Page Text: 10 Exotic Meals to Try in Abu Dhabi
10 Exotic Meals to Try in Abu Dhabi
by Sergio G
1. Chicken skewers are somewhat classy
2. Tabbouleh will pleasantly surprise vegans
3. Shawarma might sound familiar to everyone
4. Fatteh is pretty Middle Eastern
5. Falafel is a very common one
6. Biryani stands out
7. Shakshouka will pleasantly surprise you
8. Hummus adds a special touch
9. Lamb cutlets are loved by the locals
10. Basbousa is no ordinary dessert
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Abu Dhabi is one of the seven emirates which form the United Arab Emirates. The city is situated entirely on a T-shaped island going into the Persian Gulf from the central western coast. Being the capital and the largest city of the country, Abu Dhabi offers a variety of things, especially when it comes to food. Let’s take a closer look at some of the dishes you can try there!
1. Chicken skewers are somewhat classy
Chicken skewers
Chicken skewers consist of cut up or ground chicken breasts, sometimes with vegetables, and various accompaniments according to the specific recipe. Although they are typically cooked on a skewer over a fire, some variations are baked in an oven or prepared as a stew.
#235 of 8083 restaurants in Abu Dhabi
Turkish, Middle Eastern
Near Habib Bank - Muroor Rd, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Open now $$$$
This Middle Eastern meal is everyone's top choice not just in the Arab world, but also worldwide. Chicken skewers consist of cubes of chicken that are marinated, then skewered and grilled. Common marinades are based upon yogurt and lemon juice or tomato puree, though there are other variations. In the UAE this meal usually comes with rice and some vegetables such as lettuce, tomatoes and cucumbers. This is definitely a healthier fast food alternative.
How about authentic chicken skewers at Sofra Istanbul Restaurant?
2. Tabbouleh will pleasantly surprise vegans
Tabbouleh
Tabbouleh (also spelled tabouli) is a super fresh herb and bulgur salad, with parsley being the number one ingredient. It’s dotted with diced cucumber and tomato, and dressed simply with olive oil and lemon juice. It’s refreshing, light and packed with healthy ingredients.
#343 of 8083 restaurants in Abu Dhabi
Lebanese, Middle Eastern
Hazza ' Bin Zayed The First St, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Open now $$$$
Tabbouleh is likely the topmost famed Middle Eastern salad there is. It consists of very finely chopped vegetables, lots of fresh parsley and bulgur wheat, all tossed with lime juice and olive oil. In Middle Eastern cuisines, herbs take centre stage in the salad and the meal ends up predominantly a lovely, deep green hue. Tabbouleh is a pretty popular vegan dish in the Middle East and now also all over the world.
If you want to try this salad, Zahrat Lebnan is a great choice.
3. Shawarma might sound familiar to everyone
Shawarma
#29 of 2672 cafeterias in Abu Dhabi
Lebanese, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Fast food, Halal
شارع فاطمة بنت مبارك, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Open now $$$$
This is another popular Arab dish that consists of meat cut into thin slices, stacked in a cone-like shape, and roasted on a slowly-turning vertical spit. Originally made from lamb, mutton or chicken, today's shawarma can also include turkey, beef, or veal. Thin slices are shaved off the cooked surface as it continuously rotates. Shawarma is also one of the world's most popular street foods.
Bait El Khetyar - Najdah offers fantastic shawarma.
4. Fatteh is pretty Middle Eastern
Fatteh
Fatteh is not an elaborate dish, but it is one of the most beloved on the table. Cold and warm, yogurt and boiled chickpeas, creamy texture in contrast with bread and crispy nuts.
#9 of 8083 restaurants in Abu Dhabi
Lebanese, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean
Guardian Towers, Al-Muroor Road - 31 street - Al Aman St, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Open now $$$$
A dish of crumbled, toasted pita covered in warm chickpeas and cool, tangy yogurt sauce, Fatteh is a frequently ordered meal at restaurants in the Emirates. The ingredients come together to create contrasting textures and temperatures in what can best be described as a deconstructed hummus dish. It’s easy to prepare, often vegetarian and makes good use of ingredients and can be a good starter, snack or even breakfast.
Head to Mosaic Restaurant for some fatteh.
5. Falafel is a very common one
Falafels
8GPJ+C46, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Open now $$$$
It is a deep-fried ball or patty-shaped fritter made from ground chickpeas, broad beans or sometimes both. Falafel also comes from the Middle East, commonly served in a pita or wrapped in a flatbread known as taboon. Falafel is often topped with salads, pickled vegetables and hot sauce. It may also be eaten alone as a snack or served as part of appetizers.
