HOLE-IN-THEWALL EATS

Sixteen hidden restaurant gems, from Jamaican jerk to Nepalese dumplings

Though it’s not yet on every food lover’s radar, Abu Dhabi is one of the food capitals of the world. Culinary delights – expensive and inexpensive – can be found everywhere. Some of the finest food experiences can be had in well-known hotspots such as Zuma, Hakkasan and Nusr-Et, but even the ubiquitous ethnic hole-in-the-wall restaurants are an essential Abu Dhabi experience if you know where to look.

Escape the crowds and spill out onto the backstreets to sample the finest fare in these hidden gems. If you are intrepid and don’t mind taking some chances (menus that you can’t read or fully fathom), you’re in for a real treat on

Abu Dhabi’s backstreets. Note that most of these meals will come in under AED100 for two people, and most vendors listed don’t take bank cards so be sure to bring cash. Here’s where to start...