Joanna James
Abu Dhabi is a desert nation boasting gorgeous coastlines and rustic dunes. The once fisher nation is a thrill to explore, from the historic quarter to the modern hubs. Best of all is the fabulous food on offer, and to make sure you taste the best, here is a list of dishes you must try in Abu Dhabi.
This mouth-watering dish has the simplest of ingredients; rice and meat. In Abu Dhabi, Machboos is made with any type of meat except for pork. While the main ingredients are simple, the preparation is a careful blend of spices and herbs. The meat is cooked in spices and then sautéed with fried onions, vegetables like carrots and peppers are later added with more spices to create a delicious aroma and taste. Saffron makes up the ultimate spice after which the rice is added in layers. Enjoy Machboos, also called Majboos or even Makboos, piping hot. In fact, it's the perfect comfort dish to tuck into after your stint at an Abu Dhabi spa, nothing is more relaxing and luxurious than the spa treatments offered at five-star hotels in Abu Dhabi. Some like Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara are popular options.
Another simple ingredient dish made amazing by an exotic cooking procedure, Harees is a traditional favourite for Ramadan and special celebrations. Wheat is slow-cooked with salt for several hours, after which the meat is added, and cooked once more for a few hours until the meat dissolves and combines with the wheat. Enjoy a bowl of Harees and the unique blend of flavours. You will be able to order Harees at the restaurant of your Abu Dhabi resort.
This too is a slow-cooked dish, where the meat is once again boiled with a blend of spices and herbs with salt. Once done, a medley of nutritious vegetables are added; such as okra, courgettes, bell pepper, eggplant etc. The lot is slow-cooked once more to form a delicious and healthy soup you certainly will enjoy eating.
Enjoy your fill of seafood in Abu Dhabi, fried, grilled, boiled and cooked in many different ways; seafood is a delight to savour, especially at the desert island resorts where fresh seafood is a standard delight! Madrooba is a favourite, made with any type of fish that has been cured with salt. The fish is far from salty though because it is thoroughly rinsed before being cooked in a blend of flour and water to which, the traditional spices are added. The end result is fish in a thick and flavoursome sauce.
Luqaimat includes balls of dough made with rose water and saffron; they are deep-fried and then drizzled in thick date syrup. The dough is light and fluffy, with the dessert being treated like a gourmet dish, enjoy the decadent sweetness of the fragrant balls, which can be eaten rolled in sesame seeds if you so desire.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
