- Liz Totton
A Global Taste Tour of the Capital
ABU DHABI WEEK |
Food is just one of the many magical journeys one can take in this city of futuristic skyscrapers, ancient mosques and towering minarets.
The capital’s myriad restaurants afford residents and visitors the opportunity to tour world cuisine, experience one another’s cultures, enjoy a taste of home, or discover something entirely new. I’m proud to introduce to you a comprehensive guide to taking a taste bud tour of the world right here in Abu Dhabi.
Africa and the Middle East
The food of the Middle East and Africa has been cross-pollinating for many thousands of years through trade, conquering armies and travel. The cuisine of the various countries and peoples of the Middle East and Africa are diverse, but the food does share central themes in common.
The Middle East is a vast swathe of territory, whose boundaries include everywhere from the Asian side of Istanbul to the west to the Omani tip of the Arabian Peninsula to the east. Some might argue the theoretical border goes as far as Pakistan if we factor in culture and religion.
The history of its cuisine starts in the region once known as the “Fertile Crescent” (the intersection of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers), where wheat was first cultivated, followed by barley, pistachios, figs, pomegranates and dates. These early people discovered the process of fermentation and were the first to leaven bread so we can thank the present-day Iraqis for our love fest with carbs.
The region effectively served as the crossroads between Europe, Asia and Africa as the long-standing centre of food and recipe interchange. During the Persian Empire, the foundation was laid for modern Middle-Eastern food when rice, poultry and various fruits were incorporated into the local diets.
Mongol invaders also influenced the region, introducing dumplings, turmeric, cumin, garlic and other spices from India. The Moors of Spain are thought to have introduced cloves, peppercorns and allspice from the Spice Islands; okra from Africa; and tomatoes from the New World.
Religion has also had an impact on the cuisine. Due to dietary restrictions on certain meats, lamb became a staple and the region has all but perfected its preparation.
The people of the Middle East have a sweet tooth like no other. Under the Ottoman Empire, sweet pastries of paper-thin phyllo dough and dense coffee were introduced to the region from Europe and many syrupy sweet desserts were born. But the native date will always serve as the most beloved natural sweetener around.
African food varies by regions and, again, owes many characteristics to foreign influence. Ingredients brought in by traders, invaders and migrants have heavily influenced the food of North Africa. The Arabs introduced spices such as saffron, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger and cloves. Wheat and its by-product, semolina, were introduced early on. The nomadic Berbers adapted semolina into couscous, and it became a staple of the region.
Cattle are regarded as a symbol of wealth across Africa, so while farmers may use them for dairy products, they do not for their meat. Many people in the South and East rely mainly on grains, beans and vegetables and fruit, and fish for those living close to water.
Maize was introduced during the slave trade between Africa and the Americas. As it was inexpensive and its preparation simple, it became a foundation for African cuisine and still is to this day. Maize flour is cooked with water to form a stiff porridge or made into dough that is served with sauces or stews.
The cuisine in the west of Africa relies on heavy starchy foods that provide fast energy. West Africans prefer their food spicy and seasoned with hot spices and chilli peppers or peanut sauces.
Take a culinary tour of the Middle East and Africa. Try to distinguish the similarities and where the gastronomies crossed while dually noticing the regional differences.
A taste of the region
The cuisine of the Middle East and Africa are diverse but do share some common ingredients, such as spices, lentils and fresh herbs. In the Middle East, commonly used ingredients include olives and olive oil, pitas, honey, sesame seeds, dates, sumac, chickpeas, mint and parsley. While in Africa, one is likely to find locally available fruits, cereal grains and vegetables, as well as milk and meat products, which are rarely imported. In some parts of the continent, the traditional diet features a lot of milk, curd and whey products. Any Middle Eastern restaurant can be judged on its mezze – order hot and cold dishes, expect tasty hummus, and look for kibbeh and meat mixed grills that have genuine flavour rather than the bland stodge that can sometimes turn up.
Biryani male is a rice dish transformed with interesting local spice infusions topped with dried Omani limes. Rubyan meshwi is made from the sweet and meaty prawns that are local to the Arabian Gulf.
Northern and Central African cuisine is perhaps best known for its stews and porridges served with bread to help you mop up the last bits. Try West African jollof rice for a carbalicious treat. South Africa is another meat-oriented area with top barbeque techniques and European-inspired specialities like boerwors sausages.
Emirati food explained
Visitors to the UAE are of course eager to sample the local cuisine but can often be left a little baffled as to specifically what they should be asking for.
That is perhaps because like the rest of the region the food is a mélange of many influences. Emirati cuisine has also been shaped by modern techniques and flavours while still retaining an overriding traditional character. Expect a medley of spices such as turmeric, saffron, cinnamon and nutmeg mixed with a good smattering of dried fruits and nuts such as almonds and pistachios. This will of course be coupled with fresh herbs such as coriander, mint and thyme.
Traditional Emirati food includes slow-cooked stews, gently spiced and roasted meats and fish and fragrant rice dishes, many of which take their inspiration from Indian biryani meals. You can also find tasty folded pastries and of course salads with unflinching flavours.
The historic Bedouin culture was nomadic calling for a reliance on rugged animals like chicken and goat for their meat. To get a taste of this bygone life, the localised version of the Yemeni mendi-style of slow roasting either lamb, chicken or fish in a pit is certainly a must.
The annual Qasr Al Hosn Festival is also a marvellous opportunity to try a host of Emirati treats cooked before your eyes, including luqaimat sweet dumplings, a Ramadan favourite. In the meantime eateries in Abu Dhabi where you can enjoy local cuisine include Café Arabia opposite Mushrif Park, Al Maqam at Arabian Nights, where you dine in a barasti-themed dining hall, Al Arish in Al Dhafra Tourist Village and Mezlai in the grand setting of Emirates Palace.
Listings
Abd El Wahab Souk Qaryat Al Beri Lebanese 02 558 1616
Abd El Wahab The Collection, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Lebanese 02 677 2238
Abi Al Fida Al Zahiyah Lebanese, Arabic 02 644 6511
Abu Dhabi Oasis Kitchen & Restaurant Behind Madinat Zayed Shoppping Centre, Near ADDC, Madinat Zayed Emirati & Gulf 02 563 1103
Abu Kaabi Restaurant & Grills Al Khalidiyah Lebanese 02 666 6854
Abul Nawas Al Dhafrah Arabic, Lebanese 02 642 2322
Abu Shakrah Off 9th Street, Al Zahiyah Arabic, Egyptian 02 644 7770
Abu Yousef Restaurant & Grill Mussafah Arabic 02 552 6100
Abyan Al Khalidiyah Middle Eastern 02 665 5545
Aish & Zaafaran Restaurant Behind Emirates Islamic Bank and Choithrams, 9th Street, Al Khalidiya Middle Eastern, Kuwaiti 02 667 0477
Al Akkawi Cafeteria Near Mina Zayed Fish Market Area, Al Mina Arabic, shawarma 02 446 3690
Al Arish Near Mina Port, Fish Market Area, Al Mina, Abu Dhabi Arabic 02 673 2266
Al Asalah Marina Village Seafood www.alasalahrestaurants.com 02 681 2188
Al Bathna Restaurant Armed Forces Officers Club Emirati www.afoc.mil.ae 02 497 5169
Al Dahfra Al Mina, Abu Dhabi Emirati 02 673 2266
Al Falaj Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort, Liwa Desert, Middle East, BBQ 02 886 2088
Al Fanar Venetian Village, Ritz Carlton Abu Dhabi Authentic Emirati cuisine www.venetianvillage.ae/al-fanar 02 448 1144
Al Fanr Manarat al Saadiyat Middle East, Emirati www.fanrrestaurant.ae 02 657 5888
Al Fannous Grills & Restaurant Al Khalidiya Arabian, Middle Eastern 02 666 3250
Al Fawar Restaurant Arabian, Middle Eastern, Lebanese 02 449 4051
Al Habib Restaurant Opposite Sky Net Worldwide Express, Near Modern Bakery, Hamdan Street, Tourist Club Area (Al Zahiyah) Arabian, Indian 02 672 1688
Al Habshva Restaurant Al Zahiyah, Abu Dhabi Ethiopian www.alhabasharestaurant.com 02 644 4826
Al Hawamir Seafood Restaurant Al Manhal Seafood 02 633 3996
Al Jazeerah Subaldeen Building, Al Falah Street, Tourist Club Area (Al Zahiyah) Fast Food 02 644 2241
Al Liwan Najda, Abu Dhabi Arabian, Middle Eastern 02 622 1255
Al Mayass Sheraton Hotel & Resort, Corniche Road Lebanese, Armenian 02 644 0440
Almaz by Momo The Galleria, Al Maryah island Middle Eastern, Moroccan 02 418 2533
Al Naseem Bar Novotel Gate Hotel, Al Maqtaa Arabian, Middle Eastern, American 02 508 9999
Al Rabeeh Restaurant Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Street (Hamdan Street) Middle Eastern, Lebanese 02 674 4124
Al Raousha Mussafah Lebanese 02 551 4060
Al Raousha Khalifa Street Lebanese 02 627 2637
Al Rayan Restaurant & coffee shop Al Khalidiya Arabian, Middle Eastern 02 665 9906
Al Safadi Restaurant & Grills Al Khalidiya Lebanese 02 666 0201
Al Safeer Restaurant Mazyad Mall, Mussafah Middle Eastern, Shawarma 02 559 1855
Al Sayad Marine Restaurant & Grills Muroor Arabian, Middle Eastern, Turkish, Seafood www.alsayyad-ad.com 02 444 4712
Al Shaderwan Restaurant Tourist Club Area Arabian, Middle Eastern 02 645 5400
Al Tazaj Fakieh BBQ Chicken Restaurant Hamdan Street Arabic www.tazauae.com 02 633 7303
Al Waha Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort Arabian, Middle Eastern, International 02 886 2088
Al Wahda All Day Dining Grand Millennium Al Wahda Arabian, Middle Eastern, Asian, Italian, European, International 02 443 9999
