Culinary Kickstart Tour: Abu Dhabi

• Private Tour
• Instantly Confirmed
• Carbon Neutral

The way to a city's heart it's through its food! And on this private food tour, you'll get to know Abu Dhabi through its cuisine and the tastings favorite of the locals. A local food expert is ready to give you a taste of the real Abu Dhabi satisfying your cravings for local food and city highlights.

Destination

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Category

Food Tours

Duration

2.5 hours

Transport mode

Walking tour

Available languages

العربية, English, Hindi

Included

• Private Guide
• 6 Local Tastings
• Vegetarian Options Available
• All Withlocals Tours are Carbon Neutral

Excluded

• Entrance to Attractions

What you can expect

Choose your local

Get to know these 3 passionate locals, each bringing unique perspectives and talents. Choose your favorite, check their availability, and book to create an unforgettable adventure tailored to you.

This is the plan

Check out the plan below to see what you'll get up to with your local host. Feel free to personalize this offer with the host of your choice.

1. Meeting point

   Meet at In front of the Abu Dhabi Dates Market - Abu Dhabi to start your journey

   View on Maps

2. Itinerary

   This is what our experience could look like, but it’s not set in stone! Once you book, you can chat directly with your host to make small tweaks to suit your preferences.

3. Food Introduction

   This culinary kickstart tour is short and sweet! A perfect way to get acquainted with the local cuisine, its best tastings, and where to find them - all with the help of a local food expert

4. Locals’ Favorites

   Kickstart your time in Abu Dhabi by discovering the local cuisine. Try some of the ultimate locals’ favorite food treats like Manakish and Dates picked by your local host and hear why the locals love them so much!

5. City Highlights

   This tour is more than just food; it’s a cultural experience! In between food stops, discover city highlights for a well-rounded experience that will satisfy your appetite for Abu Dhabi. Check out Date Market, Souq al Mina and more city highlights along the way

6. Food Recommendations

   With this private food tour, you’ll be set to keep enjoying the most authentic food and drinks in Abu Dhabi. Your food expert host knows where to go and what to order and will give you recommendations based on your likings and dietary preferences

7. Special Diet or Allergies?

   If you follow a special diet or have an allergy to a specific food, let your host know! They’ll make sure to consider that so you can have an enjoyable and safe experience

8. Make it yours

   Want to tweak the itinerary? Book directly & chat afterwards with your host to adjust highlights, skip stops, or make small changes to fit your preferences.

   Book risk-free: Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund.

   Need something special? Personalize your experience for more time, alternative locations or a completely tailored plan.

Flexible cancellation policy

• Feel confident booking

  Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund. Even up to 7 days before your experience, you’ll receive a refund, minus the service fee.

• Change of plans?

  Reschedule your experience to a date and time that works best for you.

• Loved by travelers worldwide

  Simple and flexible – your plans, your way.

Reviews from guests

Melanie

(About local Khaled )

15 April 2025

Khaled used WhatsApp to contact us before the trip and was kind enough to pick us up from our hotel, drive us around Abu Dhabi and drop us back. The tour/night out lasted about 4 hours but Khaled would have stayed out longer with us if we wanted! Khaled is a friendly, thoughtful host and took us to places off the tourist trail that we probably wouldn’t have found or visited. The highlight was the Fish Market, where we ate some of the best king prawns 🍤! We also visited some of Khaled’s favourite shawarma and falafel places and the Date Market plus a brief car tour of the Corniche area. Overall, we visited 5 places, and could have finished off with dessert and coffee ☕️ at 2 more, so quite a lot of food! Ideally, would have been good if Khaled had told us at the beginning how many places we would eat at so we could have paced ourselves better, or been given slightly smaller portions, especially at the end! Overall, a good first night in Abu Dhabi doing something off the tourist trail. 👍🏻😀Enjoyable first night in Abu Dhabi!

Chantal🇨🇭 Switzerland

(About local Reem)

26 January 2025

Our day with Reem was very lovely. We learned a lot about local food and traditions. She was patient and adapted the tour according our wishes. Our young son enjoyed it as well. Reem has a lovely personality and I can absolutely recommend her.Lovely experience

Robert🇨🇭 Switzerland

(About local Reem)

7 January 2025

We had a wonderful time with Reem on the market and during our dinner. We enjoyed the food and her knowledge. Thank you so much. Wonderful Sbu Dhabu Experience

Nidas🇱🇹 Lithuania

(About local Khaled )

1 January 2025

Simple yet tasty Middle East snacks with a nice guy.Middle East snacks.

