Dishes and Beverages to try while in Abu Dhabi - Foodies Paradise

Breakfast is quite a treat in Abu Dhabi you may definitely want to try treats such as kameer, raqaq and chebab breads served with delicious mixes of cheese, eggs and sweet date syrup. These were traditionally cooked over a hot plate in a stone pot and are originally hearty Bedouin meals. Balaleat is another pasta type breakfast dish that is believed to have been introduced to the UAE by travelling traders. Satisfy your sweet tooth cravings by breakfasting on lugeymat a sweet pancake batter ball that is deep fried, rolled in sesame seeds and coated with date honey. You can also continue your 'sweet' journey by savouring the delights of khabeesa which is bread crumbs blended with cardamom, saffron and sugar. End the meal with a cup or glass of red tea infused with the refreshing properties of mint, for good digestion. Coffee drinkers can try dates with a cup of traditional Arabic coffee known as gahwah.

Stuffed camel is certainly a must try dish in Abu Dhabi. It is in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest dish in the world. This is a dish reserved for the elite and usually makes the menu of weddings and other big do's. Stuffed camel consists of a whole roast camel stuffed with a whole lamb, 20 chickens, rice, boiled eggs and fish.

Al Harees will be on the menu of just about any Abu Dhabi restaurant; it is a very exotic flavoured meal that is made with meat and wheat. The meat and wheat flavoured with a touch of salt is cooked for many hours until both combine forming a thick paste. This concoction is then cooked overnight in a clay pot covered with coals. Al Harees is a traditional Ramadan meal that also makes its appearance during Eid Festival and at weddings. Top the dish up with ghee and enjoy the salty flavours of meat and wheat.

Shawarma is by far the most famous fast food in Abu Dhabi. Lamb or chicken is the main ingredient which is mixed with a combination of salad style mixes and wrapped in a pita bread. Different restaurants have different takes on the shawarma wrap. A special drink to accompany the shawarma is a thick blend of strawberry and banana smoothie.

Rice, meat, dried lemons and onions make up this famous dish. Ingredients are cooked until tender after which the meat is taken out and the rice is cooked in the remaining broth. Once the rice is cooked the meat is re-added to the mixture and served. If you want to enjoy classic Arabic settings and classy Emirati meals check out gourmet restaurants such as The Palm at Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort.

Apart for the immense popularity of Arabic coffee, tea drinkers should definitely experience the delights of Karak Chai. Karak a derivation of kadak in Hindi meaning 'strong' describes the strong body of this fragrant drink.