Abu Dhabi’s Famous Foods Every Traveler Must Try

Abu Dhabi Famous Food scene is a rich mix of Bedouin traditions, Gulf spices, and global influence. From centuries-old Emirati recipes to modern street food you’ll find in bustling souks and high-end malls, the city offers an unforgettable culinary journey. Whether you crave smoky meats, saffron rice, or rosewater-soaked desserts, Abu Dhabi delivers with flavor and flair.

In this guide, you’ll discover the best food to try in Abu Dhabi, including traditional Emirati dishes, top street eats, and authentic local flavors you shouldn’t miss.

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1. Al Harees

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Al Harees is a deeply traditional Emirati dish, especially loved during Ramadan and festive seasons. It’s made by slow-cooking wheat and tender meat, usually chicken or lamb, for hours in a clay pot until the texture becomes creamy and porridge-like. What makes Al Harees special is its simplicity and depth of flavor, achieved without spices.

• Must Try: Slow-cooked lamb harees topped with ghee for that melt-in-mouth feel
• Where to Eat:Al Fanar or at a desert camp like Al Mabeet for the real deal
• Price Range: $7–$12 (₹580–₹1,000)

Also Read: Abu Dhabi With Kids | A Family Travel Guide

2. Shawarma

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Shawarma may be found across the Middle East, but Abu Dhabi has made it an art form. Thin slices of marinated chicken or beef are grilled on a vertical rotisserie, then wrapped in fresh Arabic bread with toum (garlic sauce), fries, and pickles. Whether from a corner stall or high-end food court, shawarma in Abu Dhabi is juicy, smoky, and satisfying.

• Must Try: Juicy chicken shawarma loaded with garlic sauce in warm pita
• Where to Eat:Zahrat Lebnan, Automatic Restaurant, or any late-night joint
• Price Range: $2–$5 (₹165–₹415)

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3. Al Majboos (Makbous)

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Al Majboos, also known as Makbous, is a signature Emirati rice dish similar to biryani but with Gulf spices. Basmati rice is cooked with meat (chicken, lamb, or fish), dried lemon (loomi), saffron, and a rich tomato-based broth. The result is aromatic, colorful, and full of flavor. Often served during weddings and family feasts, Majboos represents the heart of Emirati hospitality.

• Must Try: Chicken Majboos infused with loomi and spiced rice
• Where to Eat:Mezlai at Emirates Palace or Seven Sands for a royal plate
• Price Range: $6–$10 (₹500–₹830)

Also Read: Best Cafes in Abu Dhabi: Where Coffee Meets Culture

4. Luqaimat

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Luqaimat are golden, deep-fried Emirati dumplings that are crispy on the outside and fluffy inside. Often described as “Gulf-style doughnuts,” they’re lightly sweetened and drizzled with date syrup or honey, then sprinkled with sesame seeds. Served mostly during Ramadan and celebrations, Luqaimat is a crowd favorite and a must-try dessert in Abu Dhabi.

• Must Try: Golden luqaimat drizzled with date syrup and sprinkled with sesame
• Where to Eat: Logma or Heritage Village stalls during Ramadan evenings
• Price Range: $2–$5 (₹165–₹415)

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5. Madrooba

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Madrooba is a thick, savory Emirati stew made with salted fish, flour, and a blend of spices including turmeric, cumin, and cardamom. It’s cooked down to a porridge-like consistency, often enriched with ghee and served piping hot. This dish is hearty, rich, and full of umami, offering a comforting taste of coastal Abu Dhabi cuisine. 

• Must Try: Creamy fish madrooba with a rich, spiced porridge texture
• Where to Eat:Meylas or Al Mabeet for a rustic, homestyle version
• Price Range: $6–$9 (₹500–₹750)

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6. Balaleet

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Balaleet is a unique sweet-and-savory dish commonly eaten for breakfast in Abu Dhabi. It features vermicelli noodles flavored with cardamom, saffron, and rosewater, topped with a savory egg omelet. The surprising flavor contrast between the sweet noodles and the salty eggs creates a harmonious bite that locals love.

• Must Try: Sweet saffron vermicelli with a crispy fried egg on top
• Where to Eat: Try it at Mezlai or a local Emirati breakfast buffet
• Price Range: $3–$6 (₹250–₹500)

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7. Machboos

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Machboos is one of the UAE’s most loved dishes, a spiced rice meal made with tender meat (often lamb), dried lemon (loomi), onions, tomatoes, and fragrant Gulf spices. Think of it as a cousin to biryani but with a uniquely Emirati twist. The rice absorbs all the rich broth, while the meat remains fall-off-the-bone tender.

• Must Try: Lamb Machboos with long-grain rice and deep, earthy flavors
• Where to Eat:Al Dhafra Heritage Restaurant or Meylas for a classic version
• Price Range: $6–$10 (₹500–₹830)

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8. Samak Mashwi (Grilled Fish)

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Samak Mashwi is a delicious, healthy, and widely loved dish in Abu Dhabi. It features whole local fish (often hammour or kingfish) marinated with garlic, lemon, and spices, then grilled over charcoal until perfectly smoky. Served with rice or salad, this dish reflects the city’s strong connection to its coastal fishing heritage. 