Kaustav🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Khaled )

28 October 2024

Khaled was a fantastic guide, knew all the popular local spots around the city. The tour was comprehensive yet also efficient as we were able to taste the many different foods. Khaled himself is also very friendly and responsive to any questions. Amazing experience and would love to do it again !Amazing food tour

Alayne🇺🇸 United States

(About local Reem)

23 October 2024

In addition to visiting local food providers, I learned a lot about UAE culture and history. Neem was welcoming and knowledgeable. I'd like to take another tour with her.Delicious food-Delightful conversation

Shenya🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Khaled )

2 June 2024

Khaled picked us up from our hotel, and from the first encounter made us feel welcome as he introduced us to the unique food of this region. We visited the places on our wish list - the dates market, and the fish market - and other local tasting of his suggestion. Khaled also picked up on our interest in the meat market, so we had a quick visit in there too. It's right opposite the dates market. We were able to purchase quality dates at a discounted price thanks to Khaled, and the restaurant where we dined at the fish market cooked fresh seafood of our choosing. We then moved on to three other local places, each doing their one speciality "The Best" according to Khaled, and there was no doubt of the flavours, cleanliness and quality. We were made to feel very welcome at every establishment. Without local knowledge you cannot find such places, so in every way the tour met all our expectations. I would have no hesitation in recommending that you choose Khaled as your food guide in Abu Dhabi. We have been overwhelmingly struck by the welcoming friendliness of the people in Abu Dhabi, and felt safe every day. Hospitality personified

Felicity🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Khaled )

9 May 2024

On this Saturday Khāled collected me from my hotel and we tackled the cuisine of Abu Dhabi. Khaled was a kind, polite and generous host and took me to many places only the locals would know. The food selection was excellent. My only complaint would be that there was so much food. And I wanted more because we did not finish sampling all the items! And I didn’t have breakfast! I would highly recommend the tour. I couldn’t eat anything more!

Gerrit🇳🇱 Netherlands

(About local Khaled )

23 February 2024

Mark

(About local Anamaria )

1 May 2025

I had my tour with Annamarie and she was fantastic. She picked up and dropped off at the airport. She was incredibly nice and so informative about the places we toured and the City in general. She has a great sense of humour and very easy to talk with. I highly recommend Annamarie for any tour. She was awesomeAmazing tour

cate🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Reem)

23 April 2025

Reem was really great. We are a family of 6 and she guided us perfectly through the sites of Abu Dhabi. She made the tour so interesting and was happy to answer any questions that we had. The kids enjoyed interacting with her, and her choice of places to visit was perfect - just the right balance. Her quick stop at the Emirate donut shop was genius! :) Reem also helped us with our itinerary and finding a driver for other parts of our trip. I would highly recommend using Reem - you will really enjoy your tour. Reem was fantastic!

Alessandra

(About local Anamaria )

16 April 2025

Anna è stata una guida eccellente! Preparata ed è riuscita a coinvolgere anche i miei figli. In sintesi la guida perfetta ma il costo del servizio eccessivamente alto!Perfect

Audrey🇳🇱 Netherlands

(About local Reem)

11 March 2025

If you want to visit Abu Dhabi and you are looking for a (very) GOOD tour guide, we can highly recommend Reem. The contact with her is smooth. She responds quickly. Very pleasant. We really had a great morning with her. We first visited the Formula1 circuit, afterwards we went to the beautiful mosque and before turning back to the cruise ship we visited one of the dates factory. She provided us with a lot of information about the city, city life, her life, religion, the dates and answered a lot of questions. During the visit to the mosque we were also provided with a lot of information, very nice. We LOVED being out with her. Reem, thanks again, we wish you and your family all the best!Reem was GREAT!

Becky🇸🇬 Singapore

(About local Anamaria )

24 February 2025

We did a Grand Mosque tour with Anamaria, which was so great. Anamaria was so informative and we would have been lost without her. She is such a friendly and warm person and made us feel like we were touring with a friend. She had lots of advice for other things to do in Abu Dhabi and we would recommend her highly. Grand Mosque Tour

Kari🇺🇸 United States

(About local Khaled )

23 February 2025

We booked a 4 hour tour starting at 9am. The day before our tour Khaled arranged for a colleague to take over instead. This was a big disappointment as I had watched the guides’ videos to choose someone we thought would be good. He told the new guide the wrong time so we ended up waiting an extra 30 minutes. The colleague was friendly enough, but didn’t really act as a guide; he was really just a chauffeur. He drove us to the mosque, “palace”, and date market. We missed the heritage village because he was late and hadn’t checked the time. Most of our “tour” was spent in the car, and Mohammed didn’t really provide any information during that time. He also rushed us through the mosque and shared very little about it - we learned more from the few signs we read as we were whisked through. Overall this was a waste of money. We could’ve paid less to taxi to the locations. This will be our last booking via With Locals as 3 out of 4 times we’ve used the platform we’ve been disappointed. It really seems to be a scam.Bait and switch?

Barbara

(About local Reem)

7 February 2025

I had a very interesting and enjoyable time with Reem.Excellent guide

Donna

(About local Reem)

28 January 2025

We were so fortunate to have Reem as our tour guide to show us around Abu Dhabi. She is so personable and knowledgeable about her city. My husband and I learned so much about Abu Dhabi and the UAE. We felt like we made a friend for life! Fabulous tour guide!

Doris🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Reem)

16 January 2025

We visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque with Reem and it was a great experience. She was very knowledgeable and we had very interesting conversations. It felt like a friend showing us around. We would definitely book a tour with her again when we come back to Abu Dhabi.Great tour of the Grand Mosque

Liang🇺🇸 United States

(About local Khaled )

4 January 2025

Khaled is a very good guide that i truly feel he treat my family like a long time friend. He showed us the attractions as planned while not rush us into finish anything, he made the day as flexible as possible which we really appreciate. We had fun with the attractions and had some good local bites, we enjoyed his knowledge on the city and his good company for the day.Guide like a true friend

Verena🇦🇹 Austria

(About local Khaled )

1 January 2025

We had a great day in Abu Dhabi as Khaled created a tour according to our needs with children. We saw the most important sights, some hidden places and some places we suggested because we wanted to add them to our tour. We highly recommend booking a tour with Khaled! Perfect private tour with Khaled

Hannah

(About local Anamaria )

24 December 2024

We were lucky enough to have a private licensed guide for the entire trip in Abu Dhabi, and let me tell you, Anamaria was an absolute gem. She was a walking encyclopaedia of the city’s history, casually rattling off facts with ease like it was second nature. But what made her stand out wasn’t just her knowledge — she quickly became more than just a guide. She became a friend, someone we laughed with and genuinely enjoyed spending time with. My boys even declared that she’s now part of our family, and honestly, I couldn’t agree more. Anamaria truly embodied the spirit of Arabic hospitality. Nothing was ever too much trouble, even when we were running late because we couldn’t find a missing croc or needed yet another toilet stop. Her warmth, humour, and generosity perfectly captured the heart of the UAE - she was, without a doubt, a big part of what made our trip so special.What I learned about family Holidays in Abu Dhabi after visiting with my two kids

Max🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates

(About local Reem)

15 December 2024

Reem is a very enjoyable outstanding personality, deliciously educated and very aware of the different cultures of the region. She makes your visit a real enchantment as you walk in the steps of the visionners that created Abu Dhabi and launched the incredible adventures of the UAE. She had everything organised, a chauffeur and cold water available. We strongly recommend her for an indepth visit of the region. Many thank again Reem ! 🌞a lovely discovery of Abu Dhabi

Ralf

(About local Reem)

12 December 2024

We had amazing for hours with Reem on a tour through Abu Dhabi city and she made a tailor-made program according to our special interest. We had a lot of amazing chats about our fields of interest and we are looking forward to seeing her again for a tour in Oman late 2025. Highly recommendable and defintely worth time and money....... apart from a beautiful contact.Great experience with amazing talk

Traci

(About local Anamaria )

14 November 2024

Anamaria Trotingher, YOU are the best tour guide everrrr and are the icing on the cake..Ty sooo much for taking us to great places in Abu Dhabi xxThanks

linda

(About local Khaled )

10 November 2024

Whaled was a wonderful guide very knowledgeable and full of pride as he guided me around the Grans Mosque highly recommend 10

Penelope🇺🇸 United States

(About local Reem)

6 November 2024

Reem was such a delight, I learnt so much and having her for a guide through the Grand Mosque was most educational and I learnt a lot more about the UAE. Thanks Reem. Amazing morning

Carlos🇲🇽 Mexico

(About local Reem)

