a mental note to bring him the next time he was in Dubai, as he comes often. He enjoys all types of restaurants, from the casual simplicity of home food to the grand sophistication of Michelin starred experiences. So my second visit to Homestead was with my brother and I was so happy to see him bubble over with joy and smile the way he does when he is happy with a simple pleasure in life, a pleasure that has the ability to truly and deeply nourish you.
The third time was with another soul-sister, who had been working hard and non-stop for months on end. We took time in our weekday to meet there. I was so excited when she said she could drive, out as any resident of Dubai will vouch that we rarely venture beyond the immediate radius of our homes and workspaces. The sole exception is for friends and, well.. now Homestead, haha. She loved it too and we spent the loveliest afternoon catching up and having the kind of heart to heart that only we two can have. Later on, a dear mutual friend joined us and we all took a walk and decided to change all our commitments and bask in the magic together a while longer.
If you’re wondering why we had to travel so far to get to Homestead, it’s because it is located in khawaneej which is apart from the modern heart of Dubai as part of a beautiful project called The Yard, created by the iconic Dubai property and concept developer, Meraas. The Meraas projects are the most beautiful of Dubai’s contemporary spaces aside from the DIFC (Dubai International Financial Center) which is so gorgeous, architecturally speaking.
Meraas have lived up to their reputation with The Yard, and it is actually my favorite of their developments because of the ranch feel. It is basically in a big open area, with some parts fenced-in with a reclaimed wood look, and funky murals of animals with fun light messages surrounding a man-made pond with ducks and lilies and a promise bridge. With the water features, the fun animals and other details to complete the experience, it really does transport you to a place connected with nature and a natural way of living.
On the other side of The Yard, you can find charming seats with food trucks that offer the usual yummy suspects. Yes, you can have Karak tea and luqaimat there.. or even relish a sweet or savory pratha or a shawarma with a twist. Each time I visit, I walk away lighter, happier and calmer with a spring in my step and a vow in my heart to return soon with one of the loved ones from my growing list whom I want to share this charming place with. I can’t wait!
ENJOY Homestead
Homestead is an eclectic fusion of Emirati interior design with a relaxed modern ambiance that creates a simple, homely environment. We provide indoor and outdoor dining facilities enhanced by views of the lively local neighbourhood including the lake, the Promise Bridge and The Yard.
EXPLORE The Yard
Located in Dubai’s rapidly developing Al Khawaneej area, the suburban hideaway encompasses Last Exit D89, launched in 2017 as an initial phase. The most recent addition to The Yard comprises a rustic courtyard, an organic farmer’s market, a bakery, air-conditioned and open-air restaurants and dining spaces, a unique mix of shops, a lake with two bridges spanning it, shaded walking trails and expansive landscaped picnic areas.
DISCOVER Meraas
Meraas develops and operate diverse, high quality urban destinations, as well as investing and creating new technologies and experiences. From food, fun and travel to health, tech and education. We focus on areas that will have an important impact on how people experience the city by creating dynamic, open places for communities to socialise, explore, learn, play, create and enjoy – Because active lives are happy lives.