< Previous2023 food trends 20 December 1 — February 14 timeoutabudhabi.com As well as swapping our morning matcha for yaupon, tea sommeliers are postulating that the earthy, vaguely herbal Áavour will Ànd its way into cocktails, mocktails and juices and that yaupon powder will be readily blended into ice cream bases, smoothies and cake mixes. STREET FOOD IS SET TO TAKE OVER The shift away from fussy Àne-dining continues (hurrah). While once starched white tablecloths, imposed (and imposing) tasting menus and elaborately plated dishes were touted as signiÀers of restaurant success, these days it’s all about movement of the moment: authenticity. And while the term might be overused in the marketing world, when it comes to food it can only be a good thing. Those in the know are forecasting that street food-style eats — the ultimate in relaxed dining and the best and fastest way to get a true taste of a country when travelling — will increasingly feature on restaurant menus, no matter how high end the venue. Just think: a year Àlled with snacking on the likes of mayo- laden Mexican elote, double carb vada pavs, malasadas (Hawaiian donuts), and poutine made the proper way. Bring it on. GLOBAL EATING GOES MICRO From Cuban restaurants to hot Hawaiian eateries, Sri Lankan and West African-style cafeterias and Vietnamese street food shacks, dining options are going ever more global in 2023. And while that might not sound like an emerging trend in itself, the difference in 2023 will be felt in the attention to detail, with chefs and restaurants really drilling down into those cuisines, exploring regional specialities, bringing lesser-known micro-cuisines to the table and focusing on hyper-local ingredients, culinary traditions and recipes. CAKE GETS COOL Outspoken, artsy and maximalist: no, we’re not talking about that friend (everyone’s got one), but rather the latest trend in cakes. Yep, that’s right: polished pastels, over-iced confections and even the naked cakes that It’s all about the movement of the moment: authenticity 2023 food trends timeoutabudhabi.com December 1 — February 14 21 Malasadas have graced so many a wedding are out and in their place we’re going to see wonderfully weird, altogether edgier alternatives. So if you’re planning a celebratory shindig that calls for a statement bake in 2023, take note now. Experimental designs that veer towards the brilliantly bizarre and ever so slightly unsettling are going to be all the rage, think wilting Áower wedding cakes, imposing asymmetrical structures, dark colours and deliberately messy frosting emblazoned with sardonic slogans (no perfect piping allowed). In short, from prim and proper overly saccharine beginnings, the gourmet cake trend is rebelling and going rogue. THE CASE FOR MINIMAL WASTE In 2023 zero-waste is where it’s at. For the home cook that will mean making even more effort to embrace a waste not want not sense of austerity: planning meals, shopping carefully, resisting the urge to order in, using up leftovers and gleefully tucking into #Nextovers (search the hashtag for inspo, then get busy in the kitchen). When eating out the idea works both ways. We’ll see chefs increasingly offering menus with a no-waste philosophy at their core, as well as sourcing locally, trading directly, fermenting, preserving and composting with gusto. The savvy 2023 diner meanwhile orders with care and when faced with a plate of food they can’t Ànish asks for the extras to be packaged up ready to carry their doggy bag home with pride. EMPHASIS ON THE ENVIRONMENT The case for shopping sustainably, taking accountability for our food choices and eating in as eco-friendly a way as possible is only going to get stronger in 2023. That means we can expect to see food brands clearly citing their climate-conscious credentials on packaging so that consumers can make informed choices and a rise in the popularity and availability of carbon neutral products - think everything from plant-based milks to vinegars and olive oils. There’s also going to be a greater focus on meat, seafood and dairy alternatives that are sustainably produced in addition to being vegan-friendly. Gourmet cakes2023 food trends 22 December 1 — February 14 timeoutabudhabi.com Plant-based food The zero-waste approach we discussed earlier will extend to supermarkets and big brands, with retailers looking to up-cycle ingredient by-products (leading the curve Whole Foods has been experimenting with turning the oat, soy and almond pulp produced when making dairy-free milk into Áour). It goes without saying that just like plastic bags before them, single-use plastic packaging is on the way out. QATARI FOOD CAPTURES ATTENTION Regardless of the nation that lifts the