Name: Paper Fig
Price range: $$$
Rating: 4

Description

Set in a residential pocket of Muwaileh near University City, Paper Fig is an all-day cafe-bistro founded by Nawal Al Nuaimi that has grown into one of Sharjah's more distinctive independent spots. The interior leans quietly considered: pale floors, light timber panelling, fresh flowers, a sparsely filled bookshelf and generous windows that pull in daylight, with a dessert counter anchoring the entrance. The mood is calm and library-like, which makes it as suited to solo work sessions as to long weekend brunches and catch-ups. Breakfast is where the kitchen is at its most confident. The French toast has a near-cult following, and regulars also return for the shakshuka, eggs Benedict, ricotta pancakes, beetroot hummus toast, and the Hello Halloumi sandwich. At lunch and dinner the menu shifts European, with the pink pasta, bolognese fettuccine, chicken risotto, mozzarella pops, grilled salmon with salsa verde, and lemon chicken among the dependable picks. Desserts are a genuine highlight: the pistachio cheesecake, molten chocolate cake, milk cake, and the profiteroles-based Frozen Winter hold up well alongside a solid coffee programme. Portions lean elegant rather than hearty, and pricing sits at the upper end for Sharjah - you are paying for quality and setting, not volume. A few honest notes: service can slow down when the room fills, with coffee orders in particular sometimes lagging behind food, and the menu, while creative, runs smaller than the hype suggests. The area has free parking and the approach is straightforward once you know the turn-off. Booking ahead for weekend breakfast is wise; midweek afternoons are the pocket for a quieter table and an unhurried pastry.

Guest Reviews

4.2

Excellent

34 reviews

Hungryoungwoman4.0

5 months ago

Our recent breakfast was at Paper Fig, located in University City, Sharjah. What looks like a usual building from the outside, is a contrast with its interiors. Wooden walls which serve as a great backdrop for pictures, charming servers, and a vibe that’s somehow similar to Afternoon Tea places, Paper Fig became a fast favorite. But what does the name signify? We are quite intrigued to know the story behind it. From the founder, Nawal Al Nuaimi, herself we learn that the name was coined after a holiday abroad when Nawal chanced upon some beautiful paper fig shells. The menu boasts influences from European cuisines, our breakfast includes the likes of Eggs Benedict [AED 42], Avocado Toast [AED 35], Burrata Salad [AED 79], and a Grilled Four Cheeses Sandwich [AED 35]. There’s also Shakshuka [AED 49] included, which is a staple at all breakfasts in Dubai. A creamy tomato mixture topped with Feta Cheese. Our Avocado Toast is given a nice touch with a base of a Beetroot Hummus Toast, pleasing to the eyes and the tongue. Value Service Food

Tea for Two5.0

5 months ago

This fantastic cafe might be a little tricky to find, but it's totally worth the effort. It's a worthy oasis in the middle of a fast-growing area of Sharjah. Highlights of the menu are the breakfast dishes and the incredible desserts. The coffee is great as well. My favorite dish is the beetroot hummus on toast with poached eggs. The date pudding is memorable as well. I've been here several times and will definitely go back.

noor19haider4.0

5 months ago

I was fascinated to know that there's a hidden gem in Sharjah that specialises with desserts and catering. It's not on the main road itself and the area is not usually like where people would go to for eating. But of course for people who know it and who's around the neighborhood do come and it's easy for them to find it already. It's nearby the University City Road. Paper Fig has been successfully operating for 2 years now. It was Saturday (lunch time) when we visited them for the first time and to my amusement it's jam-packed! It's very attractive to locals/arabs taste. It's like it's their community. But since I was wearing my abaya as well I didn't mind at all. The restaurant has a light and great atmosphere. The interior design is with some sort of classic, recycling concept with a mix of modern way. I love the beautiful plants outside their windows together with the style of the shades outside the restaurant giving out a French style shop. There was Mr. Sanal, the Supervisor who welcomed us in and Thola took care of us. We seated nearby the kitchen window where the actions were all coming from. The menu was handed out to us and it's on a wooden clipboard showing first how the PF has started. We chose to have the Bolognese Fetuccine, it's cooked with roasted tomatoes and garnished with parmesan shavings. The Salmon with Salsa Verde it's terrific! You have the option for it be fried or grilled. We have it grilled and it was cooked with skin and it was crispy. The Salsa Verde is yummy and a great combination with it indeed! Through tasting, I can say it's a mixture of olive oil, chopped mint leaves and lemon juice. It was served with grilled veggies and crowned with cucumber curls. I exclusively ordered fries for our son to munch in and this is so tasty and different. They don't cook it on a normal way. It made me remember the fries we had last time in Cafe 302 in Al Maha Arjaan. It's close to that taste. The fries was with chopped parsley and it really gives out an authentic taste served with a pail of ketchup (a tiny one 😊) We tried also the Ceasar Salad with Chicken. It's very delicious as well having big chunks of bread, crunchy lettuce, very nice ceasar dressing and parmesan shavings. I missed pancakes so when I saw this I asked for the Ricotta Panckaes. It's served with honeycomb butter, banana, berries and maple syrup. It was a craving satisfaction. For drinks we had the Wild Mint (Lemon&Mint) and for a change I took the Salted Caramel Frappe as recommended by Thola and it was really good! This is why I like it when I use recommendations. And of course, that only means their staff is knowledgeable of their menu. One more I asked from her is for the dessert. She recommended the Frozen Winter. This is a profiteroles filled with tahitian vanilla ice cream and 3 other kinds of ice cream served with peaches, meringues and creme anglaise sauce. It's perfect relishing it with your partner, while picking and saying "this is for you and this is for me" and so elegant! Very instagrammable too! Our son in between was given a stacking game by one of the staffs. It was kind enough of her to give something that will make our son entertained and busy with. Overall, it was a pleasure having our lunch in Paper Fig. It's a place where you can let the time pass and relax on your weekend or even after your work. The place is spacious enough to accommodate different numbers of guests. It provides free wifi and it has some outlets for charging that you can usually find underneath the tables nearby the walls. Paper Fig can cater for you whenever you need it. This is the best way to let your family, friends and relatives to share their scrumptious and sumptuous delicacies during your special occasion.