Get a taste of the Silk Road at these restaurants around the city.
Chinese
Try both ends of the Chinese cuisine spectrum in Beijing Restaurant – an insight into China’s division between noodles and rice. You can sample each of the ideals outlined in the book to choose which you prefer – whether it is North or South.
Beijing Restaurant, Madinat Zayed (02 621 0708).
Italy
For an accessible yet excellent version of Italy’s fresh and unfussy pasta culture, Biancorosso in Al Nahyan is a must. Get a truly authentic taste of hearty Italian cuisine – it is a hot favourite with Italian ex-pats for a reason.
Biancorosso, Y Tower, Al Nahyan (02 658 4244).
Lamian noodles
Abu Dhabi has it’s own lamian noodle chef at the Ritz-Carlton’s Li Jiang. One of the freshest ways to serve Chinese noodles – it requires coordination and years of practice. See this ancient art of noodle stretching right before your eyes, using freshly made dough dunked into carefully heated broths.
Li Jiang, Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, Khor Al Maqta’a (02 818 8282).
Persian
For a taste of Iranian cuisine try Sadaf. Iran’s answer to the wheat-staple that is pasta and noodles is primarily bread and rice related. Sadaf is an excellent spot to try both, make sure to order the house specialty rice, zershk polo, Iranian saffron rice with tart red barberries.
Sadaf, Mourouj Hotel Apartments, Madinat Zayed (02 641 4166).
Turkey
The modest Kosebasi in Al Wahda Mall offers Turkish cuisine where you can feast on balloon breads and pulses, combined with the Anatolian flavours. Rich spices take your mouth on a journey of east-meets-west Turkish cuisine.
Kosebasi, Al Wahda Mall extension, Hazza Bin Zayed Street (02 674 1321).
All-in-one
Feel like you have heard the name before? The Silk Route Café at Holiday Inn is mimicking the flavours of this famously travelled route. Sample the Asian-inspired dishes as well as culinary efforts from Arabia and Turkey. If you want to sample the flavours of the Silk Road, this is your one-stop-shop.
Holiday Inn, 31st Street between Muroor and Airport Road (02 657 4858).
