My Dubai Diary

Arabian Tea House in Bastakiya

Traditional wooden dhow in Dubai Creek

View of SZR from Level 43 Skylounge

Tanoura dance in a desert safari camp

Dubai Creek that divides Dubai into Bur Dubai and Deira

Dubai Creekside from the Bur Dubai side

As of October 2020, we have relocated to Chennai and I've started on a new category... My Chennai Chapter!

I’ve spent almost two decades in Dubai – the longest stint in any city after Kolkata, the city where I was born. Possessive about Dubai, I’ve tried to convince every guest that we’ve had, about the virtues and beauty that lay beyond the glitzy shopping malls and the stereotype associated with the city. For example, the magical desert under a star-lit night or Bastakia (now known as Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood) and its art alleys running amongst traditional houses with their alluring wind-towers. In fact, getting lost in the hidden galleries is my favourite past-time in this city!

Do read all about me here, why and how I started this blog, or what do I do now to earn a living. Dubai has been my adopted home for many years and a lot of food posts have been juxtaposed against my Kolkata nostalgia or my living experiences in the UAE. In most of my writings, culture, history, recipes, food stories and nostalgia – even my childhood memories in Kolkata, unfold amidst the urban backdrop of Dubai. Hence, sometimes I’ve not been able to clearly demarcate between Dubai and Kolkata posts.

Please note that some of my posts have been written as early as 2011 and there may have been changes in the restaurants and places mentioned (some may have shut shop, others have changed location, or simply lost their earlier ethos). Updating more than 300 blogposts can be quite a task… sometimes, next to impossible but I do try to update/edit as much as I can. Do please bear with me if there are any anomalies in some of my earlier posts!

I am very fortunate that my blog has enjoyed some press and media mentions and has also given me the opportunity to write elsewhere. Do join me on my daily food and travel journey on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Hope you enjoy!

All blogposts revolve around the following categories – Recipes, Reviews, Interviews, Food Events and Culinary Travel, click here to read. I have compiled all posts falling under the categories of Dubai here, Kolkata here, everything that I am exploring in Chennai here and everything beyond these three cities here. To find all the posts written so far in a chronological manner, click here.

Tracking My Footprints

The World Awaits for me to wander. ‘It’s a new world – it’s a new start/ It’s alive with the beating of young hearts… Here I am…’ Artist: Bryan Adams from the Movie ‘Spirit’. That is the idea behind the title of the Parent Category under which all the posts are listed and photos are cataloged.

Disclaimer: There aren’t any sponsored posts in this page, nor are there any affiliated links. Every blogpost has a disclosure at the end stating whether my family/myself have been hosted or my bills have been self paid; if I have been offered any media discounts for my family/myself; and whether a brand that I am writing about, is a paid collaboration because of the nature of my work. The subject, story, opinions and views stated here are my own. While you enjoy reading my posts with a lot of visuals, please do not use any material from these posts.

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54 Comments on “My Dubai Diary”

shimmeshine
May 5, 2012

Just 2 years here, and me too becoming possessive about Dubai 🙂
May be because of the openness it offers, a stark opposite to what India offers……

A very well written article with articles within…..kudos !!

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- IshitaUnblogged
  May 5, 2012
  
  I know what you mean. But I guess if you are not possessive about the place you are living in you’ll never enjoy your life. This is a content listing for my Dubai posts – glad you like it:)
  
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  - Ujjwal Goswami
    Sep 10, 2016
    
    Hey Ishita. Very well written. Can you please tell me where they celebrate Durgapuja in Dubai ? Any idea?
    
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    - debarpita
      Oct 7, 2016
      
      Hey!! There is a Sindhi society Durga Puja that we are going to, near Al Fahidi metro station.
      
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      - IshitaUnblogged
        Oct 9, 2016
        
        Yes, but that’s really small. There is a group called Bong Connection Dubai who organise a brilliant Pujo but that’s only for its members.
        
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asiamgrowingup
May 21, 2012

woooooooooooooow!
It is a unbelievable blog post.

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- IshitaUnblogged
  May 21, 2012
  
  Thank you so much…. I love your blog as well:)
  
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nimesh
Oct 10, 2012

i dont have words to describe…………………………….amazinggggggggggggggggg!!!!!!!!!!!!

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- IshitaUnblogged
  Oct 11, 2012
  
  Thank you Nimesh! Would love to get the Chef’s feedback on the food pages as well:)
  
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Global Nomadic Bedouin
Nov 21, 2012

nice blog..very informative but you have only described the Glitzy side of Dubai. What about the Darkside of Dubai eh?

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- IshitaUnblogged
  Nov 21, 2012
  
  Very good point. Well there is an article ‘Like a tourist in my own city’ where I’ve tried to make a point that Dubai is not only about shopping and all that is glitz. like How many dark sides of a city do we get to see or ‘want’ to see as a tourist? Since this is a Travel and Culinary Blog I’ve been sticking to these aspects only. Have been meaning to write on other aspects – but that doesn’t really fit my blog so much. Do you have any writings that you might want me to read about?
  
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Swati
Dec 4, 2013

Really liked reading through your blog. I am a bengali who was brought up in the US. Now that I live in Dubai, i would love to learn rabindra sangeet…. any idea where one can learn that ???

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- IshitaUnblogged
  Dec 8, 2013
  
  Thank you Swati for dropping by! There is a very informal but closed group in Facebook called ‘Bengalis in Dubai’ and do send in a request to join – you’ll find many Bengalis posting many things that might be of interest. There’s a lady called Madhumita Roy with a band called (Shrishti)… https://www.facebook.com/madhumita.roy.7?fref=ts. Why don’t you message her (you can take my name, though I still haven’t met her but I am in touch with her). I believe she takes music lessons. If not she can give you an idea where to go.
  
  Good luck! And it was great hearing from you. My mother has learnt Rabindra Sangeet from Kanika Bandopadyay, Nilima Sen, Subinoy Roy and I’ve been fortunate to have been surrounded by many such legends. Unfortunately, I do not pursue music. You can see where my passion lies. Keep in touch:)
  
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Adnan @ Asia Pacific Travel & Tourism
Mar 6, 2014

Perfect place to live a healthy and joyful life. Its a place with a lot of colors, fun, and man-made beauty 🙂

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Esha
Apr 22, 2014

Hi Ishita! I am a Kolkata born Aussie living in Dubai (Fancy that!) Could you let me know of any place in Dubai that serves authentic bong food…anything similar to the taste buds developed during during my younger years in Kolkata! I was a frequent diner at Shiraz in Bank Street only to come back from Australia last week to be told it had been shut down for renovations. Would appreciate your recommendations. Cheers – Esha

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- IshitaUnblogged
  May 4, 2014
  
  Dear Esha, thanks very much for hopping in and apologies for such a late reply – my site had been down for a while. Well, not too many that I know of. But I have had the ‘Macher Paturi’ and a few other Bengali dishes from Calcutta Fast Foods (in Sharjah) at various friends’ places but personally I have never been there. Also, have heard of a place called the Food Village in Ghusiais – again, I have never been there. Would you be interested in joining in a Bengali meal that I am hosting in BookMunch at Al Wasl Square in 4th June?
  
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  - Esha
    Jun 1, 2014
    
    Hi Ishita, Thanks for your response, no worries about the lateness :-). I would have loved to have joined you for the Bengali meal however i will be back in Australia by then. Please keep me informed about anything that is “Bengali food” related. I am awaiting anxiously for Shiraz to reopen. Hopefully when i am back in a few months it will be. All the best. Esha
    
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    - IshitaUnblogged
      Jun 1, 2014
      
      Thank you very much for your good wishes. I too hope that Shiraz opens soon. Do keep connected 🙂
      
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dubai desert safari
May 17, 2014

I must say it is nice and good information.

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- Tribikram Chattaraj
  Sep 21, 2014
  
  this blog is really interesting…..finding it very useful and nicely illustrated about different aspects of the city….can anyone comment about Durga Puja in Dubai,.I mean is there any association/organization here in Dubai who celebrates this festival like Bengali puja???any comment will be appreciated…thanks..
  
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  - IshitaUnblogged
    Sep 22, 2014
    
    Thank you very much Tribikram for hopping in. Yes, there is a closed group in FB called Bong Connection Dubai, who organises a Durga Puja. Apart from the one that happens in the temple in the Sindhi temple in Bur Dubai. You can send a request on Facebook to this group. Plus there is a LIVE Mahalaya performance in Indian Consulate by a band called Shristi LIVE – again you will find info on Facebook. Hope this helps.
    
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    - Tribikram Chattaraj
      Sep 22, 2014
      
      Thank you so much Ishita…..this is indeed useful information for me and also some of my Bengali friends who are new in Dubai like me. I must say Your blog is very lively and full of information….looking forward to get more spices from your such a spontaneous blog…
      
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      - IshitaUnblogged
        Sep 22, 2014
        
        I am glad that I could help you and thank you very much for your warm feedback. Do shoot me an email if you need to know more:)
        
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Lourie Peck
Oct 12, 2014

“Bastakia – the art alleys running amidst the traditional houses with its’ alluring wind-towers. Or, simply getting lost in the hidden galleries is my favourite past-time!”

Glad I am not the only one who loves getting lost in Bastakia. New “stumbler” on your blog, looks very interesting and entertaining. (New to Dubai as well). Will go explore some more. Keep it going.

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- IshitaUnblogged
  Nov 3, 2014
  
  Hi Lourie… thanks very much for *stumbling* into my blog. And I am glad too that I am not the only one running along the art alleys of Bastakiya.
  
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Adventure Tourism In Sri Lanka
Jan 6, 2015

Adventure Tourism In Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s variety of mini climates, not only gives it a wealth of fauna and flora but also rugged terrain, high peaks, deep chasms, mountain gaps, high water falls and snaking rivers all ideal for eco, nature-adventures trekking trails for the enthusiast. If its hiking/trekking trails or adventure you are interested in, Sri Lanka’s mist covered central mountains in Ella offers marvellous opportunities. Trek through the nature of Horton plains, an environment characterized by forest patches, grasslands along with steep mountain passes, Trekking trails toAdams peak (Sri Pada) ascent the holy mountain to witness the mystic shadow of the peak across the lowland plains, or if you are in Kandy the knuckles range wilderness area which will take your breath away literally speaks of adventure and nature.
Visite: http://www.adventuredeceylon.com

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Visit Sri lanka
Jan 6, 2015

Visit Sri lanka

Sri Lanka: A ‘Resplendent Land’
Sir Arthur C. Clarke – a long time resident of Sri Lanka – once said:
“The Island of Sri Lanka is a small universe containing as many variations of culture, scenery and climate as some countries a dozen times her size…”
The island widely dubbed as the pearl of the Indian Ocean is a tiny tropical paradise where you can discover anything from golden sun-kissed beaches, mist-shrouded mountains, awe-inspiring ancient monuments to sprawling wildlife parks and lush rain-forests.
Sri Lanka’s history whispers of tales over 2600 years. Its pre-history consists of stunning temples, man made reservoirs and monasteries.
The “Lost paradise” considered by many globe trotters is filled with amazing cultural treasures where Portuguese, Dutch and British have all left their footprints here. With varying climates and adventures packed within few miles of each other, Sri Lanka offers an array of experiences from the top of the mountains to depths of the oceans.
Despite its fame as a seductive tourist destination in the universe, Sri Lanka’s splendor lies with its people. Tea Drinking people in Sri Lanka are famed for their pleasing smiles with big hearts. Introduced to the nation by Colonial British, today the soil of Sri Lanka produces the world’s best tea. Sri Lanka also remains as one of the foremost exporters of high quality spices and precious stones across the world. Today it remains for producing the finest blue sapphires in the world. The country is also in the forefront in producing quality garment products for leading brands in Asia, Europe and the USA.

