Where to experience authentic Emirati cuisine in Abu Dhabi

Ever wondered where to taste the soul of Abu Dhabi beyond its towering skyscrapers? While the capital’s modern glamour often steals the spotlight, its culinary roots stretch back to Bedouin campfires, pearl divers’ feasts, and spice-laden trade routes. Emirati cuisine here isn’t just food—it’s a whispered history of resilience, hospitality, and desert ingenuity. Let’s uncover where to savor these traditions, from hidden alleyways to luxury resorts, without the fluff.

MEYLAS

The Modern Revival of Emirati Comfort Food

Meylas, founded by an Emirati chef, reimagines childhood dishes with a contemporary flair. Their balaleet—a sweet-savory vermicelli dish topped with saffron eggs—is a breakfast staple, but try it for dinner with a side of chbaab (Emirati pancakes). The threed (layered bread and lamb stew) here is slow-cooked for 10 hours, infusing the broth with turmeric and dried lime. Insider tip: Pair your meal with khabees, a semolina pudding flavored with cardamom and rosewater. The minimalist décor, featuring palm frond motifs, nods to Abu Dhabi’s pre-oil era.

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AL FANAR RESTAURANT & CAFÉ

A Nostalgic Trip to 1960s UAE

This retro gem replicates a 1960s Emirati village, complete with vintage radios and sepia-toned photos. The machboos laham (spiced lamb rice) is a crowd favorite, but the jasheed (minced shark) is the true star—a rarity even in Abu Dhabi. For dessert, the luqaimat (fried dough balls) arrive piping hot, drizzled with date molasses. Fun fact: Al Fanar uses camel milk in their karak chai, giving it a creamier texture. The www.few.ae editor swears by their Friday breakfast spread, featuring 15+ traditional dishes.

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EMIRATES PALACE

Gold-Dusted Luxury Meets Bedouin Tradition

Yes, it’s opulent—but the hotel’s Sayad restaurant serves Emirati seafood with a royal touch. The samak mashwi (grilled sea bream) is marinated in loomi (black lime) and served on saffron-infused rice. For a splurge, try the camel burger topped with truffle cheese. Don’t miss the gahwa (Arabic coffee) ceremony, where beans are roasted tableside with cardamom and cloves. Pro tip: Book a terrace table at sunset for views of the private beach.

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AL MAQAM

A Cultural Feast at Qasr Al Hosn

Nestled within Abu Dhabi’s oldest stone building, Al Maqam offers dishes once served to royal families. The harees (wheat and chicken porridge) is simmered overnight in a clay pot, achieving a velvety texture. Their margoog (vegetable stew) features frikkeh (green wheat), a nutrient-rich ancient grain. The majboos here uses free-range Omani lamb, a detail that elevates the flavor. The www.few.ae editor recommends the “Heritage Tasting Menu” for a curated journey through Emirati culinary history.

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HAGGIS

Street Food with an Emirati Twist

Don’t let the name fool you—this food truck near Corniche Beach serves regag (crispy flatbread) stuffed with spicy minced meat or local honey. The chabab pancakes are laced with turmeric and coconut, a recipe from the founder’s grandmother. Grab a karak chai spiked with ginger for a post-beach pick-me-up. Budget-friendly and quick, it’s a hit among students and office workers. Meals average 25 AED.

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ZUHRAT AL BUSTAN

Home-Style Cooking in a Majlis Setting

Tucked in a villa near Khalifa Park, this family-run spot feels like a cozy home visit. The thareed (bread soaked in goat stew) is a winter favorite, but their madrooba (salted fish paste) is the real showstopper—aged for three days for maximum umami. Ask for the maklouba (upside-down rice with chicken), a Levantine influence adopted by Emirati families. Portions are hearty; come with a group to share.

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ABU DHABI HERITAGE CLUB

Dine with Historians and Pearl Divers

More than a restaurant, this cultural hub offers immersive dining experiences. Sit cross-legged on carpets as elders share tales of pearl diving while serving jisheid (shark) and khameer bread. The muhalla (date syrup dip) is made with dates from Al Ain’s oases. Reservations are required, and attire should be modest. A portion of proceeds funds preservation of Emirati traditions.

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TURQUOISE

Emirati Flavors on a Private Island

Located on Saadiyat Island, this beachfront restaurant blends Bedouin recipes with organic ingredients. The deyay nashef (chicken in tomato sauce) is cooked in a tannour oven, while the fogga (rice with nuts) uses red rice from Kerala, a nod to historic trade ties. Try the lgeimat ice cream—fried dough crumbs over saffron gelato. Prices are steep (around 300 AED/person), but the sunset views are worth every dirham.

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AL ARABI

The Hidden Gem of Mohamed Bin Zayed City

This no-frills eatery is where locals grab chebab pancakes after dawn prayers. The khubz rigag (paper-thin bread) is baked on a domed griddle and served with dango (thick chickpea stew). Their balaleet is uniquely savory, sprinkled with fried onions. Cash only, and don’t expect English menus—point to what the regulars are eating.

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BAIT AL QAF

Coffee Culture, Emirati-Style

This café in Al Ain revives the UAE’s ancient coffee traditions. The gahwa is brewed with cardamom and saffron, served in handleless cups. Pair it with khameer bread stuffed with akawi cheese or muhalla dates. The beans are roasted in-house using techniques from the 18th century. A 45-minute drive from Abu Dhabi, it’s perfect for a day trip.

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WHY IS EMIRATI CUISINE STILL A SECRET IN ABU DHABI? Unlike Dubai’s food scene, Abu Dhabi’s culinary treasures are quieter, often tucked into heritage sites or family homes. The magic lies in simplicity—no gold leaf, just cumin-scented stews and bread baked over coals. For the www.few.ae editor, the best meals start with a story. So skip the hotel buffets, ask questions, and let the flavors unravel centuries of history. After all, isn’t that the spice of life?

Things to do in Dubai / Things to do in Abu Dhabi