Nicole Lopez del Carril/The Gazelle
The AD Secrets Challenge
How many can you do?
Aug 21, 2016
Editor's note: This article was originally published on September 22, 2015
Though it's only a taxi ride away, Abu Dhabi and its knots of streets, alleyways and superblocks — most of which probably don't have addresses — can sometimes feel intimidating. But for freshmen and returning students alike, the Eid break offers the opportunity to get out and explore.
If you've been hoping to familiarize yourself with the city but are unsure where to start, check out the masterlist of
The Gazelle's series AD Secrets, which covers the lesser-known nooks of the city.
Grab a friend, grab a taxi and see how many destinations you can tick off before classes resume.
####FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Try halo-halo, a popular Filipino dessert of shaved ice and jello, at Agemono.
Go for mango lassis and people-watching at Salaam Bombay.
Splurge for all you-can-eat sushi at Aquarium, a seafood restaurant overlooking the Yas Marina.
Visit locally-owned Grand Central and order the first, and possibly only, cheese steak in the UAE.
WhEAT offers freshly-baked bread and a range of cakes, all less than 15 AED. Make sure to taste their Turkish coffee ice cream.
Back from a semester in New York and missing your morning bagel? Check out the Bagel Bar.
Lebanese manakeesh — flat breads loaded with cheese, zataar and other tasty flavors — is especially good at the somewhat obscure Al Farah Pastry and Grill.
The Cheese & Pickles Centre sources the strongest flavors of the Mediterranean, from Egyptian cheese to Italian salami. Check out their 40 different kinds of olives.
The Raw Place is possibly one of the best destinations in Abu Dhabi for a healthy treat. Sample their chia pudding and cold-pressed juice.
####GO WANDERING
Bring a picnic and go for a stroll through Abu Dhabi's scenic mangroves.
Explore Iranian spices, loose Moroccan tea and oils from Pakistan at Wadi A’z Zafran.
Room feeling bare? Buy a bromeliad from the plant souk.
Buy some burgers and veggies, and go for a grill at Khalidiya Park.
At the Women's Handicraft Centre, you'll find hand-crafted fabrics, weaved carpets and beaded jellabas.
Put away your class readings and buy yourself a novel for the break at Abu Dhabi's only used bookstore.
####SUGAR FIX
Go for Italian hot chocolate at Maya La Chocolaterie.
Al Baba Sweets offers the best delicacies from the streets of Lebanon. They also serve homemade ice cream bars, which you can get dipped in chocolate.
Become a honey connoisseur for a day, and browse through all the different colors, flavors and consistencies at Food Queen Honey.
Have the perfect date at this cheap Mina Port souk.
#####PRACTICALITIES
If you're sick of convenience store ramen, take a culinary class from Lana's Partiperfect.
For the brave at heart, Gold Moon Beauty Salon offers fire facials.
One of the more underrated shisha places of Abu Dhabi, La Fontana offers a terrace view and fresh juices.
Or you can go to Mirage Marine for Shiazo shisha, which is made from flavored steamed stones, and is supposed to be better for your health.
####CAFÉ CRAWL
Grab some hot chocolate and a slice of spiced ginger cake for an Eid study session at Leopold of London.
Check out the vintage kitsch vibe — and free Wi-Fi — at café Shabby Chic.
Visit Zyara Café, a favorite of the Sama Tower generation, and try some of its amazing labneh.
Get your bubble tea fix at Argo Tea.
Special thanks to Nicole Lopez del Carril, class of 2014. Send your thoughts on this article to feedback@thegazelle.org.
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