Belgian Café DFC drops new AED 85 lunch deal: Here's the menu

Listen: Belgian Café Dubai Festival City Launches AED 85 Business Lunch

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Let’s be honest: the "sad desk salad" is an epidemic in Dubai’s corporate world. We’re all guilty of eating while typing, but Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City is making a compelling case for actually leaving the office. They’ve just refreshed the Business Lunch at Belgian Café, and it’s hitting that sweet spot between efficient and indulgent.

Known for its brasserie character and waterfront views, the venue is positioning this new offering as a mid-day reset. It’s not about a three-hour siesta; it’s about good food, done quickly, for a price that doesn’t require an expense report approval. At AED 85 per person, it’s arguably one of the better value propositions in DFC right now.

What to Expect from a Belgian Café

• The Deal: AED 85 per person for one bite, one main, and a beverage.
• The Timing: Monday to Thursday, 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm (perfect for late lunchers).
• The Vibe: Casual European brasserie with waterfront views.
• Menu Highlights: Dynamite crispy shrimps, Croque Madame, and Black Angus sliders.
• Location: Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City.

The Belgian Business Lunch Guide

A business lunch needs to function like a well-oiled machine. You need WiFi that works, service that understands you have a 2 PM Zoom call, and food that doesn't make you want to nap immediately after. Belgian Café seems to have calibrated this new menu to fit those exact parameters.

Why Belgian Cafés Are Ideal for Professional Meetings

The layout at the Belgian Café in DFC naturally lends itself to privacy without feeling isolated. The high-backed booths and general ambient noise level—lively but not deafening—make it easy to discuss KPIs or just complain about the traffic on Sheikh Zayed Road.

• Efficiency: The "one bite, one main" format removes decision paralysis.
• Atmosphere: It strikes a balance between a formal restaurant and a noisy pub.
• Connectivity: Reliable hotel-grade WiFi is a given here.

Thomas Schmelter, the Area GM for IHG at DFC, noted that this launch is about creating something "comforting and efficient." It’s a deliberate move to capture the workforce in the Festival City tower and surrounding offices who are tired of the food court.

Menu Essentials: From Moules-Frites to Steak Tartare

While the press release highlights specific new additions, the menu stays true to the concept of "comfort food." You aren't getting microscopic foam on a slate here; you're getting actual food.

• Starters (The "Bite"): Options include dynamite crispy shrimps, sweet potato frites, and a detox salad for those pretending to be healthy.
• Mains: The heavy hitters are the Croque Madame (a toasted ham and cheese sandwich leveled up with a fried egg), Black Angus beef sliders, and Rigatoni Arrabiata.
• Portions: Described as "generous European-inspired," which usually means you won't leave hungry.

It’s interesting to see how they balance heavy Belgian classics with lighter options. If you want to dive deeper into the heritage of these dishes, it’s worth noting that beer culture in Belgium dictates that food should often complement the brew, which explains the robust flavor profiles even in a lunch menu.

Experiencing Belgian Hospitality in Dubai

Dubai loves a theme. From Polynesian tiki bars to Alpine chalets, we have it all. But replicating a Belgian "Grand Café" requires more than just hanging a few vintage posters.

Finding Authentic European Vibes in the UAE

The challenge for any venue like this is avoiding the "airport pub" feel. Belgian Café DFC manages to maintain a warm character, largely due to its wood-heavy interior and attention to lighting.

• The Look: Dark wood paneling, brass accents, and tiled floors.
• The Service: Generally attentive without hovering.
• The Crowd: A mix of hotel guests, expats, and local business people.

While the staff here might not be from Brussels, the training aims to mimic that knowledgeable, slightly direct European service style.

Comparing the Sourdough: Belgian Loaves vs. Local Favorites

Bread is the benchmark of any European restaurant. In Belgium, bread is often hearty, rustic, and served with good butter. The Croque Madame on the new menu relies heavily on the quality of the bread used.

• Texture: Belgian bread tends to have a thicker crust than the average supermarket loaf.
• Sourcing: Many high-end cafes in Dubai now import flour or use local artisan bakeries.
• Competition: Dubai has seen a massive surge in artisanal bakeries recently.

If you are a connoisseur of crusts and crumb structures, you might want to check out where to find the best sourdough bread in Dubai to see how the café’s offering stacks up against the dedicated bakeries in Al Quoz and Jumeirah.

Al Fresco Dining: Belgian Terraces vs. Beachside Spots

The Belgian Café at DFC boasts a significant advantage: the waterfront terrace overlooking the creek and the skyline. It’s a different vibe from the coastal spots but equally compelling.

• The View: Dubai Creek and the city skyline (great for sunsets).
• The Comfort: Good for winter months; usually equipped with coolers for the shoulder season.
• The Comparison: It’s less "sand in your toes" and more "watching the boats go by."

For those who prefer their morning or midday meal with a side of ocean breeze, comparing this terrace to spots for breakfast at The Beach JBR Dubai shows the diversity of Dubai’s outdoor dining scene—urban creek vibes vs. open ocean relaxation.

Seasonal Spotlights and Events

Dubai's dining scene is dictated by the weather. The Belgian Café's terrace is a prime asset from October to May.

Winter Warmers and Summer Terraces

• Winter: The terrace is the place to be. Mussels and cool air go well together.
• Summer: Everyone retreats indoors. The heavy interior design feels cozy when it's 45°C outside.

Global Food Festivals and Belgian Features

European venues often participate in city-wide activations. With the culinary calendar filling up, we often see special menus during major events. It's worth keeping an eye on the Taste of Dubai 2025 Guide to see if Belgian Café or similar venues will be showcasing specific heritage dishes this year. Additionally, resources like europeancoffeetrip.com highlight how café culture is evolving, influencing even beer-focused venues to up their espresso game for the business crowd.

Choosing Your Perfect Café Experience

The new Business Lunch at Belgian Café Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City isn't reinventing the wheel, but it is greasing the axles. It offers a reliable, well-priced (AED 85), and high-quality option for professionals in DFC who need a break from the fluorescent lights.

Whether you're there for the Black Angus sliders or just to stare at the water for 45 minutes to regain your sanity, it serves its purpose well.

Reservations: +971 4 701 1111 or Reservation.DFC@ihg.com

FAQ

What is the price of the Business Lunch at Belgian Café DFC?
The business lunch is priced at AED 85 per person. This includes one starter ("bite"), one main course, and a beverage.

Is the Business Lunch available on Fridays?
No, the current offer runs from Monday to Thursday, specifically targeting the standard corporate week.

Does the menu cater to vegetarians?
Yes, the menu lists options like the "Detox Salad" and "Sweet Potato Frites." While it's heavy on meats (steaks, burgers), there are lighter, meat-free choices available.

Is parking available at Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City?
Yes, valet parking is available at the hotel entrance, and there is ample parking within the Dubai Festival City mall complex connected to the hotel.

Can I work from the café?
Absolutely. The tables are spacious, and because it is located within an IHG hotel, the WiFi connectivity is generally excellent and suitable for emails or calls.

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