Persian traditions get a contemporary flair at Soraya – the newest addition to Yas Mall Abu Dhabi
A Persian haven has recently made its way to Yas Mall, transporting you from the streets of Abu Dhabi to Tehran with every bite. Soraya brings a breath of fresh air to the capital’s dining scene with a feast of flavours.
The vibe upon arrival was instantaneously warm and welcoming, think soft lights bouncing off walls with minimalist art as the aroma of freshly grilled meats fills the air.
The staff embodies this homily spirit, encouraging you to dive into a spread that’s both hearty and refined, ideal for sharing. And that’s the beauty of Soraya: the entire experience feels like a modern-day Persian feast without losing sight of the tradition that makes the cuisine so special.
The meal began with house flatbread straight from the wood-fired oven, and if bread were an art form, Soraya would have it mastered. We tried both House and the 6 Cheese House Flatbread, the latter being extra cheesy, fragrant, and the perfect way to kick things off.
There’s something incredibly comforting about tearing into fresh bread, especially when paired with their Paneer Sabzi—a blend of barrel-aged feta, fresh herbs, and walnuts that’s both tangy and refreshing.
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Another dip for the delicious bread (which we ended up ordering more of!) was the Roasted Cauliflower Hummus, topped with a pine nut dukkah that added a satisfying crunch and depth of flavour.
The star of the meal, though, has to be the Mixed Grill Platter, a selection of lamb koobideh, chicken joujeh, lamb chops, and chicken wings served with fluffy house rice and herb rice. Every piece of meat was perfectly cooked—tender, juicy, and packed with that signature smoky aroma that you only get from a charcoal grill.
If you think you know chicken wings, the ones on this platter will make you do a delicious double take. As for the rice, we knew we’d love the golden house rice but the herbed rice with tangy goji berries is the refreshing palate cleanser you didn’t know you needed.
At the risk of being gluttonous, we dared to explore not one but two of Soraya’s standout desserts. The Pistachio Tea-ramisu was a clever nod to the classic Italian treat, but with Persian tea and pistachio flavours that gave it a distinct twist. And the Golden Burnt Cheesecake? Let’s just say the saffron-infused, gold-topped creation is an absolute must-try. It’s creamy, rich, and just the right amount of indulgence to wrap up the feast.
Smiling staff, warm drinks, a wall with the brand director’s favourite menu items, and a burning candle on the table take the experience up several notches. It’s little details like these that make Soraya feel special—there’s a warmth here that extends beyond the food.
For more information, visit Soraya Restaurant
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