Abu Dhabi

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Desserts and Sweets

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Desserts and Sweets in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, offering a wide variety of desserts and sweets that cater to both traditional Emirati tastes and international palates. Whether you’re looking to indulge in local delicacies or explore global dessert trends, Abu Dhabi has something for everyone. Below is a comprehensive guide to desserts and sweets in the city.

1. Traditional Emirati Sweets

Traditional Emirati desserts are deeply rooted in the region’s culture and history, often featuring ingredients like dates, saffron, rose water, and cardamom. These sweets are a must-try for anyone visiting Abu Dhabi.

Popular Emirati Desserts:

  • Luqaimat: These are small, deep-fried dough balls, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, drizzled with date syrup or honey. They are a staple during Ramadan and other festive occasions.
  • Balaleet: A unique dessert made of sweetened vermicelli noodles flavored with cardamom, saffron, and rose water, often served with a thin layer of egg on top.
  • Khanfaroosh: A fried dessert made from a batter of flour, sugar, saffron, and cardamom, often served with coffee.
  • Chebab: Emirati-style pancakes infused with saffron and cardamom, typically served with date syrup or cream cheese.
  • Dates and Stuffed Dates: Dates are a quintessential part of Emirati culture. They are often stuffed with nuts or coated in chocolate for a sweet treat.

Where to Find Traditional Emirati Sweets:

  • Al Fanar Restaurant & Café: Known for its authentic Emirati cuisine, including traditional desserts.
  • Arabian Tea House: A charming spot offering a variety of Emirati sweets alongside traditional tea.
  • Local Markets and Souks: Visit places like the Mina Zayed Dates Market for fresh dates and other traditional treats.

Price Range:

  • Traditional Emirati desserts are generally affordable, ranging from AED 10–30 per serving.

2. International Dessert Offerings

Abu Dhabi’s cosmopolitan nature means you’ll find a wide array of international desserts, from French pastries to Japanese mochi. The city is home to numerous high-end patisseries, dessert cafes, and global chains.

Popular International Desserts:

  • Baklava: A Middle Eastern favorite made of layers of filo pastry, nuts, and honey or syrup.
  • Kunafa: A Levantine dessert made with shredded phyllo dough, cheese, and sweet syrup, often served warm.
  • Macarons and Eclairs: French patisseries in Abu Dhabi offer exquisite versions of these classics.
  • Cheesecakes and Brownies: Widely available in cafes and dessert shops.
  • Ice Cream and Gelato: Artisanal gelato and unique ice cream flavors are popular, especially during the hot summer months.
  • Asian Desserts: Japanese mochi, Korean bingsu (shaved ice), and Thai mango sticky rice are increasingly popular.

Where to Find International Desserts:

  • L’ETO Café: Known for its stunning cakes and pastries.
  • Ladurée: A French patisserie famous for its macarons.
  • Magnolia Bakery: Offers classic American desserts like cupcakes and banana pudding.
  • Godiva Café: Perfect for chocolate lovers, offering decadent chocolate-based desserts.
  • SALT: A trendy spot for soft-serve ice cream and shakes.
  • Dolci & Capricci: An Italian dessert shop specializing in gelato and tiramisu.

Price Range:

  • International desserts vary widely in price, from AED 15 for a simple pastry to AED 50–100 for premium or artisanal options.

3. Luxury Dessert Experiences

Abu Dhabi is known for its opulence, and this extends to its dessert offerings. Some establishments offer extravagant desserts featuring gold leaf, exotic ingredients, and elaborate presentations.

Examples of Luxury Desserts:

  • Gold Cappuccino: Available at Emirates Palace, this cappuccino is topped with 24-karat gold flakes and served with a side of dates and chocolate.
  • Gold-Plated Ice Cream: Some high-end cafes offer ice cream adorned with edible gold.
  • Signature Cakes and Desserts: Many luxury hotels and restaurants create bespoke desserts for special occasions.

Where to Find Luxury Desserts:

  • Emirates Palace: A must-visit for the Gold Cappuccino and other luxurious treats.
  • Le Café at The Ritz-Carlton: Offers high-end desserts in a sophisticated setting.
  • Cipriani Yas Island: Known for its indulgent Italian desserts.

Price Range:

  • Luxury desserts can range from AED 50 to AED 300 or more, depending on the ingredients and presentation.

4. Dessert Buffets and Afternoon Teas

For those who want to sample a variety of desserts, Abu Dhabi offers dessert buffets and afternoon tea experiences at many luxury hotels.

Recommended Spots:

  • The St. Regis Abu Dhabi: Known for its elegant afternoon tea with a selection of desserts.
  • Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri: Offers a dessert buffet as part of its brunch experience.
  • Rosewood Abu Dhabi: Features a high tea experience with a mix of sweet and savory items.

Price Range:

  • Afternoon teas and dessert buffets typically cost AED 150–300 per person.

5. Cultural and Procedural Considerations

When exploring desserts in Abu Dhabi, it’s important to keep the following cultural and procedural aspects in mind:

Cultural Considerations:

  • Halal Ingredients: All food in Abu Dhabi, including desserts, adheres to halal dietary laws. Alcohol-based ingredients (e.g., rum in cakes) are generally not used unless explicitly stated.
  • Sharing Culture: Emiratis often enjoy desserts as part of a communal dining experience. Sharing desserts is common and encouraged.
  • Respect for Ramadan: During the holy month of Ramadan, eating in public during daylight hours is prohibited. However, many restaurants and cafes offer special Iftar menus with traditional sweets after sunset.

Procedural Tips:

  • Dress Code: While exploring dessert cafes, especially in malls or luxury hotels, dress modestly to respect local customs.
  • Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. A 10–15% tip is customary in cafes and restaurants.
  • Takeaway Options: Many dessert shops offer takeaway and delivery services, which can be convenient if you’re on the go.

6. Where to Buy Desserts as Gifts

If you’re looking to take desserts or sweets home as gifts, consider the following options:

  • Bateel: A premium brand specializing in gourmet dates and date-based products.
  • Patchi: A luxury chocolate brand offering beautifully packaged chocolates.
  • Al Nassma: Known for its camel milk chocolates, a unique and authentic Emirati gift.

Price Range:

  • Gift-worthy desserts and sweets typically range from AED 50–200, depending on the brand and packaging.

Conclusion

Abu Dhabi offers a rich and diverse dessert scene, blending traditional Emirati flavors with international influences and luxurious experiences. Whether you’re savoring luqaimat at a local café, indulging in a gold-plated dessert at a luxury hotel, or enjoying a macaron at a French patisserie, the city’s dessert offerings are sure to leave a lasting impression. Be sure to explore both the traditional and modern sides of Abu Dhabi’s dessert culture for a truly memorable experience.