Tartare is one item on menus the world over that comes with a bad rep. A mix of raw meat very finely chopped and served with different seasoning and marinades, it’s usually made from fish or red meat, with the preparation varying according to region. And because it’s not cooked, it’s a dish which gives people the fear. But if you’ve got a brave palate and fancy trying some uncooked meat, then the good news is it’s served in several restaurants in Abu Dhabi.
Although the origins of the tartare are shrouded in mystery, the dish is found in most cultures of the world in some form or other. Levant cuisine offers a dish called kibbe nayi, which is ground raw lamb mixed with spices and bulgur. It’s also very popular in France. Fish tartares are often composed of tuna or salmon and are an excellent starting point for those wishing to try out the dish.
But steak tartare has a unqiue taste that might not be enjoyed by many and meat lovers should be cautious when ordering this dish. As the beef is served raw, there is a higher risk of contamination and it’s advised people with weak immune systems avoid it. Ideally, you would only order this in a reputable establishment. If the dish being served has a noticeable odour, or if the meat colour looks darker than usual, you should avoid eating it.
Although the risks are low, if the meat is not prepared in a hygienic manner, people could be at risk of contracting bacteria or parasitic diseases, such as E. coli or Salmonella.
But a good tartare is worth your dirhams and will be one of the best dishes you’ll eat in the city.
Le Deck: Monte-Carlo Beach Club’s brunch at Le Deck serves a cheeky little tuna tartare, which comes served in a novel, oval shaped tin can (along with the lid and a small cute spoon). They use Filipino tuna which is shipped in every two days and the focus is on Japanese flavours, such as mayonnaise mixed with a ponzu dressing you’d normally serve with tempura. It’s all combined with some lemon juice, olive oil, shallots and chives for a simply perfect plate of tartare.
Dhs235-415 for the brunch. Le Deck, Monte-Carlo Beach Club (02 656 3500).
Mezzaluna: The tuna tartare at Mezzaluna is advertised as being cut from grade-A tuna. True to its name, the meat simply dissolved in our mouths, confirming a superior choice of fish. The seasoning blended perfectly with the fish, giving each bite a subtle yet very present background flavour.
Dhs115. Mezzaluna, Emirates Palace Hotel (02 690 7999).
Prego’s: Another Italian restaurant, Prego’s also serves up an excellent tuna tartare dish and we thoroughly enjoyed each bite. The fish used was very fresh and the dish was served at the perfect temperature. Chopped at just the right size, each morsel was infused with a nice blend of herbs and spices.
Dhs72. Prego’s, Beach Rotana Hotel (02 697 9011).
Belgian Café: Offering up a hefty portion of steak tartare, the Belgian Café impressed us with its rich version of the tartare dish. Served with a raw egg yolk and an assortment of spices, the dish is sure to please any true carnivore out there. Accompanied by their famous Belgian fries, the dish can be enjoyed as a main course or as an appetizer for two.
Dhs135. Belgian Café, InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Al Bateen (02 679 4777).
