Caliope Sage
Abu Dhabi once a quiet culinary backwater now boasts of restaurants with celebrity chefs and hosts top culinary events attracting professionals, visitors and products from around the world.
Visit the many souks in Abu Dhabi to understand the culture behind food preparation in the Emirate. The fish, fruit and vegetable souks and outdoor markets with their special atmosphere are fun to visit and are places to taste traditional snacks and meals. However it is the Souk Al Zafarana one should visit to see, smell and shop for spices the UAE is famous. Taste authentic Arab cuisine in traditional dishes found in restaurants around the city.
Shop for very special ingredients to add that special zing to food like fragrant Iranian Cumin, za'atar, a herb similar oregano to mix with olive oil and spread on flat bread, cardamom, camomile tea complete with yellow flowers, dried and black lemons and special fragrant tea mixes.
Eat Italian cuisine at Olio, seafood at Samak and snacks at Al Shams at Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort which lets you enjoy an array of delectable dining options.
This lifestyle event is held annually in February to celebrate culture and cuisine. The festival features celebrity chefs from around the world, fine Middle Eastern, regional and international cuisines and the best vintages. Events include culinary demonstrations, chateau dinners, themed dinners and culinary promotions.
This event is held from the 1st to the 27th June where the restaurants and cafes of the mall present special tasting menus, dessert decorating tutorials, family themed activities, live music and competitions.
See more than 600 top chefs from four continents in action when La Cuisine by SIAL hosts them to a culinary competition. The event is organized and coordinated by the Emirates Culinary Guild and the World Association of Chef's Societies. The event also introduces new food and drink products, the latest equipment and innovations form around the world.
Other interesting culinary related events include the Rice & Grain International Conference and Exhibition and the Date Palm Festival where Emiratis learn the importance of dates in their culture and economy.
