Part of the joys of visiting Abu Dhabi is the chance to not only try authentic culinary creations but also savour the diverse flavours of Middle Eastern cuisine. If you are getting ready for some foodie adventures here, these are four dishes you should definitely add to your list!

Falafel

falafel
Image by Firas Hassoun from Pixabay

Golden, crispy, and bursting with flavour, falafel is a must-try. These deep-fried chickpea patties are crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and served with creamy tahini sauce or wrapped in a fluffy pita with tomatoes, lettuce, and garlic sauce. Whether from a bustling street stall or as an appetiser while enjoying fine dining in Abu Dhabi, don’t miss these vegetarian-friendly bites!

Saloona
If you want to taste the ‘soul’ of Emirati home cooking, order a bowl of saloona. This comforting tomato-based stew is loaded with tender chicken, lamb, or fish, slow-cooked with Emirati spices. Some restaurants like Oia Oasis at Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat even offer a mixed vegetable version that pairs perfectly with fragrant saffron rice, ideal for soaking up all that rich, flavourful broth!

Mashawi Mshakaleh
This one is for all those meat lovers out there. This mixed grill platter can feature juicy kebab halabi, marinated chicken shish tawook, lamb chops, and beef skewers, generally cooked over an open flame for that smoky goodness. Served with garlic sauce, saffron rice (or fries) and grilled veggies, this dish is big, bold, and perfect for sharing… though that’s optional!

Umm Ali
Moving on to dessert, for which you should try umm ali, which is utterly yummylicious. Originally from Egypt, this dish features puff pastry pieces, which are first soaked in sweetened milk with the addition of nuts, raisins, and cream before being baked to perfection. Some restaurants even serve it with whipped cream, pistachio powder and toasted almond flakes for a truly decadent treat!