Joanna James
Although most travellers visit Abu Dhabi for its iconic landmarks and sky-piercing malls, the city’s culinary scene is an aspect that tourists should delve into with equal gusto. Here’s a list of local delicacies every holidaymaker should sample on a tour of the desert city.
This one-pot meal is arguably the simplest dish to prepare when it comes to Abu Dhabi comfort foods, although it requires quite a large number of ingredients. As a hearty and delicious rice meal that’s often cooked together with chicken, fish, beef and vegetables, onions and lemons, Al Machboos is comparable to Indian biryani, especially since cloves, nutmeg and other spices are also infused into the rice dish.
This soft and decadent starter is another classic Arabic dish that’s primarily made with crushed wheat and a plethora of vegetables. Cucumber, green onions, tomatoes and fresh mint are indispensable to this dish, which is also one of the few vegetarian dishes in the local canon. Wholesome as it is nutritious, Tabbouleh can be consumed as a complete meal, although Abu Dhabi restaurants usually list the dish as an appetiser.
As far as traditional sweets go, few exude the decadently rich flavour of this popular treat. Composed of rice vermicelli that’s been seasoned with rose water, cinnamon, cardamom, saffron and sugar, a wide variety of nuts, including pistachios, are also thrown into the mix to create the perfect Balaleet. Garnished with an egg omelette, it is a salty and sweet delicacy that’s ideal for those who don’t like their desserts to be overly sweet.
Whether you’re based at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara or a similar five-star rest in the city, every visitor is likely to come across street-side shawarma stands during their time in Abu Dhabi. Although street vendors are the primary source for shawarmas in Abu Dhabi, best restaurants in the city also serve up their own version of this crowd-pleaser due to popular demand.
Called Khuzi by some locals and Ghuzi by others, this uniquely Emirati dish is often served only during special occasions in Abu Dhabi households. Although this meal is now accessible at local restaurants, Khuzi is a celebratory rice meal featuring roasted mutton, raisins, nuts and vegetables.
Fans of broths and soups can’t afford to miss a bowl of Thereed during a stay in Abu Dhabi, as this is another traditional meal that’s often consumed for breakfast during the Ramadan fasting season. Spiced with a host of local herbs and condiments, the soup can be enjoyed on its own, although some locals like to pair it with a local flatbread called Raqaq.
While all foodies relish the soft texture of Arabic bread, most haven’t had the good fortune to dig into a cheesy Khameer. Made using powdered milk, yeast and wheat flour, this honeyed bread is topped off with sesame seeds.
Often considered the best local dessert in Emirati cuisine, Luqaimat is a crispy dumpling dunked in sticky and toffee-like date syrup. Described as the perfect way to end a meal, this crunchy and sweet delight is just what diners need to offset a spicy meal.
As another Emirati dish that’s indispensable during local weddings, Ramadan season and other special events, Al Harees is also called Harissa and Jareesh by the local populace. The rice porridge-like texture of the dish is due to the wheat flour and meat that’s been crushed and slow-cooked to perfection over several hours.
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.
