THE reputation of SALT has long spread beyond its humble yet cool al fresco setting on Dubai’s Kite Beach.
The only problem was that epic summer temperatures were set to get in the way of several weeks of trading and those sizzling grills.
The only problem was that epic summer temperatures were set to get in the way of several weeks of trading and those sizzling grills.
VAN WITH A PLAN: SALT will be serving under cover during the scorching summer months
But some canny glass panels and a few SALT-branded air-con units have solved the hot topic…so the food party will go on.
For now, in addition to their distinctive shiny steel Airsteam caravans, the Umm Suqeim hangout now features a large glass unit – aka The Beach House. They’ve also added a bar area with summer drinks and ice creams to take inside the indoor sanctuary.
The structure extends the seasonal life of a casual dining success story that was begun in 2013 by food-loving friends Amal Al Marri, a designer and event creator, and Deem Albassam, a food and beverage entrepreneur.
Set on the edge of the beach, just beyond a mosque and FGB’s Jumeirah Beach Road branch, you’re likely to hear the music before you find the dining area of the Dubai SALT (the owners also now have one in Ajman).
It is an enclave of wooden boardwalks, woven fences and umbrella-covered tables, with a queue a frequent sight at the silver van topped by a distinctive white neon SALT sign.
The structure extends the seasonal life of a casual dining success story that was begun in 2013 by food-loving friends Amal Al Marri, a designer and event creator, and Deem Albassam, a food and beverage entrepreneur.
Set on the edge of the beach, just beyond a mosque and FGB’s Jumeirah Beach Road branch, you’re likely to hear the music before you find the dining area of the Dubai SALT (the owners also now have one in Ajman).
It is an enclave of wooden boardwalks, woven fences and umbrella-covered tables, with a queue a frequent sight at the silver van topped by a distinctive white neon SALT sign.
HOT BITES: Fire Fries will bring the heat inside
While the brand now extends to T-shirts, flip flops and other merchandise, SALT has become known for its short but satisfying menu – and that is a good thing for those of us of an indecisive disposition.
The fun of the place permeates into its food, in particular the occasionally debated Cheetos: Chicken.
One of three burger options on offer, it throws in with the deep-friend chicken and melted cheese bits of Cheetos cheesy snacks. The idea is something of a nod to local habits where ‘chips’ get added to other food, according to the founders, but the result is a novelty mouthful that crunches as well as tasting rather fine.
It is a bit of an indulgence, not least as one order brings two sliders.
The fun of the place permeates into its food, in particular the occasionally debated Cheetos: Chicken.
One of three burger options on offer, it throws in with the deep-friend chicken and melted cheese bits of Cheetos cheesy snacks. The idea is something of a nod to local habits where ‘chips’ get added to other food, according to the founders, but the result is a novelty mouthful that crunches as well as tasting rather fine.
It is a bit of an indulgence, not least as one order brings two sliders.
IN THE HOUSE: Customers can eat out of the heat
Eat with a friend and you can swap your second slider, which means you both get to sample either the Hook – 2oz Wagyu beef pattie, melted cheese, Hook salt, jalapeno and lettuce, again in a butter bun – or the Original; grass-fed beef as above but with Original salt and pickle slices.
The result is the same, however: these are potentially addictive feeds and the fries – available as they come or with cheese or ‘fire’ variety – are naughty but nice.
SALT has also grabbed attention for its shakes – vanilla, chocolate and strawberry – but the refreshing pink lemonade got the attention and following of these tastebuds. Sugary, but not too sweet, this stuff creates a craving and the mint version has plenty of fans, too.
And then there’s the ice cream…
So there you have it, SALT shines among a mass of dining opportunities in Dubai, largely for its location and spirit.
And now you can visit even when the Arabian sun wants to melt everything in its path.
The result is the same, however: these are potentially addictive feeds and the fries – available as they come or with cheese or ‘fire’ variety – are naughty but nice.
SALT has also grabbed attention for its shakes – vanilla, chocolate and strawberry – but the refreshing pink lemonade got the attention and following of these tastebuds. Sugary, but not too sweet, this stuff creates a craving and the mint version has plenty of fans, too.
And then there’s the ice cream…
So there you have it, SALT shines among a mass of dining opportunities in Dubai, largely for its location and spirit.
And now you can visit even when the Arabian sun wants to melt everything in its path.
FREE TO FLOAT: SALT deal means you can paddle board gratis
DETAILS:
SALT, Kite Beach, is open daily from noon until 12am.
During Ramadan, opening hours are from 7pm until 4am.
SALT also offers customers free paddle boarding sessions from Surf House Dubai every weekend from 4pm to 7pm. Take your order receipt to Surf House Dubai - situated next to SALT - and get a 45-minute paddle boarding session for free. It is only valid at the weekend, although there is no paddle boarding during the Holy Month.
Find SALT on Instagram @findsalt
SALT, Kite Beach, is open daily from noon until 12am.
During Ramadan, opening hours are from 7pm until 4am.
SALT also offers customers free paddle boarding sessions from Surf House Dubai every weekend from 4pm to 7pm. Take your order receipt to Surf House Dubai - situated next to SALT - and get a 45-minute paddle boarding session for free. It is only valid at the weekend, although there is no paddle boarding during the Holy Month.
Find SALT on Instagram @findsalt
