BACKSTREET SNACKING
PAPRIKA
Anyone who appreciates Sri Lanka’s national cuisine will love Paprika. Spice lovers should try the chicken curry or fish biryani, capped off with a steamy chai. Two people can fill up for less than Dhs60 so your wallet will also be no worse for the wear.
Hamdan Street Between Najda St & Salam St. @paprikarestuae
WEST TO WEST
Thoughts of a Jamaican jerk chicken wrap sandwich may not come to mind when you think about eating out in Abu Dhabi but eat it anyway. Drop by West to West for a spicy Caribbean goat curry and plantains. This toothsome island fare will fill you up and make you feel all irie inside.
Al Bzaymi St. @westtowestkitchen
DRAGON BAO BAO
Much like Nepal Palace’s momos, Dragon Bao Bao’s made-to-order piping hot bao buns and hand-pulled noodles are a revelation. For just Dhs20, you get 10 bao buns with your choice of veg or meat fillings and Dhs25 dirhams buys you a heaping plate of noodles. Come hungry and leave with your wallet intact.
Near National Cinema, Hamdan Street, Al Markaziyah. @dragon_bao_ bao
ROYAL RAJASTHAN RESTAURANT
Hankering for late night chaat? When strolling around Hamdan Centre, fill up for fils at Royal Rajasthan Restaurant’s storefront window for Pani Puri –the traditional late-night snack of India. Pani Puri is a crispy, spicy, sweet & sour treat – think small, inverted puffy tacos, then carry on wandering the bustling streets.
Beside Bank of Baroda, Near Liwa Centre, Hamdan Street. @royalrajasthanresturantllc
RUSSIAN KITCHEN HOUSE CAFETERIA
Craving something Russian made with love? Russian Kitchen House Cafeteria helps Russian expats find a taste of home with standout dishes like pelmeni (Russian dumplings) and borscht served in an atmosphere that feels a lot like someone’s home kitchen.
Behind the Tryp Hotel on Khalifa Bin Zayed the First Street.
NEPAL PALACE
Travelling on a shoestring and starving? Go straight to Nepal Palace. For a mere Dhs15, you can enjoy a mammoth platter of momos (meat & veg-filled Nepalese dumplings). Surrounded by Nepalese taxi drivers fueling up on their national food in between fares, you’ll feel transported to Kathmandu.
Between Hamdan & Zayed the First Streets near the World Trade Center Abu Dhabi.