Atayeb Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi, Yas Island Middle Eastern, Arabic 02 656 0600
Automatic Restaurant Tourist Club Area Middle Eastern, Shawarma 02 676 9677
Automatic Restaurant and Grill Channel St Middle Eastern, Shawarma 02 556 2354
Awtar Restaurant Al Zahiyah, Abu Dhabi Middle Eastern, Arabic 02 644 1551
Azura The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Corniche Middle Eastern 02 694 4553
Bait Al Mandi & Madhbi Al Khalidiya Emirati, Mandi, Arabian, Middle Eastern 02 633 7713
Bait Al Mandi Al Madhbi Mussafah Emirati, Mandi 055 994 4253
Bait El Khetyar Al Najda Street, Najda Middle Eastern, Lebanese 02 418 2556
Bait Yaffa Al Nahyan Arabian, Middle Eastern 02 418 2483
Barouk Crowne Plaza Yas Island Lebanese, Mediterranean 02 656 3068
BBQ Al Qasr Emirates Palace Hotel Barbecue 02 690 7999
Beirut Restaurant & Grills Al Wahda Mall Lebanese 02 443 7644
Bonna Annee Restaurant Tourist Club Area Ethiopian 02 491 2128
Boubouffe Yas Mall Lebanese www.boubouffe-uae.com 02 448 7474
Bshawarma Reem Island Lebanese, Shawarma www.bshawarma.com 02 666 7227
Bu Tafish Seafood Hamdan Street Lebanese, Seafood 02 418 2438
Bu Tafish Seafood Khalifa City A Lebanese, Seafood 02 556 5477
Byblos Sur Mer InterContinentalHotel, Abu Dhabi Lebanese www.byblossurmer.com 02 666 6888
Café Arabia Al Karamah, opposite Mushrif Central Park Arabian café restaurant www.facebook.com/CafeArabia 02 643 9699
Café Bateel Yas Mall Arabic café www.bateel.com 02 565 0244
Café Bateel The Galleria, Al Maryah Island Arabic café www.bateel.com 02 671 2337
Cafe Blanc Eastern Mangroves Promenade Lebanese 02 677 9881
Cedar Lounge Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Bain Al Jessrain Lebanese 02 654 3238
Dine Aloft Abu Dhabi, ADNEC Arab, Middle Eastern, Seafood, International 02 654 5000
Dish Dash Yas Mall Middle Eastern, Arabic 02 565 0601
Escape Restaurant Hilton Abu Dhabi Cafe, Arabic, Middle Eastern www3.hilton.com 02 681 1900
Esfahan Yas Mall Persian, Arabic www.alkhajauae.com 055 400 3971
Flooka Eastern Mangroves Promenade Lebanese, Seafood www.flooka.com 02 441 8244
Foodlands Madinat Zayed Shawarma www.foodlands.com 02 631 1150 / 02 617 3133
Galito’s Al Wahda Mall African, Portuguese www.galitos.ae 02 643 8221
Galito’s Dalma Mall African, Portuguese www.galitos.ae 02 447 8912
Galito’s Yas Mall African, Portuguese www.galitos.ae 02 565 1849
Hatam Marina Mall Persian, Arabic 02 681 8585
Istanbouli Madinat ZayedTurkish 02 621 2557
Kahraman Southern Sun, Mina Road Middle Eastern bit.ly/22HoFc4 02 818 4888
Kamoon Khalidiya Palace by Rayhaan, opposite Emirates Palace Lebanese, Arabic bit.ly/1VI3Nj4 02 657 0111
Koshari Factory Tourist Club Area Egyptian 02 673 3733
Kuwaiti Cuisine Opposite Gulf Piping Company, M20, Mussafah Middle Eastern, Kuwaiti 02 558 8831
L’Auberge Al Markaziya Lebanese 02 627 3070
Lebanese Flower Restaurant Al Dhafrah Lebanese, Arabic 02 665 8700
Lebanese Flower Restaurant Al Zahiyah Lebanese, Arabic 02 642 4208
Lebanese Flower Restaurant Khalidyah Mall, Mussafah Lebanese, Arabic 02 665 9423
Lebanese Flower Restaurant Mazyad Mall, Mussafah Lebanese, Arabic 02 665 9423
Lebanese Flower Restaurant Near Alam Supermarket, Muroor Road, Muroor Lebanese, Arabic 02 448 8130
Lebanese Flower Restaurant Near Lebanese Flower Bakery, Al Manhal Area Lebanese, Arabic 02 665 8700
Le Boulanger Marina Breakwater Café, Lebanese 02 441 8000
Lemon Tree Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi, 31st Street Lebanese, Middle Eastern bit.ly/1WKAESC 02 657 4888
Li Beirut Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Middle Eastern, Lebanese 02 811 5666
Liwan Mansour Al Khalidiya Middle Eastern, Lebanese 02 666 0201
Ma Wal Emirates Palace Lebanese 02 690 8990
Meylas Al Muneera Emirati www.meylas.com 02 444 8884
Mezlai Emirates Palace Emirati 02 960 7740
Milas Souq Qaryat Al Beri Arabian 02 558 0425
Mijana The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal Contemporary Lebanese bit.ly/1UymVz2 02 418 2573
Mono Defense Road, opposite Dar Al Shifa Hospital, Al Dhafra Lebanese, Shawarma 02 641 6655
Nolu’s Downtown The Galleria, Al Maryah Island Afghani, Café 02 644 1516
Oceana Grill Hilton Capital Grand Abu Dhabi Seafood, Arabian 02 617 0000
Osha Gourmet Masdar City Emirati 02 555 3575
Rozanah Yas Marina, Yas Island Lebanese www.rozanah.ae 02 496 3411
Sambusek Rosewood Hotel, Al Maryah Lebanese fine dining bit.ly/1Uyp2CP 02 813 5552
Saudi Kitchen Defence Road, Al Nahyan Saudi Arabian 02 641 8488S
Savannah Grill & Lounge Al Sahel Villa Resort, Sir Bani Yas Island African grill bit.ly/1PsOnYe 02 801 4300
Sennara One to One Hotel – The Village Lebanese seafood bit.ly/253Ja4I 02 495 2000
Shish Shawerma Al Khalidiya Lebanese, Street food www.shishshawerma.com 02 650 5576
Steers Yas Mall Burger www.steersme.com 02 565 1624
Studio Masr Yas Mall Egyptian www.cdlc.ae 02 575 8301
Tarbouche al Basha World Trade Center MallLebanese, Arabian, Middle Eastern 02 304 8076
The Meat Co. Souq Qaryat Al Beri Steakhouse www.themeatco.com 02 558 1713
Urban Kitchen Dusit Thani, Sultan Bin ZayedThe First Street Arabian, Middle Eastern, European, International 02 418 2495
Wafi Gourmet Nation Galleria, West Corniche, Al Khubeirah Lebanese, Moroccan, Seafood, Arabian, Middle Eastern 02 665 6077
Yadoo’s House Al Muroor Street Emirati www.yadooshouse.com 02 441 1311
Zaatar W Zeit Abu Dhabi Mall Lebanese, Arabian, Middle Eastern 600 522 231
Zaatar W Zeit Al Salam Street Lebanese, Arabian, Middle Eastern 600 522 231
Zaatar W Zeit Corniche Lebanese, Arabian, Middle Eastern 02 642 6551
Zaytinya Seef Village Mall, near Khalifa Park Middle Eastern, Lebanese 02 447 4489
Zyara Near Hilton Corniche Apartments, Khalifa Street, Al Markaziyah Lebanese 02 627 5007
The Indian subcontinent
If you think spice is nice, take a culinary tour of the Indian subcontinent. As varied as the cuisine is within this enormous landmass includes Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and (arguably) Myanmar as well as India, the food is characterised by spice masalas that will blow your mind – not to mention your top, if you are unaccustomed to the flavour bomb effect.
Given the diversity in climate, culture and ethnic groups, India’s cuisines vary significantly, primarily using local spices, herbs, vegetables and fruits. Indian food is also heavily influenced by religious and cultural traditions, in addition to the Central Asian influence on North Indian cuisine from the years of Mughal rule.
Just as with the Americas, foreign invasions, trade and colonialism have also played a role in the introduction of certain foods to Indian cuisine. The Portuguese introduced the potato – now a staple of the modern Indian diet – as well as the chilli pepper (via Mexico in the 16th century). Think about how that changed the cuisine forever!
History has also shaped the area’s cuisine. The spice trade between India and Europe has long been cited as the primary catalyst for Europe’s Age of Discovery. Spices were bought from India and traded around Europe and Asia. India’s culinary traditions have influenced other cuisines through trade, especially those from Southeast Asia, the British Isles, Fiji, and the Caribbean.
Westerners are perhaps most familiar with the Mughal-style dishes of North Indian food, which is what you will commonly find in Indian restaurants throughout most of the world. This style of food is best known for its tandoor oven, not too different to a clay pizza oven; tandoori cooking – which is essentially grilling – imparts a smoky, roasted flavour to its meats and flatbreads.
The food of the southern provinces, such as Goa and Kerala and Chennai, features more use of chilli peppers, heavy spicing and seafood. Goa, which was colonised by the Portuguese, may be the most familiar to westerners as it has a very European feel to it.
The other characteristic of food from the region is the way it has been exported – you will find no shortage of Indian restaurants wherever you are. There has been a lot of modification, in particular with the invention of dishes like chicken tikka masala to appeal to European palates and the arrival of fine-dining treatments. But you know what you are going to get, and it will probably be very, very good.
The spice is right but tread carefully
Novices and the fearful should stick to creamy and flavourful favourites, such as chicken tikka masala, butter chicken and pilau rice. Scoop it up or clean your plate with a heaping basket of garlic-buttered naan.
The braver will look beyond the meat dishes. They are so hearty and heady, they can convert even the most sceptical carnivore into a veg head.
Though most of us are familiar with an aromatic high street curry or chicken tikka, the typical diet of most people on the Indian subcontinent is based around grain and legume staples such as pearl millet, rice, wholewheat flour, lentils, chickpeas, and kidney beans. These produce distinctive curries.
The most frequently used spices in Indian cuisine are chilli peppers, black mustard seed, cardamom, cumin, turmeric, ginger, coriander and garlic. Each region, often each family, has a distinctive garam masala blend, which typically includes five or more dried spices, usually cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves.
Sweet surprise
Diners from other parts of the world do not necessarily associate Indian cuisine with desert and for westerners without much as a point of reference, it can be hard to decipher what is on your plate and how you should eat it. So here is a quick guide to three of the favourite sweet Indian treats:
Gulab jamun
Also known as the Indian donuts, gulab jamun are the deep-fried dumplings that have been soaked in sugar water laced with rose. Those with a sweet tooth will not be able to stop at one, but too many can be sickly.
Ladoo
Often made of chickpea flour, semolina or ground coconut depending on the region, these ball shaped sweets are cooked into a paste and rolled when cool. There is also a deep fried variation to savour known as boondi ke ladoo.
Kulfi
Wonderfully sweet and dense kulfi is a popular frozen dairy dessert coming in a conical shape and much sought after in the hot and humid Indian summers. It’s traditionally made from milk alone and simmered for hours with a lovely nutty flavour.
