The quest started with a simple objective, source an inexpensive carbon steel wok for the kitchen. In addition to price, other filters included the quality of the pot’s material and size. Artificial coatings may come with the advantages of being nonstick, however I was looking for a pan which would deliver the full wok flavor.
Online and physical shopping had yielded similar results, nothing was the perfect match. Beyond price and quality, the size was either way too small or designed for a commercial kitchen.
As we headed out, the target locations were all in Al Quoz, Dubai’s industrial area. Al Quoz conveniently sits between old Dubai, the Burj Khalifa, and Business Bay on one side and the other side of town with Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and Jumeirah Lake Towers. Most travel between to the two ends without giving much thought to the commercial businesses which support Dubai in so many ways. In addition to machine shops, special manufacturers, distributors, commercial goods, and the occasional coffee roaster, there were, evidently, restaurant kitchen supply companies.
I do not know what I expected, but it was not what I found.
Along the way, I found that my online grocery store with an amazing mix of fresh fruits, vegetables, and Asian cooking ingredients was best experienced online. This store sits at the end of a dusty narrow dead-end lane between two rows of industrial warehouses. It is exactly what it advertises itself to be, a warehouse distributor of high quality and inexpensive items. There are no racks, just pallets. There are no cash registered, just an ability to send an online email with a link to pay, online.
I also discovered, hidden bohemian restaurants, a place where you can train to be an actor, and two wonderful kitchen stores! One had the perfect size, quality, and price point.
My narrow view of the present expanded when I decided to explore and see everything which is here, often just being my vision. Old wisdom words echoed; “Enjoy the good life in Jerusalem every day of your life.” (Psalm 128.5)
