Are you a pork lover living in Abu Dhabi? Do you find it difficult to satisfy your cravings for this delicious meat?
Well, we have good news for you! Despite being a predominantly Muslim country, there are still places in Abu Dhabi where you can legally purchase pork products.
In this article, we will guide you through the best supermarkets in Abu Dhabi where you can find a variety of pork products.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to satisfy your taste buds with some mouth-watering pork dishes!
Where To Buy Pork In Abu Dhabi?
When it comes to buying pork in Abu Dhabi, there are a few options available. While it may not be as readily available as other meats, there are still a number of supermarkets that offer a range of pork products.
One of the most popular supermarkets for buying pork in Abu Dhabi is Al Maya Supermarket. With several stores located throughout the UAE, Al Maya Supermarket offers a wide range of pork products, including bacon, sausages, and pork chops.
Another great option is Choithrams, an Indian-owned supermarket chain that has been operating in the UAE since 1974. Most Choithrams supermarkets have a dedicated pork section where you can find a variety of pork products.
If you’re looking for a bargain, Baqer Mohebi Supermarket is known for its section selling 1 Dirham products as well as cheap chocolates in Dubai, and they also have a pork section.
For those who prefer more luxury products, Spinney’s is a great option. While not all of their outlets offer pork products, there are pork counters at the Spinney’s outlets in Al Furjan, Golden Mile, Bur Dubai, and The Villa Mall.
West Zone Supermarket is another popular choice for buying pork in Abu Dhabi. Frequented mostly by the Filipino community, West Zone offers a range of pork products including bacon, sausages, and pork chops.
Finally, Waitrose Supermarket is a chain of British supermarkets that have a few branches in the city. While their pork products may be more expensive than other supermarkets, they are of a very high quality and they also carry pre-made pork meals such as pizza with ham.
Understanding The Laws And Regulations Around Pork Consumption In Abu Dhabi
It is important to note that while it is not illegal for non-Muslims to consume pork in Abu Dhabi, there are strict regulations in place to ensure the safety and quality of food. The Federal Law No. 10 of 2015 on Food Safety imposes standards and regulations for maintaining the safety and quality of food and ensuring the protection of public health and consumers. This law requires that those dealing in food or products that contain pork or alcohol or any of their by-products must have permission from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. Violators can face a prison term of not less than a month and a fine of up to AED 500,000.
Additionally, the law prohibits Muslims from knowingly eating pork throughout the year. If a Muslim is caught eating pork, they could be fined or jailed under article 312 of the UAE Federal Penal Law. It is important for non-Muslims to be respectful of these regulations and to consume pork products in private or designated areas.
During the month of Ramadan, both Muslims and non-Muslims are required to refrain from eating, drinking, and smoking in public during fasting hours. Violations of the law are punishable by one month’s imprisonment or a fine not exceeding 10,000 dirhams ($2,700). However, most local authorities across the country grant exemptions allowing non-Muslims to eat during the day in malls, hotels, and some stand-alone restaurants.
Top Supermarkets For Purchasing Pork In Abu Dhabi
If you’re specifically looking for pork products in Abu Dhabi, here are some of the top supermarkets to check out:
1. Al Maya Supermarket – With several locations throughout the UAE, Al Maya Supermarket offers a wide range of pork products, including bacon, sausages, and pork chops.
2. Choithrams – This Indian-owned supermarket chain has been operating in the UAE since 1974 and most of their supermarkets have a dedicated pork section where you can find a variety of pork products.
3. Baqer Mohebi Supermarket – Known for its section selling 1 Dirham products as well as cheap chocolates in Dubai, Baqer Mohebi Supermarket also has a pork section.
4. Spinney’s – While not all of their outlets offer pork products, the Spinney’s outlets in Al Furjan, Golden Mile, Bur Dubai, and The Villa Mall have pork counters where you can find a range of pork products.