Listings
Abara Refreshment Al Khalidiyah Indian 02 665 9361
Abu Ashraf Restaurant Mussafah Pakistani 02 552 8142
Abu Fayiz Restaurant Mussafah Indian, Pakistani 02 552 1148
Airlines Restaurant Opposite Abu Dhabi Plaza Hotel Apartments, Near Wearmart, Al Markaziya, Indian 02 633 5214
Al Badiya Restaurant Tilal Liwa Hotel, Near Liwa City, Indian 02 894 6111
Al Bathna Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel, Al Maqtaa Indian 02 497 5100
Al Ekram Restaurant Madinat Zayed, Abu Dhabi Indian 02 639 8000
Al Fujairah Restaurant Al Markaziya Pakistani 02 677 5628
Al Ibrahimi Restaurant Al Jazira Royal Hotel Pakistani 02 632 3344
Anand Vegetarian Restaurant Hamdan Street, Al Markaziya Vegetarian Indian 02 677 5599
Angar Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi, Yas Island Indian 02 656 0600
Anjappar Al Khalidiya Indian 02 666 7763
Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant Mussafah Indian 02 552 2031
Arab Udupi Al Dhafrah, opposite Central Hospital Indian 02 634 3325
Arab Udupi Tourist Club Indian 02 650 3181
Arab Udupi Deerfields Townsquare Indian 02 563 2215
Arab Udupi Mussafah Indian 02 552 9983
Arab Udupi World Trade Center Mall Indian 02 658 8331
Arya Bhavan Restaurant Al Dhafrah Indian 02 445 0909
Asha’s Yas Mall Indian 02 492 6680
Athena Food Court, Level 3, Abu Dhabi Mall, Tourist Club Area Indian 02 645 0060
Avasa The Collection, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Contemporary Indian 02 674 2221
Bhavna Restaurant Liwa Street, Al Markaziya Indian, vegetarian 02 677 4288
Biryani Pot The Galleria, Al Maryah Island Indian 02 676 6555
Bombay Chowpatty Al Wahda Mall Indian 02 418 2484
Bombay Chowpatty Dalma Mall Indian 02 418 2422
Calicut Notebook Madinat Zayed Indian www.calicutnotebook.com 02 627 8644 / 056 645 9075
Chapphan Bhog Najda Street, behind ADNOC Indian, Vegetarian 02 677 8864
Evergreen Beside Eldorado Cinema, Electra Street, Al Markaziyah Indian 02 676 7361
Flavours of India Al Khalidiya, Golden Curtain Building 02 418 2521
Ghee Rice Electra Street, Najda Indian www.gheerice.com 02 418 2532
India Palace Salam Street, Al Zahiyah Indian www.indiapalace.ae 02 418 2453
Indigo Beach Rotana Hotel Indian, North Indian www.rotana.com 02 697 9011
Jumanah Malabar Restaurant Al Wahda Mall Indian, Malabar www.jumanahs.com 02 621 1133
Kababs and Kurries Al Muneera, Al Raha Beach, Indian 02 552 6900
Kababs and Kurries World Trade Center Souq Indian 02 628 2522
Kerala Thanima Madinat Zayed Shopping Center Indian, Kerala 02 418 2444
Konkans Restaurant Najda Street Indian 02 676 0588
Kwality Near LuLu Centre, Salam Street, Al Markaziyah Indian 02 672 7337
Lazeez Al Markaziya Indian 02 677 7070
Moti Mahal Salam Street, behind Adnoc, near ADCB 02 674 2121
Nihal Al Markaziya Indian, Chinese 02 631 8088
Peppermill Al Wahda Mall Indian 02 622 5586
Peppermill Bawabat Al Sharq Mall Indian 02 585 9581
Peppermill Eastern Mangroves Promenade Indian 02 441 3582
Punjab Grill Venetian Village, Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Contemporary North Indian bit.ly/1Vyh65B 02 304 8071
Rangoli Yas Rotana Indian bit.ly/1DYfefL 02 656 4000
Rangoli Yas Island Rotana Indian fine dining bit.ly/253WDJT 02 656 4000
Ritaj Al Markaziya Indian 02 631 0036
Salam Bombay Electra Street Indian, vegetarian 02 677 7076
Salam Bombay Al Muroor Road Indian, vegetarian 02 446 3040
Salam Bombay Mussafah Indian, vegetarian 02 554 2229
Signature by Sanjeev Kapoor Nation Galleria, Corniche West Indian fine dining www.signaturebysanjeevkapoor.com 02 666 4343
Student Biryani Al Makaziya, near Central Market Indian 02 622 2898
Tandoori Corner Tandoori Corner Al Wahda, Abu Dhabi Indian 02 445 8686
Udupi Mussafah, next to Fresh and More Supermarket, M11 Indian, Chinese 02 552 0851
Ushna Souq Qaryat Al Beri, between the bridges Indian fine dining www.facebook.com/UshnaFineDining 02 558 1769
Via Delhi Salam Street Indian 02 304 8112
The Americas
Think of America and burgers, fries and KFC probably spring to mind. Or you might think of deep-dish pizza, Buffalo wings or apple pie.
But the American food landscape is more diverse, and more healthy too. The same people that brought you the dollar heart attack in a paper wrap – the quarter pounder – are also responsible for ceviche, tacos, vegan food and the health food craze of the 1980s.
And ‘America’ is a big place. It’s two expansive continents, for a start. So it’s hard to sum up American cuisine in just a few words … but it’s an entertaining exercise, so let’s try.
We’ll start with North America and travel south.
The food of the US and Canada is as varied as the two nations are large, but they have been heavily influenced by the European nations that colonised them and the traditions of the nations that they border.
You are as likely to find traditional English fish and chips in Boston, for example, as you are to find a steaming bowl of the Spanish seafood dish paella in New Orleans. Likewise, you will stumble on more cups of café con leche (Cuban coffee with milk) in Miami than you will cups of Starbucks. And in the Southwest, Tex-Mex rules – do not leave without trying the regional variations of chili con carne (meat chili) or a burrito from a food truck.
Mexico heavily influenced the cuisine of the Southwest for obvious reasons. The food is a spice explosion. There are more varieties of chili peppers in Mexico than anywhere else in the world, and chefs are constantly discovering new ways to use them.
Fresh ingredients served with a wealth of spicy condiments characterise traditional Mexican food and the same is true as you travel further south from Central America into South America.
There you should stop in Peru, regarded by many travellers as the culinary centre of Latin America. It would probably be too simplistic to say that Peruvian ceviche is one of the most delicious foods on the continent, but let’s do so anyway. The popular seafood dish is made from fresh raw fish marinated in citrus juices and spiced with ahi chilli peppers and other condiments. Ceviche is becoming increasingly popular in neighbouring countries that make regional variations on the traditional recipe.
The ethnic fusion of South America means that the cuisine has many influences – ceviche comes from the Mediterranean, but the food is influenced by Native America and Africa as well. The customs and food products vary according to the physically distinct regions.
If raw fish is not your thing, don’t worry! South America is a carnival for carnivores. Throughout Latin America you’ll find carne asada, simply grilled meat, using thin marinated cuts of beefsteak, usually skirt, flank or flap steak. It is usually cooked with a certain amount of searing to impart a charred flavour.
Whether you prefer your food bland or spicy, raw or grilled, there is a wealth of food and unusual food preparation techniques to explore in the Americas.
You be the judge
Judge a burger by its cover. If the roll looks deflated or low quality, the meat in between is as well with no exceptions.
Judge a good taco by its condiments. If they come in bottles with brand names you recognise, walk away – a real taco smith brews his/her own hot sauces or uses artisanal brands.
The dominant ingredient of the Central and Southern Americas is the chili pepper. Whether you like your peppers sweet like candy or oesophagus-searing, there is a dish to suit your taste buds.
What’s hot in 2016?
We have globalisation to thank for the fact that American food trends have spread far and wide. So it’s worth paying attention to the food trends expected to come out of US this year. The NRA, (no not the gun-toting lot but the National Restaurants Association) surveyed nearly 1,600 professional chefs – members of the American Culinary Federation to find out what the hottest menu trends will be. Here’s the top 10 food trends they predicted for this year which, are likely to have wider influence overseas as well:
Locally sourced meats and superfoods
Chef-driven fast-casual concepts
Locally grown produce
Hyper-local sourcing
Natural ingredients/ minimally processed food
Environmental sustainability
Healthful kids’ meals
New cuts of meat
Sustainable seafood
House-made/ artisan ice cream
Listings
18 oz American Bistro One to One Hotel – The Village Steakhouse bit.ly/22tgAuW 02 495 2000
49er’s The Gold Rush Al Diar Dana Hotel Al Meena Bar, Tex-Mex www.aldiarhotels.com 02 645 8000
Amerigos Mexican Bar & Restaurant Park Inn, Yas Island Mexican http://bit.ly/1QXc5Bm 02 418 2575
Applebee’s Dalma Mall, Meyzad Mall, Mussafah, Mushrif Mall American, Mexican 02 555 8388
Barbacoa Masdar City Mexican Latin Spanish 02 304 8125
Boa Eastern Mangroves Promenade American Steakhouse www.boaabudhabi.ae 02 641 1500
Burger Bureau Marina Square, Reem IslandBurger 800 128 7437S
Burger Fuel Various locations inc. Souk Qaryat Al Beri, The Galleria, Yas Mall Burger bit.ly/1Rze0YU 02 622 3816
Burger Hood Guardian Tower, Al Muroor RoadBurger www.bhuae.com 02 304 8016
Burger House Al Muneera, Al Raha BeachBurger bit.ly/1UKxOxQ 02 304 8135
Burger Hut Various locations inc. Al Khalidyah, Al Raha Mall and Bain Al Jesrain Burger www.burgerhut.com 02 666 6858
Cabana Bar & Grill The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Nation Towers Burger bit.ly/1UB4yuD 02 694 4553
Cantina Mariachi The Mall at World Trade Center Mexican 02 508 2400
Cantina Laredo Al Khalidiya , Level 1, Khalidiyah Mall, Al Khalidiya, Abu Dhabi Mexican 04 705 9679
Caramel Restaurant & Lounge The Collection, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island American www.caramelgroup.com 02 678 3344
Chamas InterContinental Abu Dhabi Brazilian, Steakhouse 02 666 6888
Chili’s Al Mariah Mall, Al Markaziya Tex-Mex, Mexican www.chilisuae.com 600 561 112 / 04 705 9658
Chili’s Dalma Mall Tex-Mex, Mexican www.chilisuae.com 04 705 9800 / 600 561 112
Chili’s Deerfields Townsquare Tex-Mex, Mexican www.chilisuae.com
Chili’s Khalidiyah Mall Tex-Mex, Mexican www.chilisuae.com 04 705 9669 / 600 561 112
Chili’s Yas Mall Tex-Mex, Mexican www.chilisuae.com 600 561 112 / 04 705 9815
Diablito Yas Marina, Yas Island Tex-Mex www.diablitofoodandmusic.ae 02 565 1175
El Chico The Mall at World Trade Center Mexican 02 508 2400
El Sombrero Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort Mexican www.elsombreroabudhabi.com 02 677 3333
Famous Dave’s Abu Dhabi Mall Steakhouse, American www.tablez.com 02 615 6042
Fatburger The Mall at World Trade Center Burger 02 508 2400
Fly HotDog Al Khalidiya, Abu Dhabi American 02 633 3508
Fuddruckers Marina Mall American, Burger www.fuddruckers.com 02 681 8160
Fuddruckers Al Wahda Mall American, Burger www.fuddruckers.com 02 443 7538
Hemingways Hilton Hotel, Al Khubeirah Tex-Mex www3.hilton.com 02 681 1900
Hwy 55 Building C66 Al Muroor Road American, Burger www.hwy55.com 02 641 1161
Jim’s Kitchen Table Masdar City American www.jims.kitchen 02 491 9401
Johnny Rockets Deerfields Townsquare American, Burger www.johnnyrocketsuae.com 02 563 5510
Johnny Rockets Eastern Mangroves Promenade American, Burger www.johnnyrocketsuae.com 02 563 5511
Johnny Rockets Khalifa Street, Al Markaziya American, Burger www.johnnyrocketsuae.com 02 563 5512
Johnny Rockets Yas Racing School American, Burger www.johnnyrocketsuae.com 02 563 5513
Market Kitchen Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi American gourmet grills www.marketkitchenabudhabi.com 02 695 0300
Noche Hilton Capital Grand, Airport Road South American bit.ly/1hBD7eT 02 617 0000
Papa Murphy’s Pizza Yas Mall Pizza 600 540 440
Red Lobster Al Wahda Mall Seafood, American www.americana-group.com 02 445 6677
Rodeo Grill Beach Rotana Hotel Steakhouse 02 304 8085
Russo’s New York Pizzeria Al Wahda Mall American, Pizza 02 445 7434
Russo’s New York Pizzeria Dalma Mall American, Pizza 800 787 767
Salt Mushrif Central Park American, Burger www.instagram.com/findsalt
Shake Shack Dalma Mall Burger 02 492 6657
Shake Shack Yas Mall Burger 02 612 0750
The Sportsman’s Arms Zayed Sports City Bar food, burger sportsmanszsc.com 02 403 4235
Stars ‘n’ Bars Yas Marina,Yas island Burger restaurant 02 565 0101
Stills Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Yas Island Finger Food, American 02 656 3066
Texas Roadhouse Ground Level, Yas Mall, Yas Island American www.texasroadhouse.com 02 304 8111
TGI Friday’s Mushrif Mall American 02 491 4318
Australasia
Combining together the cuisines of Southeast Asia and Australia may sound crazy. But, Southeastern Asia is Australia’s nearest neighbour and has influenced the culture and cuisine as much as the Europeans have with their colonisation.
