Abu Dhabi

🌍

International Cuisine

Sections

Comprehensive Guide to International Cuisine in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, offering a vibrant and diverse food scene. From Michelin-starred fine dining to affordable street food, the city caters to all tastes and budgets. Below is a detailed guide to help you navigate Abu Dhabi’s international culinary offerings.

Popular International Cuisines in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi’s cosmopolitan nature is reflected in its food scene, which features cuisines from around the world. Some of the most popular international cuisines include:

  1. Middle Eastern Cuisine

    • Includes Lebanese, Syrian, Turkish, and Persian dishes.
    • Popular dishes: Hummus, falafel, kebabs, shawarma, and baklava.

  2. Indian Cuisine

    • A favorite due to the large Indian expatriate community.
    • Popular dishes: Butter chicken, biryani, dosas, and samosas.

  3. Italian Cuisine

    • Known for its authentic pasta, pizza, and risotto offerings.
    • Popular dishes: Margherita pizza, carbonara, and tiramisu.

  4. Japanese Cuisine

    • Sushi, sashimi, and teppanyaki are widely available.
    • Popular dishes: Ramen, tempura, and wagyu beef.

  5. Chinese Cuisine

    • Ranges from Cantonese dim sum to Sichuan spicy dishes.
    • Popular dishes: Peking duck, dumplings, and hot pot.

  6. American Cuisine

    • Includes burgers, steaks, and Southern comfort food.
    • Popular dishes: BBQ ribs, cheeseburgers, and milkshakes.

  7. French Cuisine

    • Known for its fine dining and patisseries.
    • Popular dishes: Croissants, escargot, and crème brûlée.

  8. Thai Cuisine

    • Known for its balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors.
    • Popular dishes: Pad Thai, green curry, and tom yum soup.

  9. Mexican Cuisine

    • Tacos, burritos, and enchiladas are widely available.
    • Popular dishes: Guacamole, quesadillas, and churros.

  10. Seafood

    • Fresh seafood is a highlight, with influences from Mediterranean, Asian, and local Emirati cuisines.

Notable Restaurants in Abu Dhabi

Here are some of the top-rated restaurants for international cuisine in Abu Dhabi:

Middle Eastern

  • Li Beirut (Jumeirah at Etihad Towers): Upscale Lebanese dining with a modern twist.
  • Almayass (The Galleria): Armenian-Lebanese fusion cuisine.

Indian

  • Punjab Grill (Venetian Village): Fine dining with North Indian specialties.
  • Tamba (The Hub at The Mall): Contemporary Indian cuisine with a creative flair.

Italian

  • Villa Toscana (St. Regis Abu Dhabi): Authentic Tuscan and Italian dishes.
  • Roberto’s (The Galleria): A chic Italian restaurant with waterfront views.

Japanese

  • Zuma (The Galleria): A world-renowned Japanese izakaya-style restaurant.
  • 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant (The Galleria): High-end sushi and Japanese cuisine.

Chinese

  • Hakkasan (Emirates Palace): Michelin-starred Cantonese cuisine.
  • Shang Palace (Shangri-La Hotel): Traditional Chinese dishes in a luxurious setting.

American

  • The Cheesecake Factory (Yas Mall): Classic American comfort food.
  • Black Tap (The Galleria): Known for its gourmet burgers and over-the-top milkshakes.

French

  • Bord Eau (Shangri-La Hotel): Fine French dining with an elegant ambiance.
  • LPM Restaurant & Bar (The Galleria): French-Mediterranean cuisine.

Thai

  • Benjarong (Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi): Authentic Thai flavors in a royal setting.
  • Sontaya (St. Regis Saadiyat Island): Thai-inspired dishes with stunning sea views.

Mexican

  • VaKaVa (Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers): Latin American cuisine with a focus on Mexican flavors.
  • Tortuga (The Galleria): Casual Mexican dining.

Seafood

  • Finz (Beach Rotana): Mediterranean-style seafood with waterfront views.
  • Catch (St. Regis Corniche): A modern seafood restaurant with a creative menu.

Average Dining Costs

Dining costs in Abu Dhabi vary depending on the type of restaurant and cuisine:

  • Fine Dining: AED 300–600+ per person (e.g., Zuma, Hakkasan).
  • Mid-Range Restaurants: AED 100–250 per person (e.g., Tamba, Benjarong).
  • Casual Dining: AED 50–100 per person (e.g., The Cheesecake Factory, Tortuga).
  • Street Food: AED 10–30 per item (e.g., shawarma, falafel).

Reservation Procedures

  • Fine Dining: Reservations are highly recommended, especially for popular restaurants like Zuma, Hakkasan, and LPM. You can book via the restaurant’s website, phone, or apps like OpenTable or Zomato.
  • Casual Dining: Reservations are usually not required, but it’s advisable during weekends or peak hours.
  • Special Events: For brunches, themed nights, or holiday events, book well in advance as these are very popular in Abu Dhabi.

Cultural Dining Etiquette

  1. Dress Code:

    • Fine dining establishments often have a smart-casual or formal dress code. Avoid wearing shorts, flip-flops, or overly casual attire.
    • Casual restaurants are more relaxed, but modest clothing is appreciated.

  2. Alcohol:

    • Alcohol is served only in licensed venues such as hotels and certain restaurants. Public intoxication is strictly prohibited.

  3. Halal Food:

    • Most food in Abu Dhabi is halal. Pork is available in some restaurants but is clearly labeled and served separately.

  4. Tipping:

    • Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated. A 10–15% tip is customary in fine dining restaurants if service charges are not included.

  5. Dining Times:

    • Lunch is typically served from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, and dinner from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Some restaurants offer all-day dining.

  6. Sharing Food:

    • Sharing dishes is common, especially in Middle Eastern and Asian cuisines. Don’t hesitate to order family-style.

  7. Ramadan Considerations:

    • During Ramadan, eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours is prohibited. Many restaurants remain open but may have screened-off dining areas.

Local Tips for Enjoying Abu Dhabi’s Food Scene

  1. Friday Brunch:

    • A must-try experience in Abu Dhabi. Many hotels and restaurants offer lavish brunches with international cuisines, live cooking stations, and entertainment.

  2. Food Festivals:

    • Look out for events like the Abu Dhabi Food Festival, which showcases international cuisines and celebrity chefs.

  3. Delivery Apps:

    • Apps like Talabat, Deliveroo, and Zomato are widely used for food delivery if you prefer dining at home.

  4. Explore Local Markets:

    • Visit Mina Fish Market or Al Mina Fruit & Vegetable Market for fresh produce and seafood.

  5. Cultural Sensitivity:

    • Be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially during religious holidays or in conservative areas.

Abu Dhabi’s international food scene is a culinary adventure waiting to be explored. Whether you’re indulging in fine dining or savoring street food, the city offers something for everyone. Bon appétit!