Loaded fries, messy fries, dirty fries, erm, exploded fries? (More on that later…) Whatever you call them, nothing beats a pile of perfectly crisp fries stacked with wonderful, wacky, and sometimes weird toppings.
You know it, we know it, that’s why we devoted an inordinate amount of timing to compiling this list of humongous, hungry-provoking plates of potato.
Slathered in cheese, topped with chilli, meats, an array of sauces, random crunchy stuff (is that Cheetos?)…
Here’s where to get the capital’s top-rated loaded fries.
Beef bacon cheese fries from Johnny Rockets
The classic combo is a Time Out favourite and the one from US diner chain Johnny Rockets has plenty of cheese and cubes of tasty beef bacon covering some tasty fries. Veggie? Opt for the plain cheese version.
Dhs27. Various locations across Abu Dhabi including Dalma Mall, johnnyrocketsuae.com.
Buffalo blue cheese fries at Easy Tiger
We’ve got something of a soft spot for this bar and restaurant and that’s partially down to its banging buffalo blue cheese fries. As the name might suggest, the fries are smothered in a rich, tangy buffalo sauce that’s complemented by a cool blue cheese sauce and the crispy bacon bits just add to the texture. Get down to Easy Tiger today and try them out for yourself.
Dhs37. Ain Palace Hotel, Corniche Road (050 593 7977).
Chilli cheese fries at Wendy’s
The phrase cheap as chips was invented for times like this. The bargain chilli cheese fries at Wendy’s will set you back just Dhs15 and for your hard earned, you can tuck into crispy fries topped with slow-cooked chilli and gooey cheese, plus your pick of sauce.
Dhs15. Various locations across Abu Dhabi including Al Wahda Mall, wendysme.com.
Chilli pepper and cheese fries at Café 302
Trust this trendy Time Out Abu Dhabi award-winning café to come up with a healthy(ish) option. Not only are the fries here very moreish, the chilled-out spot offers up a palate-pleasing plate or chilli pepper and cheese fries, loaded with zesty cherry peppers and cheese sauce.
Dhs30. Al Maha Arjaan by Rotana, Hamdan Street (02 610 6666).
Dirty fries at PJ O’Reilly’s
We all know the Irish love a good spud and one of Abu Dhabi’s best Irish pubs cooks up a very tasty version of the dish. You won’t be able to resist diving into the dirty fries, featuring hand-cut chips topped with pulled pork, and with melted cheese and sour cream thrown into the mouth-watering mix.
Dhs49. Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa Street (02 695 0515).
Down ‘n’ Dirty Fries at Famous Dave’s
Famous Dave’s belly-busting portion of Down ‘n’ Dirty fries come topped with cheddar cheese, salsa, baked beans (not the British kind – don’t worry), jalapeños, sour cream, and the “rich and sassy” sauce. For an extra Dhs14, you can add on pulled chicken or beef brisket for an additional Dhs20. You may need a nap once you’ve polished your plate off but it’ll be worth it.
From Dhs35. Various locations across Abu Dhabi including Al Wahda Mall, famousdaves.ae.
Exploded loaded fries at The Burgerista
For an explosive portion of fries, head to cosy burger spot The Burgerista. The crispy fries are mixed with minced beef, bacon bits, cheese and The Burgerista’s special spicy sauce to create a brilliant taste explosion.
Dhs23. Muroor Road (02 621 3345).
Poutine at The Sportsman’s Arms
This Zayed Sports City American-style bar and restaurant takes its poutine so seriously there are three different types to choose from: beef chilli, Philly cheesesteak, and pulled beef short rib and the latter is absolutely brilliant. Sitting on a bed of fries, the meat so tender it falls apart and slathered in rich gravy and soft cheese curds. We’ll take two portions, please.
From Dhs80. Zayed Sports City (02 447 1066).
Pulled Beef fries at Social
Slow-cooked pulled beef drizzled in cheese and piled on top of a crispy batch of fries. Could you ask for more? Tuck into this dish for Dhs48 and enjoy the quirky ambiance at Social: an all-glass restaurant located in the heart of the capital. Stop by for the fries but stay for favourites like the Insta-friendly truffle mac ‘n’ cheese spilling out of a glass jar for Dhs42, or the eye-catching lavender faux mixed drink for Dhs28. We’re sold.
Daily, noon-midnight. Al Nahyan (02 309 0080).
Signature fries at Burgerchi
As you’d expect, burgers and sliders dominate the petite menu at this funky home-grown burger joint but don’t miss out on the signature fries. The substantial portion comes topped with crispy onion and jalapeños that give just the right amount of kick before being slathered in a house-made cheese sauce and Burgerchi’s signature secret sauce
Dhs25. Khalidiya, Corniche Road (02 644 5533).
Spicy bacon cheese fries at Tobasco’s
Piled high with bacon (and we mean piled high), American-style cheese, a spicy pepper sauce, and thick chunks of jalapeño there’s nothing basic or boring about Tobasco’s spicy bacon cheese fries. And they won’t break the bank either with the small portion coming in at Dhs17 and the larger portion at Dhs22.
Dhs17 (small), Dhs22 (large). Muroor Road (02 677 6838).
Suicide Fries at Burger Hood
With a strong focus on only using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, this cool burger (ahem) hood has been around since 2013 and is an Abu Dhabi favourite for classic burgers, done right. There are tonnes of burgers to choose from (including the rich truffle burger) but don’t leave without sampling a portion of the Suicide Fries. The fries are tossed with melted cheese sauce before being topped with Burger Hood’s signature sauce, chunks of tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños and finished off with a sprinkling of crispy beef bacon.
Dhs25. Guardian Towers, Muroor Road (02 449 9990).
