Tapa King in Al Karama, Dubai

Dubai has been my second home for more than a year and a half now, but my heart still belongs to my original home. And although I have been greatly exposed to the international cuisine, even more than I can imagine, my love for Filipino food will never be replaced.

Admittedly, I always get giddy whenever I see Filipino restaurants here in Dubai, especially the ones that I usually frequent back home, and I make sure to try them out as much as possible.

Tapa King is one of the well-known restaurants in the Philippines because of their delicious yet affordable food, and I'm glad that they have not just one but three branches here in Dubai. I got to try their Ansar Gallery branch in Al Karama and I've availed of their delivery service for a couple of times already, especially for when I'm craving for Filipino food.

I thought that the serving of the beef from the Tapa King Classic is a bit few. For around AED 24, even if it comes with a drink, I think the tapsilog is a bit of a stretch in the budget considering its serving. It also kinda tasted a little too salty for my liking and was tough to chew. Definitely not the one that I used to love and enjoy back home. :(

Tapa King Classic - AED 24

Not sure if it's just because of the packaging, but the Tapa Queen Classic seemed to have more beef serving than the Tapa King Classic. While the king was on the salty side, the queen had a combination of sweet and spicy taste which goes well with the spiced vinegar and tangy atchara (pickled unripe papaya). I love this more than the king! :D

Tapa Queen Classic - AED 24

The Boneless Bangus is a revelation. With a huge serving of fried bangus, complete with rice and drink, and for only AED 22, it's a great value for money. I'm not a fan of bangus in general, and it's my first time to try Tapa King's version, but I must say that I loved this one. Even the belly that I just usually set aside was wiped clean!

Boneless Bangus - AED 24

I also ordered it for delivery and although the quality was compromised—the fish wasn't as crispy as when it's served in the restaurant—I'm still glad that the serving size remained the same.

Boneless Bangus - AED 24

Their rice dishes are served with garlic rice, which I'm glad is not oily at all, and some vinegar and atchara alongside.

They also serve snacks and I got to try their Chicken Siomai, which is decent and okay, but not something to rave about. Ordering it for delivery may not also be a good idea as it's always nice to eat siomai when it's still hot.

Chicken Siomai - AED 12

With the ambience, food, and hospitality, I can say that Tapa King somehow brought me back home. Serving time and delivery time are a bit slow though.

TAPA KING, Al Karama

Ansar Gallery, Umm Hurair Intersection
Al Karama
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
+971 (0)4 3576700
tapaking.com.ph
Nearest Metro Station: Burjuman (Red Line)