Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi, UAE Travel Guide
Emirati cuisine holds rich flavors from spices like saffron, cardamom, and turmeric, along with dates, dried fruits, nuts, and various meats. Rice is a main part. Indian, Persian, and Levant influences are prominent.
Emirati dishes are aromatic and savory, often with a hint of sweetness. Spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and turmeric are fundamental, making for depth and warmth.
Rice, dates, camel milk, lamb, chicken, fish (hammour), a variety of spices, chickpeas, lentils, vegetables, and dried limes (loomi) form the base.
Often light, consisting of bread, cheese, eggs, and dates.
Lunch is the main meal (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM). Dinner is a lighter, later meal, typically after 8:00 PM.
A flavorful rice dish. It features meat slow-cooked with spices, onions, and dried limes, often served with spicy tomato sauce.
A rich and aromatic experience.
A simple yet hearty dish of wheat and meat (lamb or chicken). Slow-cooked to a porridge-like consistency, seasoned with ghee.
Traditional for Ramadan and special occasions.
A stew of meat and vegetables served over thin, unleavened bread (regag). The bread absorbs the flavorful broth.
A satisfying meal.
Sweet, deep-fried dough balls, drizzled with date syrup and sesame seeds. A popular dessert.
A staple of Emirati hospitality, often with Arabic coffee. Many varieties exist.
Many Michelin-starred and internationally acclaimed restaurants, often in luxury hotels.
A vast selection of international cuisines in malls and standalone locations.
Affordable options, street food, and fresh markets.
Abu Dhabi exhibits an exceptionally diverse international culinary scene. Every major cuisine can be found, from authentic Indian and Lebanese to European, American, and East Asian.
This diversity means every palate finds something to enjoy.
Food courts in all major shopping malls put forward a wide array of budget-friendly options. The Galleria Al Maryah Features of the island a high-end food hall and plenty of dining places, from informal to fine dining.
Increasingly common, especially in international and health-focused restaurants.
All meat is Halal. Kosher meals need advance requests from some hotels.
Modern restaurants handle requests. Communicate needs clearly.
Online search, dining reviews, HappyCow app assist specific needs.
Restaurants at high-rise hotels or along the Corniche present spectacular city or sea views.
These settings make dining experiences better.
Abu Dhabi hosts various food festivals and culinary events throughout the year, especially during the cooler months.
These functions showcase local and international cuisine.
Machboos, otherwise known as Majboos, is a tasty rice dish from the Arabian Gulf. It typically includes meat (chicken, lamb, or fish) slow-cooked with a blend of aromatic spices, onions, and dried limes. It is usually along with a hot sauce made from tomatoes, presenting a rich and aromatic culinary experience.
Expect a balance of savory and tangy flavors, with the spices permeating the rice and meat. The dried limes lend a distinct citrusy note, while the slow cooking renders the meat tender and juicy.
These spots often serve affordable Emirati, Indian, Pakistani, and Filipino dishes, presenting an authentic taste of everyday local food.
Known for its fresh fish markets and casual seafood restaurants. Here you will find fresh catches for fair prices.
Seek out small, independent shawarma and falafel stands for quick, tasty, and inexpensive meals. They are widespread across the city.
Many desert safari tours feature a traditional BBQ dinner beneath the vast desert sky in a Bedouin-style camp, offering a memorable cultural and culinary experience.
A truly enchanting setting.
Restaurants in high-rise hotels or along the Corniche present spectacular city or sea views, significantly enhancing the dining experience.
Enjoy a feast for both the palate and the eyes.
Learn to prepare traditional Emirati dishes. Some hotels and centers feature these.
Throughout the year, especially in cooler months, these happenings showcase diverse cuisine.
Desert safari tours often conclude with a traditional BBQ dinner under the stars.
Exploring Abu Dhabi'the city's cuisine is an exciting experience in itself. From high-end dining to street-side delights, the city's food culture is similar to its global character.
