REVIEW: The UAE’s first Jamaican Restaurant & Lounge Ting Irie is just the thang

The perfect brunch alternative

Did you know there’s a spot at Souk Al Manzil that comes alive with Afrobeats every Saturday afternoon?

The UAE’s first Jamaican Restaurant & Lounge, Ting Irie is just the place for a spirited weekend outing that’s a sensory treat like no other!

As Dubai continues to get saturated with endless brunches, here’s one that stands apart for its food and mood.

The name comes from Patois lingo which means ‘Everything is all right’, but the restaurant certainly steps up to ensure everything is absolutely splendid.

A vibrant slice of Jamaica nestled in Downtown, a riot of colours and sounds welcomes you to the Dutty Grape Brunch every Saturday from 2pm to 6.30pm.

Honouring its Jamaican roots with a funky twist, everything about the atmosphere screams the promise of a great time.

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Bringing the Afro-Caribbean extravaganza to life is the resident DJ, setting the stage ablaze with the beats of reggae, neo-soul, hip-hop, and dancehall.

We’re handed the brunch special punch almost straightaway by friendly staff, and the constant refills ensure we work ourselves up into hitting the dance floor in no time.

And with those hesitant to find their groove, the fabulous dancers twerking tableside will surely get you moving.

But let’s talk about the real star of the show: the food.

Dat Lamb Tho At Ting Irie Dubai Garnished With Chili And Mash Potatoes And Gravy

Ting Irie’s menu is a celebration of authentic Jamaican flavours designed to have your taste buds doing a happy dance.

The starters made their grand entrance with a crisp and refreshing Mix Salad, followed by the sticky and succulent BBQ Wings and a bowl of Roasted Plantain. The delightfully delicious surprise, however, was the Butta Corn-comforting, buttery, and oh so good.

As you tuck into the fare, the colourful murals, vibrant music and palpable energy of the crowd give you a vivid sense of community and culture, almost as if you were at a really turnt up family barbeque.

The staff ’s energy is contagious and adds to the wholesome vibes as they load you up on the mains against your feeble protests. And we’re glad we listened, for the Jerky Shrimps Fried Rice proved to be a flavour bomb. Another epic mouthful was the Oxtail and Beans, a hearty and comforting stew that warms you from the inside out.

From the colourful murals adorning the walls to the vibrant music, every detail has been carefully to transport you to a tropical paradise. Ting Irie’s Dutty Wine Brunch is a true testament to the spirit of the Caribbean and a unique brunch offering in the seemingly saturated Dubai market.

 

For reservations, visit Ting Irie

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Image credit Ting Irie

Caroline D’Almeida

A little bit of India, a little more of the UAE, and a lot of shawarma perhaps best captures Caroline’s anatomy. An avid believer in value for money, her hobbies include putting the ‘elite lifestyle’ to the test. And finding cheaper dupes for it all. A Sharjah girl new to the capital, she hopes to discover the pulse of the emirate.