The culinary options in Abu Dhabi extend well beyond the usual shawarma and biryani, and the city is also home to a growing number of Andhra and Telugu restaurants that serve up spicy curries, meals, and rice dishes that bring back memories of home for many expats. Whether you are in the mood for spicy Kodi Koora, Gongura Mamsam, biryani, or a satisfying Andhra bhojanam, here are the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi
Godavari Restaurant LLC
Address: Al Falah Street, Al Danah – Zone 1, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Godavari Restaurant is a favorite among food lovers of Andhra and South Indian cuisine in the capital. Godavari is famous for its strong flavors, spices, and extensive menu, which offers everything from a traditional Andhra meal to biryani and spicy curries. The restaurant offers both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes with authentic Telugu flavors.
Menu Highlights:
- Andhra Chicken Vepudu
- Gongura Mutton
- Kodi Koora (Chicken Curry)
- Tangy pickles and pachadis
- Andhra biryani and spicy rice specials
Soul of Sankranti
Address: Building 52 Swiz Street, Al Khaldiya – W4, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Soul of Sankranti is a celebration of Telugu cuisine, and the menu is designed to reflect home-cooked meals, special occasion food, and delicious dishes that have been inspired by Andhra and South Indian cuisine. The philosophy of the restaurant is based on the use of quality ingredients and flavors that have been inspired by Telugu cuisine.
Menu Highlights:
- Butta Bhojanam (traditional combo meal)
- Balayya Babu Biryani
- Andhra tandoori and grills
- Home-style curries, chutneys and sides
Amaravathi Andhra Restaurant
Address: Al Ferdous Tower – Al Salam Street, Al Danah – Zone 1, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Amaravathi Andhra Restaurant has gained a loyal clientele among Telugu food enthusiasts for its aromatic biryanis, satisfying thalis, and traditional Andhra meal dishes. With an affordable price range and familiar flavors, it is ideal for casual lunches or family dinners.
Menu Highlights:
- Andhra Veg and Non-Veg Thalis
- Fish, Chicken, Mutton and Prawn Thalis
- Chicken 65 Pulao
- Andhra style biryani options (Chicken/Prawn/Mutton)
Other Andhra-Style Spots to Try
Although the above are some of the most “Andhra-focused” restaurants in Abu Dhabi, there are a few other restaurants that have Telugu or South Indian influences that are worth mentioning:
Telugu Ruchi (Al Markaziya)
Address: Behind Royal Rose Hotel, Al Markaziya, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Known as a go-to destination for South Indian food and economical plates, Telugu Ruchi is a place that serves food that will appeal to fans of simple South Indian and Andhra-inspired cuisine.
New Telugu Ruchi Restaurant (Mussafah Sanaiya)
Address: Behind Al Marina Gifts, Opposite Gray Mackenzie & Partners, M40, Mussafah Sanaiya, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
A casual neighborhood restaurant for hearty meals and South Indian cuisine that many locals enjoy for everyday dining.
Telangana Restaurant (Mohamed Bin Zayed City)
Address: 8 Al Naqi Street, Mohamed Bin Zayed City – ME-10, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Provides a combination of biryanis, curries, and South Indian cuisine with some Andhra flavors, which can be a good choice if you are venturing out of the main Andhra restaurants.
What to Expect on the Menu
The reason why Andhra cuisine is so popular is because of its use of strong spices, tangy flavors, and rich and comforting flavors. When you visit Andhra restaurants in Abu Dhabi, you will find that they have a combination of hearty and spicy dishes that are truly representative of Telugu cuisine.
Looking forward to wholesome Andhra cuisine with rice, dal, sambar, rasam, a variety of curries, and homemade chutneys.
Popular dishes like Kodi Koora and Chicken Vepudu are a perfect combination of spice and flavor, and Gongura Mamsam is a special favorite of mine because of its unique taste of gongura leaves along with mutton.
Rice enthusiasts can indulge in the aroma of biryani and pulao, flavored with spices of their choice and meat or vegetables.
No meal is complete without pickles and pachadis in Andhra cuisine, which give an extra kick to the meal.
Most Andhra restaurants in Abu Dhabi are also geared towards vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, and some restaurants also offer cooling beverages and simple desserts that are the best way to round off a spicy meal.
Whether you are looking to satisfy your cravings for the hot and spicy taste of Andhra cuisine or a flavorful biryani that is packed with masala, you will find the best of Andhra restaurants in Abu Dhabi. Godavari, Soul of Sankranti, and Amaravathi are some of the most popular ones, and other options in Abu Dhabi include Telugu Ruchi and Telangana Restaurant.