A Senses-Led Tour of Abu Dhabi

We can learn a lot about a place when we let our senses guide us. Often pleasant and mesmerizing aromas when exploring Abu Dhabi include the intoxicating aroma of oud wood wafting from incense burners in souks and shopping malls, and the fruity smoke from shisha pipes in cafes. In terms of flavor, cumin, saffron and cardamom are just some of the spices that are important in many traditional dishes that both delight the palate and tell the culinary story of the emirate.A sensory-led tour of Abu Dhabi won’t just captivate you; it will help illuminate many aspects of the emirate’s culture, such as the connection between coffee, or Jiahua Because it’s famous in the area and for its hospitality.

Nothing says Abu Dhabi like a coffee infused with flavors like cardamom and rosewater. The Gahwa is a symbol of hospitality and holds an important place in Emirati culture.Such is the importance of the gahwa to Abu Dhabi and the UAE as a whole, its dirham coin depicts God, Traditional Arabic coffee pot. From the crescent-shaped spout to the pointed-shaped lid, the unique shape of the pot body has become a symbol of the local coffee culture. There’s even an oversized dallah–A sculpture in Abu Dhabi’s Union Square further underscores the instrument’s place in the UAE’s national consciousness.

Some believe that Muslims returning from the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca first brought coffee to the region known today as the United Arab Emirates around the 15th century. Regardless of how the drink got here, its popularity quickly spread across the Arabian peninsula, taking on a life of its own in ritual and ritual.

This etiquette is an important expression of hospitality in Emirati society and is thought to have originated in a time when Bedouins relied on mutual generosity.The person in charge of serving the gahwa, known as Mukawi, The left hand holds the dallah, in finland (cup without handle) is on his right. He then serves the gahwa starting with the most important person in the room, and then the person to his right. Once the guest has finished drinking and does not want a refill, they should shake the glass to remind the muqahwi that they are finished. Granted, it’s hard to stop once you start, no matter how unwise it might be to continue drinking heavily caffeinated beverages.

The process of making flowers It is a complicated matter, however, some steps are omitted today. Roasting is mostly done by machines, and traditionally the process begins by sorting, washing and drying the beans to convert them into coffee, before roasting them until they turn red or brown. The roasted beans are ground in a mortar and pestle – a noisy process with nostalgia for older Emiratis. The rhythmic jingle evokes memories of coffee being brewed at dawn and is seen as an invitation to wake up and be with family before the day begins.

Once roasted, the beans are boiled in dallah for a pungent aroma. Added spices and flavors, such as cardamom, saffron, rosewater and cloves, are infused into the coffee for a unique sweetness that has become synonymous with hospitality, family and generosity.

Well worth a visit if you want to recreate the experience at home Al Zafarana Souk Purchase supplies in Al Ain. A nose-led adventure awaits you in its alleys, where you can buy a variety of spices, including those used in Java and Dala. However, if you’re short on luggage space, do so at your own risk; it’s hard to resist the mix of handicrafts, fragrances and trinkets.

As demand for specialty coffee soars and independent shops pop up across the emirate, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi is working to preserve the traditional gahwa This Gahwa Tournament at Al Hosn FestivalAt the festival, participants will be tested on their knowledge of the gava tradition, bean selection and how the drink is prepared. The initiative helps preserve and document the gahwa as a cherished Emirati tradition.

One of the things gahwa has in common with traditional Abu Dhabi cuisine is the sense of community and connection it evokes. Dining in the UAE is very much a public affair. Imagine a family sharing cauldrons of mildly spicy food, the scents of cinnamon and saffron filling the air. Emirati food can be largely understood through the country’s geography and trading traditions. A fusion of Asian and Middle Eastern flavors, the main ingredients include rice, fish and meat, cooked with nuts, limes, dried fruits and ghee.

a popular dish is Ash Mohammad, rice cooked in date syrup and served with fish. The flavor profile is typical of Emirati cuisine, often combining sweet and savory flavors. McBootha popular dish of rice served with chicken, lamb, fish or shrimp, is a weekend family lunch fixture. black pepper, The spice blend used varies from family to family and is usually a closely guarded family secret. Machboos, along with another local favorite, biryani, is a living testimony to the UAE’s history of trade with India and the historic Persian region.

A fun breakfast favorite is Ballarat, this is Comfort food at its best – if you’re looking for an unconventional way to eat eggs in the morning, this one’s for you. It’s traditionally a combination of vermicelli noodles cooked with sugar, saffron and cardamom, and topped with — here comes the weird part — an omelet.

While many restaurants serve Emirati cuisine, the truth is that these dishes are best served home-made. If you happen to meet a local during your stay and they invite you to their home for dinner, this is an opportunity not to be missed.

No invitation? no problem. Take an aromatic tour of Abu Dhabi’s main souks and browse some of the most popular products bought by locals and residents.Rows of colorful produce Al Mina Fruit and Vegetable Souk There are ample photo opportunities for those who don’t have room in their luggage, hoping to take some snaps home. It’s also a great place to buy dates, a staple of Emirati cuisine. From plain dates to those filled with pistachios, orange zest or chocolate, there is a wide variety to sample and buy.

The neighboring Mina Zayed fish market is also worth a visit, where you can shop and eat local fish at one of the restaurants under the same roof. Delicious, fresh seafood cooked to perfection, second only to traditional Emirati home cooking.