Last week, my friend and I decided to embark on a breakfast adventure at the Shabby Chic Cafe.
The name itself intrigued us. In a city where everything gleams with newness, sometimes we long for a touch of nostalgia and character. Shabby Chic, with its cosy interiors, captures the essence of familiarity and comfort by seamlessly blending the old with the new.
These same qualities are reflected in their menu, which combines comfort, nutrition, freshness, and familiarity. It is the true epitome of health and indulgence.
Upon our arrival, we were warmly greeted by the hospitable staff and the owner, Zaher Ammar, who kindly introduced us to the cafe’s concept.
Established in 2010, Shabby Chic Cafe has become a venue for numerous cultural events, including the monthly Echoes Abu Dhabi.
Every month, Echoes Abu Dhabi hosts a captivating talent evening at Shabby Chic Cafe, featuring various artists who entertain the guests.
This event perfectly complements the cafe’s charming interiors and diverse menu.
With musical instruments and players thoughtfully placed throughout the cafe, along with a delightful selection of international cuisine, Shabby Chic has something to cater to every taste and preference.
We decided to opt for the traditional Emirati breakfast and ordered the one-pan Shakshouka and their newly introduced item, the Terwi’a plate. Intrigued by the appetizing photo on the menu, I couldn’t resist trying the Pain Perdu as well. Lately, I’ve been exploring French toast whenever I have breakfast!
One notable feature of the menu is that it provides the kcal (calorie) information for each dish, allowing customers to make informed choices.
Everything served at Shabby Chic Cafe is prepared fresh, allowing you to taste the wholesomeness in every bite. Unlike many places that precook and reheat their dishes, Shabby Chic takes the time to cook each order individually, accommodating customers’ preferences.
Our meals arrived, and the Arabic breakfast items were accompanied by whole wheat flatbreads. Embracing the traditional way, we delved into the food with our hands!
The three poached eggs nestled in a fragrant and vibrant bed of flavours tasted as delicious as they looked. The Shakshouka was delightfully fresh, with the tomato sauce imparting a rich flavour to the dish.
The Terwi’a plate, considered one of the chef’s star creations, featured foul beans, halloumi cheese sticks, labneh, fresh salad, and zaatar, all served with flatbread. The foul beans were flavorful, and the spices were perfectly balanced. I particularly appreciated that the zaatar’s flavour was not overpowering or sharp; it was ideally spiced.
Leading the kitchen at Shabby Chic Cafe is Chef Walter Quadros, whose culinary expertise shines through in every dish. I had the pleasure of conversing with him while savouring his freshly prepared meals.
Curious about the menu and its inspiration, I asked Chef Walter to share his thoughts. “I am trained in continental cuisine,” he replied. “However, my travels as a chef have exposed me to diverse culinary traditions. That’s why the menu I have created for Shabby Chic showcases a fusion of flavours.”
“We offer Mexican dishes, Asian-inspired flavours, Oriental delicacies, and Arabic cuisine. The beauty of our menu lies in the ability to customize each dish according to our customer’s preferences. For example, if someone wishes to have an Asian twist to their Shakshouka, I can create a variant with different spices and chillies,” he elaborated.
Chef Walter also mentioned that their grilled salmon, imported from Alaska, is another popular item on the menu. Served like a steak on a bed of quinoa or couscous, it caters to the preferences of each customer.
Finally, it was time to indulge in the most enticing dish placed before me: the Pain Perdu, as the French call it.
Served with a drizzle of maple syrup, this soft, flavorful, and perfectly sweetened delicacy instantly made it onto my list of top 5 French toasts!
Chef Walter shared an interesting anecdote about its creation. “I used to work as a breakfast Chef on a cruise ship, which was like a floating university,” he recalled. “Every day at 4 am, I would prepare French toast for 2000 people. Then, at 7 am, I would be stationed at the omelette station, making 2000 omelettes. It was a challenging task, and I would often burn my hands and shed tears. However, that experience taught me invaluable lessons and how to thrive under pressure.”
Indeed, his experience shines through in his impeccable French toast.
Leaving Shabby Chic Cafe feeling satisfied and inspired, we were reminded that this small cafe is run by passionate individuals with a vision for their establishment and a genuine love for hosting their customers.
So, the next time you find yourself yearning for comforting, nostalgic food, don’t forget to visit Shabby Chic Cafe. Step inside, feel at home and indulge in the delightful flavours they have to offer.
[…] On number 5 we have the Pain Perdu, as the French call it, by Shabby Chic Cafe. […]