golden trophy on the 18th December, there’s one Macaroni cheese2023 food trends timeoutabudhabi.com December 1 — February 14 23 Single-use plastic packaging is on the way out sureÀre winner set to emerge from the 2022 FIFA World Cup and that’s Qatari food. With all eyes on the city and tourists descending in their droves, the Doha dining scene is quite rightly having a bit of a moment. And while there are plenty of international names cooking up a storm (Enrico Crippa at RafÁes Doha, David Myers at Le Royal Meridien Doha, Jean-Georges Vongerichten at the Four Seasons Doha – you get the idea), there’s also unprecedented interest in — and championing of — independent restaurants and homegrown chefs cooking Qatari food, both traditional and with a contemporary twist. With exactly that in mind, you can anticipate hearing foodies the world over extolling the virtues of machboos, barnioush and balaleet long after the Ànal ball hits the back of the net. A TASTE OF NOSTALGIA Taking the Y2K revival in a culinary direction, in 2023 comfort food is set to rule the roost and nostalgia will be the Áavour of the month(s). That means contemporary takes on childhood favourites and reimagined retro dishes popping up all over the place. We’re talking everything from super-sweet novelty cereal to simple, sentimental macaroni cheese, old-school puddings gone gourmet, next-level instant noodles, grown up spins on Dairylea Lunchables, and more. There’s plenty of scope for products that peaked in the ‘90s and subsequently fell from favour to make a return, too. Kellogg’s have already brought back the breakfast gem that was their Frosted Grape Pop Tarts and we see no reason to stop at that; there’s deÀnitely space for 3D Doritos, Campino strawberry and cream sweets and both Cadbury’s Taz and Time Out bars (of course) in our lives and bellies. What about you?24 December 1 — February 14 timeoutabudhabi.com little ones For thetimeoutabudhabi.com December 1 — February 14 25 When it comes to keeping kiddos amused, Abu Dhabi is your oyster. Whether we’re talking high-concept adventure parks, superior soft play centres, immersive learning experiences or adrenalised days out, there are incredible things to do with kids in Abu Dhabi. The city is jam-packed with fantastic activities for Abu Dhabi’s youth, many of them surprisingly budget-friendly. Looking to keep your little babies entertained for hours on end? Read on for our best things to do with kids in Abu Dhabi to entertain, amaze, inspire and even tire out your offspring. BBurrn ooff eeneergyy att Boounnceee At Bounce, age is just a number which is why it’s one of the best things to do with kids in Abu Dhabi. Kids and adults alike can have an absolute blast at this gigantic indoor playground designed with jumping in mind. From mastering moves in the free-jumping zone to navigating The Wall, this is the place for high- octane, adrenaline-fuelled fun. O From Dhs75. Sun-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri-Sat 10am- 12am. Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi, bounce.ae. EEmbbrrace all thee thhhemme paarrk ffun oon Yass Isslannd It would be absolutely rude of us to give you a list of things to do with kids without mentioning Yas Island’s triad of fantastic theme parks (that’s Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi and Ferrari World). Whether your kid is a Áume-riding water baby, a roller coaster-loving mini petrol head or is never happier than when immersed in a cartoon character-Àlled world of make believe, these parks are fantastic for keeping your child inspired, active and most Bounce e s Keep your offspring busy with these fun things in the capital. By Emily Shardlow PriceFor the kiddos 26 December 1 — February 14 timeoutabudhabi.com pricey either. O Dhs15 (adults), Dhs10 (children under 18), free (children under seven). Open daily 8.30am-6pm. jubailisland.ae. GGo caammpiinggg or glaamppinng With the desert right on our doorstep it would be a shame if those kiddos of ours weren’t well accustomed to the delights that a night spent out under the stars delivers. Just don’t forget those marshmallows for toasting. Head over to Al Khatim, which is 78 kilometres from Abu Dhabi on the way to Al Ain, to experience a breathtaking quiet stretch of desert. O Various locations and prices. HHavvee aa bllasttt att Aiirr MManniaxxx importantly of all, happy. Head there during the week or at the weekends for family-fun. O For information and prices visit: yasisland.ae. EExplooree thhe maanggroovees at JJubaaiil Maanggrovve PPaarkk One of the most stunning spots in Abu Dhabi, Jubail Mangrove Park is up there as one of the best spots in the UAE cpaital for kiddos. Hit the reset button and immerse your