NEW RESTAURANTS FOR YOU TO TRY

This month we've got trendy food, delivery food, Arabic food, cheap food and vibey food, but we're pretty confident in the fact that it's all good. Who's the big mover for May? It's all about off-island! Will the food offerings in Yas Mall drag Gen Z away from The Galleria? Or will the nameless-so-we're-calling-it-Waitrose-Mall in KCA be the next hit pick? Time will tell.


Which will you hit up first?

BAOFRIEND

CORNICHE


They like big buns and they cannot lie! Baofriend is the new fabulous spot on the Corniche serving, yes you guessed it, baos ... and baogers! There are some insanely cool fillings like katsu baogers and coconut crusted jumbo prawn bao, but you can also get sharing plates of calamari, salads and healthy protein shakes. This place is worth a stop.


Time: 7AM - 12AM

Contact: 2 622 5594

LOVE VIBE

WAITROSE MALL, KHALIFA CITY A


We tolerated the food truck until we couldn't wait anymore ... and lo and behold, the dine-in wondrousness opened in Khalifa City A! It's cosy, has indoor and outdoor dining options and serves food with a hint of pink at every turn. We recommend the rose milk cake and the superb raspberry cheesecake.


Time: 8AM - 11PM

Contact: 2 622 0393

WAGAMAMA

REEM MALL AND KHALIFA CITY A


Wagamama is finally really giving Abu Dhabi a good go, and has not one but two new openings in town: first to open is Reem Mall, with Waitrose Mall, KCA coming a close second.


What do we love? The drawing your order on the paper menus, the fabulous staff and of course, the amazing modern Japanese cuisine. There's a great vegan menu and they can do gluten free too. They literally are all-singing, all-dancing!


Time: 11AM - 11PM

Contact: 02 557 9375

JOE AND THE JUICE

YAS MALL


This very hyped up casual eatery is already full every time you turn around. It's located right outside Pottery Barn on the ground floor of Yas Mall and seats around 25 people, making it full of vibe.


We tried the TikTok trending tunacado sandwich with extra tuna and enjoyed the amazingly thin whole wheat flatbread, lightly toasted, giving it a good crunch. We loved the smoothies and can totally see why everyone loves it for lunch or dinner.


Time: 8AM - 10PM

STICKY RICE

YAS MALL


It's fair to say that the Yas Mall dining scene is one to watch, with the addition of so many good places, including this Dubai import, Sticky Rice. Now you can enjoy great Thai food at at amazing prices: we recommend the pad Thai and to finish, the coconut ice-cream sandwich. It's busy so either get there at opening or be prepared for a wait.


Time: 12PM-10PM

Contact: 02 563 9908

ALGARVE

HUNA, YAS MALL


One of the reasons people love Portugal is its amazing food tradition. Now you can get a taste of this at Algarve, new to Huna in Yas Mall. You'll find all the traditional dishes plus some with a fabulous twist. This is perfect for lunch on the run or a weekend food-fest, but whatever you do, please do give it a go!


Time: 11AM - 10PM

Contact:  058 571 1515

KUREPU

MARSANA AL HUDAYRIAT


Kurepu, new to Marsana at Hudayriat, is located opposite DRVN. This is pure Gen Z amazingness, serving everything from Japanese crepes and bubble tea to sushi and salads. This could be your new lunchtime or evening hangout in Marsana.


Time: 10AM - 12AM

Contact: 056 406 0545

TUK TUK

ETIHAD PLAZA


Abu Dhabi loves Thai food, especially if it's great even after a delivery journey. Tuk Tuk 100% ticks that box!


We love the beef noodles with black soy sauce - the noodles are on point.

The very fresh stir-fry veges are outstanding along with chicken fried rice. There are great vegetarian options and the price is mind-blowingly cheap - what more do you need from your Thai delivery?

HERE-O DOUGHNUTS

WAITROSE MALL, KHALIFA CITY A


Doughnuts with a difference! The flavours of these babies are interesting and very reflective of where we live: the slightly sweet labneh filling with a vanilla glaze may be our favourite, but we also loved the pistachio and the choco-date. The cinnamon is absolutely sublime, as is the creme brulee - arrrrrggghhhh too hard to choose!


They also do crunuts and wow, these are incredible: break them apart the pistachio for a smooth, fabulous creme filling. Order from Chatfood for a fast delivery experience or dine in for some doughnut and drink amazingness.


Time:11AM

Contact: 054 995 1627

COMING SOON ...


LES DANGEREUX: Mamsha Al Saadiyat


ADRIFT: Yas Mall

Rachael Partington

5/1/2023