Blink and you could miss it, but located within walking distance of the Abu Dhabi Corniche is Crunch and Munch Cafe.
While the name doesn’t give away much about is inside, the restaurant surprises guests with its relaxed ambience, delicious food and an all-around well-designed, friendly space.
Located in Khalidiya, my friend and I opted to give it a try after noticing a large, round, ceiling-to-floor window with a table beside it. The rustic-looking dining area was enough to pique our interest and we were impressed by how much natural light there was in the cafe.
We noticed several people taking pictures of the quirky signs and decor. We also noted how different the place felt and how it much it reminded us of cafes in the United States.
Even though the front window is what attracted us, we ended up sitting near the back. This space featured a black couch instead of a table.
The menu is typical of most local cafes, with all-day breakfast items, salads and sandwiches, sweet and savoury crepes, baked goods and delicious-looking milkshakes.
I ordered a turkey club sandwich (Dh40), while my friend ordered the avocado toast (Dh45) from the healthy-breakfast section. Both were reasonably priced.
While we waited for our food, we explored our surroundings. A sign next to us on the couch read “You are here”, with a Google map-style arrow above my friend’s head – perfect for a fun selfie. Another sign cheekily stated “Reality called so I hung up”. There is also a white board on the wall with positive mantras and cute doodles all over it.
Our food did not take long to arrive, and I was happy with the size of my sandwich, which came with crisps. My friend’s meal included two sunny-side-up eggs and mashed avocado on two slices of brown bread.
We also tried a slice of chocolate cake (Dh23), which was massive. It was also rich and moist, and satisfied our sweet tooth – I highly recommend it to all chocolate lovers.
There are plenty of reasons to stop by at Crunch and Munch Cafe. The lovely relaxed atmosphere alone is worth a visit at the weekend or on a day off, simply to unwind and escape the Abu Dhabi crowds for a while.
• Crunch and Munch Cafe, Khalidiya, behind NBAD, opposite Lebanese Express. Call 02 633 3433. Reviewed meals are paid for by The National and conducted incognito
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