Southeast Asian cuisine is characterised by lightly prepared dishes with a strong aromatic component, such as bright notes of citrus and herbs like mint, coriander/cilantro and basil. Ingredients in the region contrast with the ones in the North Asian cuisines, substituting fish sauces for soy sauce and the inclusion of ingredients such as galangal root, tamarind and lemongrass.
The Thai classics you probably know are pad Thai (stir-fried rice noodles) and green curry. Made from a moreish blend of coconut milk, green curry paste and other succulent ingredients, it is a reliably good sauce and can be paired with meat, vegetables or noodles. Once the intoxicating aromas hit your nose, you will crave this dish and find yourself travelling farther afield in search of new and better variations.
The food of Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam uses the same fresh ingredients, lightly prepared (and often not cooked at all) into meals served over rice noodles or wrapped inside rice wrappers. Favourites include summer rolls, which are simply vegetables, herbs and sometimes meat wrapped into a roll that you can dip into a myriad of sauces from sweet chilli to peanut hoisin. It’s perhaps the healthiest raw dish on the planet that will leave you fully sated – not wanting for anything else.
As you move down the Malaysian peninsula that connects Asia to Indonesia, you travel through Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. Spicy chillies characterise the cuisine, but you will find a surprising range of north Asian delights thanks in part to the Chinese diaspora to the region.
And then wind up in Australia. Though it’s far from everything and everywhere, the cuisine will feel familiar. There probably isn’t a typical Australian dish; immigration from Europe and the country’s proximity to Southeast Asia have made it a melting pot of different cooking styles. But all those sheep and cattle mean that meat is a core feature, and barbequing is de rigeur for many families; that requires good-quality well-butchered meat.
Though fast food outlets are abundant, Australia’s city centres are becoming better known for the many nouvelle cuisine establishments offering both local and international food due to multiculturalism and culinary sophistication which has led to a demand for higher quality fare. Restaurants whose product includes contemporary adaptations, interpretations or fusions of exotic influences from all over the world are frequently called Modern Australian and their chefs are international superstars.
Asian provocateur
The food of Southeast Asia is characterised by top notes of lemongrass, galangal root, coriander and citrus. Expect fresh herbs and vegetables to constitute most dishes, along with the ubiquitous grain, rice.
In Southeast Asia, the street food in particular is out of this world. You should try everything you see whose appearance or smells tempt you or if you dare! In Thailand, try the oyster omelettes or aromatic and spicy curries. In Vietnam, sample the bun xiao (savoury pancakes) filled with meat or vegetables.
As you travel south through Malaysia and Indonesia, look for nasi goreng (stir fried rice) and regional curries.
Do not miss out on the haute cuisine down under. Sample fusion cuisines, but be certain to tuck into dishes regarded as native to Australia – such as damper (soda bread), Pavlova (meringue dessert), lamingtons (sponge cake that is covered in chocolate and coconut) and vegemite spread … and of course the barbeque.
Listings
Bandung Al Zahiyah Indonesian 02 645 2008
Benjarong Dusit Thani Thai 02 698 8095
Fish Market InterContinental Abu Dhabi Thai seafood 02 666 6888
Hanoi Boutik Mall, Al Reem Island Vietnamese 02 677 0866
Hanoi Khalifa Street, Al Markaziyah, opposite NBAD Vietnamese 02 626 1112
Hoi An Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al BeriVietnamese bit.ly/1DZYIrh 02 509 8555
Ingredients Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara Indonisian, Philadelphia www.abu-dhabi.anantara.com 02 656 1000
Jones the grocer Al Raha Gardens Plaza, Khalifa City A Casual, stylish Australian, Gourmet café bit.ly/1vMj2ve 02 557 4882
Jones the grocer Etihad Airways Centre, Al Muneera, Al Raha Beach Casual, stylish Australian, Gourmet café bit.ly/1vMj2ve 056 734 1595
Jones the grocer Pearl Plaza Tower, Khalidiya Casual, stylish Australian, Gourmet café bit.ly/1vMj2ve 02 639 5883
Jones the grocer Al Mamoura Building, Muroor Road Casual, stylish Australian, Gourmet café bit.ly/1vMj2ve 02 443 8762
Li Jang The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal Southeast Asian restaurant with an open kitchen bit.ly/1lWHMIx 02 418 2569
Lemongrass Thai Restaurant Cascade Walk, Yas Mall Thai, Asian 02 565 0440
Lemongrass Thai Restaurant Bawabat Al Sharq Mall Thai, Asian 02 582 1100
Lemongrass Thai Restaurant Mushrif Mall Thai, Asian 02 650 0205
Lemongrass Thai Restaurant The Galleria, Al Maryah Island Thai, Asian 02 677 0100
Pachaylen Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara Thai bit.ly/1MDTGo1 02 656 1000
Philippine House Near National Cinema, Al Markaziyah Filipino 02 641 6126
Resto Pinoy Al Khalidiya, behind RAK Bank Filipino 02 666 0484
Silk & Spice Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche Thai 02 813 7777
Silk n Spice Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche, Corniche Road East Thai 02 813 7777
Smoking Doll Boutik Mall, Al Reem Island Thai, Asian www.smokingdoll.com 600 560 603
Smoking Doll Nation Galleria, West Corniche Thai, Asian www.smokingdoll.com 600 560 603
Talay Thai Restaurant Le Meridien Abu Dhabi Thai www.talayabudhabi.com 02 644 6666
Trader Vic’s Beach Rotana Hotel French Polynesian 02 304 8085
Northern Asia
Most foreigners begin their culinary sojourn into the cuisines of China and Japan with chicken chow mein and sushi, respectively.
What few know is that what many of us believe to be Chinese food is largely a heavily caloric western interpretation that bears little resemblance to the much healthier Chinese tradition of stir-fry.
And that sushi you know and love? It doesn’t mean raw fish at all; it is an outdated Japanese term that literally means “it’s sour” and refers to vinegared rice, commonly topped or mixed with fish or vegetables.
If you are keen to travel beyond Anglo-Asian food, let’s examine what is really on the tables in Northern Asia: traditional dishes, ingredients and etiquette to which few are privy.
China’s population comprises over two-thirds of the entire world’s population, so it’s not easy to sum it up. But ingredients common to many cultures in the East and Southeast regions of the continent include rice, ginger, garlic, sesame seeds, chillies, dried onions, soy, and tofu. Stir-frying, steaming, and deep-frying are common cooking methods.
Most tables brim with dumplings and steamed buns, filled with meats and/or vegetables. These steaming hot pockets of bread or thin dough are dipped in soy-based sauces. The ingredients vary throughout the country depending upon the region and are often spiced.
Just about every family owns a wok and prepares searing stir-fries using the freshest meat, seafood, vegetables and tofu every night for their families.
Japan consists of a whopping 6,852 islands; as a result, seafood dominates the cuisine. Beyond sashimi and maki rolls, Japanese cuisine offers an abundance of regional gastronomical delights to sample in a wide range of venues.
Incidentally, much of what you think you know about eating sushi is wrong. Let’s start with nirigi and maki rolls. They should be small enough to eat in one bite. Use your hands – they are too fiddly to eat with chopsticks, which are offered as utensils only alongside sashimi.
Also, do not dip your rolls or fish into the soy sauce. Dip a thin slice of ginger root into the soy and then lightly brush it over your fish. Heady soy sauce overpowers the delicate flavour of raw fish, and dipping is a big no-no in Japan.
Finally, tour the cuisine of North and South Korea by venturing beyond the Korean barbeque. This is not to minimise this marvelous preparation of meat, but Korea offers kimchi (fermented, spicy cabbage), bibimap (rice with vegetables), and japchae (sweet potato noodles with vegetables and beef). Most dishes in Korea are fairly spicy and will leave you wanting to sample the entire menu.
