It is no secret that we love food shopping. It’s the one thing we can shop for hours for without the customary “I’m all shopped out” complaint from The Chef. Where others bond over dressing up, we stoke our fires finding great produce.
We absolutely love it when our large-scale food industry purveyors (suppliers) open up retail outlets. Granted the quality of items offered in a storefront enterprise is not the same as that offered to discerning high end chefs and restauranteurs but in the same breath, the quality is generally leap years above anything you can find in even the poshest supermarket.
Last year, Fresh Express, one of the list of licensed hotel and restaurant food suppliers in the UAE, opened up a retail shop in Dubai Marina.
If you are looking for supermarket type discounts, move right along. These shops are often expensive and in places like Dubai where almost everything is imported, they are even more premium. For the average person, this is not the place to stock up for the week’s groceries. But even average budgets can play around with a splurge on the right items here and there. Don’t be daunted by the prices for their scallops and lobster. It may be a small quantity of cheese, or a slice of really great smoked salmon or a baguette or a bundle of fresh thyme but there is something in Markets & Platters for every discriminating palate and even the most prudent pocket. At the bare minimum, feast with your eyes…
Unfortunately unless you actually live in the Dubai Marina area or know someone who does, you are in for a hard time trying to get to the store with the major roadworks ongoing to facilitate the Marina railway. We suggest you take a cab from a more central point or call ahead and ask for directions and advice on where to park.
Thank goodness for our friend Christine, who took us and our Apprentice for a walk there when we visited with her recently.
CONTACT INFO:
Phone: +971(4) 450 4466
Facebook:www.facebook.com/marketandplatters
Twitter:www.twitter.com/Market_Platters
Address: Dubai Marina, Pinnacle Tower
That massive hammour … *shakes head*
I know right Devina- not quite on the list of sustainable fish in the Middle East but at least it’s a big one and not a baby fish.
Love, love, love Market & Platters. I lived close so I often turned into. Even now despite that we live on the other side of marina.
They often have some things from Europe which other shops here do not sell.
And they make the best tartares 😉
Dasa, we so envy your proximity to such a fine food shop! And yes, you can definitely find things not offered elsewhere. Thanks for mentioning that!
ohh.. thats so good to know. thank you for spreading the word on such places 🙂
Happy to add value to your readership!
I am a Jamaican, just recently moved from London. I was so happy to stumble upon your website and even took the liberty to watch one or two of your youtube videos. Its nice to know you guys offer great food and ideas on cooking. Cant wait to pop by, I haven’t got the exact address though. Help please 🙂
Tai, welcome to the UAE and thanks so much for stopping by and leaving comments (please do so often)… however we do not own the shop. The contact details for the shop are at the bottom of the post.
i wouldn’t mind visiting that shop, if i even find myself in dubai. though i assume i need to be ready with a thick wallet to shop there. but nice to see they got plenty of nice fresh produce and even french pastries.
It is hard to get fresh stuff here and theirs is definitely priced at a premium and usually air freighted in.