(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)

Over the last few years, Dubai has become the hotspot for all things food. From Michelin-starred restaurants to hidden gems, it has something for everyone. One of the biggest highlight is the range of cuisines Dubai offers to cater to over 200 nationalities living in the UAE - sort of becoming like a Global Village of food.

Last week, the city's extremely popular 10 Dirham Dish campaign , first introduced during the Dubai Food Festival, kicked off in summer as part of the Dubai Summer Surprises.

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Over 190 eateries in the emirate are offering some of their signature dishes for just Dh10 until August 31 and Khaleej Times undertook a challenge: to eat 10 different cuisines on a budget. Here is a lowdown of everything I ate:

1. Chicken and Basil dumplings, Golden Dragon: Chinese cuisine

My first stop was at Golden Dragon restaurant in Oud Metha where we ate the steamed chicken and basil dumplings. The wrappers were thin and there were 5 juicy dumplings to a plate, just enough to satisfy our cravings. First believed to have originated in China, dumplings have now become popular all over the world, with most countries having their own version of it.

2. Pav Bhaji, Bombay Street: Indian cuisine

Next, we decided to go for some tried-and-tested Indian food at Bombay Street in Karama. The pure vegetarian dish came with crispy, warm pav buns and thick gravy that was served with a generous dollop of butter. I ate it the way I like it best, with a sprinkling of finely chopped onions and a squeeze of lemon to marry the flavors together. Usually served as street food, Pav Bhaji is a staple in India.

3. Samsa, Kelinka: Uzbek food

It is called samosa in the Indian subcontinent and sambousek in the Arab world. Whatever the name, the triangle shaped, three cornered snack is popular everywhere. Samsa is the Uzbek take on it. With flaky pastry and warm meatiness in every bite, this one hit just the right spot.

4. Vegetable Ramen bowl, Yalla Momos: Japanese food

There's nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of ramen. So, I headed to Yalla Momos in Karama where we ordered a piping hot bowl of vegetable ramen. With chunky pieces of broccoli, carrot, bell pepper and peas and thin noodles, the dish was soupy and nourishing.

5. Shish Tawouk sandwich, Villa Beirut: Arabic cuisine

The next stop was at Villa Beirut on Sheikh Zayed Road near the Trade Centre area. Shish Tawouk is a staple in the Arabic cuisine and definitely something of a 'comfort food' for me. So, I absolutely had to try a juicy Shish Tawouk sandwich for just Dh10. Turns out, I wasn't the only one queueing up. With garlic sauce, pickles and fries, it was just bites of perfection.

6. Nem Nem, Bo: Vietnamese cuisine

I have not eaten Vietnamese cuisine before and I had no clue what Nem Nem was. Turns out, it was a fried rice paper roll packed with shrimp, minced meat, noodles, mushroom and herbs. Although it looked very much like a spring roll, the taste was different and I enjoyed the flavor profile very much.

7. Pigodi, Keytown: Korean cuisine

Although I am a big fan of Korean food - including Bibimbpap, Jjajangmyeon and Bungeoppang - I had never tried Pigodi. The Dh10 deal was a perfect way to fix that. The dish is basically steamed buns stuffed with cabbage and meat. Served as a pair, with soy sauce on the side, it was quite different from the Korean dishes I have tasted.

8. Salad bowl, Shaka Waka: Healthy Eats

Along with all the yummy dishes, it was important to get my greens in. That is why I headed to Shaka Waka where they served 100 grams of salad (yes, they actually measure it out) and you can make your own salad bowl. With options ranging from lettuce and carrots to beans and corn, this was a great way to add a healthy punch.

9. Slider, Hammer burger: American cuisine

What list is complete without a burger? The slider at Hammer burger was a great deal at Dh10, with an option to choose between chicken and beef. Served in mini brioche buns, layered with cheese, pickles and house sauce, this one was a winner all the way.

10. Nutella Maki, Moshi: Japanese cuisine

This one was a surprise hit. Maki is a type of sushi roll. I was not quite sure what to expect from a dish called Nutella maki. Served with powdered sugar on the top, it was a light, crunchy, delicious roll that oozed chocolate and Nutella in every bite. This dessert was well worth a visit back to the restaurant.

Bonus:11. Chocolate covered strawberry, Chokoberry

No one has ever said no to a delicious bite of chocolate covered strawberry. This dish by Chokoberry has become so popular during the Dh10 dish campaign that an average of 500 of them are flying off the shelf every day. And for good measure too. Usually served for Dh12 per piece, the DSS offer price served two chocolate-covered strawberries for Dh10. If strawberry is not your favorite fruit, you can also go for the chocolate-covered banana. The wait time of 10 minutes was worth it for this dish.

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