Dubai residents have rallied around homegrown restaurants during these uncertain times, and restaurants themselves are collaborating within the community to create exclusive dining experiences and limited-time menus. This month, Lila and Khadak are coming together for a four-hands dining experience that celebrates the similarities between Indian and Mexican cuisines.
Chef Shaw Lash first opened Lila Taqueria on Beach Road in Dubai in 2022 and was the first wood-fired taqueria in the city to grind corn-in house and produce their own corn tortillas. The Mexican restaurant has authenticity at its heart and has since opened a sister branch, Lila Molino, in Alserkal Avenue, and Tacos Camino, a food truck in JVC.
Khadak opened its doors in 2024 and quickly became a favourite for Indian food in the city; it was awarded the Bib Gourmand in 2025. Chef Naved Nasir, previously Chef Director at Dishoom in the UK, infuses his adoration of Indian street food and traditional recipes into the menu to keep nostalgic recipes alive.
Together, the chefs have created Khadak x Lila: Two Cultures, One Shared Love of Spice. The 9-course collaboration is rooted in a respect for both ingredients and tradition, and results in a curation of dishes that includes jalapeno tepache panipuri filled with roasted pineapple; kulcha fundido stuffed with serrano and poblano chillies; cashew and raisin mole with wood-roaster cauliflower; and churros with brown butter custard.
The four-hands experience takes place at Khadak on 23 and 24 April. This is one collaboration the city’s foodies will flock to, so be sure to book your spot. Starting from Dhs185 per person. Book now
