Abu Dhabi is known not only for its impressive skyscrapers and luxury shopping malls but also for its rich culinary culture. The city offers some of the most authentic and delicious examples of Arab cuisine. The local dishes, enjoyed by the community for centuries, also attract tourists. In this article, we will explore the traditional foods of Abu Dhabi that you must try and the best places to experience these flavors.
Local Food Culture: From Tradition to Modernity
The food culture in Abu Dhabi reflects its historical background and socio-economic changes, evolving from tradition to modernity. Traditional Arab cuisine is often characterized by slow-cooked meat dishes, rich spices, and fresh herbs. Nowadays, these traditional recipes are combined with modern techniques to create innovative flavors. Local restaurants offer a wide range of options, from delightful Arab breakfasts to modern fusion dishes, welcoming both locals and visitors warmly. Thus, while preserving the heritage of the past, Abu Dhabi continues to update its culinary scene, providing visitors with a unique dining experience.
What Makes Emirati Cuisine Unique?
The uniqueness of Emirati cuisine lies primarily in the freshness and variety of its ingredients. Traditional recipes are enriched with resources from the desert and seafood from the sea. Rich spices like dates, saffron, turmeric, and cardamom add a distinctive taste and aroma to the dishes. Additionally, the care in preparation and historical cooking techniques distinguish Emirati cuisine from other Arab cuisines. Many dishes are served on large family tables that encourage sharing and togetherness, strengthening social bonds. By combining traditional flavors with modern gastronomy, Emirati cuisine offers visitors an unforgettable experience while preserving its cultural heritage and introducing innovative tastes. Let's discover the unique dishes of Emirati cuisine.
Shawarma
Shawarma is a popular street food from Middle Eastern cuisine and is easy to find in Abu Dhabi. It's made by marinating thin slices of meat, usually chicken or beef, with special spices and then cooking them on a vertical grill. Shawarma is typically served in flatbread with fresh vegetables and various sauces. In some places, it's flavored with yogurt or tahini sauces, catering to different tastes.
Recommended Restaurants
For those wanting to try this dish, Shish Shawerma Corniche is a great starting point. This popular spot, with several locations in the city, offers fresh and authentic shawarma. Shish Shawerma Corniche aims to provide guests with quality and satisfying meals and is a favorite among locals and tourists.
Another popular choice is Lebanese Mill Restaurant, known for its delicious shawarma varieties. This restaurant has been serving in Abu Dhabi for years, offering tasty and filling shawarma made with traditional Middle Eastern recipes. They provide both chicken and beef options, noted for the meat's tenderness and the spices' harmony. Here, you can enjoy a fulfilling meal with the side dishes offered.
Harees
Harees is a traditional holiday dish from Abu Dhabi and is considered one of the oldest dishes in Arab cuisine. This delicious dish is made by cooking wheat and meat together for a long time until they become a puree, a process that can take hours. During this time, the ingredients slowly come together to create a rich and filling flavor. Harees is served at many special events, from weddings to the month of Ramadan, and is usually cooked in large pots, making it perfect for communal meals.
Recommended Restaurants
Al Dhafra Restaurant is a great choice for those who want to experience authentic harees in Abu Dhabi. The restaurant’s traditional decoration and menu take you back in time. Wooden furniture and decorative elements reflecting old Arab culture make the atmosphere unique. Alternatively, you can also find this dish on the rich menu of Harees AlWaldah. This place offers authentic Arab cuisine in a modern and stylish setting.
Another place where you can enjoy harees is Harees Al Fareej. Here, you can also try other traditional Arab dishes. Al Arish provides a cozy environment with local flavors and a wide range of options for those who want to try different tastes. Additionally, these places typically offer seating arrangements suitable for families and groups of friends, providing a social dining experience.
Al Machboos
Al Machboos is a dish full of history and culture that shows the rich spices of Arabic cuisine. This delicious meal, which has kept its traditions for centuries, is made with rice, meat (usually chicken or lamb), and saffron as the main ingredients. Spices like cardamom, cinnamon, turmeric, and cloves are often used, giving the dish a unique flavor and aroma. The secret to its taste is the quality of the ingredients and the skillful cooking technique. The meat is mixed with spices and cooked slowly before being combined with rice, offering a rich flavor profile in every bite.
Recommended Restaurants
Meylas Emirati Restaurant and Souq Al Mubarakiya Restaurant are two of the places where you can find the most authentic version of this dish. Both restaurants offer great options to try Al Machboos, sticking to traditional recipes. The appetizers and desserts served during the meal also complete your experience, allowing you to fully enjoy Arabic hospitality.
If you're looking for a more modern touch, Yadoo's House Restaurant & Cafe is also a good place for Al Machboos. The other options on the menu will take you deep into Arabic cuisine. Here, you can see how traditional flavors meet modern presentations and discover new and exciting taste combinations.
Luqaimat
Luqaimat is a delicious dessert with a crispy outside and soft inside, usually sweetened with date syrup or sometimes honey. These golden fried balls have been a beloved tradition in Arab culture for many years. Luqaimat is a great companion to Arabic tea and is especially popular during Ramadan for iftar meals.
Recommended Restaurant
For those wanting a break from typical desserts, I recommend trying Luqaimat at Lgymat & Rgag. This restaurant, known for its traditional presentation and authentic decor, is a paradise for dessert lovers. At Lgymat & Rgag, you can enjoy a unique experience with Luqaimat served alongside fresh mint tea.
