Meylas, founded in June 2015 by Emirati entrepreneur Shaikha Al Kaabi, celebrates authentic Emirati home cooking inspired by her family’s recipes and local ingredients. The restaurant’s name, meaning “a place that gathers people,” reflects its warm and inviting atmosphere that blends traditional and modern design elements. Located by the sea at Al Muneera, Meylas offers a cozy setting where guests are encouraged to enjoy their meals the traditional way—using their hands.

Key highlights:
- First Emirati restaurant opened by Shaikha Al Kaabi to share authentic local cuisine
- Located in Al Muneera, Al Raha Beach with a seaside setting
- Features traditional Emirati dishes made from mostly local ingredients

PROFILE

Meylas opened in June 2015 by a young Emirati woman named Shaikha Al Kaabi. She grew up loving her country's food and wanted to share it with others. The name "Meylas" is a local expression for majlis, which means "a place that gathers people." This fits perfectly with what the restaurant tries to be. Shaikha started with a food truck before opening this brick-and-mortar spot. Her goal was simple - let people taste real Emirati home cooking. The recipes come from generations of family cooking. Most use local ingredients.

AMBIENCE

The restaurant has a cool mix of traditional and modern style. It feels both old-school and fresh at the same time. Inside you'll find seating areas covered with burlap sacks. There's raw ironwork and shelves with pantry stuff that looks randomly placed but probably isn't. The decor has an 80s Middle Eastern vibe. Many items remind you of old Emirati homes. Paper tablemats show you how to eat with your hands. That's actually encouraged here! The seaside location at Al Muneera makes it extra nice for breakfast or lunch. The view is pretty good. At night, lots of locals come to eat here. That's always a good sign for any restaurant.

MUST-TRY

Chbaab pancakes are a total must-try dish here. They come with honey, date syrup, and cheese. Balaleet is another breakfast winner. It's sweet vermicelli noodles with saffron and cardamom topped with an omelette. For a warm drink, try the Haleeb Boosh. It's camel milk with honey served warm. The sweet potato fries make a great side dish. So do the spiced boiled broadbeans if you want something healthier. For dessert, don't miss the legeimat. These are crispy mini donuts covered in date syrup with sesame seeds sprinkled on top.

FOOD

The menu offers authentic Emirati food with Shaikha's personal touch. Everything tastes homemade in the best way. Machboos is one of their famous dishes. It's yellow rice with Emirati spices, dry lemon, and your choice of meat or fish. They also make a great salonat bedu, which is a modern take on Bedouin lamb stew. It has lots of marrow and tastes both complex and filling. Fareed is another good choice. It's vegetable stew served with regag bread and either chicken or lamb. For breakfast, they serve different kinds of Arabic breads. The karak (milky tea) goes perfectly with any morning meal. Most dishes use spices in a subtle way. Nothing is too overwhelming. Traditional food here is mostly rice and meat based. Some people might find it simple, but that's how real Emirati food is.

SERVICE

The staff at Meylas are super friendly and helpful. They can explain any dish you're not familiar with. Service is usually fast and efficient. The workers seem proud of the food they're serving. They give good recommendations if you're new to Emirati cuisine. Just ask and they'll guide you. The staff adds to the welcoming feeling that Shaikha wanted for her restaurant. They make you feel at home.

PRICING

Prices at Meylas are pretty reasonable for Abu Dhabi. A two-course meal with a drink costs under 100 AED. The average price per person is about $25 (around 92 AED). That's good value for the quality. Some reviewers mention it feels a bit overpriced for what you get. But most think it's worth it for the authentic experience. You can also buy souvenirs like homemade date pickle or accessories designed by young Emirati artists.

SUMMARY

Meylas offers a rare chance to try real Emirati home cooking. The food, setting,and service all work together to create an authentic experience. The restaurant works best for those wanting to try something different from the usual international fare in Abu Dhabi. It's a cultural experience as much as a meal. The seaside location adds to its charm. The place gets especially busy at night with locals. If you want to understand UAE culture through food, this is the place to go. Just don't expect fancy presentation or complicated dishes. It's worth visiting at least once. Even if traditional Emirati food isn't your thing, the experience itself is worth it.

FAQs

What kind of food does Meylas serve?
Meylas serves authentic Emirati cuisine based on traditional family recipes. Their menu includes dishes like machboos (spiced rice with meat),balaleet (sweet vermicelli with omelette),and chbaab (pancakes with date syrup and cheese).

Is Meylas suitable for tourists wanting to try local food?
Yes, Meylas is perfect for tourists wanting to experience genuine Emirati cuisine. The staff is helpful in explaining unfamiliar dishes, and the restaurant was specifically created to share local food culture with visitors and residents alike.

Does Meylas serve alcohol?
No, Meylas does not serve alcohol. Instead, they offer traditional beverages like karak (milky tea) and haleeb boosh (camel milk with honey).