While the rest of the world has been falling for the charms of Alan Yau’s Wagamama (to which the UAE has only recently cottoned on) Dubai has been going crazy for The Noodle House, a delightful pan-Asian concept with similar brisk, efficient service, reasonable prices and high quality ingredients – but without, thank goodness, the uneasy canteen benches. Tick your selection of wet noodles and soups, wok fried noodles, specialties and side dishes from your order pad, hand it to your server and wait all of five minutes before the intense flavour hits the top of your nostrils. The system works so well, it’s no wonder Sheikh Mohammed, ruler of Dubai, is rumoured to be a fan. Don’t neglect the delicious and inventive list of mocktails: together with the bakmi goring with chicken and prawns, these constitute ex-pat UAE’s hangover cure of choice. Branches also at: Deira City Centre Mall; Souk Madinat Jumeirah; BurJuman Mall, Bur Dubai.