For years, friends from the US kept saying, “You do not know real fast casual until you have had Chipotle.” So, when I saw that familiar brown-and-red sign glowing at Yas Mall, curiosity got the better of me.

Chipotle sits on the ground floor of Yas Mall, in the hallway to Ferrari World. The queue was long, but moved fast, and the air was filled with the sound of sizzling meat and the metallic clatter of tongs against trays. The concept is simple: you pick your base rice, salad, or burrito, and walk down the counter as the staff builds your meal right in front of you.

I ordered a burrito bowl with cilantro-lime rice, black beans, grilled chicken, pico de gallo, sour cream, and guacamole (of course). The staff were patient and friendly, especially when I hesitated on the salsa heat level. The whole process took, maybe, five minutes, but there was something oddly fun about watching your meal take shape, step by step.

When I finally sat down with my tray, I had that brief moment of quiet that always comes before a first bite. The bowl looked picture-ready, with bright red tomatoes, creamy green guac, and yellow rice tucked under perfectly charred chicken. The flavor hit exactly how you would expect: tangy, smoky, and, somehow, both fresh and filling. The guacamole was smooth and rich, with a hint of lime that made the whole bowl taste alive.

The portion was generous, and for those not especially starving, it could satisfy their hunger without any sides. The chicken was the highlight - it was tender, slightly charred, and seasoned just right. The salsa had a nice kick, and the rice was not heavy, which made it easy to keep eating even after you were full.

The place itself felt bright and lively, without being chaotic. Most of the tables were filled with students, families, and mall-goers taking a break from shopping. There is something comforting about being surrounded by strangers all enjoying the same kind of food—quietly mixing, tasting, and taking photos before the first bite.

Price-wise, my bowl with guacamole (which was an extra charge) came for 60 AED: a bit on the higher end for fast food, but fair considering the portion size. It is not a place you would go for a fancy night out, but for a higher-end weekday lunch or a dinner after a movie.

The best part? It actually tastes the same as the Chipotle I tried years ago in New York. Same smoky chicken, same warm rice, and same feeling of comfort in a bowl. It is familiar, but also new for Abu Dhabi.

As I scooped the last bit of guac with my fork, I thought about how the city keeps changing — how every few months a new restaurant opens, bringing another flavor, another story. Chipotle does not try to be fancy or local; it just quietly fills a gap we did not know existed.

So, is it worth the hype? I would say yes. Not because it is life-changing, but because it is steady. It is good food, quick, satisfying, and reliable. Sometimes, that is exactly what we need. The next time you are wandering through Yas Mall, tired and hungry, maybe skip the long queues elsewhere. Head to Chipotle, grab a bowl, and enjoy the small comfort of something that feels both global and right at home.