London’s Rosa’s Thai has officially landed in Abu Dhabi, bringing authentic Thai street food to The Galleria on Al Maryah Island. This isn’t just another casual dining opening — it’s a significant moment for the capital’s restaurant scene, and the first Gulf outpost of a brand that has spent 15 years building a reputation for uncompromising Thai cooking in one of the world’s most competitive dining cities.
About Rosa’s Thai
Founded in East London in 2008 by Saiphin Moore, who grew up cooking in northern Thailand, Rosa’s Thai built its name on recipes passed down through generations. Saiphin’s philosophy was simple: cook the food she grew up eating in Thailand, without shortcuts. Every dish is made using authentic techniques and genuinely fresh ingredients, delivering the layered balance of sweet, sour, spicy, and salty that defines real Thai cuisine.
The London original drew queues from day one. Today, Rosa’s operates over a dozen locations across the UK — and the Abu Dhabi opening marks its first move into the Middle East.
The Menu at Rosa’s Thai Abu Dhabi
The menu is designed for sharing, with dishes arriving as they’re ready rather than in formal courses. The cooking philosophy honours authentic Thai technique — the heat levels are genuine, the tamarind is present, and the balance of flavours is not softened for international palates.
Starters
The Chicken Satay is marinated overnight and grilled to order, served with a rich peanut sauce that’s worth eating on its own. The Som Tum (green papaya salad) is light, genuinely spiced, and addictive — a good indicator of how seriously the kitchen takes authentic flavour. The Crispy Spring Rolls are a reliable crowd-pleaser for the table.
Mains
The Pad Thai is the benchmark dish — silky rice noodles, tamarind, egg, and crushed peanuts with your choice of prawns or chicken. It is among the best Pad Thai in Abu Dhabi. The Massaman Curry is coconut-rich and slow-cooked, ideal for those who prefer depth over heat. The Green Curry offers a sharper, more aromatic profile with lemongrass and kaffir lime. Ask about the Crying Tiger when available — a grilled beef dish with tamarind dipping sauce that is well worth ordering.
Drinks
The Thai Iced Tea — sweet, milky, and orange-hued — is essential. The menu also includes fresh coconut water, Singha beer, and a concise cocktail and wine list.
Price Range
Budget AED 80–130 per person including drinks. For Abu Dhabi’s dining scene, that is strong value for the quality on offer. Rosa’s is casual dining done properly — no white tablecloths, no inflated prices, just excellent food.
Location & How to Get There
Rosa’s Thai Abu Dhabi is located inside The Galleria on Al Maryah Island, one of Abu Dhabi’s premier dining and retail destinations on the waterfront.
- Address: The Galleria Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi
- Transport: Taxi or rideshare (Careem or Uber) is the easiest option; drop-off is directly at the main Galleria entrance
- Parking: Multi-storey parking is available directly at The Galleria, free for the first three hours with in-store validation
Opening Hours
Rosa’s Thai at The Galleria operates on standard mall hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Thursday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – Midnight
Walk-ins are welcome. Booking ahead is recommended for evenings and weekend lunches, when The Galleria is at its busiest.
Why Rosa’s Thai Stands Out in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi has no shortage of Thai restaurants — but Rosa’s brings something most do not: a 15-year track record built in London, with zero compromise on authenticity. The heat levels are real. The tamarind is there. The balance of flavours is what you would find in a Bangkok street stall, not an adjusted version built for cautious palates.
For UAE residents who have eaten at Rosa’s in London, the Abu Dhabi opening is a familiar taste of somewhere else. For everyone else, it is an unpretentious, reliable gateway to genuinely good Thai cooking.
The Verdict
Rosa’s Thai Abu Dhabi is a confident, well-executed addition to The Galleria’s dining floor. Order the Pad Thai, the Som Tum, and whichever curry you are drawn to. If you are already on Al Maryah Island, it is an easy yes for lunch or dinner.