Food is just one of the many magical journeys one can take in this city of futuristic skyscrapers, ancient mosques and towering minarets.

The capital’s myriad restaurants afford residents and visitors the opportunity to tour world cuisine, experience one another’s cultures, enjoy a taste of home, or discover something entirely new. I’m proud to introduce to you a comprehensive guide to taking a taste bud tour of the world right here in Abu Dhabi.

Africa and the Middle East

The food of the Middle East and Africa has been cross-pollinating for many thousands of years through trade, conquering armies and travel. The cuisine of the various countries and peoples of the Middle East and Africa are diverse, but the food does share central themes in common.

The Middle East is a vast swathe of territory, whose boundaries include everywhere from the Asian side of Istanbul to the west to the Omani tip of the Arabian Peninsula to the east. The history of its cuisine starts in the region once known as the “Fertile Crescent” (the intersection of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers), where wheat was first cultivated, followed by barley, pistachios, figs, pomegranates and dates.

Religion has also had an impact on the cuisine. Due to dietary restrictions on certain meats, lamb became a staple and the region has all but perfected its preparation.

The people of the Middle East have a sweet tooth like no other. Under the Ottoman Empire, sweet pastries of paper-thin phyllo dough and dense coffee were introduced to the region from Europe and many syrupy sweet desserts were born. But the native date will always serve as the most beloved natural sweetener around.

Emirati food explained

Visitors to the UAE are of course eager to sample the local cuisine but can often be left a little baffled as to specifically what they should be asking for.

Emirati cuisine has also been shaped by modern techniques and flavours while still retaining an overriding traditional character. Expect a medley of spices such as turmeric, saffron, cinnamon and nutmeg mixed with a good smattering of dried fruits and nuts such as almonds and pistachios.

Traditional Emirati food includes slow-cooked stews, gently spiced and roasted meats and fish and fragrant rice dishes, many of which take their inspiration from Indian biryani meals.

Europe

European cuisine is as diverse as its many nations, from the hearty stews of Northern Europe to the sun-drenched flavours of the Mediterranean. In Abu Dhabi, you’ll find excellent representations of French, Italian, Spanish, British and many other European culinary traditions.

Asia

Asia’s vast culinary landscape ranges from the delicate subtlety of Japanese cuisine to the bold spices of Indian cooking, and the fragrant herbs of Southeast Asian dishes. Abu Dhabi’s Asian restaurant scene covers this full spectrum, offering authentic dining experiences from across the continent.

The Americas

From the vibrant street food culture of Mexico to the refined steakhouses of North America, the culinary traditions of the Americas are well represented in Abu Dhabi’s diverse dining scene.

WORDS Colin Armstrong