Experience one of Abu Dhabi’s bustling old neighborhoods, where food and art come together to create a story-rich journey.
The Quick Take
- Non-refundable option: AED 350
- Flex option: AED 385
- Private tours: AED 2,100+
The Juicy Bit
Step into one of Abu Dhabi’s most vibrant neighborhoods, where public art and street food come together to create a cultural experience like no other. This journey through food and art is all about connection—crossing borders, blending cultures, and sharing the stories that bring us closer. You’ll be led by a guide with a deep passion for Abu Dhabi, someone who knows these streets and will open the doors to the city’s hidden gems, from art installations to iconic street eats.
What Will You Experience?
A Neighborhood Full of Life
In one of Abu Dhabi’s most vibrant neighborhoods, you’ll find a blend of utility and artistry, where essential shops—bakeries, tailors, perfumers, and jewelers—have lined the streets for decades. It’s a place where locals come for everything from handmade textiles to fresh-baked bread, creating a bustling atmosphere that’s as rich in tradition as it is in culture. Despite its practicality, this district holds unexpected artistic surprises, including a building facade with an intricate design resembling ancient script. At first glance, it feels like a relic from another era, but upon closer inspection, the art reveals a new layer of meaning.
Inclusive Expressions: Art Meets Food
This tour blends two creative mediums—art and food—that cross the boundaries of language, inviting connection in ways words sometimes cannot. Art and food are deeply inclusive; they allow personal interpretation and invite everyone in, regardless of background. Here, in Abu Dhabi, you’ll experience this inclusive spirit firsthand. As we explore, you’ll see four unique pieces from the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial, each offering a window into the diverse cultural stories that define the city. Together, these artworks and the food we share tell a story of connection, bringing people together through creativity and culture.
Street Food Flavors
No tour of this neighborhood would be complete without tasting its culinary treasures. Abu Dhabi’s street food is as diverse as its people, and you’ll sample a mix of flavors that span continents. Vegetarians are welcome, with options to suit all palates. Here’s a taste of what’s on the menu:
- A unique breakfast sandwich filled with herbs and a special ingredient that’s buried under wood chips overnight.
- A beef dish that’s a firecracker in disguise, hiding behind a deceptively dull name. Fear not—we’ve got just the thing to douse the flames.
- Handcrafted Syrian pastries with caramelized onions, pomegranate molasses, and savory meat, made by a baker who’s called this neighborhood home since the ’90s.
- A taste of Indian street food, enjoyed the way locals do, right on the bustling street.
- Refreshing local ice cream, perfect for strolling through the neighborhood as we explore art and culture.
- A curious cup of ‘salty’ tea, whose unexpected color comes from a natural chemical reaction—an experience as surprising as it is flavorful.
- A heritage bakery’s time-honored sweets, rounding off our journey with a taste of nostalgia.
Why Join This Art & Street Food Tour?
This tour is more than a meal; it’s a snapshot of Abu Dhabi’s diverse heart, where the universal languages of food and art come together. Join us to experience the flavors, stories, and cultural tapestry that make this city unforgettable.
All prices below include 5% VAT and all the food and water that the guide orders for the group on the tour. Soft beverages are not included.
Shared Tour:
- Non-Refundable Ticket:
- AED 350
- This ticket cannot be changed or refunded for any reason once booked.
- Flex Ticket:
- AED 385
- On public tours, this ticket may be:
- (a) Rescheduled or
- (b) Refunded minus a 35 AED cancellation fee per ticket anytime up to an hour before the tour starts.
Can I book this tour out as a private experience?
Yes we’d love to serve you and your group privately!
All prices below include 5% VAT and all the food and water that the guide orders for the group on the tour. Soft beverages are not included.
Refund/Rescheduling Policy on Private Tours:
- 21+ days before tour: Full refund or free rescheduling.
- 8-21 days before tour: Reschedule for a fee of 25% of the ticket price or 70% refund.
- 7 days or less before tour: No changes allowed.
- Group size reduction: Same refund policy as above.
- Only one reschedule is allowed per private group booking, subject to availability.
Refunds for bookings using gift cards or gifted tickets will be credited back to the original gift card or ticket.
All prices below include 5% VAT and all the food and still water that the guide orders for the group on the tour. Soft beverages are not included.
