So this week has been a real gastronomic affair. In fact, I would almost come close to saying I’m a little fooded-out for a while.

Almost.

With one of my bridesmaids in town, we made sure to visit as many delicious and indulgent restaurants as possible, and with a few gail winds thrown in, it made for an adventurous week!

It’s rare to find a good Mexican in Dubai. I would say there were a total of 3, which is a very small number given the vast amount of restaurants popping up in the city. Maya is one of them and it’s become a real favourite of mine since I moved to Dubai 3 years ago (I think it’s the cheese covered nachos that have etched a very happy memory). La Tablita and Loca would be my other two choices, although I hear Fuego in Souk al Bahar is worth the visit too.

On Tuesday evening, we prepped our stomachs for a guacamole and fajitas feast. Ianthe, my bridesmaid, is a model so one might expect Mexican to be the last choice on her list … fortunately, she is the ‘new era’ of models who believe, like me, that balance is key and she stays healthy and fit (with a cracking body!) without any big restrictions to her diet. Hurrah!

Maya is in Le Royal Meriden hotel, placed just by the beach and offers an idyllic, somewhat romantic, spot to dine.

We started with a round of classic Margaritas with nachos and dip on the side.

Warning: You’re about to see A LOT of chips and dip.

A pomegranate guacamole (brilliant creation) topped with green apple and strawberry. Maya have their own guacamole menu, something I’m all for.

I tried the scallops ceviche, which was a little less like classic ceviches I’ve had – the scallops were served whole and I don’t think the cherry tomatoes quite worked – but nevertheless, a refreshing start to the meal.

“Maya Nachos’ with black bean puree and a duo of cheeses. Any day of the week please.

Ianthe’s ‘ Queso Fundidio’ – melted mexican cheese, sautee mushrooms, pico de gallo with a warm tortilla. A perfect veggie option.

I’m not sure if it was the cheese covered starters (no complaining here) or one too many margaritas, but come main courses, we were more than happy to do sharing style with two orders of jumbo tiger prawns fajitas.

Served with even more guacamole, sour cream and our favourite –  cheese – these jumbo prawn fajitas were something to write home about.

Perfectly cooked, seasoned and bursting with juicy flavours, they were the perfect reflection of authentic Mexican cuisine.

We also put J to work in practicing his model pose.

Blue steel, I think.

Dessert menus came and before we had a chance to look around the table, ‘churros’ was being muttered on everybody’s lips.

So good apparently, that one went missing before I had a chance to take the snap.

They were, by the way, heart-warmingly, mouth-wateringly scrumptious.

Followed by a mango sorbet and fruit platter, just to make us feel as though we had finished on a healthy high!

Healthy or not though, I’m a huge sorbet fan and this was as good as they get.

Maya is perfect for a romantic evening or a big group dinner with friends – it ticks all the boxes. Great food, beautiful setting and design and most nights, a buzzing atmosphere.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s blog at another love of mine. There’s plenty of seafood, crispy shrimp and a catch or two ;).

To check out Maya’s full menu and website, click here. I’ve been coming to this place for 3 years and I’ve never walked away feeling anything short of delightfully full and merry!

If you have any questions or comments about the food or post, please leave it below!

LLG x