Salama’s
‘iTaemi thimm testehi l-aein’, the Emirati proverb which translates in English: Feed the mouth, the eye will be bashful. For many Emiratis, being hospitable is more than an admirable deed; it is an issue of honour and a sacred obligation. In the pre-federation era, inhabitants of the Gulf Coast and hinterland used to live in harsh conditions, sometimes lacking Food and water, or lost in the desert and needing shelter for the night. Hence, they relied on each other’s hospitality to survive thirst, combat hunger, and find protection against enemies. Today, this individual generosity mirrors the generosity in every service of the Nation; each industry of UAE is generous yet disciplined and committed to quality which is the unique facet of the country. Where each industry is thriving to be excellent of all, Food & Beverage industry is making its own generosity and creativity to be competent. From multicuisine to speciality cuisine, you will find each kind of culinary palate in UAE’s F&B network. The generosity in terms of services and discounts, the hospitability with subjectivity and exclusivity, and delectable dishes on the card are few features of the F&B industry of UAE. Salama’s Restaurant by Ms Salama Al Shamsi is a classic example of the UAE’s flourishing F&B sector; it provides its customer with the supreme quality of dishes inspired by famous International cuisine.
Each venture/business need sort of True Calling of founder behind its success. When Salama was 5 years old, she used to sit beside her Grandma, and she would observe her Grandma cooking different recipes. As Salama grew, her curiosity for Food developed with a warm conversation with her Grandma when she would put the portable stove in the living room and discuss the recipes with the family. The childhood memories and upbringing with mother, grandmother, and family sow the seed of passion for Food in Salama’s mind; today, she has cultivated that seed into Tree in the form of Salama’s Restaurant. Food is nostalgic for Salama, and with the Restaurant, she is maintaining her nostalgia. As Food doesn’t have boundaries and it’s a subjective choice of the person, Salama’s Restaurant serves the World cuisine with flair. The new fusion food with supreme quality of ingredients and posh interiors, Salama’s Restaurant is the place for all palates and taste buds.
The Food menu is divided into eight sections:
1) First Flavours which are basically nine types of different Appetisers that includes Salads and quick bites,
2) Two signature Soups
3) From the land: six varieties of the main course includes meat, dairy, wheat, and chicken covering famous International dishes
4) From the sea: five delectable preparations of sea creatures fetched from Arabian Gulf, Atlantic and Indian ocean
5) Vegetarian and Vegan Delights: Two recipes that contain vegetables and dairy
6) Seven Side dishes
7) Nine super delicious Desserts which you can quickly crave for by reading the descriptions in Sweet Endings section
8) Thirteen different choices of Children’s Menu; even kids have the privilege to taste international cuisines.
Moreover, there is a Beverage Menu that contains refreshing juices, gratifying shakes, rejuvenating coffees, and life-sustaining water.
Watermelon itself is so refreshing and juicy that it doesn’t need any companion, but the base of Greek Yoghurt and toppings of caramelised hazelnuts will surely turn your notion about this red energy-booster another way. The velvety texture of Greek Yoghurt embedded to the bottom of Watermelon slices when consumed with crunchy caramelised hazelnuts will surely gratify your senses; Greek Watermelon Salad is the Artistic serving. The team of chefs experiment with the dough of bread, the flavours changes daily; from Zaatar to Cumin, customers get different characters of bread. The accompaniments of bread are of the best quality, and this bread with accompaniment is complimentary.
The Passion fruit Mojito is refreshing and must try. Passion fruit, tropical fruit has lemony flavour with essence of mango and pineapple; the infusion of its pulp with soft-drink is an excellent idea because of the Carbon Dioxide (CO2) in soft-drinks; the gas extracts the flavours of Passionfruit correctly. The fresh juices are of top-quality in Salama’s and recommended with Food.
The lentils give a silky texture to the soup and when infused with cumins becomes Salama’s Oriental Red Lentil Soup. Earthy note of cumins laced with Australian butternut squash, yuzu, and cilantro oil creates excellent flavour profile for the lentil soup; the crunch of corn croutons cannot be missed. One who want to check the expertise of chefs, have to try this lentil soup in Salama’s; the minimal ingredients reveals the cooking abilities of chef and the abilities of Salama’s chefs are very competitive.
