Lamb on rice served at Welcome to Dubai in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province / Courtesy of Eddie Tam By Eddie Tam Nestled in a tranquil cul-de-sac alley just off the bustling main street near Suwon Station's exit 8 lies a culinary oasis known as Welcome to Dubai. This Middle Eastern restaurant, with its inviting open-air kitchen, offers diners a unique and immersive experience. It feels more akin to stepping into someone's home in Dubai than a typical restaurant in Korea.
The entrance to Welcome to Dubai in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province / Courtesy of Eddie Tam From the moment one crosses the threshold, the excellent hospitality and personalized service make a statement. This warm-heartedness and attention to detail raise Welcome to Dubai to something more than just an eatery, making it a hidden gastronomic gem waiting to be discovered. Owners and staff do their best to make sure that each visiting guest is treated like a treasured visitor for a warm and unforgettable dining encounter.
Although the menu can be expected to not be that wide, it is well-thought-out to make Middle Eastern food fully accessible even to those who may not know what halal really is. Sandwich options, including falafel (deep-fried balls of chickpeas) and chicken shawarma, range from 5,000 won ($3.67) to 8,500 won and are made up of a variety of flavors and ingredients, really introducing the richness of Middle Eastern culinary traditions.
Main courses that satisfy those with bigger appetites include chicken shish (skewered chicken) that comes with rice of choice, bread or hummus. Prices range from 10,000 won to 21,000 won. The menu also features excellent falafel and lamb dishes, ensuring there is something good for both meat lovers and vegetarians.
Falafel served at Welcome to Dubai in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province / Courtesy of Eddie Tam Our dining group was able to sample a variety of menu items, including chicken shish and lamb kebab, with available sides of falafel and desserts. The falafel was crispy outside and soft inside and topped with savory sauce. The chicken dishes were well-prepared.
The sides provided a nice contrasting element to the meal. In particular, the basmati rice was a nice change of pace from the bland glutinous rice that is commonly served in Korea. The plating at Welcome to Dubai is really something else.
Every plate that arrives at the table is like a work of art. The food is almost too beautiful to consume. This attention to detail in presentation definitely helps contribute to the dining experience, making every meal special.
Bread served at Welcome to Dubai in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province / Courtesy of Eddie Tam No Middle Eastern meal would be complete without hummus. Welcome to Dubai delivers one of the best versions I have ever tasted. This creamy, full-of-flavor dip is perfectly seasoned and must be tried by anyone who comes to the restaurant.
The dessert selection presents a sweet finale to the meal without being overwhelming. Every dessert has been crafted and carefully considered to present a most delightful ending to this memorable culinary adventure. Welcome to Dubai is a great choice for everyone looking for a different and enriching dining adventure.
The value added to the service spells out welcome. Hospitality enhances indulgent feelings. Whether you are a seasoned fan of Middle Eastern cuisine or new to it, this restaurant promises a satisfying experience, as well as a memorable one.
For a real Dubai taste in the heart of Suwon, Welcome to Dubai is a must. Welcome to Dubai is only open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m.
to 9 p.m., with last order at 8 p.
m. Visit @wtdubai4 on Instagram for more information. Eddie Tam is an assistant professor in Suwon and runs the Facebook foodie groups Hidden Gems Korea and Hidden Gems Suwon, Korea .
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