Desserts In Abu Dhabi That You Should Try
Abu Dhabi, the vibrant capital of the United Arab Emirates, is not just known for its stunning architecture and luxurious lifestyle but also for its diverse culinary scene. Among the many culinary delights, the desserts in Abu Dhabi are a true reflection of the city's rich cultural heritage blended with modern flavors. Whether you are a tourist or a local, indulging in these sweet treats is a must to complete your Abu Dhabi experience. In this blog, we will explore some of the most tantalizing desserts that Abu Dhabi has to offer.
Luqaimat
Luqaimat is a traditional Emirati dessert that is beloved throughout Abu Dhabi. These small, round dough balls are deep-fried until golden and then soaked in a sweet, aromatic syrup often infused with saffron and cardamom. Crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, Luqaimat is commonly found at local markets and serves as a perfect snack or dessert after a meal.
Where to Try:
Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe: Known for its authentic Emirati cuisine, Al Fanar offers some of the best Luqaimat in the city, served warm and dripping with delicious syrup.
Meylas: A modern twist on Emirati street food, Meylas serves Luqaimat with a variety of syrups, including date, honey, and even chocolate.
Kunafa
Kunafa is a cheese pastry soaked in sweet, sugar-based syrup. It’s a popular dessert in the Middle East, and in Abu Dhabi, it's a must-try. The city offers many variations, from the classic cheese kunafa to innovative versions filled with cream or nuts.
Where to Try:
Al Reef Lebanese Bakery: A favorite spot for locals, they serve a deliciously gooey cheese kunafa.
Qwaider Al Nabulsi Sweets: Known for their traditional desserts, they offer a range of kunafa, including some with pistachios and cream.
Baklava
Baklava is a rich, sweet pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey. It is traditionally made in a large pan and cut into a variety of shapes.
Where to Try:
Turkish Village Restaurant & Cafe: Offers a variety of baklava filled with pistachios, walnuts, and almonds.
Zahrat Lebnan: A chain that serves up some of the best baklava in Abu Dhabi, alongside a menu of other Middle Eastern treats.
Umm Ali
Umm Ali, also known as "Ali’s Mother," is a delicious traditional Egyptian dessert that has made its way into the heart of Abu Dhabi’s dessert scene. This warm bread pudding is made with pastry, milk, sugar, nuts, and sometimes coconut and raisins, baked until golden and served hot.
Where to Try:
Damasquino: They serve a perfectly spiced version of Umm Ali that balances sweetness with a touch of cardamom.
Marakesh: As part of their Moroccan and Middle Eastern cuisine offerings, their Umm Ali is creamy and rich, often topped with a layer of toasted nuts.
Chebab
Chebab is like the Emirati version of pancakes, infused with saffron and cardamom, and often served with date syrup (dibbs).
Where to Try:
Zahrat Al Jabal: A traditional cafe offering chebab with a variety of fillings including cheese and honey.
Cafe Bateel: While known for their dates, Bateel also serves a gourmet version of chebab paired with their signature date syrup.
Aseeda
Aseeda is a traditional Emirati dessert made from cooked wheat flour or bread crumbs and molasses. This dish is particularly popular during Eid and other festive occasions in Abu Dhabi.
Where to Try:
Al Dhafra Dinner Cruise: Enjoy aseeda on a traditional dhow cruise, experiencing both the dessert and the scenic views of Abu Dhabi’s coastline.
Heritage Village: Visit this cultural spot to try aseeda made in a traditional setting.
Ghuraiba
Ghuraiba is a buttery shortbread biscuit in the Arab world, often flavored with cardamom and saffron. This light and crumbly biscuit is a delightful complement to Arabic coffee.
Where to Try:
Café Arabia: A cozy spot where you can enjoy Ghuraiba with a cup of Arabic coffee.
Majlis Al Sultan: Offers a variety of traditional Arabic desserts, including freshly made Ghuraiba.
Firni
Firni or Fereni is a classic Middle Eastern dessert, similar to pudding, made with ground rice, milk, sugar, and flavored with cardamom and rosewater. It’s served chilled and often garnished with pistachios or almonds.
Where to Try:
Bombay Palace: Known for their Indian cuisine, they also make an excellent version of Firni, which is rich and creamy.
Rosewater: Located in Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Rosewater offers an international buffet that includes Firni as part of their dessert spread.
Madlouka
Madlouka is a lesser-known but utterly delicious dessert, made of layers of cream and nuts, topped with a semolina and butter layer.
Where to Try:
Layali Zaman: Specializes in Lebanese and Middle Eastern sweets, including an excellent Madlouka.
Al Ibrahimi Restaurant: A popular spot among locals for Middle Eastern dishes, including a variety of traditional desserts like Madlouka.
Falooda
Falooda is a cold dessert with origins from the Indian subcontinent. It’s made with noodles, basil seeds, jelly, milk, and ice cream. A perfect treat to beat the heat in Abu Dhabi.
Where to Try:
Evergreen Restaurant: Offers a range of flavors including rose, mango, and pistachio Falooda.
Chhappan Bhog: A sweet shop and restaurant that serves up some of the best Falooda in town, with rich and creamy textures.
What is the most popular dessert in Abu Dhabi?
Luqaimat is one of the most beloved traditional desserts in Abu Dhabi.
Where can I find the best Kunafa in Abu Dhabi?
Al Reef Lebanese Bakery is renowned for its delicious and authentic Kunafa.
Are there any dessert tours available in Abu Dhabi?
Yes, there are several food tours available that include dessert stops at popular spots around the city.
What is a must-try modern dessert in Abu Dhabi?
Modern twists on traditional desserts like saffron and rose water ice cream are a must-try.
Can I find gluten-free desserts in Abu Dhabi?
Yes, many cafes and restaurants offer gluten-free dessert options, including gluten-free versions of traditional sweets.
Where can I enjoy dessert with a view in Abu Dhabi?
Sky Lounge Thirty-One at the Grand Millennium Al Wahda offers desserts with stunning panoramic views of the city.
For more adventures and experiences in Abu Dhabi, visit our company Forever Tourism LLC.
Direct BookingAbu Dhabi's dessert scene is as diverse as its culture, offering everything from traditional Emirati sweets to international favorites. Each dessert tells a story of flavor, tradition, and culinary innovation. When you’re in Abu Dhabi, make sure to treat yourself to these sweet delights and explore the rich culinary heritage of the city.
Lalit Nathani
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