The opening of a new Arabic restaurant at Abu Dhabi’s Marina Mall is right on time, being that it’s Ramadan.
Azkadenya is expected to open its doors in June, when it will “introduce a new audience to its much-loved Middle-Eastern dishes with a twist”.
Hailing from Jordan, where the modern-retro, casual dining concept was an instant hit in cosmopolitan capital Amman when it opened in 2011, this will be the group’s third outlet in the UAE, but their first in the capital.
Touted as a “one-of-a-kind dining experience”, Azkadenya is said to blend a modern approach to traditional Arabic dishes with a quirky interior that draws inspiration from the Middle East back in 1950s right through to the early 90s.
The restaurant will offer breakfast items that include a selection of delicious manaeesh and ‘signature eggs’ such as chakchouka, alongside fresh fruit juices and smoothies.
For lunch or dinner, appetisers range from homestyle fried kibbeh to modern felafel sliders, with a variety of soups, salads and sawani or ‘trays’. There’s shawarma enchiladas with beef or chicken or you can opt for the more unique go ‘al fahem’ — a shawarma stick served at the table over charcoal.
If you’ve got a sweet tooth the Arabic desserts will include sticky date pudding, Nutella banana monousheh and umm ali Azkadenya style.
Azkadenya will be open daily from 10am to 12am, in Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi.
mhealy@thenational.ae