• Must Try: Charcoal-grilled hammour with lemon and fluffy rice
• Where to Eat: Head to Mina Port stalls or Catch at St. Regis for a gourmet vibe.s
• Price Range: $8–$14 (₹660–₹1,150)

Also Read: List of Temples In Abu Dhabi: Timings, Details, And More

9. Khuzi (Khabeesa with Roasted Meat)

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Khuzi (or Ghuzi) is a centerpiece of Abu Dhabi famous food, a grand platter of spiced rice topped with slow-roasted lamb or goat, often garnished with nuts and raisins. The meat is incredibly tender and flavorful, sometimes cooked underground in a pit for added depth. Khuzi is served during major occasions, Friday lunches, and family gatherings.

• Must Try: Whole roasted lamb on fragrant rice with nuts and raisins
• Where to Eat: Al Arish or cultural events like National Day feasts
• Price Range: $10–$18 (₹830–₹1,500)

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10. Thareed

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Thareed is an ancient Emirati dish that brings together spiced meat stew and soaked flatbread in a deeply comforting bowl. Picture tender lamb or chicken slow-cooked with vegetables like pumpkin, potatoes, and carrots in a tomato-based broth, poured over thin regag bread. The bread absorbs the flavor-packed stew, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

• Must Try: Bread soaked in meaty stew with vegetables and spices
• Where to Eat: Ramadan tents, Seven Sands, or any family-style Emirati meal
• Price Range: $6–$10 (₹500–₹830)

11. Regag Bread

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Regag is a super-thin Emirati flatbread, made fresh on a dome-shaped hot plate and folded with fillings like cheese, eggs, honey, or even hot chips. It’s crispy, quick, and wildly popular as a street snack or light breakfast. In Abu Dhabi, you’ll spot locals queuing up at food trucks and open-air stands for their favorite reggae wrap.

• Must Try: Thin crispy regag with cheese, egg, or hot chips inside
• Where to Eat: Grab one from a local street cart near Al Seef or Mina Market.
• Price Range: $1–$3 (₹83–₹250)

12. Stuffed Camel (Zurbiyan-style)

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Stuffed camel is perhaps the most extravagant dish you’ll ever hear of. Prepared for large occasions and royal banquets, it involves stuffing a whole camel with lamb, chicken, rice, eggs, and spices, then slow-cooking it over an open fire. While it’s rarely seen in regular restaurants, this dish symbolizes Bedouin generosity and celebration. In Abu Dhabi, you may catch a taste of it during traditional festivals or heritage events.

• Must Try: Once-in-a-lifetime dish of spiced whole stuffed camel
• Where to Eat: Rarely served, try Bedouin events or pre-order for weddings.
• Price Range: $300–$600 (₹25,000–₹50,000)

13. Jasheed

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Jasheed is a lesser-known but culturally rich seafood dish in Abu Dhabi made from finely shredded baby shark or other local fish. The meat is boiled, cleaned of bones, and cooked with onions, garlic, spices, and dried lemon (loomi) until aromatic. Served over rice and topped with clarified butter (ghee), it offers a bold, oceanic flavor unique to Emirati coastal cuisine..

• Must Try: Spiced minced baby shark with rice and caramelized onions
• Where to Eat: InterContinental Fishmarket or Emirati coastal homes
• Price Range: $7–$10 (₹580–₹830)

14. Khabeesa (Sweet Semolina Dessert)

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Khabeesa is a beloved Emirati dessert made from semolina, sugar, rose water, and a fragrant mix of cardamom and saffron. It has a rich, pudding-like texture and is often topped with ghee or nuts for added indulgence. Served during Ramadan and festive occasions, this dessert is warm, lightly spiced, and not overly sweet. 

• Must Try: Warm saffron semolina pudding with rosewater and nuts
• Where to Eat: Al Fanar or at cultural festivals like Al Hosn
• Price Range: $3–$5 (₹250–₹415)

15. Gahwa (Arabic Coffee) with Dates

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No culinary journey in Abu Dhabi is complete without sipping traditional Gahwa spiced Arabic coffee served from a brass dallah into tiny cups. Flavored with cardamom, saffron, and sometimes cloves, Gahwa is always served with fresh dates and is a symbol of Emirati hospitality. You’ll be offered it at museums, souks, luxury hotels, and even government offices. 

• Must Try: Fragrant gahwa sipped slowly with sweet, soft dates
• Where to Eat: Any majlis, Qasr Al Hosn, or traditional cafés
• Price Range: $2–$4 (₹165–₹330)

FAQs

What is the most famous Abu Dhabi food?

Al Harees and shawarma are two of the most iconic and widely enjoyed dishes in Abu Dhabi.

What are the traditional Emirati foods I must try?

Al Majboos, Madrooba, Thareed, Balaleet, and Luqaimat are traditional dishes every visitor should try.

Is street food popular in Abu Dhabi?

Yes. Street food in Abu Dhabi is popular, with shawarma, regag bread, and falafel wraps being safe, delicious, and widely enjoyed by both locals and visitors.

What is the best food to eat in Abu Dhabi during Ramadan?

Al Harees, Luqaimat, Thareed, and Khabeesa are widely enjoyed during Ramadan iftar meals.

Is Abu Dhabi food spicy?

No, most traditional Emirati dishes are flavorful but not spicy, using aromatic spices like cardamom, saffron, and cumin.

Can vegetarians find food easily in Abu Dhabi?

Absolutely. Dishes like falafel, hummus, regag, balaleet, and desserts like luqaimat and khabeesa are vegetarian-friendly.

What is the most unique food in Abu Dhabi?

Stuffed camel is one of the most unique and elaborate dishes, typically reserved for large feasts.

Where can I try authentic food in Abu Dhabi?

Visit traditional Emirati restaurants like Al Fanar, Mezlai, or Qasr Al Sultan, or explore food festivals and heritage villages.