Ahh, the simple life. It makes everything better: from work to play, eat to sleep. If it’s easier than the ABCs, we’re in.
That means no pre-planning, no tight schedules, no dress codes, no time limits, no nonsense. And, when it comes to dining, Shrimp Pot is the epitome of the simple life. For that simple reason, we absolutely love it.
We arrive at the come-as-your-are diner in Al Nahyan on a weekday afternoon and are delighted to see it full of fellow seafood fans – from those on a leisurely business to lunch to parents with kids, young friends and young couples on a date, everyone is welcome.
There’s no stuffy air about the restaurant, no reservations needed and we’re seated immediately by our smiling waitress. From the moment we walk into the place and staff beam: “Hello and welcome to Shrimp Pot”, to the end of the glorious meal, service is super.
The idea is this: take a seat, choose your catch of the day in batches of 500g, 1kg or 2kg, pick your sauce, your spice level, select a couple of sides and that’s it. It’s so straightforward you don’t even need cutlery – just dive straight in with your hands.
Seafood options include prawns, mussels, crab, full lobster, lobster tail, octopus and a mixed option. Sauces are the house classic, curry, lemon or BBQ, while sides include rice, corn on the cob and fries.
Fancy some more carbs? Ask for your prawns or lobster to be served between bread and, well, you’re on a roll.
That’s all there is to it. Yes, we are supremely lucky to have some of the world’s finest chefs plying their trade in some of the world’s top restaurants in Abu Dhabi and we don’t deny it. However, there is something hugely satisfying about getting your hands straight into a humble piece of cooking.
There are no plates in Shrimp Pot, instead our bucket of lobster tails, mixed shellfish and corn is poured over a plastic sheet on the table. It’s one big pile of flavour. The seafood is steamed before being coated in the sauces – the house speciality is red and fiery, while the curry is a milder, caramel-coloured kick. Both elevate the delicious and meaty portions to an even higher level.
With the last lick of our fingers, we know this is perhaps the best new seafood joint in town.
WHAT IS IT…
A casual seafood spot in Al Nahyan
WHY GO…
For simple shellfish with supreme flavours
