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(CNN) When the second version of the 50 Finest Eating places within the Center East and North Africa was hosted in Abu Dhabi earlier this 12 months, it helped shine a lightweight on the emirate’s meals scene, in addition to honoring the area’s finest culinary creativity .
Eating places in 14 cities throughout the Center East and North Africa have been garlanded, with the general winner named Orfali Bros Bistro, a Dubai venue based in 2021 by three brothers initially from the Syrian metropolis of Aleppo.
Whereas its glitzy neighbor Dubai has had a head begin, Abu Dhabi is now getting into the fray and its three entries on the checklist are testomony to the energy of the meals scene rising within the UAE capital.
Within the UAE and Arab tradition normally, hospitality is all the pieces and native fragrant delicacies is at all times shared. Saffron, turmeric, cinnamon and numerous different aromatic spices, together with nuts and dried fruits, are sometimes present in conventional stews and sauces.
With practically 90% of Abu Dhabi’s inhabitants made up of expats, the emirate additionally affords dozens of cuisines from around the globe, from Peruvian to Thai, French to Japanese, Indian to Ethiopian.
On the highest 50 checklist was Coya Abu Dhabi, positioned atop the 4 Seasons Lodge on Al Maryah Island, serving up to date Latin American delicacies with East Asian influences. Venues together with Zuma Abu Dhabi, a Japanese restaurant, and the Abu Dhabi outpost of legendary Cantonese restaurant Hakkasan have been additionally acknowledged.
Listed here are seven extra of the very best locations to eat in Abu Dhabi and what to order if you arrive:
Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi
One of many signature dishes of Martabaan is biryani.
Pictures proudly framed exterior Martabaan showcase among the well-known names who’ve dined on superstar chef Hemant Oberoi’s delicacies over time, together with no fewer than 4 US presidents: Clinton, two Bushes, and Obama.
Martabaan takes its identify from a ceramic jar by which one in every of its signature lamb curry dishes is served, together with the cardamom-scented biryani rice dish. A creamy slow-cooked black lentil dish known as dal makhani and raita, a refreshing cucumber and mint yoghurt dip, are the proper accompaniments.
Different surprises on the menu of Indian delicacies that Oberoi calls “up to date traditional” embrace the traditional French dessert crme brle, however made as a substitute with India’s beloved spiced tea, masala chai.
The restaurant is one in every of a number of prime eating shops on the palatial Emirates Palace Lodge, which was not too long ago taken over by the Mandarin Oriental Lodge Group.
Martabaan by Hermant OberaiEmirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Lodge, West Corniche Highway, Abu Dhabi
Beirut Sur Mer
Beirut Sur Mer makes a speciality of Lebanese delicacies.
Which means ‘Beirut-on-sea’, this ethereal property sits on a chic boardwalk overlooking the turquoise water and pristine sands of Saadiyat Island. With a vibrant inside and a cool soundtrack, the seaside restaurant specializes within the fabulous range of Lebanese delicacies.
Among the many dazzling unfold of plant-based dishes, typical of Lebanon, roasted eggplant salad is lifted with pomegranate molasses whereas grilled halloumi cheese is topped with candy and bitter figs and lime-thyme honey.
Carnivores additionally take pleasure in grilled seafood and meats, such because the grilled lamb tenderloin with nut-tomato sauce or the succulent grilled hen marinated in lemon and garlic. There are decadent desserts like kunafa, a baked cheese and shortbread pudding soaked in sugar syrup.
Beirut Sur MerJacques Chirac St, Cultural District, Abu Dhabi
Theano
Tean will get its identify from the Arabic phrase for fig.
Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort is house to Tean, which takes its identify from the Arabic phrase for “fig.” It is a relaxed place that celebrates the flavors of the Levant, the jap Mediterranean belt that features Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and Cyprus. Sitting simply steps from the water, it is no shock that seafood options prominently on the menu within the spacious, light-filled eating room.
