You might think you’re cultured in cuisine, but have you ever tried mantoo or moussaka? No? Then it’s time to challenge your tastebuds – which is why we’ve rounded up 21 restaurants that each represent a different country
Korea
When Korean visitors tell you they’ve found an authentic restaurant in the capital, believe them – as South Korea’s army and national football team have visited Manna Land, in Al Nahyan Camp near Al Mamoura.
The restaurant’s décor, with its black and red furniture, black wooden panels and photos of Korean landscapes, is as authentic as its cuisine.
The healthy menu features grilled meat and seafood, clear soups and steamed vegetables.
Try the japchae (AED 55) – a party dish that’s traditionally cooked when welcoming important guests – which includes stir fried vegetables, meat and sweet potato noodles.
Starters from AED 35, mains from AED 50, desserts from AED 17. Daily 11am-11pm.
For more information contact: 02 446 6860
[email protected] www.mannalandkorean.com
Vietnam
Hoi An offers a modern take on authentic cuisine. The contemporary restaurant, in Shangri-La hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, is marked by carved mahogany panels, rattan chairs and soft orange furnishings.
Hoi An’s menu features a range of dishes from different cities in Vietnam including its namesake, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh – formerly Saigon. But street food, this is not. Everything from starters – such as the Hoi An crispy rolls stuffed with crabmeat and shrimp (AED 58) – to the desserts, such as chilled mango soup with coconut ice cream, mint and ground red pepper (AED 39) are pristinely presented.
We love the cá nuróng lá sen, oven-baked seabass marinated in chilli and lemongrass, wrapped in lotus leaf with fresh herbs and drizzled with a sauce made from kumquats, an Asian citrus fruit.
Vegetarians won’t be short of options either. Choose from a selection of starters, soups and mains including sweet and sour tamarind soup and clay pot braised tofu.
Starters from AED 42, mains from AED 89, desserts from AED 32. Daily 6pm-11.30pm. For more information contact: 02 509 8509 [email protected] www.shangri-la.com
Japan
There are more Japanese restaurants opening in the capital from Sushi Central in Khalidiya to Inakaya, the upmarket grill in Venetian Village in the grands of the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal. But we remain faithful to Toki in Hilton Abu Dhabi, a popular spot with Japanese nationals and a go-to for residents craving authentic Japanese cuisine.
The lengthy menu features typical hot and cold starters including our favourite, the lightly fried shrimp tempura popcorn – as well as salads, soup, sushi, sashimi, nigiri and maki rolls. The mains include grilled fish and meat, tofu dishes, noodles and rice.
Eating out with friends? Try the combination boat for AED 220, which includes 15 pieces of nigiri, six pieces of sushi rolls and 16 slices of sashimi, all served on a wooden boat.
Don’t forget to save room for our favourite dessert, mochi ice cream (AED 38). Three patties of ice cream each the size of a ping pong ball come wrapped in sticky, pounded rice.
Starters from AED 16, sushi from AED 22 for six maki rolls, mains from AED 83, desserts from AED 38. Daily noon-3pm and 6.30pm-11pm. For more information contact: 02 681 4151 www.hilton.com
UAE
Located in the Venetian Village, Al Fanar Restaurant and Café serves local cuisine in a traditional setting.
Fanar is the local word for the kerosene lamp that was used to light Emirati’s homes before electricity. This restaurant seeks to bring such memories back to life by creating a traditional ‘old town’ vibe and serving authentic cuisine. The atmosphere is reminiscent of an old Emirati neighbourhood, with chambers of brick and mud and a miniature market.
The menu features Emirati breakfast dishes, soups and desserts. There’s plenty of seafood – such as the fish dish machboos samak – as well as biryani and grilled meat.
Dishes range from AED 120. Daily noon-midnight. For more information contact: 02 448 1144 www.alfanarrestaurant.com
Thailand
Thai is a source of great debate in the Abu Dhabi Week office. With dozens of Thai restaurants in the capital, it’s difficult to choose a favourite. Pachaylen at Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara, Lemongrass in Mushrif Mall and Benjarong at Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi all make the list.
