Team TTN enjoyed an array of food inspirations at Abu Dhabi’s iconic Shangri-La and has come back with a few handy recommendations for travel planners.
As part of the Shangri-La Culinary Master Series, Celebrity Parisian Patisserie Chef Nina Métayer highlighted her gourmet skills at Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi around Eid Al Adha. The Culinary Master Series is a perfect attraction for guests who love food and stories. It also gives them the opportunity to witness some of the best award-winning master chefs of the time.
TTN sat down with celebrity Chef Nina Métayer to understand how she spins her pastry charm across continents. “Keep learning, keep trying new things,” said the charming chef from La Rochelle in France. Nina was seen mingling with the hotel’s guests at dinner keeping a sharp eye and nose on diverse tastes. Chef Nina offered an Afternoon Tea with her artisanal creations and conducted Masterclasses as part of a series, launched in 2022 to delight guests with novel gastro concepts designed around exceptional taste and talent. Travel planners can create memorable itineraries around this gastronomic event.
Shangri-La’s breakfast on abra is a signature experience that leaves guests with lasting memories and plenty of great photos to boost popularity on social media. Enjoy a plush breakfast picnic on a traditional Arabic boat, or abra, while exploring the Qaryat Al Beri complex. Can we hop off at specific points to explore further? Of course, our captain assures us, as guests may board at Shangri-La or Traders hotel and savour the delicious menu items packed in a basket while admiring the Arabian architecture and gardens along the waterway. Guests may choose to hop off at Souk Qaryat Al Beri, a modern Arabian market with various dining and shopping options with an Emirati touch. The crystal-clear water of the canal creates an illusion that you are floating in thin air, reminiscent of Venice with the signature Shangri-La style luxury. This is a popular experience for social media flex, so advance booking is highly recommended.
Global travellers are familiar with the reputation of Shang Palace, it is a name that restaurant picking worries to rest specially if impressing clients is on top of the list. Shang Palace has, past 5 decades, delighted fans in Paris, Istanbul, Hong Kong and Beijing among others. No surprise then, that this established outpost of Asian fine dining, has found its way into the Michelin Guide Abu Dhabi 2023. Shang Palace serves exquisite Cantonese and provincial dishes, including Peking Duck and dim sum, with authentic Asian hospitality. The restaurant features a spacious dining area, private rooms, and an outdoor terrace.
Our final recommendation is well-known among locals and the go-to place for Vietnamese inspirations in Abu Dhabi. Hoi An serves authentic Vietnamese cuisine from a skilled team of chefs. The well-appointed setting, and jewels of the menu, means guests are immediately transported into the rich and diverse flavours of the blue dragon country. Hoi An is recognised by Gault & Millau UAE 2022 guide, as well as Michelin Guide Abu Dhabi 2023. Do not miss the top picks from the menu: the Vietnamese national soup and the sizzling prawns. Time stops at this restaurant as guests immerse in the cozy and elegant ambiance created by hand-made bamboo products, masks, figurines, cane chairs and vintage ceiling fans.
In our experience, all restaurants catered well to various allergies and special dietary requirements including gluten-free, vegan and lactose intolerance. The culinary and service teams executed the meals with efficiency and speed, along with an air of charming effortlessness.