Joanna James
Abu Dhabi's culinary landscape is a fusion of tradition and innovation, offering a rich selection of Emirati dishes alongside global flavours. Rooted in Bedouin heritage, Emirati cuisine is characterised by fragrant spices, slow-cooked meats, and hearty rice-based meals. While Abu Dhabi embraces international gastronomy, its authentic Emirati flavours remain an essential part of the city’s food culture. Dishes with a savoury blend of wheat and meat, and spiced rice dishes with tender lamb or seafood, highlight the region’s love for comfort food. Sweet treats such as deep-fried dumplings, add a delightful finish to any meal.
A trip to Abu Dhabi wouldn’t be complete without trying machboos, the Emirati take on spiced rice that’s often called Arabic biriyani. This fragrant dish brings together tender meat or seafood, slow-cooked in a flavourful broth infused with saffron, cardamom, and the citrusy tang of dried lime (loomi). As the rice and vegetables soak up the rich, aromatic stock, every bite bursts with bold flavours. Topped with sweet raisins and crunchy nuts, machboos is a true taste of Emirati comfort food that’s not to be missed.
Shawarma is Abu Dhabi’s ultimate street food staple and a must-try for any visitor. This Middle Eastern favourite has taken the world by storm, but nothing beats tasting it fresh from a local vendor. Juicy, marinated slices of chicken, beef, or lamb are shaved straight off a rotating spit and then wrapped in warm flatbread with creamy garlic sauce, tangy pickles, and crisp vegetables. Whether grabbed on the go or enjoyed as a late-night snack, shawarma is a delicious bite of the city’s vibrant food scene.
Did you know the Emirates has a strong seafood scene as well? During the scorching summer months, this firm, meaty fish is best enjoyed grilled or fried to perfection. When the cooler winter season rolls in, it takes on a heartier form, simmered in a rich, tomato-based curry and served alongside fragrant rice. Hamour, a type of grouper fish found in the Persian Gulf, is a must-try for seafood lovers. However it’s prepared, hamour offers a delicious taste of the region’s coastal flavours.
Thereed is a comforting traditional Emirati stew that combines tender meat, like lamb or chicken, with potatoes and vegetables, all simmered in aromatic spices. This hearty dish is served on a bed of regag, a thin, crispy Emirati flatbread that soaks up the rich, flavourful broth. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that captures the essence of home-cooked Emirati cuisine. Although there are many international cuisines in Abu Dhabi, and various choices of international palate like those to be satisfied at a Greek restaurant in Abu Dhabi, sometimes the traditional choice is best.
For those with a sweet tooth, luqaimat is a must-try Emirati dessert. These bite-sized dumplings are made from dough infused with saffron and cardamom, then deep-fried to golden perfection—crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Topped with a drizzle of rich date syrup and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, luqaimat is the perfect indulgence to satisfy any craving for something sweet. Staying in or near places like the Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat provides your chance to try it out!
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.
