Shereen Shabnam
There’s something truly special about finding a restaurant that not only serves exquisite food but also tells a story centuries in the making. My recent visit to Garum in Mirdif Avenue Mall was a culinary journey across time and cultures, an experience that left a lasting impression.
Garum proudly calls itself the UAE’s first and only restaurant to bring the ancient fermented fish sauce, known as Garum, Mahyawah, or Meshawa, back into the spotlight. Once prized by Roman emperors and Persian traders, this umami-rich condiment was nearly lost to history. Today, it has been thoughtfully revived and reimagined for modern palates by a passionate local family, who have woven sustainability, tradition, and innovation into every detail.
The moment you step inside Garum, you can feel the respect for heritage paired with a contemporary touch. The deco is warm and inviting, and the menu reads like an ode to forgotten flavors rediscovered. What impressed me most was knowing that much of the produce comes straight from the owners’ own farms hence it comes fresh, organic, and sustainably harvested.
We began our lunch meal with a Watermelon Feta Salad, a perfect harmony of sweet and savory with sous-vide marinated watermelon, Greek feta, raspberry caviar, and a delicate garum dressing that elevated every bite. The Garum Caesar Salad was equally delightful, with crisp baby gem lettuce, aged parmigiano, and beef bacon, all kissed by that signature garum flavor.
For mains, the Shrimp Linguini stood out for its bright, garum-infused sauce, paired with red prawn, garlic, fresh herbs, and a hint of chili. Another highlight was the Gigli Arrabbiata, where yellow tomatoes and local green chilies wrapped around perfectly cooked pasta in a dish both comforting and exciting.
No visit would be complete without dessert, and Garum does not disappoint. The Baklava 5.0 is a showstopper – it is a layered creation of pistachio ice cream, sponge, baklava puff, and orange blossom honey that felt like a modern tribute to a beloved classic. The Strawberry Parfait, with homemade parfait, crème anglaise, and basil oil, offered a lighter but no less memorable finale.
The meal was so good, I went there the next morning for breakfast and tried the Garum breakfast that was beautifully created for sharing with friends and family. We tried different dips with thin, crispy bread and finished our meal with a fluffy pancake with berries and garum butter.
Beyond the plates, it is clear that Garum is about more than just excellent food. It’s about reviving a heritage ingredient, reimagining it for today, and creating a space where guests can reconnect with flavors that shaped civilizations. We also look forward to getting their products for home use which will include garum sauce and dried herbs like mint and moringa from the farm.
For reservations and more information, visit garum.ae or call 04 327 3590. Garum is located at Mirdif Avenue Mall, Dubai.
