I haven’t been feeling well lately. I have had to stick to strict orders for bed rest. I am managing, but I find that I miss posting here. Even though I have just started blogging about food, there is something about the subject that instantly makes me feel better. Luckily, I had a few dishes and photos that I couldn’t find the time to post. Since I am still in bed… and this does lift my spirits, here goes! Here’s to seafood in all it’s glory!
The previous market post was of the Deira/Shindagha Market which I find I can only reach when the chef is at the wheels. When I am on my own, I go to the Karama Market, which is about 15 minutes away from our apartment. This is my regular market trip and I have friends there who take really good care of me.
We often drop by to pick up the evening’s dinner ingredients because it is such a small market and we get to go in and out quickly.
Often times we go with a blank slate, so that we can be inspired by what is fresh and nicely priced.
Coming from the tropical waters of the Caribbean (West Indies), it is great to see fish in the Middle East that we recognize. They may go by different names here but offer a pleasant reminder of our homeland.
It’s also really cool to try new fish. Abdulla, my seafood purveyor, usually recommends nice ones according to how I want to cook them. These look nice for a fish broth or as we say in Jamaica, “fish tea.”
These remind Lij of “Fryers,” a childhood favourite of his that he often enjoyed with his siblings. I would also use this for a fish broth. The silver skin would give it a lovely glow.
It’s hard not to get carried away when you see so many nice choices presented. I once made the mistake of buying 2kg of squid (while forgetting to get them cleaned on the spot). Of course, neither of us ever got around to cleaning the ink. Funny enough, there is a great squid ink bagel at his restaurant. Somehow, I don’t think he harvests the ink himself.
There you have it-a rather long post entirely dedicated to the edible creatures of the sea. I can’t wait to go to the Spice Souk and share the wonderful spices of Asia and the Middle East! I better take a surgical mask along because somehow, I think my nasal allergies will be tickled pink! Until then, bon apetit!
CHEF’S NOTE: When buying seafood, remember that it should smell like the sea. If not, walk on by.
I tell New Yorkers that all the time, fresh fish doesn’t smell fishy. It’s a beautiful smell of the sea. I miss buying cheap and fresh seafood in Virginia Beach. It’s expensive in New York. Lovely post and story. Congrats on being featured on FoodGawker! Get well!
Looks great! Where exactly is the market in relation to the handbags – is it the complex between the big mosque and the white council-flat-looking things? Let FIA know when you are next going, and you might get a few to have a cup of chai with you…
Sarah…. ok will let the group know when next I am heading to Karama. It is right by the handbags too!
just wanna ask, at what time the market opens?
-thanks