JLT is filled with quirky foodie spots, whether it’s licensed venues connected to hotels or the numerous smaller places dotted on the lower levels of most clusters.

So lucky for anyone who works or lives in the area, JLT is absolutely rammed with munch-time options, and you can always judge the people’s favourite based on how busy they are each and every day.

For Mexican and lunch time burritos, it’s Chalcos all the way, for a croissant and a cup of good coffee, head for GolosItalia and for a big, healthy salad, Friends Avenue is your best bet. 

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And now for Vietnamese food, there’s a newbie on the block.

I visited on a Wednesday afternoon; the small set up is practical and modern, with bench style seating for bigger groups, high stools if you’re dining alone, and plenty of outdoor seats while the weather is still good. It fits in nicely next to Chalcos and PitFire Pizza and beneath the Almas Tower.

Vietnamese Foodies is a new Vietnamese restaurant in JLT, Cluster D

And it’s already heaving with people each and every lunch time

It’s south Vietnamese cooking, think Ho Chi Minh street food style

Previously, head chef and owner Lily was giving Vietnamese cooking classes and this is her first restaurant in Dubai. 

Her food is full of flavour, and most importantly for people searching for a good lunch; it’s really good value for piping hot dishes made with fresh ingredients. 

And at a time when people are so focused on healthy food, yet takeout salads can cost a bomb, the paleo, vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free options on this menu are a brilliant shout. (It’s good to note that many of the dishes are cooked in broth or water instead of oil, which makes all the difference in a healthy meal).

It’s good food, it doesn’t cost a lot and you’ll feel good after eating it. 

Lily recommended the duck sausages and they were fantastic

Wok dishes start from AED30, a small bowl of Pho costs AED19, salads start at AED21 and Bahn Mi, the traditional Vietnamese breakfast of a Vietnamese baguette with cucumber, tomatoes, veg and your choice of filling starts from just AED9.

The duck sausages for AED30 were easily the best thing I tried.

Take your pick of spring rolls, dumplings, pho, curries, all served up fresh

If you’re stuck to your desk for lunch, you can order takeout from Vietnamese Foodies through its Facebook page

They do a brilliant lunch deal for AED57 and ordering on the Facebook page is simples.

More info and booking, call 04 565 6088

Vietnamese Foodies is open every day from 8am to 10.30pm