Studio Masr – a delightful dining experience

Within the heart of Jumeirah you’ll find this stylish place called Boxpark, a very refreshing destination offering a selection of outdoor malls, cafes and restaurants made out of shipping containers. It’s a perfectly unique spot to hang out for shopping and dining. 

My team and I went there on a busy Monday evening to unwind, and yes, to find a good place to eat. There were too many options, but we were in the mood for something Middle Eastern, and so we chose Studio Masr, a recently opened restaurant specializing in Egyptian cuisine.

The restaurant is very visible along the Boxpark district. Its exterior look is smooth and posh. The ambience inside is warm and relaxing. I think one of the things that made the place authentically Egyptian was the traditional music that greeted our ears as soon as we stepped inside. The yellow painted walls gave a very uplifting feel with photos of the Egyptian film period where the restaurant is named after; a tribute to Egypt’s magnificent cinematic heritage.

We were attended by a welcoming staff who checked on us every now and then after I asked her to explain some of the food I’m not familiar with. Their menu was packed with tasty-looking dishes and so we quickly ordered some of their popular and best-selling ones. 

We started off with a refreshing Lemon with Mint Fresh Juice and Studio Masr Cocktail for the drinks and tried their famous Combo Appetizer – a platter with 8 sumptuous dishes. It consist of Tomeyeh (garlic sauce), Beef Liver (Alexandrian style), Kobeiba (ground meat and minced onion), Taboula (salad with parsley), Sambousak (fried stuffed pastry), Hummus (mashed chickpeas dip), Besara (green hummus) and Matabel (eggplant dip). This combo boasts different special ingredients in one flavorful package. I especially like how the beef liver was cooked – it was delicious, not to mention the yummy sauce. I understand why this is a must-have in Studio Masr.

They have simple salad options. Good for me. I finally had a break from the monotonous Garden and Caesar salads that I usually have. This time we had Roka with Halloum Cheese -- watercress leaves blended well with a tasty dressing. Healthy and simple.

For our main course, we were advised to try their famous Shawaya, a Mediterranean Grill presented with a mini golden grill (with live charcoal). The ingredients were freshly cooked and really warm. I didn’t finish my salad upon seeing this enticing meat galore! Everything from the Kebab, Kofta, Lamb Chops and Chicken Breast to the Shish Tawook were tender, juicy and savory. The grilled veggies and Halaby bread were surprisingly succulent, too.

After tasting everything and despite my painful sore throat, I didn’t mind ordering A’aelat Zizi, the irresistible gigantic ice cream dessert with fruit salad. How can you say no to 5 scoops of ice cream, with chocolate bits, caramel sauce, whipped cream and nuts? Well, it was worth it.

The food overall is of high quality. It’s one of the best places I’ve been to that combines authentic cuisine, elegant ambience, creativity and excellent service in one inviting joint. Of course there are many other great dishes we still have to try next time and we’re definitely coming back.

For now Studio Masr will be an addition to my personal list of most recommended dining places in Dubai. It’s really worth a visit!

Contributed by:

Gerard Diestro
Content Writer - godubai.com