Most Famous Dishes in Abu Dhabi - Sample the Best Culinary Treats in Abu Dhabi

As one of the city's best desserts, no trip to Abu Dhabi would be complete without sampling this local take on a Japanese favourite. The steamed pudding made of delicious banana custard is perfect all year round but especially refreshing during the warm summer months. Often served with a scoop of ice cream, the tart taste of the pudding works well with the milky flavour of the ice cream.

Travellers looking for an alternative to traditional waffles will find no finer alternative to the sweet potato waffles served in local eateries. Often considered the perfect breakfast meal before a tour of the city, the waffles are served alongside impeccably poached eggs slathered with Hollandaise sauce and a side of bacon.

Some local restaurants specialise in this fish burger with a difference that features a seared tuna cutlet on a bed of tomatoes, lettuce and wasabi mayo. Contained within a squid ink bun, this is a seafood lover's dream burger as all the flavours of the sea are captured in this deceptively simple burger.

Some of Abu Dhabi's finest Italian restaurants are associated with this salad, which is also a big hit with seafood enthusiasts. Although the ingredients of the salad vary according to the seasonal veggies that are available, the tenderised octopus is the star of this salad, which includes an olive puree. Seasoned with rosemary and olives, this starter is a must-experience highlight of a dinner date at the restaurant.

Those based at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara or any other accommodation hub near the arid expanse will find that nearly every fine dining Abu Dhabi Desert Restaurant has its own version of this popular dish. Balaleet is a sweet and savoury vermicelli dish, traditionally served in Abu Dhabi with an egg omelette on the top.

Travellers who are lucky enough to visit the gorgeous lands of Abu Dhabi must definitely order the world-famous Activated charcoal pancakes during one of their foodie tours. Topped off with blackberries and blueberries as well as a scoop of ice cream, these delectable pancakes are served with a side of Ricotta cheese. As a well-loved breakfast dish, this irresistible pancake dish is the talk of the town among those who love an inviting option for the first meal of the day.

Vegetarians travelling around Abu Dhabi must sit down at a local eatery to dig into this fusion dish, which combines Sri Lankan spices with the Indian flatbread variety. Although paratha is considered a simple and humble street food in India, Abu Dhabi's version features a plethora of herbs and spices that add a touch of sophistication to the all-day treat.