When you’re a hummus fanatic, who is not? – there are as many as 10 variations to select from, together with beetroot, avocado, prawns and scrumptious skewered hen shawarma. Different highlights embrace the Turkish dish Imam Bayildi – whose identify interprets brilliantly as “the imam has fainted,” so good was the dish after they tried it – the place beef cheek meets smoked eggplant and tomatoes.
Above all, do not miss the native Emirati specialties together with prawn mashbous, a massively fashionable rice dish with Persian Gulf prawns, nuts and native spices.
TheanoJumeira at Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
Turtle Bay Bar and Grill
Australian grain-fed rack of lamb is on the menu at Turtle Bay.
A stone turtle on the door on the garden exhibits you have come to the best place for Turtle Bay Bar & Grill, named for turtle species present in Abu Dhabi, together with Hawksbill and Loggerhead. Overlooking the big swimming pool at Saadiyat Rotana Resort and surrounded by palm timber, the very best tables are discovered on the roof terrace overlooking the seashore and sea.
Japanese delicacies is the large draw. There are dishes like a punchy uncooked tuna with the citrus notes of yuzu, soy sauce and jalapeno, or platters of nigiri and maki sushi.
Contemporary oysters, Alaskan king crab and caviar are choices for many who feast in model, whereas the grill can be house to high quality cuts together with grain-fed Australian rack of lamb and USDA grade Angus.
Turtle Bay Bar and GrillSaadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
Mezlai
Mezlai affords a real window into Arab culinary tradition.
Set throughout the jaw-dropping scale and stylish environment of the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Mezlai’s design is paying homage to a floating Bedouin tent and affords a real window into Arabian culinary tradition. Dishes from everywhere in the Center East characteristic elements from the ocean and the desert, the mountains and even the oases.
Tables fill with beneficiant small plates of mezze together with the freshness of bulgur wheat tabouleh, parsley and tomato salad, the crunch and texture of fattoush salad with chunks of fried pita bread and completely clean hummus.
Starters criss-cross the area, from Syrian karaz kebob with cherry sauce, an Arabian combined grill or a shocking seafood platter. Their signature dessert of pistachio baklawa, the favored phyllo dough with nuts and syrup, is given severe consideration with native honey from the lodge’s beehives, camel milk ice cream and gold leaf.
MezlaiEmirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Lodge, West Corniche Highway, Abu Dhabi
Saadiyat Seashore Membership
Saadiyat Seashore Membership is the place to loosen up and dine in model.
Saadiyat Seashore Membership is the proper retreat for these trying to unwind alongside the Blue Flag licensed shores of the Persian Gulf, with stay DJs enjoying all through the day, cabanas to loosen up in and loads of swimming pools to chill off in.
Whereas there are a variety of eating places and lounges to select from, Safina celebrates the flavors of the Mediterranean in a relaxed but stylish setting. The seafood linguine options beneficiant prawns, mussels, child squid and clams in a wealthy tomato sauce, whereas the paella is a good tackle the Spanish traditional.
Tiramisu, sticky toffee pudding and the native favourite umm Ali, a form of bread pudding with pistachios, are nice methods to finish.
Saadiyat Seashore MembershipSaadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
LPM Abu Dhabi
Mediterranean dishes impressed by the Côte d’Azur are on the menu at LPM.
Since LPM Restaurant & Bar Abu Dhabi first fired up the ovens upon opening in 2017, it has remained a agency favourite with locals and guests alike, due to its stylish but relaxed inside and Coastal-inspired delicacies Azure.
Mediterranean elements are championed in signature dishes together with heat prawns with olive and lemon juice, an onion and anchovy tart known as pissaladire, and lamb cutlets with olive and aubergine caviar.
LPM is positioned on vibrant Al Maryah Island and has profitable sister eating places in locations together with London, Dubai, Miami and Hong Kong.
LPM Abu DhabiThe Gallery, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi