A brand new shopping centre has arisen from the ashes of Abu Dhabi’s former Central Market. The old souk was gutted by a blaze in 2003, but since then developer Aldar has gone about rebuilding it as a chic new mall.
Although it was pretty empty at first, it’s rapidly filling up with cool shops, restaurants and cafés. Should you decide to pop in for a bite, here’s what to expect.
If you fancy…
…coffee and cakes
Where: Shakespeare & Co
What: A quirky, old-fashioned café that’s part Alice in Wonderland fantasyland, part time-warped English teashop, and it even trebles up as a patisserie and a flower shop. The menu includes everything from shisha pipes to Thai green curry, but it’s the cakes and chocolates that are really worth visiting for.
Perfect for: This café draws a really diverse crowd, particularly at weekends when you’ll see families, couples and friends lounging around on the pastel upholstery.
…a sugar hit
Where: Kitsch Cupcakes
What: The usual array of pastel-hued, silver ball-sprinkled sugary sweet treats.
Perfect for: Grown women who should know better, indulging their inner little girl. And greedy little kids pressing their noses against the glass counter.
…posh curries
Where: Kebabs N Kurries restaurant.
What: This sleek and upmarket Indian restaurant does just what its name suggests – kebabs and curries and a creative selection of Asian delicacies.
Perfect for: Couples looking for an Indian restaurant that lends itself to intimacy. Definitely a spot that’s just for the grown-ups and makes a change from the more casual downtown curry restaurants.
…a long lunch
Where: Chapters Café
What: The menu at chapters is an international spread that includes pastas, salads, sandwiches and more. The atmosphere is smart but casual, and there’s an enticing cake counter at the front to lure you in.
Perfect for: A business lunch if you work downtown, as there’s something on the menu to suit everyone. Service is friendly and welcoming.
…a modern taste of the Middle East
Where: Tarbouche
What: Contemporary Lebanese fare, with all the dips, breads, mezze and grills you’d expect. The staff wear traditional garb and the standard of food is a little higher than standards you’d get in other Lebanese mall outlets.
Perfect for: Anyone who wants to match their food to their surroundings – if you’re dining in a traditional souk with a modern twist, why not do the same with your meal too?
…a Gallic treat
Where: The Crepe Café
What: An endless selection of sweet and savoury crepes to choose from, as well as pancakes, omelettes and waffles.
Perfect for: Anyone who’s time or cash poor – these crepes are cheap, delicious and served up in a jiffy.
…cooling down
Where: New Zealand Natural and Yogurberry
What: The face-off between these two frozen yoghurt giants is on. New Zealand Natural is probably a healthier option, but Yogurberry give out free samples… guess we’ll have to keep visiting both. Don’t eat too fast, though, unless you want a huge dose of brain freeze.
Perfect for: Shoppers looking for a chilly snack after an exhausting mall trawl.
All stores are open at the Souk at Central Market, off Hamdan Street. Call 02 696 4444 or visit www.centralmarket.ae/souk for details about any of these outlets.
