Discover the best hidden gems in the capital with the Best Bites scavenger hunt

Al Dhafra Restaurant

Al Dhafra Restaurant is tucked away just off the Corniche in a unique building with heritage features. The seafood is brought in fresh from the port and featured in a beautiful display for your choosing.

Dishes to try

Seafood Platter 

Create a personalised seafood platter by choosing fresh fish and seafood from the display. Pricing is done by weight. This is a great way to try a little bit of everything – the calamari and whole fish are Best Bites standouts. 

Machbous 

The machbous is served with chicken, fish or lamb and the tender meat is served atop flavourful rice. Try a squeeze of lemon on the dish to really make it pop! 

Grilled Prawns 

Who can’t resist a big plate of grilled prawns? Slathered in garlic butter, these are a must try!

Location: Corniche St, Mina Port

Contact: 02 673 2200

Al Liwan

Al Liwan opened its doors in 2012, bringing Syrian food to Abu Dhabi. This hidden gem recently moved to a bigger location just off the Corniche. Here you will find them cooking up traditional dishes and bread from scratch. 

Dishes to try​

Hummus with Meat

This hummus dish is a standout for both flavour and texture. Savoury meat and pine nuts are sprinkled atop of smooth hummus with a spoonful of ghee. Their homemade bread is the perfect vessel for this dip!

​Chicken Liver with Pomegranate Syrup 

The chicken livers are brought out on a sizzling platter, cooked with onion and peppers. The pomegranate syrup brings a subtle sweetness to the dish and helps the edges of the liver cook to a deep golden brown. 

​Grilled Eggplant Fatteh with Meat and Nuts 

This new menu item is a standout! The eggplant is grilled and then generously coated with yogurt, meat, slivered almonds, parsley and sumac. The seasoned, slight spicy meat is the perfect pairing for the cool yoghurt and the grilled flavour from the eggplant. A must!

Location: Golden Beach Tower, Corniche

Contact: 02 622 9441

Al Mufraka

Born from one Sudanese family’s love of cooking, everything about Al Mufraka is authentic: Sudanese chefs, cooking traditional Sudanese dishes, using ingredients and raw materials from Sudan. 

Dishes to try

Falafel 

Who knew that possibly the best falafels in the city are available at a Sudanese restaurant? Prepared fresh to order, these are little balls of fluffy falafel heaven coated in an amazingly crisp and crunchy outside.

Chicken Agashe 

Lightly marinated with a blend of spices and prepared over the barbeque, this simple yet tasty crispy chicken dish is a must-try. Squeeze on a touch of lime, sprinkle on the chilli powder and it’s good to go! ​

Shaya Jamour 

Served over charcoal in a traditional Sudanese pot, this charcoal-grilled meat brings the meal to the next level. The cubes of lamb are beautifully marinated with Al Mufraka’s special seasoning and grilled to tender perfection. 

Location: Al Wahda

Contact: 052 821 8316

All Directions

Fairly new to the Abu Dhabi food scene this hole in the wall is serving up some delicious cheap eats hailing from northeast China. 

Dishes to try

Crispy Sweet and Sour Chicken Slices

A perfect blend of spice and sweetness mixed with finely sliced chicken. Presented beautifully this dish is light, flavourful and expertly crafted. The sweet and sour sauce is bold but not overpowering, making this a truly enjoyable sharing dish.

Beef Dumplings

Steaming hot, juicy and freshly made from the filling to the pastry, these dumplings are truly authentic.

Spicy Chicken

Prepared with salted green chillies and fried chicken cubes, this dish embodies a range of textures and flavours that could be nibbled on these for hours! Make sure you try the salted green chillies – they aren’t too spicy!Location: Al Markaziyah Salam Street

Contact: 02 882 6441

Aroy Dee

Chef and owner Fatima was born and raised within Ratchaburi Floating Market of Thailand, Fatima wanted to go on an adventure around the world, whilst keeping Thailand close to her heart and into ours with these authentic Thai dishes.

Dishes to try​

Tom Yum Soup

This dish redefines ‘soup’, with its sour and spicy flavoursome combination, Fatima’s Tom Yum is bold and perky with an extra burst of heat.