8 October 2024

Reem was a wonderful guide. She knew a lot about life in Abu Dhabi and the UAE. We did a very nice tour of the magnificent Mosque and the City with her and she absolutely went far beyond what was expected. She kept going as long as we could handle (which we did). She stayed with us longer and showed us some hidden gems and delicacies of the city that only a local would know. She loves what she does and this helps the experience a lot. I can not recommend more knowing this beautiful city with Helena, you will not regret if you do decide to visit Abu Dhabi. Thanks Helena you are a wonderful guide and an excellent person.Wonderful guide for Abu Dhabi

Matthias🇨🇭 Switzerland

(About local Khaled )

30 September 2024

The tour was very satisfied, Khaled personalised our tour to our wishes and showed us knowledge around the city marks of Abu Dhabi. Can recommend him!Khaled - friendly tour guide in Abu Dhabi

Charles-Andre

(About local Reem)

21 September 2024

Amazing day with Reem She took us to real hidden gems. Took car of transportation, snacks and water. Very knowledgeable about the city and culture. Very friendly! What a wonderful person! We had an amazing day!Amazing Day In Abu Dhabi

Patrick🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Reem)

19 June 2024

In our travels we have relied on guides to provide us with information about the places we visit. Our time with Reem was not only enjoyable but gave such a valuable insights into the people and culture of the Abu Dhabi. Most likely one of the best guides we have had the pleasure of being assisted by. Do not by pass the opportunity to engage Reem to assist you. Our best experience in Abu Dhabi

Andrea

(About local Reem)

28 May 2024

Reem has been an exceptional guide. I booked a tour of 2 hours for me and my girlfriend, and she took care of us and our curiosity and questions through the entire tour at the mosque. Communication was great, meeting point easy to find and she speaks perfect english. I will recommend her to all my friends and familyperfect private tour at the sunset

Melissa Lindsay🇺🇸 United States

(About local Reem)

27 May 2024

I booked Reem 45mins before meeting her at the Grand Mosque. Honestly, any other person would have refused to meet me but Reem was keen to come. She met me at the entrance to confirm I was wearing appropriate clothing and show me how to wrap my head. Reem knew so much about the mosque, it's history and the decor. She tailored the tour exactly to my needs - for an intelligent, overstimulated tourist. After the informative tour, with historical context, fun facts and some photo taking (by Reem), we did not want to say good night. Reem kindly invited me to join her for a meal. Not only is Reem a stellar guide but also an incredibly kind human being. I hope that we keep in touch.DO NOT HESITATE TO BOOK REEM NOW!!

Felicity🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Reem)

9 May 2024

Thank you Reem for a delightful day touring Abu Dhabi with your driver. I had a great day. All the sights were great and the information conveyed by Reem was interesting, appropriate and relevant. I was very comfortable and had a great day. The driver was excellent and navigated Abu Dhabi safely and was immediately there when prompted. The highlight of the tour and where we stayed longest was the Sheikh Zayed Mosque. I am not Muslim. I felt this part was sensitively handled by Reem and I was honoured to be wearing her traditional attire as we toured. Reem herself is an excellent guide. Clearly very intelligent she also is very well educated, anticipating my questions and talking in a very personable and calm manner. I could recommend her or the tour any more highly. A lovely day

Cristina🇮🇹 Italy

(About local Khaled )

19 April 2024

Khaled was soo caring... Made me feel at home, took me to the mosque the mandarin hotel the date market and even for dinner. I felt very cared for and he is very knowledgeable... Also because I was travelling alone he gave a discount, the other tour guides I asked were still charging me full price! Without any doubt he is the best and I recommend him Soooo welcome

Giulia🇮🇹 Italy

(About local Reem)

3 April 2024

Reem is a lovely, professional, flexible and extremely prepared guide. I got more than expected from my experience as she perfectly catches your needs, your tastes and what you are interested in. I will ask her always to guide me in any destination in Abu Dhabi.Visiting Abu Dhabi with Reem

Karah

(About local Reem)

26 February 2024

I organized a tour for two women during a busy week while in Abu Dhabi. Reem was graciously accommodating. Her peaceful presence was calming when walking through the crowds of people and she was intentional and thoughtful in the information she shared. We especially appreciated her open dialogue. We were so pleased with our experience we recommended her to our colleagues for a tour the next day!Wonderful Tour with a Genuine Local

koen🇧🇪 Belgium

(About local Reem)

25 February 2024

We had the pleasure of meeting Reem, who showed us around the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi in a very personal way. In a true spirit of connection we enjoyed every minute of her tour. Highly recommended !Inspiring tour Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi