In the heart of Abu Dhabi, an ice cream parlor named “Creamery Port” is redefining the frozen dessert experience with unconventional flavours that reflect local culture. In this vibrant eatery, traditional tastes like karak chai, olive oil, and salted saffron sweets, along with a unique refreshing drink made from rainwater, have become staples on their daily menu.
A Local Concept with Cultural Depth
Founders Anant Singh and Rahab Al-Qarq have crafted a concept deeply rooted in local family kitchens, cultural memories, and age-old traditions. We joined them in the creative spaces of Zayed Port to delve into the sensory world that inspires their offerings and the daily interactions that propel their evolving project.
Ice Cream as a Medium for Joy and Storytelling
Al-Qarq views ice cream as a vehicle for joy, stating, “Through flavours, you can revisit memories and find your childhood happiness, bringing it into your present life. It’s truly delightful.” This notion of nostalgia is particularly significant in their selections, with each scoop inviting patrons to share in cherished moments.
Embracing Local Flavours
One of the most popular ice cream flavours is the traditional Emirati dish, asida. Singh notes, “ Many of our customers are familiar with this dessert, and it holds nostalgic memories for them since they grew up eating it. However, there are plenty of newcomers who have never tried it before, and when they do, they quickly fall in love with its flavour through our ice cream.”
Highlighting Hidden Tastes
According to Singh, “There are so many flavours that still exist in these communities that people are aware of, yet they are often underrepresented or not fully embraced. Given our diverse audience, I believe this allows us to share these flavours with others.” This commitment to showcasing local delicacies not only revitalises traditional tastes but also bridges generational gaps in culinary experiences.
A Passionate Endeavor Evolving into Community Space
The journey began as a passion project focused on creating distinctive ice cream flavours, but Singh believes it has transformed into a space centred on experiential connection. Al-Qarq adds, “It’s wonderful to see people gather here and form connections with one another.” This atmosphere of community engagement underscores the parlor’s role beyond just serving ice cream, as it fosters relationships and shared experiences amongst its visitors.