If you’re heading to the festival this coming weekend, go hungry – it will be hard to limit yourself to a couple of dishes. Here are my favourites from the first weekend at Al Jahili Park in Al Ain.
• Love Food Festival is at Abu Dhabi's Mushrif Central Park on February 18 from 5pm to 10pm, and from noon to 10pm on February 19 and 20. Tickets cost Dh30 at www.lovefoodfestival.ae, or Dh40 at the door. Children under 12 get in free. There is a Dh5 general admission fee for Mushrif Central Park, which is not included in the ticket price.
The Other Side
Buttermilk deep-fried chicken sandwich in a honey bun, with smoked honey butter, pickles and coleslaw. Served from a converted ambulance, this tender, juicy chicken has a delightfully crispy exterior. The sweet honey bun perfectly balances the savoury, salty goodness of the chicken.
• Dh40
Hix’s Fishdog
While most people were lining up for the fish dogs and fish cakes, I opted for the spicy crab chips. They come topped with rich, sweet white-crab meat, chives and a chilli mayonnaise that adds just the right amount of kick.
• Dh35
Dixie Union
While it is not the traditional New Orleans po’boy, this version has some serious flavour: blackened, grilled shrimp marinated in a homemade Cajun-spice mix, purple-cabbage coleslaw, cheese and habanero chilli jam (for a kick of heat) – all packed into a soft brioche bun.
• Dh40
Happy Maki
Vegan sushi? Cast aside your scepticism and grab this flavour-packed vegan duck roll. It’s made with inari tofu, sticky hoisin sauce, avocado, toasted sesame seeds, spring onion, cucumber and green pepper and it knocks traditional sushi out of the park.
• Dh35
Crema Caravan
Once you have had your fill of the savoury bites, stop by this food truck for the perfect pot of crème brûlée. Try the honey and pistachio, with silky honey crème buried under a deliciously burnt, crisp topping. It is finished with salty, roasted pistachios.
• Dh35