Inclusions:
- Friendly, passionate, and knowledgeable tour guide. Licensed by Abu Dhabi Tourism.
- Viewing of 4 artworks from Public Art Abu Dhabi along the route.
- All food tastings, including:
- Traditional egg sandwich.
- Beef and rice (veg side available).
- Spicy street snack.
- Meat/veg pastry.
- Ice cream.
- Traditional sweets.
- Unlimited still water.
- Earphones to connect to the tour guide’s audio system.
Exclusions:
- Transport to/from the tour.
- Souvenirs purchased on the tour.
- Sparkling water or beverages other than what is mentioned under “Inclusions” section.
We’ll gather outside Masjid Fatah in Madinat Zayed. To ensure we can start on time, please arrive promptly—our tours begin right on schedule!
Here’s What Past Guests on This Tour Are Saying
Can I book this tour as a private experience?
Yes, we’d love to serve you and any companions on a private tour! We need a minimum of 2 people and a maximum of 12 to run this tour as a private experience. Please email us at munch@fryingpanadventures.com with your preferred dates so we may schedule a private tour for you.
Should I join this tour if I am vegetarian?
Yes! Most stops, with the exception of one restaurant, has a vegetarian alternative. It might be a bit tricky if you’re vegan as some of the breads and cookies may contain eggs and butter.
How do I get to the tour?
Your best bet is to drive to the tour and park mid-way between the start and end points in Madinat Zayed. We’ll share all the details in your confirmation when you book.
Do we only walk around and sample food?
Our walking food tours are immersive experiences that go beyond eating. We combine food tastings with history, culture and personal stories of the city.
What should I bring with me?
Just your appetite!
Please don’t carry anything too heavy as we will be walking. If you plan to purchase edible souvenirs during the tour, please make sure to carry cash (local AED currency) or your credit card.
What if I have dietary restrictions or allergies?
Please be sure to let us know if you (or anyone in your group) have a dietary restriction (e.g. vegetarian, diabetic, allergy, etc.) when you purchase your tickets. In most cases, nuts, lactose and gluten may be in the foods featured on our experiences and there is a risk of cross-contamination. If you have a serious allergy, we recommend contacting us at munch@fryingpanadventures.com prior to purchasing tickets to enable us to advise you if our tours are suitable for you.
Are toilet facilities available on the tour?
Yes, toilet facilities are available at some of the stops on this tour. We recommend arriving early and using the toilet facilities in the Madinat Zayed shopping center, which is walking distance from the tour starting point.
Is the tour offered in different languages?
At this time, the tour is only offered in English.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
We will do our best to serve anyone requiring the use of their wheelchair. That said, this is an older neighborhood where restaurants and toilet facilities aren’t always equipped for wheelchair users.
Are children allowed?
What do we do in case of bad weather?
The tours are very rarely cancelled due to bad weather. We will email you at least 4 hours prior to the tour should it not be advisable to walk outside due to a thunderstorm or sandstorm; please make sure to check your email if you are aware of bad weather. We also advise you to check weather conditions for your tour and dress appropriately and carry an umbrella if required.
Do I need to purchase tickets in advance?
Yes, advance ticket purchase is required through this website. Our experiences, typically, sell out quickly. To maximize your chances of getting the date, time, and number of tickets you prefer, please book well in advance.
If a tour is sold out, can I get on a waiting list?
If the date and time of your choice is sold out, we recommend signing up on our waitlist here.
What are the change policies on my booking?
Please review our cancellation policies under our Terms and Conditions here.
Do I need to tip?
Gratuities are always appreciated but are not mandatory.
Please review the following terms and conditions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience on our tours.
- Tour Routes & Stops:
Our tour routes and featured stops, including restaurants and other establishments, are subject to change.
- Unforeseen Circumstances:
Changes may occur due to unforeseen circumstances such as lack of availability, closures, or operational adjustments at any of our planned locations.
- Adaptation of Experience:
In the event of such changes, our team will adapt the tour to offer a comparable experience.
- No Refunds for Changes:
Please note that we do not offer refunds due to these alterations, as they are beyond our control.
- Commitment to Excellence:
We appreciate your understanding and flexibility. Rest assured, we are committed to ensuring you have a delightful and memorable experience with us.
Please click here for our complete list of terms and conditions.
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