Balaleet
Balaleet is a traditional breakfast dish combining sweet and salty flavors. It is made with thin noodles mixed with sugar and traditional spices, topped with a thin omelet. It is a unique and memorable start, especially for those who love the blend of sweet and salty. Balaleet is a must-try for anyone wanting to explore the delicate flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine.
Recommended Restaurant
One of the best places to try Balaleet is 71 Cafe, which offers this special dish using traditional preparation methods. At 71 Cafe, you can also discover different versions and presentations of Balaleet. By adding Balaleet to the breakfast menu, it provides guests with a unique experience that pleases both the eyes and the taste buds, creating delicious memories.
Stuffed Camel
Stuffed Camel is perhaps one of the most impressive and eye-catching dishes in Arab cuisine. Usually served at weddings, large celebrations, and important events, this striking dish is made with camel meat, lamb, rice, and various spices. This tasty mix is slowly cooked using special methods to achieve a perfect texture and flavor. The presentation of the dish is as important as its taste; it is served in a grand and aesthetic way.
Recommended Restaurants
To try this unique dish, you can attend special events offered by restaurants like Maraheb and Besbas. At these places, Stuffed Camel is presented with traditional style and rich aroma to guests. Also, special dinner events at these restaurants are another option. These meals provide visitors not just with taste, but also an unforgettable experience of Arab culture. Thus, you have the opportunity to get to know this unique example of Arab cuisine. Witnessing the preparation process of the dish makes this experience even more meaningful.
Falafel
Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern snack that is vegetarian-friendly and has a history going back centuries. These delicious patties are usually made from chickpeas or fava beans mixed with spices like garlic, coriander, and cumin, then fried. Once fried, falafels have a crispy outside and a soft inside. They are often served in warm pita bread with fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce, along with pickles. They become a tasty meal when flavored with tahini or yogurt-based sauces.
Recommended Restaurants
To try this flavor, you should check out the rich falafel menu at Mosaic Restaurant. Here, falafels are made with fresh ingredients and served with special sauces that appeal to your taste buds.
Another option is Tarbouche, which is popular with both locals and tourists for its variety of falafels. The menu includes many falafel choices, from classic to spicy or herb-flavored. Tarbouche offers a wide range of options to ensure everyone can find a falafel they like. We especially recommend trying sauces inspired by Mediterranean cuisine.
Knafeh
Knafeh is a popular dessert from Middle Eastern cuisine. It's made with thin shredded pastry filled with a special cheese and sweetened with syrup. This dessert is usually served warm and is especially common during Ramadan. The crunchy texture of the pastry and the melted cheese mixed with the sweet syrup create a unique taste.
Recommended Restaurants
For those who want to try traditional Knafeh, a great place to visit is Qwaider Nabulsi. Here, Knafeh is served fresh and authentic. Another popular spot is Habibah Sweets. Both places use quality ingredients and skilled chefs, making the Knafeh an unforgettable treat.
For a modern twist, you can explore different versions of Knafeh at the famous bakery Feras Al Diyafa Sweets. They add innovative touches to the traditional recipe to offer new flavor experiences. For example, they have chocolate or pistachio varieties for those seeking something modern, while still offering classic options for those who prefer traditional tastes.
Hummus
Hummus is a creamy dip made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and olive oil. It is one of the most famous and loved dishes in Middle Eastern cuisine. Hummus is nutritious and tasty because it is high in protein and healthy fats. It is usually served as a dip with pita bread, vegetables, or alongside meat dishes. Hummus is also popular among people with special dietary needs because it is gluten-free and vegan.
Recommended Restaurants
There are many great places in Abu Dhabi to try this classic dish. Ishtar Yas Marina is a unique place where you can try different kinds of hummus, even though it is a Japanese restaurant. They offer both traditional hummus and modern versions with different spices to please your taste buds.
Another option is Mezza House, which offers traditional hummus. Here, you can enjoy classic hummus with olive oil and sumac.
If you're looking for something different, visit Kamoon to try the freshest and most delicious hummus. This place uses carefully selected ingredients to create unforgettable flavors for their guests.
Madrouba
Madrouba is a traditional Arab dish made with chicken, rice, and yogurt, enriched with various spices. This tasty meal has a creamy texture because the ingredients are cooked for a long time and is usually served hot. Madrouba is a popular choice, especially on cold winter days, and the spices used in it offer a deep flavor with every bite.
Recommended Restaurants
One of the best places to try this unique dish is Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe. The restaurant stays true to traditional cooking methods and serves Madrouba in its most authentic form. Here, you can also enjoy traditional Arab drinks with your meal. Another great option is NEEM. At NEEM, you can try not just Madrouba but many other traditional Arab dishes. The restaurant's large menu offers a variety of choices for different tastes, and its warm atmosphere will make your dining experience memorable.
Abu Dhabi's rich food culture offers a wide range for both local and international food lovers. The unique flavors and the best places to enjoy them mentioned in this blog are just a small part of Abu Dhabi's food scene. Every new dish you try will make your memories brighter and make you want to visit Abu Dhabi again. By the end of your food explorations, you'll realize you have unforgettable memories filled with this beautiful city's hospitality and unique tastes. Listen to Abu Dhabi's call to discover more flavors and experiences on your next visit.