Abu Dhabi: A multitude of big and small eateries has sprung up recently in the crowded alleys of Khalidiya in Abu Dhabi. And if not for the strikingly European name, Stroopwafel Café would not have stirred any curiosity among visitors in the area.
From the outside, there is nothing unusual about this small café which is tucked away in a corner among a glut of groceries and laundry shops. But believe me, it is a typical ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ scenario. Its freshly-baked Dutch stroopwafels, which literally means ‘syrup waffles’, is a rarity in Abu Dhabi and the café claims it’s the first to introduce the delicacy in the city. Any European who has tasted the warm waffles, made with two thin layers of baked dough with a caramel syrup filling with a tinge of cinnamon from Europe, will vouch for its authentic taste.
The freshly made stroopwafels are available in small, medium and large sizes, and the café also sells gift packets that you can take home.
It is not just the mouth-watering waffles that will bring you back to Stroopwafel. From the seemingly small open kitchen, the café dishes out a huge variety of appetisers, salads, croissants, sandwiches, burgers, bagels and main courses that you would normally associate with a bigger restaurant.
The breakfast options are also impressive – Italian, Dutch, Oriental, American and French.
I can vouch for the Greek salad that came with vinaigrette dressing. The quantity is massive and each bite of the veggies was crisp and fresh.
Likewise, the Hawaiian pizza is much more than an average pizza. The dough was thin and tasty with equally good toppings. Chicken parmigiana with mushroom sauce as my main course was as good as I expected with well-marinated and soft chicken. If they had avoided the frozen veggies on the sides, I would have given them full marks.
But overall this quaint café is a secret culinary gem that is waiting to be discovered.
Details:
Meal for two: Dh80-150
Location: Khalidiya street, Behind Sheraton Khalidiya
Timings: 7am to 12am
Contact: 02 6338533
Our ratings (our of 5): Food 4, Ambience 4, value for money 3, Over all 4
We recommend: Greek Salad, Hawaiian pizza, Chicken Parmigiana