The etymology and trail of Food are usually difficult to trace; finding the exact roots of the recipe has always been controversial and flawed. However, there are pronounced pieces of evidence in the form of stories and books which assures the fairness to the culinary trail of various cuisines. Paella is such a dish which has multiple etymologies and trails, eg.,
Valencian claims that Paella is derived from old french language that means frying pan. Paella is a Valencian rice dish that has ancient roots, but its modern form originated in the mid-19th century in the area around the Albufera lagoon on the east coast of Spain adjacent to the city of Valencia.
Arabs claim that the word Paella comes from Arabic word baqiyyah, which means ‘leftovers’. This claim is based on the 8th-century custom in which Moorish kings’ servants would take home the rice, chicken, and vegetables their employers left at the end of the meal.
Regardless of history, Paella is still a Spanish food, and Salama’s serves it with Emirati twist as Spanish Seafood Paella. The seafood fetched from Arabian Gulf and Atlantic ocean cooked with saffron & tomato flavoured rice and garnished with yellow pepper, green peas, and Emirati ghee. The smoky flavours of seafood and satiation of rice make Paella a gratifying experience at Salama’s and highly recommended for the exclusive taste. Similarly, ‘From the land’ section provides delicious varieties of international cuisine and Salama’s Signature Machsotto is one of them. The fusion of Emirati Machboos with Italian Risotto produces Machsotto. French organic grilled chicken breast and Carnaroli Risotto cooked with Emirati machboos spices are a delight to look and taste. The spicey note is nicely bridged to the creamy Risotto and topped with delicious chicken breast and dash of Emirati ghee is enough to make you drool. Do try their varieties of main courses in ‘From the sea’ and ‘From the land’ section to please your taste buds and satisfy the hunger. The quantity is ample, and this shows the generosity of Emiratis.
The scrumptious sweet delights to end the meal and clear the table are artistically served in Salama’s. Emirati Gahwa coffee can be enhancing in the form of Icecream, and it is to be witnessed in Salama’s. Signature Chocolate Fondant with ‘Gahwa’ Coffee Icecream is subtle, balanced, and delightful dessert. The oozing lava of chocolate from Fondant is enhanced with the flowery note of Gahwa Coffee Icecream; the sweetness of Fondant is nicely balanced by the sharpness of Icecream. The artistic platting is nothing but crave-worthy art by chefs for the guests. Do not leave the Salama’s Restaurant unless you have eaten their Signature Chocolate Fondant with Coffee Icecream. Dates are the identity of the Middle East; Arabs have been nurtured and recognised by Dates. Let it be syrup, pudding, shake, or just raw Date, Emiratis have embraced Date with open arms and made it an integral part of their lives. Date and Toffee Pudding with Banana & Vanilla Sorbet can be a tribute to this wholesome fruit. Needless to say, the sweetness of Date pudding can be so elevated with Banana sorbet that this pudding with sorbet can be your exclusive dessert experience.
Located at pristine Marina of Abu Dhabi, Salama’s Restaurant is perfect eatery for the family and friends. Hospitable multi-national staff, soothing traditional Arabic music, and candlelight set the right tone for the exceptional dining experience. Ms Salama Al Shamsi with excellent academic background and passion for Food, runs this Restaurant and works in the field of Culture and Arts. With lessons from childhood, outstanding background, and passion for Food, Ms Salama has only one intent behind this Restaurant that is quality. Each element is of top quality and worth of your money spent to experience it. Do not forget to gaze at the wall paintings, book, and artistic interiors of the Restaurant.
Rating:
Service: 4.5/5
Food: 4.5/5
Location: 4/5
Ambience: 4/5
Price: 3.5/5
Overall: 4/5
Average Cost: AED 295 for two people (approx.)
Location: Unit 3, Al Bateen Wharf Retail & East Marina, Near Central Bank, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi
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