Vsite: http://www.adventuredeceylon.com

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paulomi11Paulomi Batavia
Mar 11, 2015

hey just bumped in your blog while looking for something on net. Really well narrated and articulated. I am not as old in dubai as u r , just 2 years, but I am definitely liking it here a lot.

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Sam Dickson
May 6, 2015

I like how you don’t just focus on the glamorous attractions that most other people on the Internet do when writing about Dubai. The typical attractions are amazing and you should definitely visit them, but once you have visited them, I advise everyone to go and visit the more artistic and cultural Dubai, you won’t be disappointed!

I learned this on my first visit to Dubai, I went straight for the attractions that you hear about a lot like Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall, completely missing out Old Dubai. This was because I didn’t even know of Old Dubai and was so overwhelmed with how great the attractions were. On my second visit to Dubai, I wanted to explore the different attractions as I had seen the rest, that is when I realise there is so much more to Dubai and I am glad I discovered the cultural and artistic things to do.

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- IshitaUnblogged
  May 6, 2015
  
  Thanks Sam. And strangely there’s more to discover every day in this ever changing city.
  
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Amy
May 22, 2015

Wow.. it’s amazing.. I’m just planning to go.. Thanks for this nice blog.

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Ratul das
Jun 12, 2015

It’s almost one and half years now since I had moved in last year. I have met up lot of people specifically Indians here, but what kept me thinking is when you are out of your home country, it actually let you be friends with anyone and everyone. . But when it came to bengali in here, still fill up the gaps of nog being able go speak in a language am happy to speak with from the bottom of my heart. .your blog give me that..

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gruhkhoj
Jun 13, 2015

very interesting and attractive blog and post.. i likes it..

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cinderella/ofthe/orient
Oct 18, 2015

Horse riding in the desert!!!

https://www.facebook.com/albararistables

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Meenal Thobde
Feb 19, 2016

V Nyc blog. Your article brings a totally new view of this amazing place and will be on my travel wish list for a long time.

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- IshitaUnblogged
  Feb 21, 2016
  
  Thank you so much Meenal… do let me know if you find something new – maybe a hidden gem!
  
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fizza
May 10, 2016

very well written 🙂

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Carl Duane
Jul 2, 2016

Thank you for sharing your beautiful story in UAE country, now I am more encouraged not to fear to go to a Middle East country.

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- IshitaUnblogged
  Jul 13, 2016
  
  That’s lovely to hear. Let me know about your experience.
  
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fatma ali
Nov 3, 2016

thank you for sharing it. I love this post 🙂

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- IshitaUnblogged
  Nov 18, 2016
  
  Thank you so much, much appreciate 🙂
  
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Mosafer Fine Art of Travel
Nov 15, 2016

Very detailed and well written. I have never been to Dubai but the way you describe Dubai, it’s so amazing. It makes me want to grab my backpack and fly in an instant. ^_^

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- IshitaUnblogged
  Nov 18, 2016
  
  Thank you so much. Hope you get to visit Dubai soon.
  
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dubai blog
Nov 24, 2016

This is a great tip particularly to those new to the blogosphere.
Simple but very precise information… Thanks for sharing this one.
A must read article!

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- IshitaUnblogged
  Nov 27, 2016
  
  Thanks very much for the kind words!
  
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sabna
Dec 30, 2016

thank you very much for your good coments

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Lara
Jun 12, 2017

Great blog! We’re a family of four going on a similar trip this summer. it has definitely helped with our planning.

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