Discerning diners and dim sum
If you are keen to explore North Asian culinary traditions, try to find the most authentic restaurants possible where you are. The menu should look foreign and exotic. If it doesn’t, it’s probably not that authentic. Ask for help. Order what your server recommends based on your likes and dislikes.
To discover traditional Chinese foods, visit a dim sum brunch where you can sample hundreds of small plates of traditional foods and swiftly discover new treats. For traditional Japanese foods, order a bento box at lunchtime. It will be filled with small portions of new delights.
A brief history of the wok
The versatile round bottom pan that is so popular in Asian cuisine today has as rich a history as the food it is used to produce.
Believed to have originated in the China’s Han era (though this is disputed) the wok was traditionally used to roast tea and also dry out vegetables and some meats. Its use evolved until the imperial cooks of Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) when it became synonymous for stir-fry dishes and remains so to this day.
The use of cold oil being introduced to a red hot wok cooks the ingredients instantly and offers a unique aromatic experience in and around the kitchen which the chinese refer to as ‘wok air’.
While the wok is known for its stir-frying usage it is truly versatile. It can be used for steaming, pan frying, deep frying, poaching, boiling, braising, searing, stewing, making soup, smoking, and even roasting nuts. The word ‘wok’ even translates to “cooking pot” in Cantonese.
Listings
Al Hanah Bar Souk Qaryat Al Beri Japanese 02 558 1670
Aquarium Restaurant Yas marina Yas Marina, Yas Island Seafood, Sushi 02 565 0007
Asian Garden Madinat Zayed, Abu Dhabi Chinese, Filipino, Thai 02 676 3350
Beijing Restaurant Madinat Zayed, Abu Dhabi Chinese 02 621 0708
Benihana Beach Rotana Hotel Japanese 02 304 8085
Cho Gao Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Hamdan Street Asian bit.ly/1TNIqgo 02 616 6166 / 02 616 6265
Dai Pai Dong Rosewood Hotel, Al Maryah Chinese fine dining bit.ly/1cEC7rW 02 813 5552
Fresh Way Near intersection of SalamStreet and Hamdan Street, Tourist Club Area (Al Zahiyah), Abu Dhabi Japanese, Sushi 02 657 3333 / 02 650 3028
Hakkasan Emirates Palace Chinese bit.ly/1pwBXcH 02 690 7730
Hankook Opposite Central Bus Station, Al Nahyan Korean 02 642 3399
Inakaya Venetian Village, Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Japanese robata-yaki bit.ly/1S2D9eW 02 404 1921
Jimmy’s Killer Prawns Mushrif Mall Japanese, Seafood, Sushi 02 650 0300
Jing Asia Crowne Plaza Yas Island Asian 02 656 3055
Kazu Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi, Yas Island Japanese 02 656 0600
Koi Restaurant & Lounge The Collection, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Contemporary Japanese, Sushi www.koirestaurant.com 02 678 3334
Mandang Korean Restaurant Al Ghazal Golf Club Korean www.facebook.com/madanguae 02 575 8185
Manna Land Al Mamoura Korean www.mannalandkorean.com 02 446 6860
Mikado Café Al Hana Tower, Corniche Street, Al Khalidiya Japanese, Sushi, Bakery 02 418 2416
Noodle Bowl Zayed Sports City Asian 02 447 2405
Noodle Box Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi, Yas Island Asian 02 656 0600
Noodle House Al Wahda Mall Asian www.thenoodlehouse.com 02 443 7391
Noodle House Souq Qariyat Al Beri Asian www.thenoodlehouse.com 02 558 1699
P.F. Chang’s Abu Dhabi Mall Chinese 02 612 0838
P.F. Chang’s World Trade Centre Mall Chinese 02 612 0888
P.F. Chang’s Yas Mall Chinese 02 492 6670
Qian Zhou Hot Pot Near National Cinema, Al Markaziyah Korean 02 674 5677
Red Castle Between Jawasat & Electra Street, Madinat Zayed Chinese 02 633 4199
Relax@12 Aloft Abu Dhabi, ADNEC Japanese, Asian, Cocktails & Snacks 02 654 5138
Rouge Hilton Capital Grand Abu Dhabi Asian 02 617 0000
Samurai Japanese Restaurant Embassies District Japanese, Sushi 02 447 0070
Samurai Japanese Restaurant Tourist Club Area Japanese, Sushi 02 676 6612
Shang Palace Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri Asian, primarily Chinese bit.ly/1vj9DHE 02 509 8555
Shanghai Surprise Al Diar Capital Hotel Chinese www.shanghaisurprise.ae 02 677 7010
Sho Cho Souk Qaryat Al Beri Japanese, Sushi www.sho-cho.com 04 346 1111
Sontaya St. Regis Saadiyat Island Asian bit.ly/1Wq37wH 02 498 8888
Soy Express Etihad Plaza, Khalifa City A Asian 02 557 4759
Sumo Sushi & Bento Masdar City Japanese, Sushi www.sumosushibento.com 02 557 0500
Sura Ramada Abu Dhabi Downtown Chinese, Korean bit.ly/1XPjFih 02 659 7666
Sushi Art The Galleria, Al Maryah Island Sushi 800 220
Sushi Central Commercial Bank of Dubai Building, Opposite Dana Plaza, Al Khalidiya Japanese, Sushi www.sushicentral.ae 600 520 007
Sushi Central NBAD Bank Building, Near ADIB, Mina Road, Al Mina Japanese, Sushi www.sushicentral.ae 600 520 007
Sushi Counter Al Raha Gardens Plaza, Khalifa City A Japanese, Sushi 02 304 8107
Sushi Maru City Golf Club Japanese bit.ly/1WEFtN2 02 445 9600
Sushi Story Dalma Mall, Mussafah Sushi www.sushistory.ae 02 552 4290
Royal Orchid restaurant Hilton Abu Dhabi Thai, Chinese 02 681 1900
The Yacht Club InterContinental Abu Dhabi Asian bit.ly/21EM2AI 02 666 6888
Toki Hilton Abu Dhabi Japanese 02 681 4151
Tori No Su Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Japanese, Sushi www.jumeirah.com 02 811 5666
Toshi Grand Millennium Al Wahda, Airport Road Japanese, Sushi bit.ly/1XPjKCl 02 495 3921
Waves The Club, Meena Zayed Asian www.the-club.com 02 673 1111
Yamasaki Sushi Bar Dalma Mall, Mussafah Sushi 056 342 6246
Zuma The Galleria, Al Maryah Island High-end Japanese, Sushi bit.ly/1UKswCt 02 401 5900
Europe
When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that’s amore.” If food is your first love, immerse yourself into the cuisine of Europe.
Describing “European food” as a single culinary tradition is not an easy task. From baklava and bubble and squeak to borscht, bratwurst and beef bourguignon, the food is as varied as the languages spoken in the 50 or so countries that make up the continent.
Those who dismiss European food as one-dimensional rarely factor in seasonality; many culinary traditions, both on and off the continent, are a function of the climate. In the colder areas, sometimes castigated for their one-dimensional tastes, the winters have led to fermenting, pickling and smoking to preserve perishable foods and sustain people through sparse growing seasons.
The Germans relish their sauerkraut, while the Russians devour their pickled beets. Dinner tables from Iceland to Finland brim with seafood dishes from pickled herring to gravlax, berries and hearty whole-grain breads. Fish, roasts, potatoes and pea puree are staples in pubs across Ireland and the United Kingdom while vegetables have long been an afterthought accompaniment to various meaty dishes.
South European tables are another story indeed. Longer growing seasons and ample sunshine blessed the southern European countries with what is now commonly referred to as the Mediterranean diet, though it’s little more than the ways things have been done for millennia across tables in Portugal, Spain, the South of France, Italy, Greece and beyond.
Fresh ingredients, such as herbs, green, leafy vegetables and grilled meats and seafood, dominate the cuisine of the region. Because these countries were accessible by boat, there was much more cultural interaction, and indeed invasion, with and by foreign powers. A love affair with spices was ushered in by such cross-cultural encounters with the Moors.
The conquering Moors introduced Spain, and in turn the whole of Southern Europe, to a wide array of spices but also to citrus fruit, olive oil, sugarcane, almonds and apricots. Perhaps their greatest gift though was one of the most important flavour-building techniques used in kitchens to this day: the powerful taste combination of sweet and savoury in the same dish was previously unknown to the Western world.
It’s difficult to converse about southern European food without talking about the manner in which the locals dine. Every table brims with a cornucopia of many small plates; all guests are expected to share all the small plates with those at the table making it a communal meal, and more is merrier.
The Spanish call it tapas, though they are really bar snacks. The Greek mezze is the real deal; on these small plates, you will find sizzling sardines, grilled prawns and fish, octopus, clams and mussels. You will also find vegetables, grilled or sautéed to perfection drizzled in garlicky and herbal sauces and oils.
France, long known for its fine cuisine and top-notch cookery schools, is positioned somewhere in between the blander preserving traditions to the north and the carpe diem approach to food in the south. Parisian bistros have been whipping up innovative dishes and divining novel preparation methods for hundreds of years. French chefs have single-handedly perfected pastry-making techniques and produced more Michelin three star ranking restaurants than any other nation.
Whatever part of Europe you travel to you will find unique culinary traditions, steeped in history and reflective of the region.
No sauce please, we’re British
The classic British fast food is fish and chips, but there’s more elegant cooking to be had particularly with beef – a good roast “with all the trimmings” can be magical. Judge it by the colour of the meat (seared on the outside, red inside) and especially the Yorkshire puddings (about the size of a muffin, light and only slightly crunchy).
French cuisine – especially saucing – has influenced cooking around the world, to the point where it’s become international rather than regional. But some classics persist: confit of duck and sole meuniere are two that will help you judge a kitchen.
Mediterranean foods are simpler and flavours sometimes bigger, with the tomato king, fresh herbs essential, and olive oil verging on the magical.
What you should eat and where:
Of course the perfect dish for every country is purely subjective, but here at Abu Dhabi Week we’re an opinionated bunch of diners. So here is our pick of a very few European, and interesting, dishes to represent various countries. It’s like the Eurovision Song Contest but tastier and far less kitsch.
Italy – Pizza (of course)
Italy is synonymous with good cuisine but if you are wanting to really taste the best pizza you have to make a move for Naples.
Netherlands – Herring
If you get the first catch of the season you will see why the small silvery fish has become a national symbol of Dutch food. Served in food markets in Amsterdam and across the country as healthy snacks.
Hungary – Goulash
For centuries the thick stew, occasionally a soup, has been giving Hungarians that warm and sated feeling needed in colder climes. Enjoy it in a bread bowl with a side brew.
Czech Republic – Palačinky
With various spellings Palačinky is a beloved thin crèpe take on the traditional pancake. It shares heritage with the French crèpe but is made with a different batter and cooking method.
Romania – Sarmale
Of Turkish origin, the national dish of Romania consists of grape, cabbage, monk’s rhubarb and chard that is rolled around a filing of either mince meat or filo dough for a sweet dish.
Listings
18 degrees Hyatt Capital Gate Contemporary Mediterranean bit.ly/1qh6OTh 02 596 1440
Acropolis Le Méridien Abu Dhabi Greek bit.ly/1RhnUiw 02 644 6666
Alafiya Turkish Al Khalidiya Turkish 02 666 0012
Al Forno Dalma Mall Italian 02 612 0747
Al Forno Yas Mall Italian 02 492 6640
Al Gusto Avenue at Etihad Towers, Corniche West Italian, Pizza www.algustoitaliano.com 02 666 6444
Al Hana Dhafra Beach Hotel Italian 02 801 2000
Al Safina Restaurant Saadiyat Beach Club Mediterranean, Seafood 02 656 3500
Amalfi Le Royal Meridien, Khalifa Street Italian 02 674 2020
Amici Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi, Yas Island Italian 02 656 0600
Andiamo Al Raha Italian 02 556 5775
Angelina Café Yas Mall French 02 565 1001
Aqua Rosewood Hotel, Al Maryah Mediterranean bit.ly/1tNUXTw 02 813 5552 / 5575
Azzurro Souk Qaryat Al Beri Italian 02 575 9993
Beach House Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel Mediterranean 02 407 1138
Belgian Café Novotel Abu Dhabi Gate, Bain Al Jessrain Belgian, European bit.ly/1cyAoNS 02 508 9999
Belgian Café InterContinental Abu Dhabi Belgian, European 02 508 9999
Belgian Café Radisson Blu Abu Dhabi, Yas Island Belgian, European bit.ly/1Zw2LGV 02 656 2407
Bel Mondo Opposite Sun & Sand Sports, Hamdan Street Italian 02 6763867
Bentley Bistro & Bar The Galleria, Al Maryah Island Mediterranean 02 626 2131
Biancorosso Pizza Muroor Street Pizza Italian 02 658 4244
BiCE Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Italian 02 811 5666
Biella Caffe Pizzeria Ristorante Abu Dhabi Mall Pizza Italian 02 643 4005
Biella Caffe PizzeriaRistorante Marina Mall Pizza Italian 02 681 8114
Biscotti Millennium Corniche Hotel Italian 02 614 6020
Bocca Hilton Abu Dhabi Italian 02 681 1990
Bon Appetit Tourist Club Area French, desserts 02 644 0909
Bonjour Bonsoir Al Raha Mall French café, International 02 556 2229
Bord Eau Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri French fine dining bit.ly/1Bs943m 02 509 8555
Brasserie Angelique Jumeirah at Etihad Towers French 02 811 5666
Brasserie Flo Venetian Village, Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi French www.venetianvillage.ae 02 404 1931
Brauhaus Beach Rotana Hotel German 02 304 8087
Bravo Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort Spanish www.bravoabudhabi.com 02 677 3333
Bricco Pizza & Pasta Al Bandar, Al Raha Beach Italian, Pizza www.bricco.ae 02 418 2548
Bricco Pizza & Pasta Al Wahda Mall Italian, Pizza www.bricco.ae 02 443 7751
Bricco Pizza & Pasta Khalidiyah Mall Italian, Pizza www.bricco.ae 02 635 4162
Bricco Pizza & Pasta Mushrif Mall Italian, Pizza www.bricco.ae 02 491 7544
Brioche Doree Bawabat Al Sharq Mall Café, French www.briochedoree.us 02 585 9289
Brioche Doree Dalma Mall Café, French www.briochedoree.us 02 550 3068
Broccoli Pizza & Pasta Zayed the First Street Italian, pizza www.broccoli.ae 02 666 6025
Broccoli Pizza & Pasta Musaffah Italian, pizza www.broccoli.ae 02 555 5381
Buca Di Beppo Dalma Mall Italian www.bucadibeppo.com 02 877 4414
Buca Di Beppo Yas Mall Italian www.bucadibeppo.com 02 665 6247
Burlesque Restaurant & Lounge Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi, Bar Food , Contemporary European, Seafood www.burlesqueuae.com 056 498 7580
Café Cento Masdar City Italian 02 552 3566
Café D’Alsace Yas Marina, Yas Island French, Swiss, German www.cafedalsace.ae 050 811 5414
Café Firenze Al Zeina, Al Raha Beach Italian 02 556 4643
Café Firenze Al Khalidiya Italian 02 666 0955
Captain’s Arms Le Meridien Abu Dhabi English Pub www.captainsarms-abudhabi.com 02 644 6666
Carluccio’s Eastern Mangroves Promenade Italian bit.ly/1pwP79C 02 3048018
Carluccio’s The Galleria, Al Maryah Island Italian www.bit.ly/1pwP79C 02 304 8019 / 02 565 0924
Carluccio’s Yas Mall Italian bit.ly/1pwP79C 02 304 8020 / 02 565 1004
Choices Yas Island Rotana International, especially Mediterranean bit.ly/253WDJT 02 656 4000
C House Lounge Café Al Markaziya Italian Cafe www.chouseitalia.com 02 626 6955
Cipriani Yas Marina, Yas Island International www.ciprianiyasisland.com 02 657 5400
Circo InterContinental Abu Dhabi Italian 02 666 6888
Cooper’s Bar Park Rotana Abu Dhabi, Khalifa Park British, European 02 657 3333
Dolmabahce Al Raha Boulevard Turkish www.dolmabahce.ae 02 552 5571
Fauchon Le Café Avenue at Etihad Towers French, European 02 667 2891
Filini Radisson Blu Abu Dhabi, Yas Island Italian bit.ly/1Zw2LGV 02 656 2000
Frankie’s Fairmont Bab Al Bahr Italian , Healthy food www.fairmont.com 02 654 3238
Giornotte The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal Mediterranean bit.ly/1RcSJs6 02 418 2572
Heroes Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Finger Food, British 02 616 6166
Il Caffe Di Roma Al Ain Tower, Al Khalidiya café bit.ly/21F4RDQ 02 654 2340
Il Caffe Di Roma Gaurdian Tower, Near Holiday Inn, ADNEC Café bit.ly/21F4RDQ 02 441 1610
Il Caffe Di Roma Ground Level, Sheikha Salama Tower, Next to Ferrari Showroom, Zayed The First Street Café bit.ly/21F4RDQ 02 491 6683 / 02 667 0079
Il Caffe Di Roma Al Khazna 1 Building, 8th Street, Airport Road Café bit.ly/21F4RDQ 02 668 8303 / 052 981 6858
Il Caffe Di Roma Marina Mall café www.bit.ly/21F4RDQ 02 681 1002
Il Caffe Di Roma Masdar City café www.bit.ly/21F4RDQ 050 438 6330 / 02 245 0082
Il Caffe Di Roma Souk Qaryat Al Beri café www.bit.ly/21F4RDQ 02 665 7991
Il Forno Abu Dhabi Mall Italian, Pizza www.ilfornouae.com 02 644 7511
Il Forno Al Reef Downtown Pizza www.ilfornouae.com 02 584 1512
Il Forno Al Wahda Mall Pizza www.ilfornouae.com 02 443 7344
Il Forno Bawabat Al Sharq Mall Pizza www.ilfornouae.com 02 586 8322
Il Forno Capital Mall, Mussafah Pizza www.ilfornouae.com 02 551 0118
Il Forno Opposite Union National Bank, Al Khalidiya Pizza www.ilfornouae.com 02 633 7730
Il Forno HCT Abu Dhabi Men’s College Pizza www.ilfornouae.com 02 02 441 2402
Il Forno HCT Abu Dhabi Women’s College Pizza www.ilfornouae.com 02 641 4174
Jazz@PizzaExpress World Trade Center Mall Italian, Pizza www.pizzaexpressuae.com 02 444 7752
Kennedy Armed Forces Officers ClubEuropean bit.ly/1Sj65lB 02 497 5169
La Brioche Abu Dhabi Mall Cafe, European www.labriocheuae.com 02 671 4966
La Brioche ADNEC, Capital centre, Cafe, European www.labriocheuae.com 02 641 3800
La Brioche Al Muneera, Al Raha Cafe, European www.labriocheuae.com 02 556 5646
La Brioche Al Seef Village Mall Cafe, European www.labriocheuae.com 02 641 4211
La Brioche Al Khalidiya Cafe, European www.labriocheuae.com 02 681 3353
La Brioche Boutik Mall, Al Reem Island, Cafe, European www.labriocheuae.com 02 643 6473
La Brioche Majlis Grand Mercure Residence, Ground Level, Tourist Club Area (Al Zahiyah), Abu Dhabi Cafe, European www.labriocheuae.com 02 677 0905
La Brioche Deerfields Townsquare, Shahama Road, Cafe, European, www.labriocheuae.com 02 563 5244
La Brioche Marina Mall Cafe, European www.labriocheuae.com 02 681 5531
La Brioche Golf gardens, Shahama Road, Cafe, European www.labriocheuae.com 02 558 0082
La Brioche, Khalidiyah Mall www.labriocheuae.com 02 681 5531
La Brioche, Corniche Road, Khalidiyah, Near Adnoc, www.labriocheuae.com 02 681 3353
La Brioche Next to Bin Arab Center, Najda Street, Abu Dhabi Cafe, European www.labriocheuae.com 02 656 1166
La Brioche Next to Hilal Bank, Near Seha Health Centre, Khalifa City A, Cafe, European www.labriocheuae.com 02 656 1166
La Brioche Khalifa Street, Al Markaziya Cafe, European www.labriocheuae.com 02 656 1166
La Brioche Sas Al Nakhl, Near Al Maqtaa, Abu Dhabi Cafe, European www.labriocheuae.com 02 656 1166
La Brioche Skypark Plaza, Opposite Terminal 3, Abu Dhabi International Airport, Abu Dhabi Cafe, European www.labriocheuae.com 02 656 1166
La Mamma Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort Italian 02 656 1166
La Terrazza One to One Hotel – The Village Italian bit.ly/1UBc3Sk 02 495 2000
Le Beaujolais Mercure Abu Dhabi Centre Hotel French 02 633 3555
Left Bank Souk Qaryat Al Beri European 02 558 1680
Le Pain Quotidien Yas Mall Cafe, European 02 492 6645
Leopold’s of London Boutik Mall, Al Reem Island Cafe, European, Italian 600 560 602
Leopold’s Of London Nation Galleria, West Corniche Cafe, European, Italian 600 560 602
Leopold’s of London The Galleria, Al Maryah Island Cafe, European, Italian 600 560 602
Marco Pierre White Steakhouse & Grill Fairmont Bab Al Bah Steakhouse, English 02 654 3238
Mezzaluna Emirates Palace Italian 02 690 7999
Mirabel Fotouh Al Khair Centre European French 02 631 5111
Mondo Pizzeria Abu Dhabi Country Club, Al Saada Street, Al Mushrif Italian, Pizza bit.ly/1LJjUut 02 657 7785
Oléa Mediterranean Restaurant The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort Mediterranean 02 498 8008
Olio Al Yamm Villa Resort, Sir Bani Yas Island Italian bit.ly/1Sj8Q6C 02 801 4200
Olive Garden Al Wahda Mall Italian, Pizza 02 304 8028
P&C by Sergi Arola Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri Mediterranean, primarily Spanish bit.ly/1bsQf7S 02 509 8555
Pappagallo Le Meridien Abu Dhabi Italian 02 3048007
Paul Bawabat Al Sharq Mall Cafe, European 02 582 8300 Paul Al Wahda Mall Cafe, European 02 444 6188
Paul Yas Mall Cafe, European 02 565 0943
Pizza Di Rocco Al Dhafrah Italian, Pizza 02 641 8300
Prego’s Beach Rotana Hotel Italian 02 304 8085
