Inside Taste of Abu Dhabi 2025: A foodie’s playground where every corner smells like joy

Oh, those sizzling lamb chops.

We walked past grills where eager learners listened to instructions about temperature, Fahrenheit vs. Celsius, and watched chefs coat the chops in thick, luscious sauces. So good—and so far out of reach, because these weren’t for sale; it was part of a class, as I was cheerfully informed. I muttered angrily to myself that I should have taken a class. Pff.

In another corner, Chef Francisco explained that they were doing a demo with beef skewers. “We put a lot of emphasis on Emirati foods and flavors. Today, we’re doing beef skewers and grills, served with yoghurt,” he said.

The lamb chops and skewers were just one aspect of Taste of Abu Dhabi—it came under the Noon Fire Pit, which looked like a typical Sunday barbecue, with people grilling meats and enjoying them at nearby tables. Elsewhere, families took cooking lessons from Chef Scott Valentina, learning to make mini pumpkin dishes with spices and toasted marshmallows. The sights of pumpkins, jaggery… drifts off....

Right, so that was just one of the many joys of walking through Taste of Abu Dhabi. It’s a haven for foodies: something new beckons at every corner. You can relax with a slushy, or enjoy a delightfully creamy ice-cream—which, of course, I did, because I never refuse ice-cream. There’s a Yakult spinner shop, a stall with beef sliders and skewers manned by very jolly company. “It’s my second time here. I love it. I love the experience. When the sun goes down, there will be a lot more people. Here, we serve sliders, chips, Mac N Cheese, and vegetarian options,” explains Sylver, who runs the stall.

Rows of small stalls offer treats from around the world. You can sample Yemeni honey at Magda’s store. “This is my third year here. It’s very crowded, and there’s so much variety,” says Magda, from Romania. On her favorite kind of food, she laughs, “I like healthy food. But mainly pasta.” She displays her honey proudly, emphasising its purity and sweetness. “It’s good for digestion,” she adds.

So, if you’re looking for an experience that will make the foodie in you dance a little, head to Taste of Abu Dhabi. There’s a feast waiting: grills, ice-creams, sliders… drifts off again

Tickets

• Standard: Dh80

• Taster package: Dh185

• VIP package: Dh350

Children under 12 enter free (food and beverage packages require tickets). No outside food, beverage or glassware allowed. Valid ID required for age verification.

When

 It's from Friday November 14, until Sunday November 16.

How to get there

Gateway Park North, Yas Island, is easily accessible by car or taxi, with ample parking available.