A lesson in Lebanese
Reviewed by: Kara Martin
When you’re spoilt for choice for Lebanese cuisine anywhere you turn in Abu Dhabi, finding a really good restaurant is a little like striking gold. And Sahriye really is worth its weight in the stuff.
Lebanese cuisine often carries a laid back, late night vibe – you eat well – and well into the night. Arriving ravenous at 9pm proves still too early for local diners, but this does ensure quick service – good for those who can’t wait much later for food.
Starting with grape vine leaves stuffed with a wonderful, moist mix of rice, tomato and parsley, followed by smooth hummus drizzled in olive oil proves extremely successful on the taste buds. Apparently in Arabic culture it’s rude to dunk food into different sections of the dip; instead it’s far politer to keep to what’s in front of you. But a lot of rules were broken that night, and Abu Dhabi Week blames it on the use of the olive oil.
The menu offers some unusual options such as lamb brain, spine and veal tongue (as well as many raw meat dishes). A safer option for the timid is the mixed grill - tender chicken kofta and lamb with an irresistible smoky taste. The hammour admittedly wasn’t a stunner taste-wise but it was beautifully cooked - fluffy and light - making the knife pointless.
Despite safe choices on the main courses, we did go mildly wild on dessert and discovered that Mafrukeh with Achta is a quaint Lebanese dish with cream, cashews and pistachios atop a thin layer of sweet biscuit base - and an ok treat.
All in all, dining at Sahriye is a privilege. The Lebanese fare - and people - frequenting the venue make it the real deal and a gem among many other competitors on the Abu Dhabi dining scene.
What? Sahriye
Where? One to One Hotel
Why? Great food and entertainment at a very reasonable price
Why not? Things don’t pick up until midnight. Abu Dhabi Week caught the Arabic band but missed the belly dancer (too far past our bedtime). If you don’t want to leave smelling like shisha smoke, dine early
We say: An authentic experience – well worth experiencing time and time again
Cost: AED 178 for two, excluding drinks and charges
Contact: 050 762 6030
