Chamas Churrascaria and Bar

Chamas is the Brazilian churrascaria at the InterContinental Abu Dhabi, a long-established rodizio restaurant that pairs an eighteen-cut meat programme with live Brazilian music and dance on weekend evenings. The format follows the classic churrascaria model: a salad-and-sides buffet to start, followed by passadores circulating the room with skewers of picanha, lamb, chicken, and sausage, each carved tableside. The meat quality is high and the variety impressive, though the pace between servings can slow during busy periods. The salad buffet is adequate rather than exceptional - heavy on potato and pasta salads - but the cheese selection and seafood options add balance. Desserts are available but limited in range, so come prepared to fill up on the main event. The bar programme is notably strong, with a cocktail list that holds its own as a standalone destination, and the adjacent bar area draws its own crowd of hotel guests. Friday and Saturday evenings bring the best atmosphere, with a live Brazilian band and dancers that transform the room into something closer to a carnival than a hotel restaurant. The energy is infectious and suits group celebrations well. Service is generally attentive, though experiences can vary by server. A table reservation is advisable on weekends, particularly during peak season. The setting inside the InterContinental is polished, with views that complement the festive mood.