CBT
02-09-2010, 11:37 AM
(CNN) -- A new fast food sensation has hit the Emirates' culinary scene.
Right now, Dubai diners can't seem to get enough of the "camel burger."
"It's a sensation," Ramesh, restaurant manager at "Local House (http://www.localhousedubai.com/index.html)" the restaurant chain behind the burgers told CNN. "Everyone's bored of beef and chicken. So, as soon as the word got out, we had queues of customers eager to give it a try."
Not only are the exotic burgers a novelty, they are also a healthier alternative to their beefy American cousins, the restaurant claims. The $6 "camel quarter-pounder" is virtually fat and cholesterol-free, according to Ramesh.
"Not only are they super healthy, but the flavor is amazing," he told CNN of the centuries-old Bedouin delicacy they have given a 21st century twist.
"It also comes with melted cheddar cheese, our very own burger sauce and a portion of fries," Ramesh said.
The restaurant's novel burgers have so far been a runaway success with inquisitive tourists and local Emirates alike.
"Many have said they prefer it to normal burgers, and a lot of people can hardly taste the difference," Ramesh told CNN.
Although camel meat is similar to beef in taste, it has a reputation for being extraordinarily tough. How the "Local House" transforms it into a soft and tender patty remains a closely guarded secret.
For the full camel experience, patrons are invited to wash their order down with a vitamin and insulin-rich vanilla-flavored camel milkshake. In fact, so popular are their camel products that the restaurant has plans to open a new section -- provisionally called the "Camel Corner."
"We'll sell camel soup, camel salad, camel steak, camel kebab, camel biryani [a rice-based curry dish] and a 'camel special,'" (<---The Toe?!)Ramesh told CNN.
Camel meat has, for centuries, been a feature of traditional nomad recipes as a result of its ability to survive in the very arid conditions of the Arabian Peninsula.
Right now, Dubai diners can't seem to get enough of the "camel burger."
"It's a sensation," Ramesh, restaurant manager at "Local House (http://www.localhousedubai.com/index.html)" the restaurant chain behind the burgers told CNN. "Everyone's bored of beef and chicken. So, as soon as the word got out, we had queues of customers eager to give it a try."
Not only are the exotic burgers a novelty, they are also a healthier alternative to their beefy American cousins, the restaurant claims. The $6 "camel quarter-pounder" is virtually fat and cholesterol-free, according to Ramesh.
"Not only are they super healthy, but the flavor is amazing," he told CNN of the centuries-old Bedouin delicacy they have given a 21st century twist.
"It also comes with melted cheddar cheese, our very own burger sauce and a portion of fries," Ramesh said.
The restaurant's novel burgers have so far been a runaway success with inquisitive tourists and local Emirates alike.
"Many have said they prefer it to normal burgers, and a lot of people can hardly taste the difference," Ramesh told CNN.
Although camel meat is similar to beef in taste, it has a reputation for being extraordinarily tough. How the "Local House" transforms it into a soft and tender patty remains a closely guarded secret.
For the full camel experience, patrons are invited to wash their order down with a vitamin and insulin-rich vanilla-flavored camel milkshake. In fact, so popular are their camel products that the restaurant has plans to open a new section -- provisionally called the "Camel Corner."
"We'll sell camel soup, camel salad, camel steak, camel kebab, camel biryani [a rice-based curry dish] and a 'camel special,'" (<---The Toe?!)Ramesh told CNN.
Camel meat has, for centuries, been a feature of traditional nomad recipes as a result of its ability to survive in the very arid conditions of the Arabian Peninsula.