It’s no secret that us Abu Dhabians have a sweet tooth, but there’s one particularly naughty treat that seems to be more popular than most. It’s a dirty job, but Sara Taher heads out to find the best.
Mama’s Cupcakes
This little venue in Mamoura has a unique selection of flavours and treats. Two of our favourites are (brace yourself) beetroot and sweet potato. Yes, the vivacious and warm owner Faiza Taha has a special way of creating these delicious culinary treats. ‘I have always loved beetroot and I made a jam from it because it is a little sweet. That’s when I started experimenting. The response from the public has been great; many people that try the beetroot come back for more. I also try to infuse a lot of flavours into my creations. For example, in my orange cupcakes I actually use oranges to make the batter, same with the lemon or blueberry. I find these touches give our menu a little something special that helps us stand out from the competition.’
Off Delma Street, Mamoura (02 445 2244).
Maison Sucre
It’s hard to resist entering this ultra cute corner shop in Khalidiyah. Some items look too good to eat – the attention to detail is exquisite. ‘We can do a range of bespoke pastries and cakes and we are lucky to have such a talented team put out these wonderful pieces,’ says Nadine Maalouf, the store owner. Despite having a little shop, Nadine relies on a very loyal client base. ‘One of the ways I deal with the competition is by providing consistency and quality products. Many F&B owners will skimp on ingredients to save some cash, but I think that’s an unacceptable sacrifice, so I always buy the best products for our menu.’
Behind Al Mamoura Jewellery, Al Khalidiyah (02 639 6622).
Bloomsbury’s
An incredibly stylish venue, this brand serves up a rich selection of tasty treats and cupcakes. The cupcakes are rich and beautifully decorated, and the flavours are imaginative. If you do stop by for a tasty treat, try the red velvet. The outlet recently introduced a savoury menu, and they do excellent sandwiches, soups and salads. Don’t miss out their super-cute Ramadan cupcakes, made especially for the Holy Month.
Al Wahda Mall (02 443 7070) and Mushrif Mall (02 690 4422).
Hey Sugar
One of the first cupcake stores in the city, this quaint little venue set the standard for the rest to follow. We are absolutely crazy about their red velvet and Nutella versions. They also operate a little kiosk on the Corniche, convenient for runners who would like to reward themselves with a little mini cupcake. The staff are very friendly and no one will judge you, no matter how many pretty cakes you scoff down.
Khalidiyah Mall, Al Khalidiyah (056 767 9357).
Kitsch Cupcakes
Another reason to quit your diet! The gems at this bakery are the perfect way to satisfy those mid-afternoon sugar cravings, although we have to admit they taste just as good at any other time of day. We raved over the triple chocolate and the choco vanilla. A plus for this place is that you can have these treats delivered to your office or home, which makes them a very convenient source for a sweet fix. Opt for a large selection of 24 pretty treats and they will throw in an extra two for free!
The Souk Central Market, Al Markaziyah (02 639 8100).
