Feel-Good Outdoor Breakfast at Inn the Park

I got an invite some time in December last year, when this cafe launched in Dubai, but my schedule didn't permit. Mark and I finally got to squeeze in some time (from our crazy schedules) for a much needed outdoor breakfast, a couple of weekends back.

Environment-friendly Park and Cafe

Housed at Al Khazzan park, opposite the bustling suburban sprawl, is Dubai’s newest cafe—Inn the Park. The park is easy to locate, it's just right across City Walk with the blue water tower as it's landmark.

Powered completely by solar panels, Inn the Park is an environment-friendly cafe which definitely makes it stand out from the rest of the park restaurants in Dubai.

Cleverly camouflaged amongst the park's lush greens by some stone and coral walls, this adorable little hangout is the perfect place to while away a winter day in Dubai and escape from the hustle and bustle of the city life.

You also get to spoil yourself with Dubai skyline's mesmerizing view while devouring a hearty meal. It was like I was transported to a different place when I set foot at the park. Had it not because of the Dubai skyline, I really wouldn't think that I'm in Dubai at all.

And oh, the lovely setting under the giant tree is my favorite!

Hearty and Healthy Offerings

The menu at Inn the Park has limited choices, but I like how it's straight forward and definitely has something for everyone. Their menu includes breakfast, salads, sandwiches and mains, plus some fresh juices and organic coffee from local roastery–Raw Coffee. They also cater to the little ones and they serve all-day breakfast! Yay!

Mark and I were there for breakfast, so a good cup of coffee and hot choco are a must for us. Glad that Inn the Park didn't disappoint.

Hot Chocolate (AED 19) and Cafe Latte (AED 19)

Mark loves french toasts so that's what he first picked from the menu, and he also had some Eggs Benedict. I already had Acai Bowl in mind as I've seen and read a lot of raves about it, but the Shrimp Tacos from the sandwiches section also got my attention, so I ordered them both! :p

The Eggs Benedict had the essentials–(beef) bacon and poached eggs with a lovely runny yolk, hollandaise that had the right amount of acidity, all sitting on top of muffins, with freshly ground pepper and alfalfa sprouts (I think). I loved everything in the ensemble especially the sprouts which added texture and flavor, plus the muffins which were soft to the bite. I just hate it when I have no choice but to do away with chewy muffins in my eggs ben.

Eggs Benedict - AED 50

The no-frills French Toast is a proof that less is more. Drizzled with powdered sugar and fresh blueberries and strawberry slices, the toasts had a balanced firmness and softness and had the right amount of sweetness. I also liked how the warm cinnamon maple syrup was just served alongside, giving you the option to add it or not. Mark likes it without syrup while I like drowning mine with it, so both our needs were satisfied. Yay! :D

French Toast - AED 49

It's unusual to have Shrimp Tacos for breakfast, I know, but I just had to satisfy may craving for shrimps. :p The menu didn't say that it comes with fries. Yes, golden fries (that's not oily at all) with crisp crust and mushy core for breakfast! Not that I'm complaining! :p

The tacos were a bit of a let down. The shrimps were tasty and went well with the fried avocados and chipotle aioli, but I found the Asian slaw a bit overpowering. There was more slaw than the shrimp itself; I guess adding a piece of shrimp or two would make me have a change of heart. :D

Shrimp Tacos - AED 47

The cafe was buzzing with families that time and the staff seemed to have forgotten my Acai Bowl, but I also didn't insist anymore as we were full from what we already had. The staff was also not that attentive and mixed up some orders, I'm guessing it's because it's a busy day that day.

Outdoor Activities

One of the key features of the park is its lush greens where you can lounge around, have a picnic with your family, or do your workouts just like what Mark did.

The park also boasts of a library crafted by the team behind Brownbook–a bi-monthly magazine which serves as an urban guide to the Middle East and North Africa. If you're a bookworm you'll definitely love this nook and you can take advantage of the free books which can be 'loaned' while you're at the park or cafe.

And of course, there's also a play area for the kids! Which makes it a perfect place for families.

If there's one thing that I miss a lot about home, it's having outdoor breakfasts at our backyard on weekends, when the family is all complete. My dad would get up early to cook and would ring a bell to wake us up; a signal that it's time to eat. Then we'd share stories and laughters over a hearty breakfast.

My weekends here in Dubai are very far from what I usually have back home, but our experience at Inn the Park somehow managed to bring back memories and more so, bring me closer to home. :)

The cafe will be closing down for summer as it won't be favorable to dine outdoors by that time, but I'm very much looking forward to their re-launch! :D

INN THE PARK
Al Khazzan Park, Satwa
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
+971 (0)56 565 5664

We were invited by Inn the Park and our meal was complimentary, but as always, this post is sincerely written and all opinions are my own.

All photos were taken with an iPhone 6S Plus.