BysairaFOOD & DRINKSAugust, 2026

GET A TRUE TASTE OF TAIWAN AT THIS JLT SPOT

MAMA B is our go-to for dumplings, noodles and Taiwanese street food.

Tucked away in JLT, Mama B brings the vibrant street food culture of Taiwan to Dubai. Taiwan is a mountainous, leaf-shaped island, with a food culture shaped by waves of immigration over several hundred years, bringing together a mix of cuisine.

An homage to the food they grew up with, the sibling-run spot is rustic and refreshingly down-to-earth, with plenty of personal touches. The neon-tinged space is filled with memories from their childhood, including the quirky ‘chandelier’ taking centre stage. Made from pots, pans and cooking utensils, it is inspired by their grandmother’s overflowing kitchen, where, as they fondly remember, she only ever used one spoon despite owning every kind.

Mirroring the tiled façades seen across Taipei, the tiles, posters and lights give the space that quintessential night market energy, with a fun, lived-in feel.

From noodles to dumplings, the menu has an impressive breadth of offerings, with thoughtfully prepared takes on Taiwanese favourites including beef noodle soup, braised rice and traditional breakfast dishes. If in doubt, ask the friendly staff for their recommendations.

The Turnip Cake, a savoury radish cake that is steamed, then pan-fried with eggs, is seriously delicious and a good start for the uninitiated. We were delighted to spot Congee, our ultimate comfort food. Thick, creamy and topped with chicken, black vinegar, spring onion, coriander and crispy shallots, this one we’d order in.

A popular Taiwanese street food, the Scallion Pancake is a pan-fried flatbread with a crispy, golden exterior and chewy, flaky layers. Wrapped around our choice of chicken filling, it was a hearty meal on its own.

The Potstickers are clear crowd pleasers-golden, crispy base, soft steamed tops and a delicate filling, accompanied by soy sauce for dipping. For something a little unexpected and indulgent, try the Truffle Noodles with white truffle oil for that earthy hit of umami.

The giant Chicken Cutlet should not be missed. Juicy and tender inside with a crisp, golden crust, it comes topped with a thick, savoury-sweet sauce.

Ubiquitous at Taiwan’s hawker stalls, the Braised Chicken Rice features finely diced chicken simmered for hours in a sweet and savoury five-spice soy sauce, served over steamed rice with a soft-boiled tea egg. Simple, thoughtful and very moreish. Don’t sleep on the fragrant and robust Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup, with tender beef shank in a complex red-braised broth, served over chewy house-made noodles. We quickly slurped it up.

Mama B is an exuberant JLT restaurant that captures the energy of the bustling night markets in Taiwan through its food and atmosphere. A purveyor of some of Taiwan’s best-known dishes, the menu offers a breadth of Taiwanese cuisine that goes far beyond Bubble Tea and Beef Noodle Soup.