Gluten Free UAE
Hoping to be of help to all those living gluten free in the United Arab Emirates – نأمل أن نكون عوناً لكل من يعيش حياته خالية من الجلوتين في دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة
Fortnum & Mason
Nestled between Dubai Mall and The Address Hotel in an elegant three story building, is Fortum & Mason. The lower floor is home to a small food court specialising in Teas, the second Floor is the Tea Room which offers all day dinning – including afternoon and high tea, the third floor is an ice-cream parlour.
On entering the building you follow the red carpet up the stairs to be greeted by a smartly dressed server who seats you and provides an extensive tea menu (they also serve coffee and cold drinks). The atmosphere is that of a chic english tea room with lots of background chatter. The clientele is mainly groups of well dressed ladies. If the weather is good ask for an outside table to look out at the Burj Khalifa and, if later in the evening, the Dubai Fountains.
The waiting staff are very attentive and assist in the selection of teas, explaining that all of their loose leaf teas are gluten free. The menu of Afternoon Tea and High Tea can be offered gluten free with the exception of the Welsh Rarebit and Scotch Egg. All of the baked products are sourced from local manufactures that have designated gluten free kitchens with the exception of the macaroons which are made onsite.
The presentation of the food was superb and lots of cameras came out to take photos of the rare sight of a delightfully presented selection of gluten free sandwiches, muffins, scones, brownies and macaroons.
The warm scones that contained raisins, cranberries and melted chocolate chips served with Somerset clotted cream and Fortum and Mason’s own preserves were a firm favourite. The shrimp risotto also disappeared at an alarming rate and as soon as the plate was cleared the thought of making another visit to sample it again will cross your mind.
Paul Ryan, the head chef, provided a detailed description of how they prevent cross contamination in the kitchens and came across as very knowledgable of the requirements of a celiacs diet and those that follow a gluten free lifestyle.
We departed with our leftovers neatly wrapped in a ribbon topped box, these were swiftly devoured by the kids on arriving home whilst making the appreciative sounds of relished treats.
Highly recommended for a ladies lunch, birthday or just for a treat because who doesn’t love to indulge in an afternoon of chatter, tea and great food.
Tea Salon opening hours are 9am to 12am Sunday to Wednesday and 9am to 1am Thursday to Saturday. Afternoon Tea is priced at 245aed and High Tea at 295aed. You can show up without a reservation and the Chef will be able to serve a gluten free meal or tea but if you can call 24hrs prior and he can make sure you have all the extra trimmings which I highly recommend Tel: 04 388 2627.
– Wendy Allcorn
A big thank you to Wendy, Ramona, Shaikha and Reem who went to sample, all in the name of investigation obviously 🙂 – Linda
Gluten Free UAE 