How to Eat Like a Local in Abu Dhabi - Wine and Dine Like a Local on Your Trip to Abu Dhabi

 Although most travellers head to Abu Dhabi to experience its world-famous landmarks, museums and shopping opportunities, foodies also revere the Emirati capital for its culinary prowess. Providing diners with eclectic tastes the chance to savour not only some of the country's traditional dishes but also local variations of global favourites, eating like a local is a must for all visitors touring the city. Here are some not-to-miss highlights for your dining itinerary.

Krista, Al fanar harees (7797136886), CC BY 2.0

1. Snack the Abu Dhabi Way

While you may reach for a bag of chips or peanuts when you need a quick burst of energy, residents in the U.A.E's bustling capital have a healthier option to savour. Milk and dates are not only the best pick-me-up in the city but also a popular starter among the older citizens of the city as it is quite literally a great way to start a meal. This snack is steeped not only in the city's heritage but Islamic scripture as well as the Prophet Muhammad is also believed to have savoured this snack back in the day. It should come as no surprise that one of the globe's leading date cultivators also likes to dig into the sweet fruit with a glass of cold milk.

2. Dig into a Plate of Al Harees

Al Harees is not only a staple in most local celebrations but is usually prepared in nearly every household after the holy season of Ramadan. This meat dish, which combines mutton and wheat, is actually a broth that's used to break the almost month-long fast observed by most citizens during the Ramadan period. Ground into small morsels, the meat is cooked in a clay pot for several hours so that it is tender enough to be combined with wheat flour and topped off with ghee or clarified butter. Usually cooked atop hot coals, the broth is a wholesome meal that is easy to digest and smooth on the palette.

3. Don't forget the Comfort Foods

Tourists wining and dining their way through the city should also savour the taste of comfort food that's ubiquitously referred to as Salona. This vegetable soup, with some meaty elements, is usually prepared with seasonal vegetables such as okra, courgettes, eggplant, bell peppers and crushed tomatoes. Onions are also required for this recipe that is known to create one of the healthier soups in Arabic cuisine, which is rife with broths that use ghee and other oils. Typically served as a starter in the best restaurants in Abu Dhabi, Salona is also a complete meal in and of itself for those who prefer a light diet.

4. Sample Seafood Cuisine

Whether one is based at the Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort or any other venue, the likelihood of finding Madrooba listed on the menu is quite high. Known as a special dish that's served in the coastal restaurants on the fringes of the city, this delectable seafood dish is made with Maleh fish that's cured in salt and then boiled after being infused with a spice mix used in Arabic cuisine. Flour is added to thicken the sauce or broth that the fish is usually served in while the entire dish is garnished with ghee before being presented to diners.

5. Sweet Potato Waffles

As a classic example of a local variation of a global staple, sweet potato waffles are a hot favourite among locals for their soft and succulent flavour. Considered a local breakfast dish, the waffles are often served with poached eggs in most local eateries. Filling and healthy due to the use of sweet potato as the base ingredient, local cafes are known to include this popular dish as a softer alternative to traditional waffles.