AP Kitchen Delights Review: A Family-Owned Gem in Abu Dhabi

If there’s one thing that sets apart a great dining experience, it’s the personal touch—and AP Kitchen Delights in Abu Dhabi nails it from the moment you walk through the door. Nestled between the Russian Embassy and the Masjid on Yihalah Street, this family-run restaurant is a testament to passion, hard work, and love for food.

It’s not your typical dinner reservation. We had the pleasure of experiencing this unique restaurant, and to our surprise, the owner himself, Ammar Pardawala, found us wandering the streets, lost and late. He greeted us with a warm smile, and with a wave of his hand, escorted us to the restaurant—a perfect introduction to the hospitality and service that defines AP Kitchen Delights.

A Passionate Beginnings

Ammar’s journey into the world of food wasn’t born from a luxury culinary school but from humble beginnings. Growing up in Mumbai, he worked as a waiter for just $12 a month. Fast forward 20 years, and this same man is now the proud owner and head chef of a thriving restaurant in Abu Dhabi. Together with his wife, he invested their life savings to create AP Kitchen Delights, which began as a delivery-only service in March and, by summer, opened its doors for sit-in dining.

Warm Ambience and Family Vibes

When we finally made our way to the restaurant, we were greeted by Ammar’s wife in a cozy and intimate dining area. The space is unpretentious yet inviting, with a simple setup of white tables and grey-brown chairs. The walls are freshly painted, and one wall proudly displays the words "your culinary trendsetter" in gold lettering. There’s a serving hatch in the back where the kitchen team is hard at work, making it feel like a warm family home rather than just a typical restaurant.

The restaurant seats 16, offering a calm and comfortable atmosphere perfect for casual meals with friends or a laid-back dinner with family.

A Diverse Menu for Every Craving

AP Kitchen Delights’ menu is nothing short of impressive. With 21 pages of diverse dishes, it blends Asian, Middle Eastern, and Western flavors seamlessly. The menu is eclectic and full of creativity, offering everything from breakfast items to snacks, main courses, and light bites. Some dishes are even inspired by the owner's son’s favorite family recipes.

To kick things off, we were treated to Eggs Benedict with spinach (Dh32) and roasted bell pepper shorba soup (Dh20), both full of fresh, delightful flavors. Then came a colorful date and pomegranate salad (Dh25), bursting with textures, followed by a delightful chilli cheese paratha (Dh25)—Indian flatbread loaded with spicy cheese. The chicken cheese samosas (Dh25) were next, crispy and mouthwatering.

But it was the eclectic mix of dishes that truly impressed us—each with its own twist. From chicken stroganoff (Dh35), made without traditional Worcestershire sauce, to Schezwan broccoli noodles (Dh22) made from semolina, the variety kept us excited with every bite. We even tried Nepali chicken momo dumplings (Dh17) with dragon sauce, and a zesty roasted thyme zaatar chicken (Dh30) that was full of aromatic flavors.

What Sets AP Kitchen Delights Apart?

The uniqueness of AP Kitchen Delights lies in its ability to deliver flavors from around the world in a quirky, unconventional way. Ammar Pardawala’s meticulous approach to food means that every dish is tested, ensuring top-quality taste, temperature, and presentation. It’s clear that every meal is made with care, passion, and a touch of creativity.

A Chat with the Chef

Ammar shared with us the inspiration behind his venture: “We are a modest, cosy establishment, still carving out our place in the culinary scene,” he explained. But make no mistake—this humble restaurant is already making waves. Ammar tests every dish personally by having it sent to his home, ensuring it meets his high standards. His next goal? Expanding with new locations in Al Nahyan and Khalifa City to cover more of Abu Dhabi. And beyond that, he has his eyes set on Dubai.

Ammar’s philosophy is simple: passion, care, and attention to detail in every dish. Whether it’s a childhood memory or a dish inspired by his years of experience in kitchens around the world, AP Kitchen Delights reflects his love for food.

Final Thoughts

For those looking for a memorable meal in Abu Dhabi that goes beyond the ordinary, AP Kitchen Delights is worth a visit. From the warm, family-friendly atmosphere to the creative, flavorful dishes, this restaurant truly lives up to its name. It’s a place where passion for food meets personal service—and you can taste it in every bite. We’re already planning our next visit to experience more of the menu and see where Ammar’s culinary journey takes him next.

Price Point and Information:

• Breakfast dishes range from Dh17 to Dh32
• Soups and salads from Dh10 to Dh32
• Parathas from Dh15 to Dh25
• Mains from Dh17 to Dh41

AP Kitchen Delights is a place that lives up to its promise of great food and fantastic service, all within a cozy, intimate setting. We highly recommend it for your next meal in Abu Dhabi.