Majlis Al Fareej is popularising a cuisine otherwise underrated in the capital — Emirati food.
Having opened only on May 8, the impressive outlet is somewhat hidden in the Al Danah area amid many other eateries. Still, the beautiful blend of spices in most of their food means that you are guaranteed to find a dessert, a sandwich or main course that will bring you back, day after day.
The thick, creamy lentil soup can be considered a meal in itself with its delicious spicy tinge and pleasantly surprising vermicelli. This soup stands out in its heaviness — for weight watchers, ordering this and a drink on the side would be enough to keep you full for a couple of hours.
The salads were a joy from the moment I laid eyes on them. A traditional Emirati rocca and strawberry salad tasted even more beautiful than it looked.
Surprisingly, both this salad and the fattoush had just enough dressing — something that I am so used to ordering ‘on the side’ at restaurants.
The chef seems to be familiar with the Arabic expression: “The eye eats before the mouth”.
For a moment, the beef and chicken sandwiches give the impression that you are elsewhere, at a fancy diner, perhaps.
However, once you’ve dug your teeth into those sandwiches, waves of authentic Emirati flavours come crashing in.
The bread is made of refined flour with date pulp, salt, yeast and sesame.
Additionally, the meals are served on mats made by Sougha, a handicrafts initiative made to support low-income Emirati families.
Of course, the visit would not have been complete without kingfish served with Emirati rice and spices and chicken machboos — a dish containing garlic, cinnamon, cardamom, ghee and so many other wonderful things.
Majlis Al Fareej knows how to add a pleasant surprise or twist in every dish while getting the ingredients exactly right.
For dessert, the coffee-date cake is a celebration in your mouth.
Although Majlis Al Fareej does not contain an actual majlis, many Emiratis visit the venue, proving how authentic it really is.
I suggest you go now while it’s still fairly new and undiscovered because a gem like this is bound to see lots of waiting lists ahead.
The details
Location: Darwish Tower, Danat Area, Abu Dhabi.
Hours: Iftar served until 9pm.
Price: Dh120 per person
Call: 02-6653653.
