what is the best food in uae

what is the best food in uae
Six of the best: meals at Gourmet Abu Dhabi
With four-letter words flying about, high-tension tight-rope races to the finish and endless celebrity egos to be massaged, it is one of the hottest fortnight of the year inside Abu Dhabi’s kitchens. But the fruit of those labours make for fine eating over the now much-awaited annual fixture that is Gourmet Abu Dhabi which, this year, attracts 18 of the world’s top chefs and six of the best pâtissiers.
A main pillar in Abu Dhabi’s ambitions to be an internationally recognised gourmet destination, the event has expanded significantly in the past year and draws some of the best names in the business. But if you can’t take up residence in the capital for two weeks, don’t worry – we’ve picked the best meals to tuck into.
ECLECTIC TALENTS



If you can only get to one thing this year, make it the opening. The red-carpet gala features the best local talents presenting the finest their kitchens can dish up in nice sample portions, so you can try a little of everything. Guests will be spoilt for choice with over 14 food stations, each prepared by a participating hosting establishment and its team of chefs.
Among the many city chefs plating up perfection are the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr’s John Cordeaux, last year’s Hotelier magazine chef of the year, Chef Ernst-Lothar Frank executive chef of the Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel and the Emirates Palace’s Wolfgang Fischer, who runs a staggering 12 restaurants, five lounges, two bars and 126 kitchens and pantries every day.
Plus there’s the controversial, passionate food of Swiss superstar Gilles Perrin and Amrish Sood’s classic Indian delights that have made his Ushna restaurant a favourite as far afield as Dubai.
The details: February 2, 8.15pm, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, tickets Dh450
THAT BLOKE FROM TV
Renowned British celebrity chef, James Martin will headline his third Gourmet Abu Dhabi with a celebrity dinner this weekend. Expect the TV personality, the pin-up star of popular UK television shows “Strictly Come Dancing”, “Ready, Steady, Cook” and “Saturday Kitchen” to serve up his speciality British fare – combining traditional ingredients and cooking techniques with a modern twist – for up to 250 guests.
Martin burst on to the British cuisine scene when famous British chef, Antony Worrall Thompson, noticed the talented youngster’s work at Scarborough Technical College – where Martin was named Student of the Year three years running – and brought the graduate to his 190 Queensgate restaurant in London.
From there, Martin’s career has gone in one direction – up. After opening the Hotel and Bistro du Vin, the 21-year-old Head Chef made national headlines by daringly changing the menu every day. By 1994, Martin had established an adoring British and international fan-base through his varied television work for the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, UKTV and Sky Television.
The details: February 3, from 7pm, Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island, tickets Dhs750
THREE-STAR TREATS
Inspired by Ferran Adrià’s revolutionary way of cooking, three-Michelin-starred Juan Amador is best known for his Hispanic influenced cuisine with innovative techniques that bring unique flavours, aromas and special combinations of temperature and texture to his creations.
Born to Spanish parents in Germany, he first dreamed of becoming a lawyer -- until later decisions pushed him into a culinary career. He was awarded his first star at the age of 25 and believes that his creations “should be unforgettable for my guests”.
The details: Epicurean Promotions @ Teatro, Park Rotana Abu Dhabi, February 3 to 6, price on request