​Green Curry

At first it was an explosion of heat, quickly put out with the creaminess from the coconut milk, leaving an extraordinary, fresh taste. This dish will have you picking up the bowl and not leaving a single drip at the bottom. Tip – the coconut smoothie goes perfectly with this dish!​

Mango Sticky Rice 

This dessert is a naturally sweet delight, made up of sticky rice mixed with thick coconut cream and sugar, paired with a perfectly ripe, half slice of yellow sweet mango, finished off with some extra coconut cream!

Location: Electra St, Al Danah

Contact: 02 666 5461

Bandung

Situated in The Tourist Club area, this restaurant is hard to miss due to its vibrant signage, bold decorations, and delicious flavoursome food. 

Dishes to try

Beef Rendang

The rich flavours, creamy consistency and tenderness of the beef, make this dish an absolute must try!

Nasi Goreng Special

This authentic plate is the perfect accompaniment to the Beef Rendang or just as tasty on its own. The combination of fried rice, meat, chicken and egg fills the palate with an array of different tastes.

Ayam Goreng Kalasan

A traditional Indonesian dish of succulent crispy fried chicken cooked to crunchy perfection in batter and jam packed with scrumptious spices.

Location: Al Zahiyah

Contact: 02 645 2008

Bosnia Hut

Lovingly prepared and completely authentic in its tastes, this quaint eatery is serving up traditional dishes representable of regional flavours from Bosnia and the Baltics.

Dishes to try

Cheese Pita

A crispy pita stuffed with mouthwateringly soft cheese, paired to perfection with green onion and sour cream for an extra added treat!

Bosnian Kebab

A truly authentic Bosnian specialty,  this delectable meat kebab is served with a traditional side of roasted red pepper spread, sour cream, chopped onion and loaded inside fresh bread for a delightful finishing touch.

Bosnlan Traditional Sweet (Hurmascle)

This delicious sweet treat is a butter dough/cookie soaked in syrup, with and added hint of nut and semolina for that true Bosnian dessert.

Location: 933 Hazaa Bin Zayed St, near Burjeel

Contact: 02 566 6215

Bliss Tea

From tea, to waffles to gelato! This place is the go to for anything bubble related.

Dishes to try

Signature bubble tea

A blend of sugar, tea and ice – this signature item is refreshingly good and will leave diners wanting more. 

Bubble waffles with ice-cream

Both soft and crispy, these waffles make a great dessert or snack, especially when paired with a side of ice cream.

Tiger sugar gelato

This delectable dessert is made with brown sugar and accompanied with a generous scoop of ice cream, doesn’t that sound like a winning combo?

Location: Airport Rd 

Contact: 056 655 6789

Boti Street

Guests are sure to be overwhelmed when entering this eatery, the truck art representable of Pakistani culture on display, will make you feel right at home.

Dishes to try

BBQ Platter

This sharing platter is nothing less than spectacular, the seekh kebabs, chicken Bihari and fish combined with authentic spices, make this dish a delicious choice for diners.

Peshwari Karahi: 

Feast your eyes with this delectable offering, a fantastic chicken curry served in a stainless-steel dish with a tomato and ginger basing. Sounds delightful!

Kabab Handi: 

A beautiful boneless chicken curry, paired with traditional breads, this main course offering will ensure the experience of Pakistani cuisine is a tasty one.

Location: Lulu Street

Contact: 02 621 3383

Golden Spoon

Open since 1993, this Indian restaurant is based upon tradition – with the mother as the head of the kitchen, the son managing the outlet and the father taking care of each diner throughout their experience, it’s the ultimate family affair.

Dishes to try

Gobi Manchurian

As one of the best sellers on the menu, these crispy fried cauliflower florets coated in sweet and spicy Manchurian sauce certainly leave foodies wanting more. Daring diners should ask for extra spice for an additional kick!

Vegetable Akbari 

This tomato based curry is rich in flavouring with just the right amount of spice and enjoyed with vegetable kebabs. There is also a vegan option available which is just as good as the original.

Sarson Ka Saag

This winter specialty is a mix of mustard greens and aromatic Indian spices –  served best when paired with a butter naan.

