Abu Dhabi’s best fried cheese dishes

Cheese bites at Chili’s

If you only really feast on poutine for those squidgy nuggets of cheese underneath all that gravy, look no further. New to the menu at this American chain are these – lightly battered, deep-fried morsels of both white and yellow Wisconsin cheese curds. They’re squeaky, salty and seriously stringy. Dunk them in the side of ancho-chile ranch and relish the food coma.
Dhs39. Various locations including Yas Mall (600 561 112).

Fried cheesecake at Chili’s

It’s the only sweet dish on this list, and it’s not one for the faint-hearted. Rich, bite-sized scoops of cheesecake are deep fried until golden brown. Already sound indulgent? We’re not done yet – they’re then served with drizzles of caramel sauce and chocolate sauce, and a dollop of vanilla ice cream. Oof.
Dhs39. Various locations including Yas Mall (600 561 112).

Fried mozz at Black Tap

Golden crispy triangles of deep-fried mozzarella cheese. Yup. We genuinely have an existential crises when it comes to choosing between having a mound of these (topped with more cheese, btw), or one of the massive burgers at this epic New Yorkian import.
Dhs32. Yas Mall, Yas Island (02 446 5128).

Halloumi fries at Hamilton’s Gastropub
Some of the very best out there. Plump wedges of squeaky, salty cheese arrive coated in breadcumbs, dusted with sumac, drizzled with pomegranate molasses, and sprinkled with fresh mint. All served with a refreshing herb yoghurt. We’ll take two portions…
Dhs58. Saadiyat Rotana, Saadiyat Island (02 697 0000).

Halloumi fries at The Warehouse Wine & Tapas Bar
Let us begin by saying there is an entire section of the menu at this place dedicated to fried cheese. For reals. While pictured here are the battered Parmesan fries, served with truffle mayo, and we highly recommend the halloumi fries with pomegranate molasses, there’s not a dish we wouldn’t suggest you order. Cheese steak bites (blue, Brie, provolone or goat’s), manchego croquetas or cheesy pebbles (stuffed jalapeños) – it’s all good.
Dhs50 (halloumi fries), Dhs48 (battered Parmesan fries). Pearl Rotana Capital Centre, Embassies District (02 307 5552).

Jalapeño cheese balls at Trader Vic’s
We’ve eaten more of these molten cheesy orbs than we would ever care to count, they’re really that good. Fit to burst (and often they do) with an oozy, melty combination of cheddar and Emmental, these are lifted further by a warming jalapeño kick. Spherical fromage perfection.
Dhs80. Beach Rotana, Tourist Club Area (02 697 9011).

Jalapeño locas at Loca
If you’re in the mood for something spicy to go with a Mexican mixed drink, there are few better snacks in town than these peppery treats. Al dente chillis stuffed full of rich, gooey melted cheese and rolled in crushed tortilla chips make for the ideal texture combination. They’re also utterly delicious, with a fiery kick.
Dhs59. The Galleria Al Maryah Island (02 582 3639).

Mac & Cheese Balls at Snatch

You might think the ultimate UAE riff on mac ’n’ cheese balls would be adding in Middle Eastern spices. You would be wrong. Fast food’s secret weapon in the Emirates is Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. And these balls come rolled in the red stuff – delivering just a kick of spice to cut through all that creaminess. It doesn’t get more Abu Dhabi than this (unless you’ve got a bag of Chips Oman to hand).
Dhs38. Al Muneera Island, Al Raha (02 555 6558).

Mozzarella wedges at Stars ‘N’ Bars
Yas Marina views with a helping of crispy, stringy cheese. Then dust some extra shavings of cheese on top, and slide on some spicy tomato sauce for good measure. Wash it them with an elaborate, magnificently kitsch mixed drink. Weekend aced.
Dhs40/60. Yas Marina, Yas Island (02 565 0101).

Potato cheese balls at The Sportsman’s Arms
Essentially, cheesy croquettes. What’s not to love? Get them on their own, or as part of The Sportsman’s Platter, on which you’ll find them rubbing shoulders with Cajun fried shrimp, wings, calamari, slaw and dips including garlic aioli and creole mayo.
Dhs39 (potato cheese balls), Dhs99 (platter). Zayed Sports City (02 447 1066).