For visitors planning a vacation to Abu Dhabi, sights such as the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, and Yas Island are certainly going to be at the top of the itinerary bucket list.
However, food should also be an essential part of the planning phase. In Abu Dhabi, you can find menus comprised of innovative and classics from all over the world, as well as the specialities of Emirati cuisin
Whether you fancy Japanese, French, Californian, or street food UAE-style, you will be able to find it prepared by some of the best chefs in the world in the top restaurants in Abu Dhabi.
From the daily local staple to innovative charcoal brunch options, here are five exciting dishes to try in Abu Dhabi (and where to find them).
- Shawarma (Shish Shawerma)
One of the local favorites, the shawarma you encounter in Abu Dhabi will come prepared in fresh pita bread with succulent shredded meat, mouth-watering garlic cream and spicy sauces.
While shawarma is often purchased from food trucks or traditional shawarma shops, opt to visit Shish Shawerma for a more modern take on the dish. Here, the restaurant prides themselves in baking their own pita bread which has customers continually coming back for more.
- KOI Crispy Rice topped with Spicy Tuna (Koi Restaurant)
You don’t have to be in Japan to savor the clean and refreshing flavors of the cuisine. In fact, so many people love the tastes of these meals that high-quality Japanese restaurants can be found all over the world.
Undoubtedly, the best Japanese food in Abu Dhabi is found at Koi Restaurant, where the chefs take great pride in creating meals that resemble art forms. Here, you have to try the signature KOI crispy rice deliciously crowned with spicy tuna, and don’t forget the Hamachi Fusion with truffle essence and soy yuzu.
- Zaatar Crusted Rack of Lamb with Sweet Potato and Truffle (Li Beirut)
If you are in Abu Dhabi for a few nights, then you certainly want to try some Lebanese food. Considered one of the best restaurants in Abu Dhabi, Li Beirut offers diners the opportunity to taste both traditional and contemporary Lebanese dishes with European influences.
Not only is the zaatar crusted rack of lamb with sweet potato and truffle a masterpiece, but so too is the view that accompanies it. Make a reservation here for a night you will never forget!
- Signature Peking Duck with Caviar (Hakkasan)
Another incredible fusion dining experience happens at Hakkasan, the globally renowned Chinese restaurant. While there are several Hakkasan restaurants around the world, the Abu Dhabi outpost does an incredible job of combining aspects of culture and tradition from the United Arab Emirates and China.
While the Hakkasan signature Peking duck with caviar is a popular option, other dishes for you to try are the succulent grilled Wagyu beef with king soy, the Japanese abalone clay pot with baby sea cucumber, and the Hakka steamed dim sum platter. But, no matter what you order, it will be a creative feast like none you have experienced before.
- Activated charcoal pancakes (No. Fifty Seven Boutique Café)
While you should certainly try out the traditional dishes that are on offer in Abu Dhabi, you also should reserve some time in your itinerary to taste some of the more contemporary, innovative dishes that are being prepared in the UAE.
One of the standout brunches comes in the form of ricotta cheese and activated charcoal pancakes from No. Fifty Seven Boutique Café. To be honest, black foods are having a moment across Abu Dhabi, but these pancakes are particularly remarkable as they come served with blueberries, blackberries and homemade cream.
Not only will it be tantalizing to your taste buds, but it is also a unique dish to share with your social media followers!
Have you ever traveled to Abu Dhabi? What would be your culinary recommendations? Let us know in the comments below!
AUTHOR BIO
Jenene Bronwin Batts is the Senior Marketing Coordinator at Tourism Development & Investment Company or TDIC. She oversees website maintenance, PR requests, marketing initiatives and all general guests’ enquiries for the company’s destinations, including KOI Restaurant & Lounge and Boa Steakhouse in Abu Dhabi.
Love traveling.