But we love Silk & Spice in Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche for its consistently good food, smooth service and welcoming atmosphere. Stop for dinner any night of the week and you’ll see what we mean.
The dishes are generously portioned and ooze authenticity. We love the tom yuam
(AED 62), a clear, spicy soup with lemongrass and prawns, or mushrooms for vegetarians.
Follow this with a main course: we like the Thai green curry (AED 92), stir fried prawns with tamarind sauce (AED 82) or tender beef tenderloin with black pepper and lemongrass (AED 125).
There’s also a great selection of Thai-inspired beverages – we love its lemonade, made with lime, soda and coriander.
Starters from AED 47, mains from AED 68, desserts from AED 22. Sun-Thu noon-3.30pm and 6pm-midnight, Fri-Sat 6pm-midnight. For more information contact: 02 813 7777 [email protected] www.sofitel.com
Philippines
The restaurant chain Chowking behind Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi on Hamdan Street comes straight from the Philippines. Since arriving in the UAE in 2003, the popular restaurant has opened 21 outlets across the country.
The casual restaurant is a great spot for families. Don’t expect anything fancy; the cafeteria-style restaurant has bare walls and minimalist furnishings.
Billing itself as an ‘Orient restaurant’, Chowking serves dishes from China and the Philippines. Expect the likes of dim sum, stir fried noodles, grilled meat and chao fan, or fried rice.
Our resident Filipina goes for the authentic kare kare, a stew with ox-tail, beef tripe, pak choy (a type of Chinese cabbage), green beans and aubergine in a creamy peanut butter sauce. She recommends pairing it with bagoong – a condiment made with dried fish and salt.
Starters from AED 7, mains from AED 20, desserts from AED 17. Daily 9am-11.30pm. Various locations including Hamdan Street. For more information contact:
02 633 4727 www.chowking-me.com
Lebanon
The list of quality Lebanese restaurants in the capital that serve hot and cold mezze, the pizza-like manaeesh , arayess – a toasted meat sandiwch – and mixed grills means you’re never short of options.
But since discovering Kahraman in Southern Sun Abu Dhabi, we keep going back for more – because it serves Lebanese food, but not as you know it.
The Syrian chef, Ahmed Awad, is putting his stamp on the cuisine by taking traditional dishes such as moutabal, lamb chops and shanklish – balls of goat or sheep cheese, coated in various seasonings – and giving them a 21st century makeover.
We love the grilled halloumi skewers (AED 40) served with apricot, prune and green apples, drizzled in a sticky honey dressing.
Starters from AED 40, mains from AED 135, desserts from AED 45. Daily 7.30pm-midnight. For more information contact: 02 818 4888 [email protected] www.tsogosunhotels.com
Indonesia
Sari Rasa is a popular Indonesian eatery frequented by nationals looking for a taste of home. Choose from the buffet or order a la carte. The lengthy menu features a selection of affordable and authentic dishes, prepared by an Indonesian chef. Expect curries, steamed banana leaf wraps – known as pepes – filled with meat or tofu; and tempe goreng, a fried soybean product similar to tofu.
The traditional, and more well known, mie goreng – fried noodles – and nasi goreng – fried rice – are also popular choices.
Opposite Abu Dhabi Mall, behind Ajman Bank. Daily 11am-11pm. For more information contact: 02 644 9110
Armenia
Al Mayass is an Armenian/Lebanese fusion restaurant in Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort.
Maroon curtains, tasselled lanterns and colourful mouth-blown glass ornaments create a homely atmosphere.
At first glance, the menu seems heavy on Lebanese fare with the likes of hummus, grills, hot and cold mezze and traditional salads such as tabbouleh and fattoushe.
But it’s the Armenian specialities that are really unique. We recommend starting with traditional mezze items such as the soujuk Al Mayass (AED 13), Armenian beef sausage topped with fried quail egg, or traditional mantee (AED 18), dirham-sized oven baked ravioli parcels filled with ground beef, served in a garlic yoghurt sauce with a sprinkling of sumac.
