The rich and diverse culinary heritage of the UAE is deeply rooted in Emirati traditions, influenced by Bedouin customs, maritime trade, and spice routes that have shaped the region’s food culture. Emirati cuisine showcases a beautiful balance of hearty flavours, fragrant spices, and locally sourced ingredients that reflect the country’s history and way of life.
Abu Dhabi has taken great strides in preserving and celebrating this gastronomic heritage, with restaurants across the city offering authentic and innovative takes on traditional Emirati dishes. Ideal for both seasoned foodies and curious travellers alike to discover a wealth of incredible flavour, here’s where to enjoy some of the most iconic Emirati dishes in the capital.
Jasheed
ryba
Since its opening in late 2023, Bib Gourmand restaurant ryba, the brainchild of Emirati chef and entrepreneur Faisal Mohamed Alharmoodi, has quickly become a must-visit for seafood lovers. Nestled in Souq Al Mina, near the bustling fish market at Zayed Port, ryba serves fresh local catch prepared with global influences. The elegant interior, with its twinkling chandeliers reminiscent of fishing nets, offers a refined yet welcoming atmosphere and the menu is crafted around high-quality Emirati ingredients, with a particular emphasis on dishes from the charcoal grill.One of ryba’s most enticing signature dishes is the ‘Jasheed Bites’, an inventive take on the traditional jasheed, made with baby shark. Unlike the original, these arancini-style bites are packed with delicate, spiced shark meat and paired with a vibrant spiced tomato sauce, saffron mayo, and black lime. The dish offers a delightful combination of textures and flavours, paying homage to a classic Emirati seafood preparation with a contemporary twist.
Chabab
Meylas
Tucked away on Al Muneera Island, MICHELIN-selected Meylas began as one of the UAE’s first food trucks before evolving into a charming all-day eatery. Founded by Emirati entrepreneur Shaikha Al Kaabi, Meylas is a celebration of heritage cuisine and modern hospitality. The restaurant’s interiors embrace an urban-rustic aesthetic, with burlap sack seating and upcycled pantry shelves adding to the charm. The menu features an array of authentic Emirati dishes carefully prepared in an open kitchen where diners can watch the culinary magic unfold and enjoy a delightful taste of Emirati home cooking.A particular highlight of the menu is the chabab pancakes, a traditional Emirati breakfast dish. These golden, fluffy pancakes are infused with cardamom and saffron and served with honey, date syrup, and cheese. Sweet, aromatic, and comforting, chabab pancakes perfectly encapsulate the essence of Emirati flavours, making them an unmissable treat for both locals and visitors.
Machbous
Al Mrzab
Bib Gourmand restaurant Al Mrzab has been an Abu Dhabi favourite for traditional Emirati cuisine since its inception. The restaurant’s neon sign is hard to miss, and the crowds gathered outside are a statement of its popularity. Inside, the décor features nostalgic photos of old Abu Dhabi, with seating options ranging from majlis-style cushions to private cabins and conventional tables. Despite the bustling atmosphere, the restaurant maintains excellent service and consistently delivers flavour-packed dishes that showcase the best of local culinary traditions.If you visit Al Mrzab, then you can’t miss the machbous, a fragrant and hearty mixed rice dish that can be served with either meat or fish. The rice is slow cooked with a blend of spices, dried limes, and saffron, creating a dish that is deeply aromatic and comforting. With the option to pair it with tender lamb, chicken, or fresh seafood, machbous remains a staple of Emirati cuisine and a must-try at Al Mrzab.
Salona
Yadoo’s House
For a taste of home-style Emirati cooking, MICHELIN-selected Yadoo’s House in Rabdan is the place to be. The restaurant’s name, which translates to ‘Grandmother’s House’, reflects its warm and inviting atmosphere. The décor blends nostalgia with contemporary design, incorporating elements like spice sacks and vintage sewing machines to evoke a sense of Emirati heritage. This charming eatery is perfect for gathering with family and friends over a hearty meal that celebrates the flavours of the UAE.Every stop at Yadoo’s House must be accompanied by salona, a traditional Emirati stew made with chicken, lamb, or seafood. Slow-cooked with a medley of vegetables, aromatic spices, and a rich tomato-based broth, this dish is both nourishing and deeply flavourful. Served with fragrant rice or traditional Emirati bread, salona is a comforting and soulful dish that embodies the true essence of Emirati cuisine.
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Margooga
Erth
Set within Al Hosn cultural site, one MICHELIN star Erth is a modern tribute to Emirati culinary heritage. The restaurant’s striking design, featuring polished concrete and bespoke furniture, creates a sophisticated yet welcoming ambience. With a focus on locally sourced ingredients and traditional flavours, Erth seamlessly blends nostalgia with innovation, offering a menu that is both rooted in history and forward-thinking.One of the most intriguing dishes on the venue’s tempting menu is ‘margooga ravioli’, a contemporary take on the classic Emirati dish margooga. This dish reinterprets the traditional slow-cooked vegetable and bread stew by incorporating elements of Italian cuisine, featuring delicate ravioli filled with vegetable margooga, complemented by asparagus tomato confit and a luscious parmesan emulsion. The fusion of Emirati flavours with Italian techniques results in a unique and memorable dish that perfectly encapsulates Erth’s culinary philosophy.
MORE ON THIS RESTAURANT: Meet the local farm that Erth sources its dates from
Illustration image: Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi
