The capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi is packed with its tall buildings and has a business-friendly environment, but there’s also an amazing food scene. If you’re planning to visit, make sure to try these traditional dishes.

Harees 

ramadan
Image by lmombo from Pixabay

A popular Ramadan food, Harees contains wheat and meat, like chicken or lamb. It’s all cooked together until it becomes mushy, soft, and creamy. In the traditional Emirati style, a pinch of cinnamon is added to enhance the flavour.

Machboos

A rice dish packed with flavour, Machboos is often considered the national dish of the UAE. The rice is cooked with meat and veggies. Saffron and cinnamon are added to give it the classic Emirati flavour. Tasty and filling, you can find Machboos almost anywhere in the city. However, if you stay at a centrally located hotel like Oaks Liwa Executive Suites, which is known for providing serviced apartments in Abu Dhabi, your foodie journey will become much easier.

Balaleet

A beloved breakfast dish in the UAE, Balaleet is made with sweet vermicelli noodles and eggs. As for spices, local cooks like to add cardamom and saffron. Balaleet is often served with a topping of fried onions.

Shawarma

A street food delight in Abu Dhabi and across the Middle Eastern region, Shawarma is like a burrito with a filling of meat, veggies, and spices. It’s absolutely delicious!