One of the best ways to discover a destination is undoubtedly through the food, and that must be said of Abu Dhabi. The UAE capital, and the second-largest city in the country, Abu Dhabi is a multicultural hub of innovation and that extends to the colourful, fragrant and delicious dishes found at cafes, restaurants, hole-in-the-wall eateries and street food vendors.
Considered one of the most dynamic cities in the Arabian Peninsula, Abu Dhabi attracts all types of cultures and backgrounds, which, as you can imagine, has a wonderful impact on the local cuisine.
Whether it’s a gold-dusted camel burger at Emirates Palace or Friday brunch in the clouds at the St Regis, here are some of the biggest surprise food experiences you can only have in Abu Dhabi.
Where else in the world can you have a feast of gold-dusted camel burgers? If you’re bored of the humble burger and want to try something a little different, then there’s no better place than Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi. The charcoal grilled 200g camel leg mince patty is dusted with 24 carat flakes of gold and will set you pack a cool $40. It’s not just the hamburgers that come dusted with gold, though, there’s also the gold camelccino and gold ice cream to take your pick from if you’re feeling particularly indulgent.
If you have a penchant for brunch, then you haven’t truly made the most of this in-between meal until you’ve visited Brunch in the Clouds at St Regis. This is a sensory experience like no other, as a maximum of 50 special guests are invited to wander in and out of different rooms and pick and choose from the gourmet, colourful and downright indulgent options available. From the cinema full of candy to the caviar ice bar and the roaming chef stations, there’s much to indulge in at this luxurious dining experience.
Toro Toro at Etihad Towers provides an exciting Latin American culinary experience including everything from exotic music and South American fare, to dinner table theatrics and authentic Latin chefs. Toro Toro celebrates the idea that in Latin America food is much more than just a meal, but rather a celebration that is savoured. Specialising in small plates perfect for sharing, the Pan-Latin America fare varies from sashimi-style tapas, lime-cured ceviche and banana leaf-wrapped branzino.
There’s nothing that says Abu Dhabi dining experience like taking a camel ride along the dunes and stopping for a delicious three-course dinner as the sun falls behind the horizon and changes the colour of the surrounding sand and sky. Enjoy the mythical beauty of the Arabian Nights Village, which encapsulates the timelessness of old Arabia. You’ll be transported to a different time and place and experience exciting elements of Abu Dhabi life and culture.
A local favourite in Abu Dhabi, Lebanese Flower has three restaurants around the city. More of a casual restaurant to enjoy an authentic Arabic cultural experience, expect large platters of food to be shared as a group. While in some cultures it may seem like a waste to fill up on bread, in Lebanese dining culture, and in much of the Muslim world, bread is a big part of the food experience. So be sure to leave plenty of room for this fluffy white staple.
Established by two Emirati women, Salt is a food truck restaurant that has made its mark on the streets, hearts and bellies of locals and visitors in Abu Dhabi. The shiny airstream truck is easily spotted and you can expect there to be a queue, because it’s a favourite fast-food option. Take your pick from ice-cream cone brownies, crispy chicken dippers, cheese fries, cheeto burgers and, a local favourite, the Wagyu beef burgers.
Sheikh Zayed Street is full of traditional-style restaurants, but one that will pique the interest of those looking for something a little different is Bonna Annee, which specialises in Ethiopian fare and an authentic cultural experience. Warm and welcoming staff are a wonderful beginning to this peek into Ethiopian culture, which is known for its coffee ceremonies, savoury and stretchy flat bread and stews full of spice and flavour. Be prepared to eat with your hands, because that’s how it’s done in Ethiopia and it’s a fun way to enjoy a meal with new friends, family or fellow travellers.
With a prime spot on the Corniche, Abu Dhabi’s premium dining and lifestyle precinct on the beach, Asia de Cuba is an innovative marriage of Asian flavours and Cuban style, headed by Cuban-born head chef, Luis Pous. From shareable platters of ceviche to thoughtfully mixed cocktails, this restaurant will make you feel like you’re in paradise as you explore the exotic flavours as they make their way from your plate to palate.
Incan heritage and Peruvian food has officially made its mark on Abu Dhabi in the form of Coya – a world-renowned restaurant that in two years has made its mark on the culinary world. Named one of the top 10 best restaurants in the world by CNN, Coya brings South American soul and a menu of authentic dishes with a rustic flair to the Middle East.
You’d be forgiven for thinking you were actually in a teahouse in Iraq and not in the Emirati capital of Abu Dhabi upon entering Al-Moskoof Al-Iraqi. If you’re unsure what to order off the menu here, you can’t go past the fish, for which this restaurant is famous. The maskoof fish is grilled over an open grill, which you can watch as the skin is charred crisp in front of you. Be prepared for big portions and lots of delicious flat bread, but don’t worry if you can’t eat everything in one sitting, there’s always the option to pack whatever is left and take it away with you for later.
This restaurant is a cultural icon in the Philippines but after 72 years of success it’s not surprising to hear this place has 170 restaurants across the world, including Abu Dhabi. From humble family-owned beginnings, Max’s restaurant was created by Maximo Gimenez after the Second World War when American troops that Max had befriended would come to his home for drinks. The troops eventually insisted on paying and what began as a friendly catch up turned into a simple restaurant where fried chicken became an instant hit. Juicy chicken is still on the menu, as is the sour Sinigang na Hipon soup and other popular Philippine favourites.
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