5. West Zone Supermarket – Frequented mostly by the Filipino community, West Zone offers a range of pork products including bacon, sausages, and pork chops.
It’s important to note that while you can buy pork in Abu Dhabi, there is a total ban on pork and alcohol in the Emirate of Sharjah. Additionally, some smaller Chinese and Korean mini-marts may sell pork products but the packaging may not be translated into English or Arabic. Overall, these supermarkets offer a good selection of pork products for those who are looking for it in Abu Dhabi.
Types Of Pork Products Available And Their Prices
If you’re looking to buy pork in Abu Dhabi, you’ll be pleased to know that there are a variety of pork products available. These include bacon, sausages, pork chops, pork belly, and ribs.
At Al Maya Supermarket, a pack of bacon (250 grams) can cost around 10 AED. Pork sausages and pork chops are also available at reasonable prices.
Choithrams offers a similar range of products, with bacon and sausages priced similarly to Al Maya Supermarket. Pork chops are slightly more expensive, with prices ranging from 20 AED to 30 AED per kilogram.
Baqer Mohebi Supermarket is known for its affordable prices, and their pork products are no exception. A pack of bacon (250 grams) costs around 8 AED, while pork sausages are priced at around 15 AED per kilogram.
Spinney’s offers a range of luxury pork products, including pork belly and ribs. Prices here are higher than other supermarkets, with a pack of bacon costing between 35 AED to 40 AED.
West Zone Supermarket offers basic pork products such as bacon, pork sausages, and pork chops at affordable prices. A pack of bacon (250 grams) costs around 10 AED.
Waitrose Supermarket has the most extensive range of pork products in Abu Dhabi. While their prices may be higher than other supermarkets, their products are of a very high quality. A pack of bacon can cost anything between 35 AED to 40 AED.
Tips For Storing And Cooking Pork Safely In Abu Dhabi
When buying and cooking pork in Abu Dhabi, it is important to follow certain guidelines to ensure that it is stored and cooked safely. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Store pork properly: Pork should be stored in a refrigerator at a temperature below 40°F to prevent the growth of bacteria that can cause foodborne illness. If it is not going to be used within a few days, it should be frozen to prevent it from perishing.
2. Thaw pork safely: Never thaw pork at room temperature. Use one of the three safe methods for thawing: in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave. If thawing in cold water or the microwave, cook the pork immediately after thawing.
3. Keep raw meat separate: Always wash hands thoroughly with hot, soapy water before preparing foods and after handling raw meat. Don’t let raw meat or juices touch ready-to-go foods either in the refrigerator or during preparation. Don’t put cooked foods on the same plate that held raw pork.
4. Cook pork thoroughly: Cook pork to an internal temperature of at least 145°F, as measured with a food thermometer, to kill any harmful bacteria that may be present.
5. Marinate safely: Marinate food in the refrigerator, not on the counter. Discard the marinade after use because it contains raw juices, which may harbor bacteria.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your pork is safe to eat and delicious to enjoy.
Alternatives To Pork For Those Who Cannot Find Or Consume It.
For those who cannot find or consume pork in Abu Dhabi, there are still plenty of alternative options available. One option is to try beef or lamb, which are both widely available in the UAE and can be used as substitutes for pork in many recipes. Chicken is also a popular alternative to pork and can be found in most supermarkets.
Another option is to try plant-based alternatives to pork, such as Omnipork, which is designed to mimic minced pork. This product is made from plant-based ingredients and is a great choice for those who are looking to reduce their meat consumption or follow a vegetarian or vegan diet.
Mushrooms can also be used as a substitute for pork in many recipes, as they have a meaty texture and can be flavored with spices and seasonings to create a similar taste profile. Tofu and tempeh are also popular alternatives to pork, especially in Asian cuisine.
Finally, it’s worth noting that many restaurants in Abu Dhabi offer non-pork options on their menus, especially those that cater to a diverse range of customers. Be sure to check the menu before you go, or ask your server for recommendations if you’re not sure what to order.
