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Food & Drink
Try modern Indian cuisine in Dubai
Tue, January 31, 2023
These restaurants are giving traditional recipes from the subcontinent a contemporary makeover.
These restaurants are giving traditional recipes from the subcontinent a contemporary makeover.
1
Masti
Masti knows how to impress. With a fresh, global take on traditional Indian cuisine, a meal here always surprises with fabulous fusion flavours. Some of the menu's more creative spins include edamame chaat, slow-cooked lamb croquettes elevated with Kashmiri spices, pulled tandoori chicken baos, 'new style' biryanis and more. Get ready for delicious bites that pack a punch.
2
Mint Leaf of London
This contemporary London export is deeply rooted in authentic Indian flavours. Located in the city's financial district, surrounded by memorable views, Mint Leaf of London serves up an exhaustive menu of refined North Indian classics. Try the sesame chicken satay with a dash of masala bhel on the side or savour their basil cod tikka which comes with an aromatic dill sauce. Vegetarians should feast on the flavourful aubergine or baingan bharta tartlets that are accompanied by a punchy salan (curry).
3
Indego by Vineet
Experience Michelin-style cuisine by celebrated Indian chef Vineet Bhatia at Indego. The team here present culinary transformations that infuse Indian recipes with international influences. Try the chicken maharani, a tandoor favourite which is marinated with Punjabi black lentils and special sauces. If you are a fan of Bhatia's inventive takes, make sure to also check out Indya by Vineet at Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa where dishes like 'KFC' (Kerala Fried Chicken) and berry pulao rice surprise and delight.
4
Trèsind
Discover a molecular-gastronomy approach to Indian cuisine at Trèsind. Expect inventive techniques and traditional flavours in a stylish setting — think lots of liquid nitrogen and interactive tableside preparations. For special occasions, book the chef's table experience at Trèsind Studio or consider an evening at sister restaurant Carnival by Trèsind, conceived by the same executive chef, Himanshu Saini. The DIFC venue offers a slightly less formal and more playful take on Indian dining, with nostalgic flavours on the menu.
5
Farzi Café
Dine at this Dubai outlet of a famed Mumbai eatery, showcasing excellent experimental Indian cuisine. It's a more casual dining option, which enjoys a central location at City Walk. Think lamb shawarma biryani and delicious rasmalai très leches for dessert, served with an unconventional presentation style. Farzi Café is spearheaded by Zorawar Kalra, whose father and mentor, the late Jiggs Kalra, is fondly referred to as the 'czar of Indian cuisine'.
6
Cinnamon Club
It’s been a celebrity favourite for years in London and the Dubai outpost lives up to the hype. This pretty waterside Park Hyatt eatery is a true cross-cultural dining experience. Dishes like lamb rogan josh shepherd’s pie and soft shell crab koliwada with green chilli mayo highlight chef Vivek Singh’s ethos. Try Cinnamon Club's take on the popular Indian gajar ka halwa — carrot pudding infused with clove whipped cream. There's a spice-tinged high tea if you're after an afternoon treat, and tables on the terrace overlooking the yacht-filled marina are particularly popular.
7
The Crossing Dubai
This modern dining space in The H Hotel is where diverse dishes and bold flavours intersect. Vegetarians should try the morai bora or mixed herbed fritters, while 'gunpowder' prawns should be on your list if you are a seafood fan. Mains include an aromatic Caribbean goat curry, which also effortlessly blends cuisines. It is an excellent example of the kitchen's east meets west ethos, taking influence from British, Portuguese and French culinary traditions and infusing them with Indian spices.
8
Roobaru
Take your seat surrounded by sophisticated pink hues and views of a bustling open kitchen at this Downtown Dubai spot. Chef Gaurav Yadav serves up reimagined favourites, putting his personal stamp on well-known dishes. Highlights include manga ceviche – a novel take on the South Indian seabass and mango curry – and irresistible truffle kulchas (flakey flatbreads). The short rib vindaloo packs a spice punch and the Sharjah sambusa, topped with Chips Oman, is a bestseller.
9
Bombay Borough
With a charming colonial vibe, complete with eclectic interiors with peacock blue and gold accents, there's plenty to discover. Take the spice up a notch with naga ghost pepper wings, while the Kashmiri naan kebab is a top pick among regulars. Street food is a strength too; sample Bombay-style vada pav – a delicious potato fritter that sits between two pieces of bread with sweet and tangy garlic chutney and bhurjee (spiced scrambled eggs) that will instantly transport you to India.
10
Mohalla
It's known for its quirky take on traditional Indian street food, and stunning plating, which is why Mohalla has become such a popular go-to for Dubai Design District's discerning diners. Chef Adwait Anantwar's recipes, which include avocado chaat, butter shrimp with chili peanut pesto and lamb chops vindaloo, take inspiration from across the subcontinent, but often lighten ingredients to appeal to the modern palate. Don't forget to finish with a slice of mango cake and a strong karak chai.
11
Hitchki
Hitchki shines a spotlight on contemporary Indian cuisine with quirky touches throughout its diverse menu. Brimming with modern takes on classic flavours, each dish is presented with panache. The focus here is on a fun-fuelled Indian experience and, alongside delicious dishes, you’ll discover upbeat music and Bollywood accents throughout. Try something new from the inventive burger menu, which includes a butter chicken version and a vegetarian pav bhaji slider.
12
Bombay Bungalow
Savour contemporary Indian cuisine and culture at Bombay Bungalow. Located on The Walk at JBR, this homegrown restaurant stays true to its bungalow aesthetic with cosy and casual interiors housing interesting artefacts. Expect the spread to be as colourful as the venue, with tempting street food, simmering curries and juicy kebabs among many other exciting selections. The menu is also conscious of the global palate, catering well to progressive preferences.
13
Aamara
From the award-winning team behind Trèsind comes another gem, Bistro Aamara. This restaurant, a recipient of the Michelin Bib Gourmand, offers a unique culinary experience that draws inspiration from the historic Silk Route. The restaurant's decor echoes its culinary theme, evoking the spirit of the Silk Route's bustling marketplaces and serene oases. This attention to detail extends to the presentation of each dish, making dining at Bistro Aamara a feast for the eyes as well as the tastebuds.
14
PINCODE
PINCODE, Indian celebrity chef Kunal Kapur's first flagship concept in the city, is located at Dubai Hills Mall and promises to take you on an aromatic journey across India. Each recipe features bold, authentic flavours fused with contemporary cooking techniques and represents a different locality of the subcontinent. The all-day-dining menu is packed with creative street food options that will revive childhood memories of snacking on the roads of New Delhi. Don't miss the Kerala fried chicken strips sprinkled with traditional gunpowder and served with a spiced slaw.
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