Ristorante Cavallino Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Island Italian bit.ly/1S8o8sf 02 496 8000
Russian Kitchen House Cafeteria Hamdan Street, Al Markaziyah Russian 02 674 4342
Sacci Italian Restaurant Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa Italian 02 616 9999
Safina Saadiyat Beach Club Mediterranean bit.ly/25i2342 02 656 3555
Saraydan Deerfields Mall Turkish www.saraydanme.com 02 563 2133
Sayad Emirates Palace Seafood, European 02 690 7033
Shabby Chic Al Nahyan Café European shabbychic-uae.com 02 418 2421
Spaccanapoli Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Hamdan Street Italian bit.ly/1TNIqgo 02 616 6166 / 02 616 6261
Stratos Le Royal Meridien European www.stratosabudhabi.com 800 101 101
Tavern Pub Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort British 02 677 3333
The One Restaurant Inside The ONE store, next to BMW Khaldiya European 600 541 007
The Third Place Corniche road, Villa T3 Cafe, European www.thethirdplaceuae.com 02 681 1877
Todd English’s Olives Venetian Village, Ritz Carlton Abu Dhabi Mediterranean, Italian with an American twist www.venetianvillage.ae/olives 02 404 1941
Villa Toscana The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Corniche Italian www.villatoscana-abudhabi.com 02 694 4553
whEAT Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi European gourmet café www.wheatabudhabi.com 02 674 2020
3rd Avenue Sheraton Khalidiya Hotel Bar www.sheratonalkhalidiya.com 050 763 9275
19th Street Bar & Restaurant City Golf Club International café / Sports bar bit.ly/1WEFtN2 02 445 9600
55&5th, The Grill St. Regis Saadiyat Island High-end steakhouse bit.ly/1Wq37wH 02 498 8888
AAA Restaurant Near NBAD, New Airport Road, Al Mushrif Indian, Chinese 02 443 1848
Abu Nasar Restaurant Al Zahiyah Chinese, Indian 02 645 2229
Afya Restaurant Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri Steakhouse bit.ly/1o5GLVo 02 510 8888
All Stir Fry Mushrif Mall Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Asian 02 877 2946
Aquarius Park Rotana Hotel Seafood sandwiches delicatessen 02 657 3333
Asia de Cuba Nation Riviera Beach Club, Corniche Road Latin, Spanish, Asian, South American 02 699 3333
Assymetri Radisson Blu Hotel, Yas Island Asian, Arabian, Indian, Italian 02 656 2000
Balcon Terrace Southern Sun Abu Dhabi Bar, Pub, International 02 818 4888
Banana Leaf Restaurant Mussafah Chinese Indian 02 304 8128
Barfly Venetian Village, Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi International cuisine with Asian touch 02 404 1951
Bayshore Pavilion InterContinental Abu Dhabi International, Mediterranean, Asian 02 666 6888
Bikers Café Al Seef Village Mall Café www.bikerscafe.com 02 444 3942
Bill’s Farm Wave Breaker, Marina Village Steakhouse 02 666 1179
BiteRite Resto Café NMC Hospital Building, Madinat Zayed Café 02 617 9847
Black Pearl Al Raha Beach Hotel, Al Raha European, American, Arabian, Middle Eastern 02 508 0555
Blendz Café Cristal Hotel Café 02 652 0000
Bloomsbury’s Al Wahda Mall Café www.ilovebloomsburys.com/shop 02 643 8610
Bloomsbury’s Mushrif Mall Café www.ilovebloomsburys.com/shop 02 491 4537
Bloomsbury’s Muroor Street Café www.ilovebloomsburys.com/shop 02 445 4156
Blue Bar Hilton Capital Grand Abu Dhabi Bar Pub 02 617 0000
Blue Grill Yas Island Rotana Steakhouse bit.ly/253WDJT 02 656 4000
Butlers Chocolate Café Al Wahda Mall Chocolate Café 02 445 7434
Cactus Bar Hamdan Street Abu Dhabi Bar food 02 659 2837
Café Palmier Le Royal Meridien Café www.cafepalmierabudhabi.com 02 674 2020
Camacho Al Seef Village Mall… Italian, Japanese www.camachorestaurant.com 02 444 9660
Camacho Al Khalidiya, Abu Dhabi Italian, Japanese www.camachorestaurant.com 02 650 5600
Capital Grill Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi Steakhouse 02 698 8888
Casper & Gambini’s Wave Breaker, Opposite Marina Mall, Marina Village, Abu Dhabi Italian, Japanese www.casperandgambinis.com 02 666 1179 050 231 4447
Catch Nation Riviera Beach Club, Corniche Road Seafood, Sushi www.catch.ae 02 611 0909
Choice Cut Steakhouse Novotel Abu Dhabi Al Bustan, Airport Road Steakhouse bit.ly/1qFdH6H 02 501 6444
Circle Café Al Raha Gardens Plaza, Khalifa City A, Café www.circle-cafe.com 02 304 8108
C. Mondo Centro Al Manhal by Rotana, Al Wahda Bar 02 811 5000
C. Mondo Centro Yas Island by Rotana Bar 02 656 4444
Colombiano Marina Mall and Corniche Café www.cchuae.com 02 681 5533
Corniche Restaurant Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche Asian, Italian, Arabian, Middle Eastern, International 02 813 7777
Crystal Lounge The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Corniche Bar 02 6944553
C. Taste Centro Al Manhal International café restaurant bit.ly/1uwBTW4 02 811 5000
C. Taste Centro Capital Centre International café restaurant bit.ly/1RjdMrS
C. Taste Centro Yas Island, Yas Island International café restaurant bit.ly/1U7tLwS 02 656 4444
CuiScene Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Al Maqta International 02 654 3333
Dome Café Al Wahda Mall Café www.domeuae.com 02 443 7153
Dome Café Khalidiyah Mall Café www.domeuae.com 02 635 4562
Entrecote Café de Paris Bain Al Jessrain, Al Maqtaa, Abu Dhabi French, European 02 557 6508
Essence Beach Rotana Hotel International 02 304 8085
Fairways International Restaurant Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa Asian, Indian, Arabic, Middle Eastern, European, International www.fairwaysabudhabi.com 02 616 9999
F Café Al Wahda Mall Café 02 441 0661
Fifth Street Café Couryard by Marriott, World Trade Center, Al Markaziya, Abu Dhabi Café, International www.marriott.com 02 698 2222
Finz Beach Rotana Seafood www.rotana.com 02 304 8090
First Clique Marina Square, Reem Island Italian, Pizza, Arabic, Middle Eastern www.firstclique.ae 02 418 2419
First Clique twofour54, Khalifa Park Italian, Pizza, Arabic, Middle Eastern www.firstclique.ae 02 449 9810
Fish & Co. Yas Mall Seafood www.fish-co.com 02 565 0612
Flavours Sheraton Hotel & Resort, Al Markaziya Arabian, Asian, Italian, European www.flavours-abudhabi.com 02 677 3333
Flavours All Day Dining Restaurant Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort Arab, Asian, Italian, European www.flavours-abudhabi.com 02 677 3333
Ginger Park Rotana All day dining, International www.rotana.com/parkrotana 02 657 3333
Giraffe Yas Mall Café, International www.giraffe.net 02 5650711
Giraffe The Galleria, Al Maryah Island Café 02 667 0717
Godiva Chocolate Cafe Yas Mall Café www.bit.ly/1S5ewys 02 584 4221
Golden Spoon Vegetarian Restaurant Madinat Zayed Shopping Center Vegetarian, Indian, Chinese 02 304 8130
Goodies Pizza & Café Al Dhafrah, Opposite Al Falah Plaza Italian, Afghani, Pizza 02 449 9977
Gossip Desserts The Galleria, Al Maryah Island Café www.gossipthebrand.com 02 677 7520 / 02 677 7523
Grills@Chill’O Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche Grill, Mediterranean 02 418 2520
GuylianCafe Yas Mall Café www.guyliancafe.ae 02 565 0917
Hawksbill Restaurant Saadiyat Beach Golf ClubInternational, Pub bit.ly/1Tc1Dax 02 499 8107
Hemingway’s Yas Links, Yas Island International, Pub bit.ly/1XVTG8H 02 810 7710
Hemingway’s Hilton Abu Dhabi Bar www3.hilton.com 02 654 3223
Ingredients Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara www.abu-dhabi.anantara.com 02 656 1000
Iris Yas Island Yas Marina, Yas Island International www.irisabudhabi.com 055 160 5636
Jamaica Blue World Trade Center Mall Café www.jamaicablue.ae 02 634 0620
Jamaica Blue Yas Mall Café www.jamaicablue.ae 02 565 0464
Jazz Bar and Dining Hilton Abu Dhabi Bar www3.hilton.com 02 681 1900
Jazz n Fizz Bar Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche Bar 02 813 7777
Jim’s Kitchen Table Masdar City International www.jims.kitchen 02 491 9401
Jones the grocer Etihad HQ European, Australian www.jonesthegrocer.com 02 556 5584
La Piazza Restaurant Holiday Inn Downtown, Sheikh Zayed the First Street All day dining, International bit.ly/1ZFuhBV 02 615 6666
La Terrazza Hilton Abu Dhabi International 02 681 1900
Latest Recipe Le Meridien Abu Dhabi International www.latestrecipeabudhabi.com 02 644 6666
Lavanda Bakery Cafe Etihad Plaza, Khalifa City A Café 02 666 8643
Legends Sheraton Abu Dhabi Bar www.legendsabudhabi.com 050 720 4206
Le Vendome Emirates Palace International 02 690 7074
Lemon & Lime Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa Bar, international 02 616 9999
Lilies Al Muneera, Al Raha Beach Café 02 5577911
Magnolia Bakery The Galleria, Al Maryah Island Café, Desserts 02 674 9380
MBCO The Mall at World Trade Center Café 02 508 2400
Melius Masdar City International bit.ly/25qA56m 02 418 2481
More Café Marina Mall Café bit.ly/1VOAawj 02 447 6325
Mugg n Bean Al Wahda Mall www.masaood.com 02 443 9395
Mugg n Bean twofour54, Khalifa Park www.masaood.com 02 443 4888
Mugg n Bean Spinneys, Khalidiya www.masaood.com 02 443 4888
Mugg n Bean Etihad Plaza, Khalifa City A www.masaood.com 02 443 4888
Nahaam Jumeirah at Etihad Towers International 02 811 5666
No. Fifty Seven Boutique Café Al Marasy, Al Bateen Harbour Café 02 304 8114
Nolu’s Café Al Bandar, Al Raha Beach American, Afghani, Cafe, Healthy Food 02 557 9500
NRG Sports Café Le Meridien Abu Dhabi Bar www.nrg-sportscafe.com 02 304 8008
Observation Deck at 300 Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Café 02 811 5666
Origins Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi, Yas Island International Buffet 02 656 0600
Organic Foods & Café Nation Galleria, West Corniche Organic café www.organicfoodsandcafe.com 02 665 9060
