One-hit wonders
Ditch never-ending menus and check out these specialty restaurants in Abu Dhabi that focus on just one thing (and do it exceedingly well)
LOVE DOUGHNUTS
Opened in 2013, this doughnut shop is best known for unique and sometimes off-the-wall flavours that are switched on a monthly basis. Past flavours have included passion fruit and earl grey, caramel honeycomb chocolate ring and cinnamon white chocolate with plum custard. If you’re feeling particularly sinful, try the gelato sandwich, which sees the bakery’s handmade gelato sandwiched between a piping hot doughnut.
Guardian Tower, Al Safraat, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Thur 7am to midnight, Fri 2pm to 11pm, Sat 8.30am to midnight, Dhs14 to Dhs18 per doughnut. Tel: (02) 4466240. Taxi: Behind Holiday Inn, shop 10. lovedoughnuts.com
DIPPERS
This restaurant offers 60 special dips to sample with its menu of bites and snacks. From the more straightforward caponata or jalapeño dip to the more adventurous spicy kimchi, there’s a lot to choose from in both the sweet and savoury options. Be warned, not all 60 dips are available every day, but a good 20 or so usually are.
Spar Supermarket building, Al Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi, Sat to Wed noon to midnight, Thur noon to 1am, Fri 1pm to 1am. Tel: (02) 4182506. Taxi: Spar Supermarket behind Prestige Showroom.
PAPPA ROTI
Dubbed the ‘father of all buns’, this Malaysian chain coffee shop specialises in sweet breads. While the atmosphere at the restaurant is rather lacklustre, it’s always heaving with people, particularly on a weekend. Using a simple recipe, the soft, butter-filled buns are topped with a caramelised coating that cooks down over
the dough when in the oven, for a crispy, sweet casing. Paired with a coffee or tea, the unassuming formula has seen the brand grow to more than 200 cafés around the world, including right here in Abu Dhabi.
Al Wahda Mall, Al Wahda, Abu Dhabi, Sat to Wed 8.30am to midnight, Thur and Fri 8.30am to 12.30am, Dhs11 for one bun. Tel: (02) 4431233. Taxi: Al Wahda Mall. papparoti.ae
Molten Me
This tiny take-away shop specialises in fondant cakes that have a warm, runny centre. While they only use three base cake flavours – chocolate, red velvet or white chocolate – you can pick from a selection of fillings including raspberry, coconut and hazelnut, depending on what your base is. Each molten cake is cooked and served in a pretty glass jar, which does make for a tiny portion size, considering the Dhs20 price tag, but it certainly looks nice.
Darwish Tower, Al Safraat, Abu Dhabi, daily 10am to 10pm, Dhs20 for one, Dhs55 for three. Tel: (02) 4435542. Taxi: Off Al Dhafeer Street, behind Holiday Inn. moltenme.com
la crème brûlée Maison
While the idea of “burnt cream” doesn’t sound appetising, saying it in French changes everything. So much so that a new chic Parisian-inspired café recently opened in Abu Dhabi named after the elegant custard dessert. While the menu does have a couple of other sweets on offer, it’s the crème brûlée you should try. What’s On recommends the nutty pistachio or the camel milk and saffron varieties.
Al Dana Towers, Al Safraat, Abu Dhabi, daily 7am to 11pm. Tel: (02) 4499996. Taxi: Dana Towers, behind Holiday Inn on Airport Road. lacbmaison.com
Rice Creamery
For lovers of rice pudding, this tiny kiosk in Dalma Mall is worth a visit for the variety of flavours on the menu. In addition to pistachio and vanilla, they also offer nutty butter, more s’more, orange blossom and mango. You can also top off your pud with fresh fruit, toasted coconut, walnuts or Maltesers for a little bit of added texture.
Dalma Mall, Musaffah, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Wed 10am to 10pm, Thur and Fri 10am to midnight, Dhs18 for a 6oz cup, including one free topping. Tel: (02) 4182409. Taxi: Dalma Mall. ricecreamery.com