This traditional Lebanese breakfast bread is now a popular lunch choice with the people of Abu Dhabi because it’s the perfect answer to midday hunger pangs. But who serves the greatest?
While the city we live in is not short of fine eateries and fancy restaurants, sometimes you don’t have the time or the cash to indulge in a full three-course meal. The solution to your rumbling tummy? A staple of Arabic cuisine; the man’oushe (manakeesh is the plural). The standard choices that you will find in most Arabic joints are the cheese and zaatar (thyme) options. The dish (essentially a baked bread, topped or stuffed with a filling) is generally served closed and can be eaten on the go. People usually eat them for breakfast, however they are served all day and make an ideal quick lunch. After stuffing ourselves with these delectable delights, we rounded up our favourite ones across the city. Here’s our pick of the best.
Al Saeed Bakery & Sweets
An absolute winner. This little bakery has a whole range of irresistible breads, crackers and sweets. As soon as you walk in, you are struck by the inviting aromas of freshly baked treats emanating from the classic fire oven. We absolutely raved over their products; the bread was by far the best we tried in the city and the selections are superb. We recommend trying the spicy sausage with cheese (Dhs8) and the cheese with black cumin seeds (Dhs6). The bakery is open late so it is a prime spot for a late night snack too.
Hamdan Street, next to Bel Mondo Café (02 677 6611).
Al Sham Pastries & Grilled
This venue might not appear appealing from the outside, however once you brave the entrance, you’ll be delighted at the pastry choices they offer. We loved the zaatar man’oushe. It’s a classic meal that’s executed well and for Dhs3, you can’t get a better bargain. The owner is both friendly and accommodating and they also do catering for events with little pastries. They deliver within the vicinity but we recommend picking up your man’oushe in person and enjoying it while it’s hot.
Behind Kia showroom, Tourist Club Area (02 644 4653).
Zaatar w Zeit
A popular chain that serves large manakeesh, this venue has proven popular with the crowds. The manakeesh selection here is great and although they are pricier than the competition, we found some of their creations unique enough to warrant shelling out the extra dirhams. Our particular favourite was the ‘zousheh’; made with wild thyme and multicereal bread, this healthy option is a relatively guilt-free indulgence, especially when piled with fresh vegetables. The price is Dhs17, and the experience is completely worth it. We also loved their large kashkawan (Dhs21). The cheese is delicious.
Al Salaam Street, behind ADNOC building, Madinat Zayed (02 676 9940). Other branch in Abu Dhabi Mall (02 645 8034). For delivery call (600 522231).
Awtar
This Lebanese eatery has established a name for itself by delivering supremely delicious grills and meals. Nevertheless, they also do great manakeesh treats that can be enjoyed on the go at any time of day. We particularly loved the zaatar (Dhs6), because the thyme mix they use is Syrian and includes more cumin which results in the flavour being more citrusy. We got our manakeesh with a generous plate of pickles, olives and chili which really enhanced the experience.
Near the old Blood Bank, Tourist Club Area (02 644 1551).
Lebanese Flower Bakery & Sweets
This spot does a great selection of manakeesh and other pastries. The staff are friendly and they also offer all sorts of breads and crackers. You can choose from an assortment of toppings such as pickles, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, mint leaves and sesame seeds. We tried the cheese man’oushe with a splash of sesame seeds and loved the combination. The meal set us back Dhs5 and is worth the trip. They don’t do deliveries, so you have to make the trek yourself to sample their food.
Next to Lebanese Flower restaurant, Defence Road (02 644 4733).
Al Saj Café
This little place claims to use the freshest ingredients and serve healthy manakeesh or saj (similar to man’oushe but with a different, thinner, type of bread). The bread they use has a mix of multigrain in it and tastes richer than its white counterpart. Of the choices we tried, we particularly enjoyed the labneh with vegetables. For just Dhs12, this meal will quell your hunger and please your palate.
Mico Travel building, Electra Street (02 676 6568).