No trip to Al Mayass would be complete without its signature sweet and sour kebab (AED 30). Seasoned ground beef kebabs are drizzled with the restaurant’s special sweet and sour cherry sauce, all hidden under a blanket of crispy Arabic bread.
Mezze from AED 5, mains from AED 24, desserts from AED 8. Daily 12.30pm-11.30pm. For more information contact: 02 644 0440 [email protected] www.almayassnyc.com
Ireland
The Irish pub McGettigans in Al Raha Beach Hotel offers international and Irish fare.
To get a real taste of Ireland, tuck into a chargrilled Irish beef sirloin or rib eye, both 300g, or try the beef pie with swede, carrot and mashed potato.
At a bargain price of AED 66, the Irish stew with slow braised lamb, carrots, celery, onion and potatoes is also a must try. The meal is large, comforting and cries out for crusty bread to mop up the inside of the bowl.
The atmosphere is certainly Irish, with live music, plenty of people and a friendly smile from staff.
Starters from AED 30, mains from AED 60 and desserts from AED 30. Daily noon-2.30am. For more information contact: 02 642 4333 [email protected] www.mcgettigans.com
Afghanistan
You may not expect Afghani and Californian cuisine to be served in the same restaurant, but that’s exactly what Nolu’s does – and it does it well.
This café, in Bandar Marina, is marked by oak panels and lime green furnishings. The menu features healthy, hearty dishes including salads, sandwiches, soup and pasta.
Granted, only a small portion of the menu features Afghani specials, but the fusion with American is helping bring Afghani cuisine to residents’ attention.
The mantoo (AED 61) – steamed dumplings stuffed with beef and onions, topped with ground beef and a yoghurt sauce – is a popular choice. So is the generously portioned chapli kabob (AED 71), two minced beef patties seasoned with green onions, cilantro, jalapeños and spices served with a yoghurt sauce, all on a mound of Afghani brown rice.
Starters from AED 45, Afghani specialities from AED 49, desserts from AED 23. Sun-Thu 8am-11pm, Fri-Sat 9am-11pm. For more information contact: 02 557 9500 [email protected] www.noluscafe.com
France
French cuisine is known for being one of the most classic and technical cuisines in the world. The basic cooking techniques – including how to make a stock, crème anglaise (pastry cream) and roux – a mix of flour and butter – are taught to every chef.
The culinary team at Bord Eau in Shangri-La, Qaryat Al Beri have mastered these techniques and so much more. The restaurant is quintessentially French, from its grand floor-to-ceiling windows that are framed by sky blue curtains and perfectly set tables to the dimly lit chandeliers and paintings of ballerinas.
But the real draw in Bord Eau is its modern French cuisine. Granted, the menu is pricy, with the cheapest starter costing AED 90. But we think the food is worth the price tag; it’s lovingly prepared and beautifully presented so savour every mouthful.
We recommend the rack of milk-fed lamb (AED 185), slow cooked and served with homemade harissa chilli paste, young vegetables, dried fruit and sweet spices. But save space for the chocolate extravaganza, a chocolate ball filled with biscuits and seasonal fruits, with hot chocolate sauce poured on top. It’s garnished with gold leaf, naturally.
Seven-course degustation menu AED 625, starters from AED 90, sides from AED 25, desserts from AED 39. Daily 6.30pm-11.30pm. For more information contact: 02 509 8511 [email protected] www.shangri-la.com
Belgium
Belgian food is all about belly-warming dishes with deep flavours. Neighbouring countries – Germany, France and the Netherlands – have all influenced the country’s cuisine.
Abu Dhabi now has three Belgian Cafés – in InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Novotel Abu Dhabi Gate and Radisson Blu Hotel Yas Island.