Location: Madinat Zayed area

Contact: 02 633 7155

Kabul Afghanistan

Serving up Afghan delicacies, foodies can relish in rich palates and flavourful offerings as  they enjoy their dishes traditionally sat on the floor or at a table.

Dishes to try

Afghani Lamb Shank Pilau

This dish is an expertly blended mix of rice, dried fruit and carrots with a large serving of lamb shank bursting with succulence and spices.

Mantoo Dumplings

These dumplings filled with lentils, meat and topped with yoghurt are a delicious Afghani specialty, preparation can take some time so calling ahead to order is advised.​

Afghan Mix Kebab

A deliciously tender kebab, made up of meat or chicken and spiced to perfection leave that every diner wanting more. 

Location: Madinat Zayed area

Contact: 02 444 1889

Kitfo

Feel right at home when dining at this Ethiopian restaurant, relaxing with friends amongst the comforting décor whilst listening to authentic African music and enjoying the delectable recipes.

Dishes to try

Kitfo Sharing Platter

A plating of raw meat sauteed in butter, this colourful offering is an explosion of local tastes and delicacies. Served best with sourdough bread or injera.​

Special Shekla Tibes

This sharing platter is a combination of fried beef strips with onion, garlic and pepper served piping hot with an injera as the finishing touch.​

Ethiopian Coffee

A freshly brewed roasted Ethiopian coffee served in the traditional jebena is the perfect palate cleanser at a feast.

Location: 3rd street, Khalidiyah

Contact: 02 678 0018

Mamak

This truly is a hidden gem, the location may be humble but the food is second to none.

Dishes to try

Nasi Lemak

Experience a Malaysian specialty of succulent fried chicken, coconut milk rice served with sambal, egg, anchovies, toasted peanuts and cucumber coated in sweet chilli.

Roti Pisang

Feast on this delicious sweet alternative, Roti consists of delectable layers of banana set between thin, golden sheets of flat bread.

​Mee Goreng Chicken

A combination of chill and curry flavourings, this dish is cooked to order so you can add just as much spice as you wish. 

Location: DNOC food court, heading towards Yas on the Saadiyat Highway

Contact: 02 563 1525

Ole! Espana

Abu Dhabi’s first and finest Spanish street food restaurant.

Dishes to try

Chicken Paella

This dish is as authentic as it comes, the secret ingredients and traditional way of serving ensures every bite is delicious.  Jam packed full of seasonings make this offering a must try on the menu.

Spanish tortilla

Not just limited to breakfast, this can be opted for at any time of the day. Excellent quality of soft eggs and fried green peppers are used to create this simplistic, yet yummy dish. 

​Calamari Sandwich (bocadillo de calamares)

A firm favourite back in Madrid, this calamari sandwich is served between a fresh crusty bread roll, stuffed full of battered calamari and covered with a tangy sauce for the finish touch.

Location: Airport Rd

Contact: 02 643 1162

Pasha

Serving up authentic plates curated and mastered by Turkish chefs.

Dishes to try

Pasha Signature Mixed Grill

Straight out of Turkey, this yummy special sees a range of meats, including lamb chops, chicken kaba, beef and much more served with a flavoursome selection of appetizers, such a mutabal and rice-filled vine leaves. 

​Iskender Kebab

This sizzling hot plate of grilled lamb coated in a tomato sauce and melted buttered is one of the favourites on the menu, and it’s not hard to see why. 

​Turkish Baklava

A Turkish specialty of crispy pastry and crushed pistachio soaked in honey and served with vanilla ice cream – catering to both a savoury and sweet preference. 

Location: Khalidiyah

Contact: 02 666 6601

Qian Zhou

Located in Najda Street, this venue is bright and inviting with traditional décor and a larger menu offering.

Dishes to try

Hot Pot (Spicy & Non-Spicy)

A broth, with both a spicy a non-spicy option served with a range of veggies, noodles and dumplings and your own dipping sauce cooked to your preference. 

Barbecue 

A mix of marinated meats, such as chicken, beef, prawns and much more grilled together and charred to perfection.​

Hot and Spicy Crayfish 

Not for the faint hearted, these spicy crayfish are tender, sweet but most of all tasty! 

Location: Al Markarziah, National Theatre

Contact: 02 674 5677

Qwaider Al Nabulsi

This hidden gem is a staple within the Arabic community, and widely known for its Jordanian sweets. 

