Best restaurants and what to eat
Emirados Árabes Unidos
Abu Dhabi’s cuisine reflects the flavors of the Emirati coast and desert: fragrant rice dishes, grilled seafood, dates, and spiced meats shaped by Bedouin traditions and Gulf trade routes. Luxury dining sits alongside humble home cooking, with saffron, cardamom, dried lime, and rosewater giving the region’s food its distinctive perfume.
A prized Emirati date variety with a soft caramel sweetness, amber-brown flesh, and a lingering toffee-like finish. It is often served with Arabic coffee, used in festive platters, or enjoyed on its own for a rich, honeyed bite.
A thick date syrup made locally from pressed dates, with deep molasses notes and a glossy, sticky texture. It is drizzled over bread, folded into breakfast dishes, or paired with tahini and ghee for a classic Gulf sweetness.
Traditional clarified butter with a nutty, toasted aroma and a rich, silky mouthfeel. In Emirati kitchens it is used to enrich rice, breads, and sweets, adding depth and a luxurious finish.
A concentrated date molasses with intense sweetness, dark color, and a slightly smoky, caramelized edge. It is an old preserved staple, excellent with flatbreads, dairy, or sesame-based condiments.
A thick, tangy strained yogurt with a creamy body and clean dairy brightness. In Abu Dhabi it is commonly served with olive oil, mint, and bread, balancing spicy or salty dishes beautifully.
Silky chickpea purée seasoned with tahini, lemon, and garlic, prized for its smooth texture and nutty savoriness. It is a staple mezze in the Gulf and pairs naturally with flatbread and grilled meats.
Lightly roasted Arabic coffee flavored with cardamom, sometimes saffron or cloves, served pale-gold and highly aromatic. In Abu Dhabi it is poured in small cups with dates, symbolizing hospitality and ceremony.
A strong milky tea steeped with spices such as cardamom and often sweetened generously. Popular throughout the UAE, it is usually served hot from roadside cafés and enjoyed as a daily comfort drink.
Saffron milk is a fragrant sweet dairy drink with a golden hue, gentle floral notes, and a soothing finish. It is often served warm or chilled at home, especially for guests and festive occasions.
A tart tamarind drink with refreshing acidity and a subtle caramel edge, commonly prepared for hot weather and Ramadan tables. Served chilled, it balances rich and fried foods beautifully.
A sweet, dark Gulf beverage made from date syrup, rosewater, and often a touch of grape molasses, usually topped with pine nuts. It is intensely perfumed and typically served over ice on festive occasions.
A popular berry- and spice-flavored syrup drink widely embraced in the UAE, mixed cold and often served at iftar. It is sweet, nostalgic, and refreshing, especially when poured over ice.
A slow-cooked Emirati classic of wheat and meat, pounded into a smooth, porridge-like dish with a mellow, savory depth. Finished with ghee, it is especially prized at weddings, holidays, and large family feasts.
A fragrant rice dish cooked with meat or fish, dried lime, onions, and warm spices, delivering layered acidity and aromatic richness. It is one of the most emblematic dishes of Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE.
Bread torn into a savory meat and broth stew, allowing the flatbread to soak up spiced juices while staying satisfying and soft. This dish is deeply traditional and valued for both comfort and communal eating.
A thick, stirred dish of rice, chicken, and spices cooked down until creamy and unified. Rich, warming, and deeply homestyle, it is comfort food with a luxurious texture.
A pressure-cooked rice dish with meat, tomatoes, and spices that tastes bold, savory, and pleasantly smoky. It is a hearty everyday favorite across the Gulf, often served in generous shared platters.
A traditional fish preparation often associated with Emirati coastal cooking, where whole fish is seasoned, wrapped, and cooked gently with rice or aromatics. The result is tender, moist, and infused with sea-salty flavor.