Abu Dhabi, the largest of the seven emirates in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and seat of power, has become of one of the world’s most vibrant cities. Now a bustling cosmopolitan, it is a hub of activity that attracts millions of visitors every year.
A major cultural and commercial center, Abu Dhabi has a variety of things to offer guests and locals alike. From the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to the thrilling record-holding attractions in Ferrari World, there is a wealth of things to do and places to see in Abu Dhabi.
Gastronomic Delights
This multicultural society is also home to a diverse range of mouthwatering cuisines from around the globe.
The sophisticated palates of the Emiratis as well as the curious tongues of world wanderers can delight in the gastronomic fare on offer. The sheer selection of dining options can simply overwhelm anyone. From the most exotic to the modern fusion of flavors that burst in your mouth, you simply cannot run out of dining options in amazing Abu Dhabi.
To help you choose from the delectable assortment of international dishes (or if you’re wondering if your favorite fare is available in Abu Dhabi), here are just a handful of the cuisines to choose from:
- American
American cuisine can be many things. A melting pot of flavors, it is a mixture of all the different cultures that have settled in the United States over the years.
From the quintessential image of apple pies and good ol’ Southern cooking like fried chicken and biscuits, people from all over the world have come to love the food prepared by Uncle Sam.
From popular fast food fare to contemporary American cuisine such as juicy top-grade steak and chops you can still surely feast on all-American cooking in Abu Dhabi.
- French
Craving for cassoulet, jambon persillé, and steak au poivre? Ne t’inquiète pas.
Traditional French flavors up to the more fancy concoctions from France can still be savored in the land of Emiratis. From award-winning flavors to exquisite creations that excite the palate, you can definitely enjoy Parisian and other countryside dishes in several French restaurants and hotels around the city.
- Indian
If you are longing for the tongue-tingling textures and rich flavors of Indian cooking, just look around Abu Dhabi and you will certainly find an authentic Indian restaurant that can satisfy your cravings.
From vegetarian-friendly palak paneer with a side of naan to the more judiciously spiced curries, you can certainly indulge in the Indian repertoire of flavors peppered with equal amounts of zing and zest.
- Japanese
From Zen-inspired interiors to the art of sushi making, you can still delight your taste buds with the best Japanese food outside of Japan.
Authentic Japanese food like popular plates of crispy rice topped with spicy tuna, spicy crunchy yellowtail tartare, and hamachi fusion with soy yuzu and truffle essence can be thoroughly relished within the Emirates, satisfying your desire to savor the clean flavors and Oriental tang from the Land of the Rising Sun.
A popular Japanese restaurant and lounge within The Collection in the stunning Saadiyat Island, for example, also offers private dining rooms where you can enjoy Friday afternoon brunch in Abu Dhabi with friends or family. Itadakimasu!
- Lebanese
Including an abundance of fruits, fresh fish, seafood, vegetables and whole grains, Levantine cuisine can be certainly enjoyed in the metropolis with Lebanese restaurants mushrooming around the city.
From well-loved baba ghanouj, falafel, and shawarma to delicious desserts like baklava, let your love for Lebanese food be satisfied to the fullest.
A World of Flavors
People from all over the world come to Abu Dhabi for business or leisure or both. When they do, they would most certainly appreciate the familiar flavors of home or be excited to try out delightful delicacies from other lands.
With the tasty treats on offer available in trendy cafes, luxurious lounges, or riveting restaurants sprinkled in and around the thriving metro, Abu Dhabi will surely not disappoint the discerning tastes of food lovers from around the globe.
AUTHOR BIO
Jenene Bronwin Batts is the Senior Marketing Coordinator at Tourism Development & Investment Company or TDIC. She oversees website maintenance, PR requests, marketing initiatives and all general guests’ enquiries for the company’s destinations, including KOI Restaurant & Lounge and Boa Steakhouse in Abu Dhabi.