kids in back-to-nature vibes with a wander along the sanctuary’s meandering boardwalks, where the lush greenery, abundance of wildlife and lapping water all create a welcome sense of tranquility. Fancy adding to the experience? The guided kayaking and dragon boat trips and sunset abra tours are great too, and not too For the kiddos It would be a shame if our kids weren’t accustomsed to the delights of a night spent out under the stars Just the place for burning off the excess of energy that only kids seem to possess, this inÁatable indoor adventure park boasts super- fun zip lines, laser tag games, a warrior assault course, ninja warrior zone, gravity-defying aerial Zip Zag arena and dedicated toddler area. If a few hours here don’t tire your kids out, then you’re deÀnitely on your own from now on. O From Dhs85. Open Sun-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri-Sat 10am-12am. Marina Mall, Al Marina, Abu Dhabi, airmaniax.com (04 348 8981). Insppiree thhe nnexxt ggeeneerattioonn off aartisttss att Loouvrre AAbuu Dhhabbi Covering three interactive Áoors and several immersive zones plus an outdoor area, the brilliant Children’s Museum at Louvre Abu Al Khatim desertThere’s no such thing. That’s why Time Out has been reviewing Abu Dhabi restaurants anonymously since 2002. LUNCH? FREE Head to timeoutabudhabi.com/food-drink for the latest and greatest eats in townFor the kiddos 28 December 1 — February 14 timeoutabudhabi.com From unearthing a shipwreck to venturing through a volcanic cave, this is a real treat day experience The National Aquarium Dhabi encourages hands-on learning through playing, drawing, listening and acting. Running until May 2023, the ‘Emotions! The new art adventure’ exhibition just adds to the family-friendly appeal and is ideally suited to youngsters aged four to 10 years old. Louvre Abu Dhabi is big enough for your kiddo to explore, and also has multiple restaurants for when you need a break and something to eat. O From Dhs63, free for under 18s and over 60s. Tue-Sun 10am-6.30pm. Saadiyat Island, louvreabudhabi.ae (600 565 566). Intrroduucee thhemm too brrunnchh Pick the right venue to introduce kids to the UAE institution that is brunch and they’ll have (almost) as much fun as the adults. Our favourite family-friendly options include Khayal BrunchFor the kiddos timeoutabudhabi.com December 1 — February 14 29 at the Marriott Al Forsan where kids can enjoy arts and crafts and the brunch package covers access to the Olympic-sized swimming pool and Sidekicks at The WB Abu Dhabi Curio Collection, where VIP guests Tom and Jerry, Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck often make an appearance. KKeeepp ccool inn thhe ppooool As the temperature drops and we all remember just how wonderful al fresco living in the UAE can be, it’s time to embrace the joys of a day spent by – or more accurately when kids are involved, in – the water. Abu Dhabi is spoilt for choice when it comes to pools. Whether you fancy a family-fun pool day with inÁatables or simply want to lounge around in the sun, there are plenty of places across the UAE capital that will be happy to host you and your little sprogs. Cinemacity Al Qana Just make sure you book in advance to secure your spot. O Various locations. TTakee thhemm too thhe flflfliccks The ideal way to introduce little people to the big screen, VOX Cinema’s KIDS concept features brightly coloured, smaller than average screening rooms that show all the latest age-appropriate blockbusters in a family- friendly environment. If that goes down well, do note that Cinemacity Al Qana is now open and has its very own Kids Cinema (there are VIP and 3DMax screening rooms, too). O Cinemacity Al Qana, alqana.ae/en/cinemacity. TTreaatt tthemm tto aan ooout of tthiss wwoorldd timee att Naatioonaal GGeooggraaphhic Ulttimaaatee Exxploorerr One for the science-loving mini adventurers in the clan, this is one of the top things to do with kids in Abu Dhabi. Thanks to a clever blend of AR, VR and 3D technology kids can man a space shuttle, programme a robot, go white water rafting the virtual way, chat to animals and more at National Geographic Ultimate Explorer. O From Dhs40 (adults), Dhs80 (kids). Open Sat-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu-Fri 10am-12am. The Galleria, Al Maryah Island (052 4037 166). NNurrtuurre aa buudddinggg naatuuree lovver aat TThe Naatioonall Aqquaariuum From unearthing a shipwreck to venturing through a volcanic cave, experiencing life in a submarine and making friends with Khalid the cartoon pearl diver, a trip to The National Aquarium (AKA the largest aquarium in the Middle East) is right up there when it comes to treat day experiences. Adding to the allure for Next >