Dishes to try

Kunafah

This must try dish is absolutely divine and a firm favourite amongst customers, with both an orange and cheese option, it’s sure to be an absolute hit. 

​Lenza

This mouthful of tastiness consists of a coconut-based cheesy square, the combination of ingredients together complement each other to make a unusual but surprisingly great pairing.  

​Basboussa:

Undoubtedly, one of the venue’s most loved dishes – it’s impossible to visit Qwaider without trying this, it’s exceptionally good and exceptionally sweet!

Location: Al Ramlah St, off Muroor Rd

Contact: 02 650 6663

Sultan Falafel

An increasingly popular restaurant within the area with a great custom of loyal locals.

Dishes to try

Shawarma

A beautiful shawarma, filled with chicken pickles and the French fries, topped off with Sultan’s special sauce for a treat like no other!

​Falafel

Served with hummous, this dish is one of the most renowned on the menu.

​Mansaf

Perfectly cooked lamb, coated in goat’s milk youghurt and topped with almonds make this dish a delight and the portion sizing is particularly generous.

Location: MBZ City 

Contact: 02 552 2400

Vansha Ghar

This outlet, along with its extensive menu is a great representation of what Nepalese cuisine has to offer.

Dishes to try

Momos

These chicken or buffalo filled dumplings are heavenly, whether they’re served on a sizzling platter or tandoori style, ensure to add a side of tomato and green chilli chutney to enjoy them the traditional Nepalese way. 

Thakali Set

A mouthwatering serving of curry with rice, daal, saag, aloo and pickles presented on a sophisticated metal platter as the finishing touch.

Chowmein

This stir-fried noodled special consisting of peppers, carrots and served with chilli chutney is from the desi Chinese menu. After a portion of this, it’s not hard to see why it’s one of the favourites. 

Location: Zayed the First St, Al Markaziah

Contact: 02 644 0788

Yamazaki

After opening their first location in Abu Dhabi this year, their wide variety of both sweet and savoury items have been a hit with the residents. 

Dishes to try

Japanese Cheesecake 

Rich in both flavour and texture, it’s also light enough to savour on all by yourself. The hint of caramel flavouring is the best bit.  ​

Classic Cinnamon 

This cinnamon bun is both delicious and light, with a gooey whipped cream centre that will leave every mouth-watering. ​

Mochi 

With an array of flavours to choose from, it’s a difficult decision on which one to pick. Mochi lovers can opt for the classics such as matcha, yusu, strawberry, passionfruit and much more – they even have wasabi!

Location: Defence Rd, Nahyan Camp

Contact: 02 441 416

West to West Kitchen

As the first African & Caribbean kitchen in Abu Dhabi, this kitchen is famed for its traditional menu.

Dishes to try

Chicken Groundnut Stew

A perfect comfort feast of chicken, peanut sauce that falls right off the bone. ​

Carnival Goat Curry

This Jamaican dish is marinated for over 24 hours to ensure the flavours are spicy, rich and aromatic. The juicy pieces of tender goat combined with a side of rice and peas to create a curry like no other. ​

Awojoh Binch

Served with a massive portion of sweet plantains, this plate is a delicious vegetarian option but will even leave the biggest of meat eaters wanting more with its unique mix of herbs and spices. 

Location: Electra St, Al Danah

Contact: 02 671 9119

Yalla Shay

Bringing some of Pakistani’s finest street food to Abu Dhabi, guests can choose from a variety of dishes across their expansive menu at amazing prices.

Dishes to try

Chatpata Fries 

Battered before frying, these chilli spiced crunchy fries are a Yalla staple. The fluffiness of the outside combined with the kick of the intense flavours make this dish a must order. ​

Bihari Chicken Paratha Roll

This chicken wrap is created within a paratha roll,  the blend of this with red onion and tasty spices compliment the flavouring, ensuring it’s a hit with the diners!​

Bun Kebab 

A patty of lentils and meat sandwiched together and filled with onion, tomato, cucumber and various sauces. There’s no doubt, it’ll leave you wanting more.

Location: Tourist Club area, behind KFC

Contact: 055 753 5004