Belgium’s best known dish is its mussels from Brussels – hot pots of juicy mussels with a variety of flavours – and that’s just what you’ll find at Belgian Café. But our favourite dish is the beef stew – boulders of tender meat swimming in a thick, ‘dip-your-chips-in-me’ sauce. It’s Belgium in a bowl.
Finish with chocolate fondant and let the silky Belgian chocolate entice you on a trip to the country.
Starters from AED 45, mains from AED 65 and desserts from AED 35.
For more information contact: InterContinental Abu Dhabi. Sat-Tue 5pm-11.30pm,
Wed-Fri 5pm-1am. 02 666 6888 www.dining-intercontinental-ad.ae
Novotel Abu Dhabi Gate. Daily 4pm-midnight 02 508 9999
www.novotel.com
Radisson Blu Hotel Yas Island. Daily noon-midnight. 02 656 2000
www.radissonblu.com/hotel-abudhabi
Greece
In need of a Greek getaway but can’t afford the flight? Le Méridien Abu Dhabi opened its Greek restaurant, Acropolis, in September 2014.
Executive chef Patrick Van Velzen, who lived and worked in Greece for over eight years, says that by importing products from Greece, the restaurant can offer an authentic experience.
Greek sous chef Valsamis Konstantinos recommends the moussaka, a typical Greek dish made with potato, minced beef, eggplants, onions and béchamel sauce or gyros – marinated, grilled chicken wrapped in pita bread with tomato, onions, tzatziki and French fries.
Starters from AED 18, mains from AED 60 and desserts from AED 30. Daily noon-midnight. For more information contact: 02 644 6666 [email protected] www.lemeridienabudhabi.com
Italy
Abu Dhabi has plenty of Italian eateries. From fine dining to pizza parlours, you’re well catered for. But according to Laura Volpi, our Italian-born writer, Filini at Radisson Blu Abu Dhabi, Yas Island is worth checking out.
The restaurant is more Milan chic than backstreet pizzeria in Bologna. Tall ceilings, sharp edges and sparkling tableware make Filini special.
The menu can be overwhelming, but for those looking for a real taste of Italy, make sure you try a pasta dish. The ravioli gamberi e asparagi – homemade ravioli stuffed with prawns and asparagus in a cherry tomato sauce – is a winner. The homemade egg tagliatelle pasta with Bolognese sauce, one of the restaurant’s best sellers, is also worth a try.
Starters from AED 43, mains from AED 57 and desserts AED 35. Daily noon-3pm and 6pm-11.30pm. For more information contact: 02 656 2000 [email protected] www.radissonblu.com
Germany
Beach Rotana’s Brauhaus is the only German restaurant in the capital.
The dark wooden interior feels like a traditional pub, while its garden has an authentic Bavarian atmosphere.
Chef de cuisine Kevin Pohl believes it’s the ambience and authentic recipes that make Brauhaus a traditional German restaurant worth visiting.
He told us, “I have absorbed authentic recipes from old chefs in Germany and from important people such as my grandmother. Those recipes, executed precisely, are a guarantee for a delicious meal.”
Never tried German cuisine? Chef Pohl suggests the popular breaded escalope – a thin, boneless meat – which comes in several variations including veal with sautéed paprika or turkey with turkey ham and Emmenthal cheese. Vegetarians should try the mushroom goulash with bread dumplings.
Starters from AED 42, mains from 65 and desserts from AED 37. Thu-Sat 12.30pm-3.30pm and 7pm- 11.30pm, Sun-Wed 4pm-11.30pm. For more information contact: 02 697 9000 [email protected] www.rotana.com/beachrotana
Brazil
Meat lovers, listen up. Chamas Churasscaria at InterContinental Abu Dhabi is the perfect introduction to Brazilian cuisine. The almost Neanderthal style of service – think barbequed meat on sword-style skewers – is entertaining as well as filling. When you say go, 17 options of beef, chicken, duck and lamb are sliced onto your plate.
For us, the filet mignon with Parmesan cheese, and the picanha – the centre of the bull’s rump – are our go-to cuts.
To stop you from overdosing on meat, there’s a salad bar, and for a sweet end to a gluttonous meal, try the moreish slices of barbequed pineapple flavoured with cinnamon and sugar.
Starting from AED 258++ with soft drinks. Daily 6pm-11.30pm. For more information contact: 02 666 6888 www.dining-intercontinental-ad.ae
USA
Step back in time at the 1950s diner, Hwy 55. Tucked away off Muroor Road, Hwy 55 serves up some classic US-style dishes in an old school American vibe.
The menu is packed with hotdogs, burgers and cheeseburgers, along with platters and sandwiches to boot. We love the wing basket – six chicken wings basted in Hwy 55’s secret sour sauce. They come served with salty fries which will have you reaching for your drink, so try the hand-squeezed lemonade or milkshake made with frozen custard.
Sides from AED 8, mains from AED 14 and desserts from AED 8. Sat-Wed 11am-11.30pm and Thu-Fri 11am-12.30pm. Building C66, behind Mamoura building, Al Muroor Road, Al Nahyan. For more information contact: 02 641 1161 www.hwy55burgers.com
Ethiopia
If you don’t know anything about Ethiopian cuisine, don’t panic – because Bonna Annee is a great introduction. Once you find this hidden gem, you’ll be rewarded with authentic cuisine at a great price – but don’t expect anything gourmet.
The restaurant – which only seats 30 people – is popular with Ethiopian residents.
Expect to dig into your meal – literally – as you use a piece of injera, a pancake-type of flat bread, to soak up stews, and more bread to scoop up meat and vegetables.
The brief menu features stews, grilled meats and pasta dishes.
From AED 20 to AED 60. Daily 10am-11.30pm. Salam Street, opposite Old Blood Bank Building, Al Zahia (formerly Tourist Club Area). For more information contact: 02 491 2128.
India
Indian restaurants are a dime a dozen in Abu Dhabi so you’re never short on options, whether you fancy a cheap and cheerful eat in a back-street cafeteria,
a vegetarian-only lunch in Salaam Bombay on Salam Street or a feast fit for a king in Ushna in Souk Qaryat Al Beri.
But one of our favourite spots is Motimahal Delux on Salam Street. The two-floor restaurant features private dining booths downstairs and a spacious family-style seating area upstairs.
The menu is a lengthy read of typical Indian specialities from kebabs and curries to tandoor platters and biryanis. There are plenty of vegetarian options as well.
If you’re in a group, we suggest sharing the vegetable platter (AED 45), which includes paneer tikka, tandoor stuffed potato, sweetcorn kebab and potato, pea and spinach patties.
For your main course, try the murg lehsooni kebab (AED 30) – boneless garlic chicken roasted in a tandoor – or the traditional dal makhni (AED 22) – slow-cooked black lentils with butter and cream.
Starters from AED 12, mains from AED 20, desserts from AED 12. Daily noon-12.30am. Al Baheyah Hotel Apartments, Salam Street and Al Falah Street (9th), behind Adnoc. For more information contact: 02 674 2121.
South Africa
In case you needed another excuse to visit the exclusive Al Sahel Villa Resort on Sir Bani Yas Island, here it is. Savannah Grill & Lounge, an African-themed restaurant, is nestled in the safari lodge-style resort.
The interior is marked by heavy wooden tables, dark brown leather chairs and African carvings.
But if you sit outside you’ll get a more authentic experience, as the tables are surrounded by Savannah grass. You might even hear the distant call of peacocks.
The menu is equally as authentic with the likes of Mozambican chicken burger (AED 55), Boerewors (AED 60) – a South African sausage – and springbok espatadas (AED 165) – a traditional barbequed skewer.
Starters from AED 30, mains from AED 75, desserts from AED 20. Daily 6.30am-10.30am, noon-3pm and 6.30pm-10.30pm. Non-guests must book transport with a hotel representative to and from the island. For more information contact: 02 801 4300 [email protected] www.al-sahel.anantara.com
