Word on the wind is that the backstreets of Khalidiya have been seeing some action lately, thanks to a string of new restaurants in the area. Let’s be more specific. We’re talking about that area off the Corniche and behind Sheikh Zayed the First Street. And you’ll be pleased to know that you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to variety.
Shish Shawerma
This quirky new fast food style shawarma spot is buzzing at lunchtimes and evenings, and it doesn’t take much to see why. They do everything from crepes to shawarma sandwiches, but what really makes an impression is the fresh kaakeh, or kaak. This is a sesame covered bread native to Lebanon, which they sell on the streets of Beirut. At Shish Shawerma it’s made by the minute, and you can even watch while you wait for your order. Rows and rows of dough go into the blazing oven and rows and rows of loafs of bread come out. They’re piping hot, smelling delicious and ready to be stuffed with an ingredient of your choice.
You’ll notice that they use the same bread for the shawarma, albeit without sesame seeds. To us, who are used to wraps, this is a stray from convention but not necessarily a bad one. It just means your shawarma is more bready than meaty. It’s also packed with all the right amounts of salad, sauce and fries – because no shawarma is complete without fries.
Open from noon-1am, Shish Shawerma, Khalidiya (02 650 5576).
Camacho
Now we are very sceptical about places that combine world cuisines. To us it feels like someone’s attempt at a foolproof business venture which ensures that catering for a variety of tastes will ensure more customers. It not only takes the soul out the food but, when a restaurant is attempting to pull off so much, it rarely proves to be much good at any one thing. Unfortunately, Camacho – an Italian restaurant and sushi bar, is no exception. We’ll hand it to them for having a pleasant outlet though. The decor is a subtle combination of Eastern and Italian (though more heavy on the Eastern) and the result has provided a rather cosy setting.
The menu is extensive and exciting, but the food doesn’t quite live up to it. Let’s start with the Italian. We honestly hope it was a very bad day for Camacho when we ordered that fettuccine con gamberi pasta, which tasted of nothing much at all, and the bresaola, which tasted so off that it might kill you. The sushi proved more edible, and kudos to Camacho for having some interesting varieties on their menu. We recommend the ‘Blue Dragon’. You have to request it specially, and when you do, the chef will come to your table to blowtorch the stuff before your very eyes. If you’re more of the traditional foodie kind, who just likes a good, fresh meal, Camacho probably isn’t the place for you, especially where freshness is concerned. And being the Japanese food fanatics that we are here at Time Out, we can sniff eel and prawn tempura that’s been pre-cooked, then refrigerated forever, from a mile off.
Open daily from noon-midnight, Thursdays and Fridays from noon-1am. Camacho, Khalidiya, behind Sheikh Zayed the First St (02 650 5600).
Saudi Cuisine VIP
Oddly named, but with food this good we couldn’t care less. Saudi Cuisine is a brand new outlet for the Saudi Kitchen on Defence Road and shares the same menu and prices. A word of warning when ordering; the portions are Arabian hospitality style. By this we don’t just mean generous, we mean enough for three. And if you’re taking away, you’re food will come complete with yoghurt, a chilli salsa, and a plastic sheet for authentic floor dining. Opt to eat in though, because then you’ll be able to enjoy the dècor. We guarantee the faux walls partitioning seating areas, strewn rugs and sheepskins will have you feeling like you’re sitting in a theatre set for a pastoral play involving nomads and shepherds. Appropriate, considering the food is simple and wholesome.
It’s a small menu, with little variety, but we often find this is a good sign. Most of the main courses are rice based dishes with roast meat. They have a chicken or lamb option for every dish, and if you’re lucky the camel meat might be available. Unfortunately for us, it wasn’t when we visited, so we ordered the lamb madfoon. This turned out to be a giant portion of rice topped with the most tender, melt-in-your-mouth lamb we’ve tasted in Abu Dhabi thus far. Good luck finishing it all, and if you have got room afterwards we’ll take our proverbial hat off to you, and then invite you to try their kunafah.
Open from 11am-1am, Saudi Cuisine VIP, behind Corniche Towers (02 665 5355).
