Nolu’s, a unique cafe that serves authentic Afghani food along with California cuisine, has confirmed it will open a third branch in Al Seef Village Mall and Resort this year. Nolu’s original branch is in Al Bandar with a second location in The Galleria Mall on Al Maryah Island.
Nolu’s has become a go-to spot for foodies and for the health-conscious alike. It’s tasty food with a load of healthy options. There are more than a dozen superfood smoothies on the menu. For breakfast, they have a long list of scrambled egg options and other egg dishes, all made with organic eggs from France. There are several salads on offer including a build-your-own option. There is a range of pastas, sandwiches, burgers and kebabs too. But the standouts are Nolu’s Afghani dishes, which pay homage to owner Marjon Ajami’s roots. Ajami started Nolu’s because she wanted to share the food she loved with others. She was born in California in the United States. Her parents were raised in Kabul. The food she ate in her mum’s kitchen stuck with her — as did the California cuisine she grew to love — and it all comes together at Nolu’s. The qabili pallow on Nolu’s menu, an Afghan dish of lamb shank with afghani brown rice, carrots and raisins, is as authentic as it comes. And the mantoo dumplings are not to be missed. Made with beef, coriander, onions, peas, garlic and yogurt in a tomato meat sauce, Nolu’s mantoo dumplings remain one of my favourite dishes in the capital.
Ajami says, “We have been looking for the perfect location for a new Nolu’s. Al Seef is a flagship development for Abu Dhabi and has the right mix of tenants and a very healthy footfall.” Ajami says she’ll relocate Nolu’s head office to Al Seef and is already in talks for developing a completely new concept for the mall.
Angus Woodhead, Al Seef Mall and Resort director of retail, says: “Everyone in Abu Dhabi knows and loves Nolu’s. It’s an institution. We are incredibly excited that Marjon chose Al Seef Mall & Resort as a new home for the expanding family of Nolu’s.”
sjohnson@thenational.ae
