WE’VE FOUND YOU A HIP, NEW HAMDAN STREET CAFE

The capital’s busiest block is classing up

Cafe 302 is well on trend as an airy retail-style café, with hanging plants, gourmet goods and kitchenware for sale, and a cool, contemporary seating plan complete with communal tables and couches. The “chill” of it all is such a shock to the senses walking in off of hectic Hamdan street.

At breakfast you’ll find a full spread of all the early favourites at their fresh best; but there is also an a la carte option featuring more tantalizing treats.

The Shakshouka (perfectly poached eggs swimming in a shallow dish of tomato sauce with chickpeas and peppers, and topped with sour cream), is a heavenly cure-all. And speaking of cures, have a sip of the cooler The Cure, made of carrot, pomegranate, soy milk and honey. The Belgian waffles served with fresh berries and whipped vanilla mascarpone are great for a sweeter start to the day.

Abu Dhabi mums and corporate types already frequent for an early lunch, too where choices include colourful, crunchy starters and green bowls, an inventive assortment of bruschettas, pizzas, paninis and more. It’s simple food simply made, and we sincerely appreciated the generous amount of tender lamb chunks we received in our organic penne lamb ragu.

Of the many treats for those with a sweet tooth, the monstrous potted banana cream pie is a must. And cold brew ‘Kyoto-style’ iced coffee is kind of their specialty, distilled for 10-24 hours and presented gorgeously bottled to go, hence perfect in hand while hustling in this heat.

Give us a few more vegetarian options and we’re ready to call this place a regular haunt.

CAFÉ 302 | Al Maha Arjaan by Rotana, Hamdan St | +9712 610 6666

Cafe 302 is open 6am-10:30pm daily.

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