It’s no secret that Abu Dhabi has a cosmopolitan and vibrant dining scene that offers a tapestry of multinational cuisines, as well as some globally favoured cult dishes. Abu Dhabi is filled with Michelin-starred establishments that offer award-winning menus that attract people from all over the world. But it’s not just the best of world cuisine that draws tourists to the city but also its local food.
Emirati cuisine stands out with its rich flavours, aromatic spices, and traditional cooking techniques. From fragrant rice dishes and hearty meaty stews to delectable and nutty desserts, the local cuisine in Abu Dhabi will impress you to no end. Al Fanar restaurant & café, at Yas Mall, for instance, serves some elaborate old-school Emirati dishes like Jesheed (crumbled wild baby shark cooked with onions, dry lemon, coriander and mixed spices, served with white rice or bread), Bedouin Mutton Stew and authentic Emirati Chicken Tekat.
If you want a more contemporary meal, head to Meylas, in Al Muneera Island which is famed for its modern Emirati line-up and locally sourced ingredients. In short, you’re spoilt for choice! Here are the Abu Dhabi spots for the best Emirati cuisine.
Machboos
Machboos is a quintessential Emirati dish that showcases the flavours of the Arabian Gulf. This fragrant rice dish is typically prepared with a blend of spices such as saffron, cinnamon, and cloves, giving it a distinctive aroma and flavour. The rice is cooked with tender meat, usually chicken, lamb, or fish, along with onions, tomatoes, and a medley of vegetables. Served hot and garnished with fried onions and fresh herbs, machboos is a comforting and satisfying meal that epitomizes Emirati hospitality.
Recommendations: Meylas, Mezlai, Yadoo’s House
Type: Non-Vegetarian
Price: AED 65.00 (approx)
Harees
Harees is a traditional Emirati dish with roots dating back centuries. It consists of a simple yet hearty combination of boiled wheat and meat, usually chicken or lamb, simmered together until tender and creamy. The dish is seasoned with salt and pepper, allowing the natural flavours of the ingredients to shine through. Harees is often enjoyed during special occasions since it’s elaborate and quite shareable.
Recommendations: Harees Al Waldah, Al Ghawas Restaurant
Type: Non-Vegetarian
Price: AED 55.00 (approx)
Luqaimat
No culinary journey through Abu Dhabi would be complete without indulging in luqaimat, a popular Emirati dessert that offers both luxury and indulgence. These small, golden-brown dumplings are made from a mixture of flour, yeast, sugar, and saffron, then deep-fried until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Once cooked, luqaimat are drizzled with date syrup or honey and sprinkled with sesame seeds or nuts, adding a mild sweetness and crunch.
Recommendations: Al Khalidiya
Type: Vegetarian
Price: AED 50.00 (approx)
Balaleet
Balaleet is a traditional Emirati breakfast dish that combines sweet and savoury flavours in perfect harmony. It consists of vermicelli noodles cooked with saffron, cardamom, and rose water, creating a fragrant and aromatic base. The noodles are then topped with a layer of lightly scrambled eggs and garnished with fried onions and raisins.
Recommendations: Meylas, Yadoo’s House
Type: Non-Vegetarian
Price: AED 40.00 (approx)
Madrooba
Madrooba is a hearty Emirati stew that showcases the region's love for slow-cooked dishes. It has the consistency of a porridge and is made by simmering meat, usually chicken or lamb, with a mixture of flour and water until it reaches a thick and creamy consistency. The stew is seasoned with spices such as turmeric, cumin, and coriander, giving it a warm and aromatic flavour. Madrooba is typically served with fragrant rice and garnished with fried onions and fresh herbs.
Recommendations: Blue Grill, Al Rimal
Type: Non-Vegetarian
Price: AED 65.00 (approx)
Margoogat
Margoogat is a comforting Emirati stew that is beloved for its rich flavours and hearty ingredients. It is made by simmering meat, usually chicken or lamb, with a medley of vegetables such as pumpkin, zucchini, and eggplant, along with fragrant spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander. The stew is then thickened with a mixture of flour and water, giving it a luscious and creamy consistency. Margoogat is typically served with fragrant rice or traditional Emirati bread, making it a satisfying and wholesome meal.
Recommendations: Najd Palace, Saudi Kitchen
Type: Non-Vegetarian
Price: AED 60.00 (approx)
Shakshouka
Shakshouka is a flavourful and aromatic dish that has its roots in North Africa but has become a beloved staple in Emirati cuisine. It consists of poached eggs cooked in a rich and spicy tomato sauce, flavoured with onions, bell peppers, garlic, and a blend of fragrant spices such as cumin, paprika, and chili powder. The dish is typically served hot, garnished with fresh herbs and served with crusty bread for dipping. With its bold flavours and comforting appeal, shakshouka is a favourite among foodies across the world.
Recommendations: Al Fanar Restaurant, Al Rimal
Type: Non-Vegetarian
Price: AED 55.00 (approx)
Jasheed
Jasheed is a traditional Emirati seafood stew that features a medley of fish, shrimp, and clams, simmered in a flavorful broth enriched with tomatoes, onions, and aromatic spices. What sets Jasheed apart is the use of dried fish, which adds a distinctive umami flavour to the stew. Served piping hot with fragrant rice or traditional bread, Jasheed offers a taste of the sea that resonates with the maritime heritage of Abu Dhabi.
Recommendations: Al Fanar Restaurant, Al Rimal
Type: Non-Vegetarian
Price: AED 65.00 (approx)