Simmering pots of broth, billowing steam, and eating until you feel like you could burst. If you’re an Abu Dhabi foodie, you can’t miss out on one of the city’s best dining experiences: hotpot.
Spicy, tangy broth, heaps of seafood or meat and perfectly cooked noodles. Hotpot restaurants are dotted among the buildings downtown, just waiting to be found.
Eating hotpot is an experience. Unlike so many other types of dining, this cuisine is all about sharing and working together to cook your meal. Ingredients are brought to your table: thinly sliced meats, bok choy, mushrooms, shrimp, fresh noodles and more. You drop them into the steaming pot and wait until they’re cooked to your liking, then spoon them out and dip them in a sauce of your choice.
Whether you’re just visiting Abu Dhabi or you’re a long-term resident this staple cuisine is not one you want to miss.
Here’s where to find the best hotpots in Abu Dhbai.
Aroy Dee
You might’ve tried all kinds of hotpot in the city, but have you tried Thai hotpot, also known as jim jum? This tucked away spot on Salam Street, Aroy Dee, is a local favourite and well-kept Abu Dhabi secret. Hotpot is not the only thing on the menu, which is packed with Thai favourites like chicken with cashew nuts, pad khee mao, and vegetable spring rolls. We’d recommend you try it with a Thai iced tea. Yum.
Dhs99. Salam Street, Nadja (02 666 5461).
Happiness Grassland Hot Pot & Grill BBQ
One of the happiest restaurants in the city, Happiness Grassland Hot Pot & Grill BBQ is an unmissable hidden gem in Al Wahda. All you can eat hotpot for Dhs59. Try the buchi afterwards for a sweet bite after all that tangy spice.
Dhs59 per person. (055 515 6380).
Qian Zhou Hotpot
Qian Zhou Hotpot can be found in the Philippine House Restaurant building near National Cinema. It can be tricky to discover, but it’s well worth the search. Qian Zhou Hotpot serves tasty meat-lovers mains with beef, mutton, chicken and seafood front and centre. The hotpot costs Dhs30 if you’re dining alone, Dhs70 for two or three diners, and Dhs140 for four or five people sharing.
Approx. Dhs30 per person. Al Markaziyah (02 674 5677).
Seven Hotpot
Seven Hotpot is among Abu Dhabi’s best-known hotpot spots, and for a good reason. Right across from Al Wahda Mall, this restaurant looks out onto the busy Hazza Bin Zayed Street. Seven Hotpot serves Chinese appetisers, mains, and desserts, but we would recommend you go straight for the hotpot. It costs Dhs49 per person, and it’s all you can eat. Tuck in.
Dhs49 per person. Opposite Al Wahda Mall (02 443 0771).
Seven Stars Hotpot
All you can eat, unlimited hotpot for Dhs49, can you ask for more? Located at Al Mariah Mall in Al Markaziyah, this restaurant is usually bustling on the weekends. Boil your choice of broth, then add in your choice meat (we’d recommend the crab balls), vegetables, and noodles.
Dhs49 per person. Al Mariah Mall (02 677 8997).
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