Abu Dhabi residents will soon have a new place to relax, socialise, and tuck into a variety of intriguing dishes from around the world – all while under the same roof. A new food hall, The Botanic Atrium, is set to open in World Trade Centre Abu Dhabi towards the beginning of June. The space will be home to some well-loved brands in the capital's culinary scene as well as some new concepts. Some of the food and beverage companies so far announced include a sushi counter, Baan Thai, Tamarind Club (a fine dining Indian concept), Momo's for Asian dumplings, Niwaki for traditional sushi, Feilong for Chinese fusion food and T's Teabar, where one can buy loose tea or try a mocktail menu. According to co-founder Shabaz Rasool, who lives in Amsterdam, the food hall will also be incorporating new technology that allows visitors to experience numerous food concepts, while seated at the same table. “When we visited food halls in the region, we realised that people sometimes compromised by going to the same vendor or wasted time in lines ordering at different restaurants. This is time that could otherwise be spent socialising,” he says. Although it's not in place yet, the team is working on one platform that will allow people to place their orders from any of the food and drinks brands at the food hall. Servers will be there to assist the process, says Rasool. “We want to provide a high-quality food and seating arrangement, and then leave it up to the guests if they want interaction with the staff or not. There will be a good variety of cuisines, but with the luxury and comfort of dining in a nice restaurant.” He also says that the food will be the star of the show, with many being new concepts to Abu Dhabi, while others will offer dishes that are exclusive to the food hall. The Botanic Atrium will also offer a variety of seating options such as an indoor garden dining area as well as a terrace area, designed as a tropical oasis. The project by SRW Holding Ltd, has been inspired by the Harrods Food Halls in London, the Foodhallen in De Hallen, Amsterdam and the Markthal in Rotterdam. “I’ve been travelling to Abu Dhabi for years now and was amazed at how things were developing at such a rapid space. However, we noticed that it was missing a food hall – which is why we hope this will add value to the local culinary scene,” says Rasool.
