How to Indulge in Abu Dhabi’s Booming Gastronomic Adventures: Lip-Smacking Authentic Foodie Tours

One of the marvels of Abu Dhabi’s rich culture lies in its diverse, tantalizing and aromatic food. From rice and grilled meat to coffee and dates, this nation boasts of a range of foods which have become favourites among travellers with all kinds of palates. So if you are planning your next vacation to UAE’s largest emirate, check out these food tours to enjoy Abu Dhabi’s delicious delicacies. 

Emirati food scene 

The dishes in Abu Dhabi are aromatic and flavourful. Middle Eastern and Asian spices are often incorporated into these meals. Rice, fish, and meat are the well-known mainstays of Emirati cooking. Lamb and mutton are often preferred over beef and camel meat. Since an abundance of dates is found in this region, it is normally part of the everyday meal. Coffee and tea are the popular drinks. They are often enhanced with mint, saffron and cardamom to add a unique taste to the beverages.

Miansari66, Tharid. (cropped), CC0 1.0

Main courses to try 

Rice is the staple dish which is found in Abu Dhabi and other parts of the UAE. You get various rice-based dishes frequenting many of the main meals. These often resemble the Indian biriyani since they include many meat varieties. Khuzi, Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s national dish comprises flavour-infused rice topped with raisins, nuts and vegetables and is accompanied by roast lamb. Since it is one of the most popular dishes in the region, you can generally find this meal at any Abu Dhabi restaurant. Some of the other main courses include filling dishes like al machboos (meat and spiced rice dish), al harees (meat and wheat porridge), and khameer (Arabic bread). You also get a range of side dishes like fattoush (seasoned salad), saloona (meat stew), al madrooba (seafood dish) and mhammar (spiced fish dish). 

Snacks in abundance 

If you are in the mood for some gastronomic adventures and are thinking about saving a few bucks, head over to the street food stalls and sample some of their delicacies. Some local favourites which can be found here include shawarmas which contain strips of meat wrapped in pita bread along with pickled vegetables and sauces. Other snacks you can sink your teeth into include falafel (deep-fried patties made of chickpeas or fava beans),  and manakish (Middle Eastern pizza). 

Sweet and succulent delicacies 

There is a wide range of sweet treats to select from for all those who have a weakness for sweets. Luqaimat is probably the most famous among them. These resemble dough balls which have been fried till they are golden brown and have been submerged in date syrup or honey. Some of the other sugary stuff to keep an eye out for include maamoul (spiced date cookies), umm ali (bread and butter pudding), basbousa (Levantine cake), kunafa (cheese and vermicelli noodles soaked in sugar syrup infused with rose flavour) and chebab (Emirati pancake). 

Awesome beverages

Tea and coffee are the most served drinks in Abu Dhabi. Gahwa, an Arabic coffee variety is so popular that it is known as the welcome drink. Sulaimain, a tea which has been flavoured with lemon and mint, is also quite famous among the locals. Other drinks which are worth tasting include karak chai (Indian tea), jallab (fruit syrup), and laban (yoghurt drink). Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara has a chain of restaurants within its premises where you will be able to experience a range of Middle Eastern and international dishes under one roof. Get a taste of aromatic Arabic coffee with your breakfast of goodies picked from live cooking stations at this venue. You will also be able to bask in some in-room dining and outdoor private dining experiences as well as enjoy some African flavours all day in an enthralling setting at the resort's  Savannah Grill & Lounge restaurant.