Whether you are diabetic and need to cut carbs or are just looking for products in the low carb category, there is a store that I stumbled across very recently as I was researching for this blog.
I haven’t been there yet, but I have no problem sending you there. What have we got to lose? It’s called Carboholix because it allows you to get low carb alternatives to high-carb ingredients and products. They also offer low-fat stuff, which I stay away from, since I do not ascribe to the low-fat philosophy myself. I will take a trip down there once we have moved and settled and come back and give you a proper review. Carboholix is right opposite Lulu, Barsha, near Mall of the Emirates.
I am not into “products” as in processed food that much but there are worthwhile low-carb exceptions. Alternatives provide low-carbers with options to things like cornstarch or a flour based rue that are bang on in terms of flavour and usage. Xanthan Gum and Guar Gum are some all natural low carb thickeners that I got at Organic Foods and Cafe (with locations in the Greens Community and Dubai Mall). They sell 100% Organic produce and products and also cater to specialized diets like Gluten and Wheat Free (similar to low carb) and Vegan & Vegetarian. I have personally found their diabetic section to be limited especially as it relates to good sweeteners. Real Stevia (not the ones laced with maltodextrin) is not available. They must be credited for being the only store that carries the sugar alcohol Erythritol. NB. Not everyone can tolerate it, which I learned the hard way. If you are going to experiment, do it with 1/2 tsp ONLY and on a day when you have nowhere else to be, just in case you have to camp out in your loo. Also worthy of mentioning, they offer 20% off every 3rd Saturday of the month on your grocery bill at any of their stores. This includes all grocery items, kitchen equipment such as juicers and sprouters, fruit and veg, meat and fish, breads and household items.
I am hoping that one of these stores will expand the sugars substitutes avaialable in Dubai. Liquid stevia and splenda are invaluable to a low-carb gourmand’s diet. I despise the aftertaste of regular powdered splenda plus any sweetener that is powder-like usually had maltodextrin in it to help it pour. That equates to 1g of carbs.
MaryAnn says
Hello again, I am just now getting around to browsing your beautiful blog. It is Friday morning…so it is a lazy day for me 🙂
I know that you can buy Stevia here in the UAE. Years ago I used to buy it at Nutrition Zone (at Sharjah City Center). It is Dh114 for a jar (powder form). They do not display it in the open (I don’t know for what reason) but you have to ask for it. There are several Nutrition Zones in the UAE. You won’t be able to find the Stevia in any supermarkets. You have to go to the stores that specialize in nutrition supplements (i.e. General Nutrition, Dr. Nutrition, Nutrition Zone) I guess it is best to just call before going though, LOL.
I live in Sharjah and I sure do wish we had an Organic Foods Cafe over here but I do not think that there is a market for it here in this emirate. Anyway, going all the way to Dubai is really a chore…but all the ‘good things’ are there, LOL.
chefandsteward says
Mary Ann, Thanks so much for taking the time to have a look through and also to share your very valid comments. You are indeed right about Stevia. Those stores tend to carry them in the powdered form. However since the powdered form has maltodextrin (like splenda and all other powdered sweeteners) I was looking for the liquid versions which would cut the carbs even more.
Nicky (Venetia is my 'fancy' name, everyone calls me Nicky) says
Hello, I was searciing for ‘sprouters’ on the net and happened upon your site. am wondering where I can find sprouters in Dubai or if there is some alternative I can use. need to grow wheatgrass. also need the best wheatgrass juicer and would be so grateful if you can help. thank youl
lina says
Hi Nicky
Did you find a sprouter in Dubai? Also any idea where I can find a Spiralizer?
Chef and Steward says
Lina, may we point you to our blogger friend http://dubaiveggrowers.blogspot.com and tell Shumaila that we sent you!