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21 Grams

Dubai

A nostalgic love letter to Balkan cuisine

On the Pass

Milan Jurkovic

Representation matters: Flying the flag for Balkan fare in multi-cultural Dubai, 21 Grams is a true labour of love for its founder, Stasha Tonchev. Not only has she established a substantial and loyal fanbase for a previously unrepresented cuisine, but she is also one of the few high-profile female restaurateurs in the city.

On the menu: Diners at 21 Grams are presented with the traditional dishes that Stasha grew up eating, plated in a contemporary manner with aesthetics and flavour to the fore. Favourites include the goats cheese, honey and thyme phyllo pie, the sarma – sour cabbage rolls stuffed with minced beef and served with smoked brisket; and the komplet egg – a favourite with the breakfast crowd served sunny-side up in homemade bread with cheese, sour cream and beef jus.

Moving on up: Set on the rooftop of a low-rise shopping centre in Umm Suqeim, one of Dubai’s most established residential neighbourhoods, 21 Grams moved to its new more spacious location in early 2023 due to the runaway success of its original outpost, located just a stone’s throw away.

Community figure: Not only is Tonchev an ambassador for Balkan cuisine, she is also a beacon for Dubai’s culinary community, constantly raising awareness of social issues and effecting change. 

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