If you’ve been itching to travel, but can’t quite commit to booking an international trip, we have the next best thing.
Take a trip around the world in ten sandwiches. (Yes, that is the next best thing and we won’t hear otherwise.)
From Jamaica to Lebanon; Ireland to Peru, this is a gastronomical journey through Abu Dhabi like no other.
Let’s, ahem, roll…
Greece: chicken pita at Eat Greek Kouzina
First up is a trip to Greece. If you’re looking for authentic Greek flavours in sandwich form, head to Eat Greek Kouzina at The Galleria Al Maryah Island. The chicken pita comes crammed with grilled chicken mixed with tzatziki, tomato, onions and chips, wrapped in soft Greek pita. If one sandwich doesn’t seem like enough, you can eat your way through Greece proper this summer. There’s a safe travel corridor between the UAE and Greece, read the full story here.
Dhs58. The Galleria Al Maryah Island (04 325 5446).
India: Bombay Vada Pav at Chhappan Bhog
Get your teeth into light bite that can instantly transport you to the streets of Mumbai. It’s the Bombay Vada Pav at Chhappan Bhog. This vegetarian dish consists of a deep-fried potato patty stuffed inside a soft buttery bun with chutney. We’d recommend you order two… Or more.
Dhs7.50. Najda (02 677 8864).
Ireland: Pulled sliders at PJ O’Reilly’s
Those who seek a fabulously Irish sandwich with a side of fabulously Irish hospitality, hardly need telling to head for PJ’s. But what makes these sliders anything other than American? The fact they’ve been cooked in the black stuff. Your pulled meat then comes loaded with chipotle, aioli, jalapeños and slaw at this laid-back Irish pub located in of Abu Dhabi’s oldest hotels.
Dhs45. Le Royal Meridien (02 695 0515).
Italy: Italian meatball panuozzo at Gino’s Deli
Pizza? Meet sandwich. If you want to be transported to Italy in a cheesy bite, look no further than the panuozzo at Gino’s Deli. Go caprese, go bresaola or go all out with the Italian meatball number. Freshly baked bread oozing with meatballs and tomato sauce topped with mozzarella, parmesan, and oregano, this sandwich will make you want to pack your bags and move to wherever it came from.
Dhs38. Al Dhafrah (054 750 1582).
You might also like: Everywhere you can travel from Abu Dhabi without quarantining.
Jamaica: Reggae bagels at Kingston 21
What better way to get a taste of Jamaica than to have a delicious sandwich featuring its national dish: ackee and saltfish. Head to Kingston 21 for breakfast and try the Reggae bagels, featuring an ackee and saltfish scramble with smoky aubergine or jerk cream cheese with smoked salmon, deep fried onions, and capers. A jammin’ start to your morning.
Want to learn more about this hip new Jamaican joint? Read the full review here.
Dhs48. Al Raha Beach (02 546 8500).
Lebanon: Chicken shawarma at Shawarma Street
If you love a good sandwich as much as we do you’ve got to try the chicken shawarma at Shawarma Street. This Middle Eastern staple consists of thin slices of chicken wrapped in pita, saj, or samoun bread. With lots of locations dotted across the capital, Shawarma Street is the perfect place to pick one up and be transported to the streets of Lebanon.
Looking for more shawarma? Check out our list of the best shawarmas in the city.
From Dhs11. Najda (02 666 8085).
Mexico: Tacos de pollo at Loca
Does a taco count as a sandwich? We’re going to go with a cautious but also to-heck-with-it resounding yes. Whether you agree or not, it would be a huge mistake to skip the Mexican part of our journey. Head to Loca at The Galleria Al Maryah Island for tacos de pollo with grilled corn-fed chicken, onion, and coriander sauce. Have your tacos with a mixed Mexican drink for the perfect end to your week.
Looking for the best Mexican restaurants in Abu Dhabi? Look no further than this list.
Dhs77. The Galleria Al Maryah Island (02 582 3639).
Peru (ish): Wagyu beef baos at COYA
Have you always wanted to travel to Peru? Well known for its incredible attractions such as Machu Picchu, Colca Canyon, and the rainbow mountains: Peru is also a top dining destination. If you want to be transported across continents to the taste of Peru’s Nikkei-inspired cuisine, head to COYA, where you’ll find bites including these globally inspired wagyu beef bao. Featuring beef cheek, passionfruit and pickled cucumber, you can find these mini sandwiches on the set lunch menu. Choose two appetisers and one main for Dhs110.
Dhs110 (set menu). Sun-Thu noon-3.30pm. Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi (02 306 7000).
UAE: Cheese Paratha and Karak at Paratha and More
Nothing says snacking on the streets of Abu Dhabi like a cheese paratha and karak. Swing by Paratha and More in Al Bateen for a warm paratha stuffed with your choice of filling. We’d recommend getting it with cheese, Chips Oman, and hot sauce for a classic Abu Dhabi snack. Order it with a karak to round out the meal with a sweet, fragrant ending.
Dhs15. Al Bateen Marina (02 643 6346).
USA: Steak sandwich at Café 302
A classic choice when you’re jonesing for a meaty sandwich: the steak sandwich originated in the USA and will make you think of barbecue block parties with the first bite. Check out the steak sandwich at Café 302 features a braised beef short rib, herb aioli, aged cheddar and fresh rocket. In a word: yum.
Dhs68. Al Maha Arjaan by Rotana (02 610 6666).
