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
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,
Cornich