Falafel Sultan is a very good falafel place.
6. Biryani stands out
Biryani
It's an authentic Indian dish that originated in Muslim centers of Delhi. Biryani is cooked from meat or fish, basmati rice, vegetables, eggs and local spices. Rice is usually made separately from the thick sauce. The name of the dish means "fried" or "roasted" in Persian.
#2 of 8083 restaurants in Abu Dhabi
Indian, Vegetarian
Venetian Village, The Ritz-Carlton Grand Canal, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Open now $$$$
This one is Indian, but very popular and frequently consumed in the Middle East as well. Long-grained rice flavored with fragrant spices such as saffron and layered with lamb, chicken, fish, or vegetables and a thick gravy. Biryani is then covered, its lid secured with dough, and then it is cooked over a low flame. This used to be a special occasion dish, but these days you can have it whenever you want.
Enjoy Biryani at Punjab Grill.
7. Shakshouka will pleasantly surprise you
Shakshouka
Shakshuka is a healthy meal served for breakfast in the Middle East and North Africa. It’s a simple combination of simmering tomatoes, onions, garlic, spices and gently poached eggs.
#40 of 2066 coffeehouses in Abu Dhabi
Middle Eastern, Moroccan, Halal
Villa No. 637, 15th Street, Airport Rd، Opposite Al Mushrif Children’s Park, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Open now $$$$
Shakshouka is a popular Middle Eastern and North African dish that may date back all the way to the Ottoman Empire. The word shakshouka itself comes from Arabic, meaning, "a haphazard mixture" or "all mixed up". The dish features poached eggs in a hearty, spiced tomato and pepper sauce and is usually served for breakfast, but can be consumed any time throughout the day.
You can find decent shakshouka at Cafe Arabia.
8. Hummus adds a special touch
Hummus
Hummus is a Middle Eastern dip, spread, or savory dish made from cooked, mashed chickpeas blended with tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. The standard garnish in the Middle East includes olive oil, a few whole chickpeas, parsley, and paprika.
Lebanese, Middle Eastern, Barbecue, Halal
Opposite Al Khazna Insurance Company, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Open now $$$$
Hummus , the creamy dip that hails from the Middle East, has a reputation as a clean, healthy food. It deserves it. All the main ingredients are super foods in their own right. It's got chickpeas, sesame paste, garlic, and olive oil in most traditional versions. Chickpeas, hummus’s main ingredient, give you protein, good-for-you carbs, and fiber. Like other members of the legume family, they routinely top lists of the world’s healthiest foods.
Hummus can be found at Lebanese Mill.
9. Lamb cutlets are loved by the locals
Lamb cutlets
Lamb cutlets are an expensive but delicious meal that only takes a short time to cook. The most common method is to griddle or barbecue the cutlets, but they can be roasted in the oven too. In the Middle East the dish is often accompanied by various seasonings, including pepper and saffron.
#12 of 8083 restaurants in Abu Dhabi
Indian, Fusion, International, Contemporary, Halal
Central Market Project - The Hub at The Mall (Level 6, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Open now $$$$
Lamb cutlets are incredibly delicious and tender. They are taken from the ribs of the lamb and cooked individually, normally over a grill or a barbecue. In the UAE this dish is sometimes accompanied by vegetables or rice. Seasonings include paprika, pepper and coriander. This is an extremely popular dish amongst Emirati people, and can be eaten for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Tamba Restaurant offers amazing lamb cutlets.
10. Basbousa is no ordinary dessert
Basbousa
Basboousa is a sweet, syrup-soaked semolina cake that originated in the Middle East, although it is common in North Africa as well.
#742 of 8083 restaurants in Abu Dhabi
Arabic
8th Street, Salam Tower, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Open now $$$$
Let’s finish this list with a very traditional Middle Eastern dessert called Basbousa - a delicious coconut, yogurt and semolina cake that gets sprinkled with nuts and drizzled with syrup to put the final seal of perfection. Basbousa is sold in many places all over the country, and each bakery shop has its own lovely version of it. The dessert is often decorated with nuts, but the original version comes without them.
Khaleej Bakeries and Pastries offers Basbousa.
The abundance of restaurants and meals in Abu Dhabi is fascinating. Don’t forget to try some of the dishes mentioned above, you surely won’t regret anything!