Rooted in Flavor: A Culinary Walk Through Modern Abu Dhabi

Modern Abu Dhabi, Old Flavors - Walk the city, taste its story. ‍

There is an Abu Dhabi most people never see. It lives in side streets and family kitchens where the scent of biryani and the warmth of karak tea drift into the evening. This guided walk explores one of the city’s most historic neighborhoods and traces how a seaside town became a modern capital through the food of its communities.

What to expect:

Walk the backstreets of Abu Dhabi’s Tourist Club Area to uncover how migration, memory, and modernity come together in five unforgettable food stops; from Hyderabadi biryani to Turkish shawarma and Indonesian satay. Our Rooted in Flavor Tour invites you to see Abu Dhabi through its kitchens rather than its towers, a city built by migrants, bound by hospitality, and best understood one bite at a time. Join curated small group tours as we discover the everyday kitchens where Abu Dhabi truly eats.

Good to Know:

• Duration: about 3.5 hours
• Group size: 4 to 8 guests
• Starting point: Lebnan Fountain
• Includes water and all tastings
• Vegetarian options available; all food halal
• Moderate walking with shaded route where possible
• Venues are revealed during the walk to protect the experience.

Cuisines You’ll Taste:

A selection of flavors that represent Abu Dhabi’s multicultural story.

• South Asian comfort food
• Indo-Chinese fusion
• Turkish and Levantine flavors
• Gulf cafeteria classics
• Indonesian or Ethiopian cuisine

Perfect For:

• Curious residents who want to dive deeper into Abu Dhabi
• Friends or family visiting from abroad
• Anyone who loves history, food culture, or discovering new neighborhoods
• Photographers, writers, or creatives looking for inspiration
• People who prefer authentic, unpolished, deeply human experiences

This experience is not a luxury dining tour, it’s warm, local, and honest.

Best Bites Food Tours — Booking Terms & Conditions

These terms and conditions (“Terms”) govern your booking and participation in any food tour operated by Best Bites Abu Dhabi (“we,” “our,” “us”). By booking a tour, you (“guest,” “you”) acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms.

1. Booking & Confirmation

• All bookings are subject to availability and confirmed once payment has been received in full.
• You will receive a confirmation email containing your meeting point, tour time, and any special notes.
• Please review your confirmation carefully and contact us immediately if any details are incorrect.

2. Arrival Time

• The tour begins promptly at the scheduled start time.
• Guests arriving more than 15 minutes late will not be permitted to join once the group has departed.
• No refunds or rescheduling will be provided for late arrivals or missed tours.

3. Cancellations & Changes

• Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time to receive a full refund.
• Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the tour, or “no-shows,” are non-refundable.
• We reserve the right to cancel or reschedule tours due to extreme weather, safety concerns, force majeure, or circumstances beyond our control. In such cases, guests will be offered a refund or the option to rebook.

4. Inclusions

• Each tour includes curated food tastings and bottled water as described in the itinerary.
• Any additional purchases (extra dishes, drinks, souvenirs, etc.) are the responsibility of the guest and payable directly to the vendor.

5. Health, Safety & Conduct

• Please inform us in advance of any allergies, dietary restrictions, or medical conditions. We will do our best to accommodate, but we cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment.
• Follow the instructions of your guide at all times, especially when crossing streets, entering venues, or taking photos.
• Be aware of your surroundings, stay with the group, and respect local customs, staff, and fellow guests.
• We reserve the right to remove any guest behaving in a disruptive, unsafe, or disrespectful manner, without refund.

6. Liability

• Participation in the tour is voluntary and at your own risk.
• Best Bites, its employees, contractors, and partners are not responsible for any injury, illness, loss, or damage sustained during the tour, except where caused by gross negligence.
• Guests are responsible for their own belongings and personal safety during the experience.

7. Weather & Operations

• Tours operate rain or shine. Please dress appropriately for the weather, including comfortable footwear and sun protection during warmer months.
• In the event of extreme heat, rain, or other hazardous conditions, the itinerary may be adjusted for safety.

8. Photography & Media

• You are welcome to take photos during the tour, provided it does not disrupt the group or venues.
• By participating, you grant Best Bites permission to use photos or videos taken during the tour for promotional purposes, unless you notify us otherwise in writing before the tour begins.

‍