Pacifico Tiki Al Bandar, Al Raha BeachPolynesian bit.ly/1Rme6aC 02 556 6090
Pappa Roti Various location inc. Abu Dhabi Mall, Dalma Mall, Marina Mall Café www.papparoti.ae 02 645 4141
Pavillion City Golf Club Al fresco grills www.adcitygolf.com/dining-events 02 445 9600
Pearls by Michael Caines Jumeirah at Etihad Towers International 02 811 5666
People By Crystal The Collection, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Bar 02 677 0788
Pepper All Day Dining Novotel Abu Dhabi Al Bustan, Airport Road International buffet bit.ly/1qFdH6H 02 501 6444
Pie Face Bakery Cafe Yas Mall Café 02 5651006
PJ O’Reilly’s Irish Pub Le Royal Meridien, Khalifa Street Irish www.pjspubabudhabi.com 800 101 101
Porters Grand Millennium Al Wahda, Airport Road Pub, International bit.ly/1XPjKCl 02 495 3936
Qube Level 2, Emirates NBD Building, Al Wahda International www.alhanrestaurant.com 02 643 3030
Ray’s Bar Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Asian influenced 02 811 5666
Red Star Bistro Al Wahda Mall Asian, American fusion www.redstarbistro.com 02 441 2570
ROGO’S Roller Coaster Restaurant Yas Mall Fast food 02 565 0888
Romano’s Macaroni Grill Deerfields Mall American, Italian 02 501 0888
Romano’s Macaroni Grill The Mall at World Trade Center American, Italian 02 508 2400
Rosewater Jumeirah at Etihad Towers International 02 811 5666
Selections InterContinental Abu Dhabi International 02 666 6888
Sevilla Al Raha Beach Hotel International, inc Middle Eastern, Indian, Asian bit.ly/1RjdUaP 02 508 0555
Shakespeare and Co. Various locations including Marina Mall and Yas Mall. Café. www.shakespeare-and-co.com 02 6582051
Silk Route Café Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi, All day dining, International bit.ly/1WKAESC 02 657 4888
Sofra Bld Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri International inc Asian, Indian, Mediterranean bit.ly/1CgmDA8 02 509 8555
Stratos Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi International gourmet grills, Revolving restaurant www.stratosabudhabi.com 02 674 2020
Tea Lounge Hilton Capital Grand Abu Dhabi Café 02 617 0000
Tea Lounge The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Corniche Café 02 694 4553
Teatro Park Rotana Asian 02 657 3333
The Art House Cafe Inside Etihad Modern Art Gallery, Villa 4/2, Street 4, Opposite Al Bateen Mall, Al Bateen Cafe, Sushi 02 418 2466
The Bagel Bar Al Marasy, Behind ADIB, Al Bateen Café 02 665 1442
The Bagel Bar Vision Twin Tower 2, Near Nissan Showroom, Street 9 Café 02 644 4341
The Bagel Bar Yas Mall Café 02 565 1165
The Beachcomber Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort Café, bar 02 677 3333
The Bee’s Knees Baking Company Nation Galleria, West Corniche Cafe 02 447 9102
The Café Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel Cafe www.abudhabi.park.hyatt.com 02 407 1138
The Coffee Club North Gate, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Al Maqtaa Café 056 404 1485
The Coffee Club Yas Mall Café 02 565 0865
The Drawing Room The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort Café www.thedrawingroomabudhabi.com 02 498 8888
The Forge The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal High-end steakhouse www.ritzcarlton.com 02 818 8282
The Foundry Southern Sun Abu Dhabi Steakhouse www.tsogosun.com/the-foundry 02 818 4888
The Garden Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Hamdan Street International, with Indian extras bit.ly/1TNIqgo 02 616 6166 / 02 616 6838
The Grille Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Sas Al Nakhl Steakhouse, Grill bit.ly/1nLzcOT 02 558 8990
The Library Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel Café www.abudhabi.park.hyatt.com 02 407 1234
The Living Room Café Khalidiyah Village Café www.thelivingroomcafeabudhabi.com 02 639 6654
The Park Bar & Grill Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel Steakhouse, grill www.abudhabi.park.hyatt.com 02 407 1138
The Restaurant at The Club The Club, Meena Zayed International menu www.the-club.com 02 673 1111
The St. Regis Bar The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Corniche Bar www.stregisabudhabi.com 02 694 4444
The Terrace On The Corniche The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Corniche Bar food 02 694 4553
The Third Place Café Corniche, near Spinney’s, Al Khalidiya Café bit.ly/1oexuur 02 681 1877
The Village Club One to One Hotel The Village Al fresco barbecues with entertainment bit.ly/1Rje1TP 02 495 2000
Turquoiz St. Regis Saadiyat Island Steak, seafood, beach restaurant www.turquoizabudhabi.com 02 498 8888
TWG Yas Mall Tea salon and café 02 565 0360
Umi Fusion Al Wahda Mall Asian, Mediterranean 02 441 0551
Urban Bites Shining Tower, Al Khalidiyah Café www.urbanbites.me 02 418 2492
Vasco’s Hilton Abu Dhabi Portuguese, Indian, Goan, Seafood www3.hilton.com 02 681 1900
Vienna Plaza Hilton Abu Dhabi Café www3.hilton.com 02 681 1902
Viewz Cristal Hotel Seafood, Grills bit.ly/1MtnwRk 02 652 0000
Vista The Club, Meena Zayed International menu, al fresco dining the-club.com 02 673 1111
Vita La Vita Cafe Swiss Bel Hotel, Salam Street Café 02 418 2494
Wakataua Terrace Le Meridien Abu Dhabi Bar lemeridienabudhabi.com 02 644 6666
Which Wich? Superior Sandwiches Yas Mall Fast food whichwich.ae 04 351 7097
Yam Yam to Go Yas Mall Fast food 02 565 0900
Take it to the street
Going gourmet is a great way to take your taste buds on a tour of various world cuisines, but don’t neglect the casual options on offer in the capital to complete your culinary exploration… Just hail a taxi and head to these hot spots:
Chhappan Bhog
It may be a purely vegetarian restaurant, but Chhappan Bhog is considered one of the best Indian restaurants in Abu Dhabi, even among carnivores. The menu is a selection of traditional North and South Indian street food and snacks from dosa and samosa to puri and kachori.
The selection of chaat, savoury snacks usually found in road-side food carts, is arguably the most popular. Try the pani puri, hollow puffed balls filled with potato and a sweet chutney. Another winner is the raj kachori, a kachori basket filled with potato, sweet yoghurt, pomegranates, chickpeas, chutney and more. For something more unusual, try the samosa pao, a deep fried samosa sandwich in a bread bun.
Various locations including Electra Street, opposite El Dorado Cinema. Contact: 02 677 8864
Salt
For a taste of modern American street food, the offerings at Salt are hard to beat. This former food truck has now found its permanent lodging at Umm Al Emarat Park.
The park-side eatery has a devoted following in the capital, with a small menu and quality ingredients as the focus.
The restaurant’s speciality is its mini burgers, or sliders, with tender perfectly-grilled patties and thoughtfully selected toppings such as the proprietary spicy house blend of ‘hook’ salt.
One of Salt’s more unique offerings is its chicken Cheeto burger, a US riff on a classic chicken sandwich. It’s a spicy deep-fried affair laden with oozing cheese and the namesake spicy corn snack inside a soft butter bun.
To cool down after, grab a Lotus cookie shake to complete the American diner experience.
Mushrif Central Park, Mohamed Bin Khalifa Street, Al Mushrif. Contact: instagram.com/findsalt
Just Falafel
One of the Middle East’s most traditional foods has seeped into a variety of cuisines, and the deep-fried chickpea and broad bean patties are transformed into the perfect street food when wrapped up in bread with toppings and sauces.
One of the city’s best places to sample falafel is Just Falafel. As the name suggests, this is all it does and it does it best. The concept is simple: choose your variety from Greek or Indian to Emirati or Mexican. The same falafel is used in each sandwich but what differs is the type of bread, fillings and sauce.
Food court, Dalma Mall, Mussafah. Contact: justfalafel.com
Taqado
A mall eatery might not be your first choice for some Mexican street eats, but Taqado at The Galleria might sate your appetite for some spicy grub.
With burritos, tacos and quesadillas, Taqado offers a great range of Tex-Mex style food that itches that scratch for a little spice.
The great thing about the restaurant is that you get to build your burrito exactly how you want it. Choose your base, and then choose from four different meats including hand-pulled barbacoa beef, or a vegetarian option. After that, top your creation with rice, beans, pico de gallo, cheese and a range of other toppings to cater for your own spice tolerance and taste.
The Galleria, Al Maryah Island. Contact: 02 677 0700
Bonna Annee
By now this tiny food joint doesn’t quite fit the “hidden secret” category anymore.
But famous for serving genuine Ethiopian cuisine, Bonna Annee has stayed loyal to its humble roots – simple food with intense flavour that screams authentic.
So where do you start? Go for the house speciality – traditional pancake-like flatbread called injera is paired with an assortment of spicy meat and vegetable stews.
Alternatively, give the doro wet a go; the chicken stew that comes with onion, tomato, garlic, traditional chili powder and spiced butter. Just beware, even the milder options have quite a kick.
Pay homage to local practice by literally digging in using bare hands. It’s going to be messy but that’s the charm of it.
Behind Old Blood Bank Building, Al Salam Street Contact: 02 491 2128
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