Curry – Mahal
If someone wants to understand Modern Indian Food, he/she have to follow the diverse culinary influences and history of invasions in India. North Indian cuisine incorporated the best of Hindu-Rajput, Bania, and Kayastha communities as well as assimilated the Turko-Afghan and Persian-Mughal influences. Mughal dominated Indian Life for two centuries; their imperial patronage influenced the art of Cooking in India. Qorma-braised meats, curd-based gravies, slices and pieces of meats shallow fried on griddle provided India with creamy non-vegetarian curries, Kabas, and Kheema. The vibrant tradition of snacks and street food, most of them are vegetarian, is a moveable feast of tangy savouries to food scavengers and courtesy of Mughals from 12th Century.
A string of Dhaba (introduced by Punjab) leapt up all over the nation and then multiplied along with every single highway in India. Today, every Indian has fallen for the pleasure of eating out due to Dhaba culture. Punjab has given India the cosmopolitan taste and eclectic tradition with the abundant streams of Hindu, Sikh, Pathan, and Kashmiri migrants who enriched the Punjabi Food. Today, if any Indian wants to please himself by eating out, he is inclined to either Punjabi Food or Mughlai Cuisine. An amalgamation of these two cuisines is the success mantra for most of the Indian eateries and Curry Mahal, Abu Dhabi had chosen to use this success mantra. Curry Mahal is one of the best Indian kitchens in the capital.
The large Indian paintings hanging on the walls, Indian instrumental music, and artefact of Buddha & Ganesha sets the tone of Indian experience upon entering the restaurant. Jahangiri Murgh Shorba, Afghani Tangree, Zafrani Karak Seekh, Akbari Veg Kofta, Bhuna Gosht, etcetera are some Mughlai names that you will find while flipping the Menu in Curry Mahal. Also, there are famous Punjabi dishes on the Menu: Tandoori Gobi, Tandoori Chicken, Paneer Tikka Masala, Laccha Paratha, Desi Lassi, etcetera. Curry Mahal kickstart the Indian food experience right from Menu by mentioning some Hindi/Punjabi and Urdu titles: Bagichey ki Sabji, Tomato Dhania Shorba, Roti pe Boti, Masaledar subz, Galina di bahar, Rotiyaan, Mithaiyaan, Sharbatein, etcetera.
Consistent, mildly spiced, and creamy Jahangiri Murgh Shorba is a tasty appetizer to start with Pesto Paneer Tikka. To beat the heat, they have a range of cold beverages, Strawberry Mojito and Blue Mountain are gratifying and recommended. Kachumber Salad is a decent companion with the appetizers and drinks.
There is ‘Litmus taste’ to check the quality of Indian Food in any restaurant – try their Chaat. Curry Mahal’s Chaat is undoubtedly one of the best in the region; balanced spices, sourness, and sweetness make the Chaat of Curry Mahal unforgettable. Kathi Roll – the street food of East India is veggie wrap with a flavour of spices and texture of Shimla Mirch (capsicum) wrapped with unfermented bread. Curry Mahal serves Kathi Roll and it is just Good in taste; try Kathi Roll if you are going to have snacks in this restaurant, otherwise, don’t bother.
Thali is something very Indian culinary impression on the World; no fine-dining eatery in Abu Dhabi serves the Thali as Curry Mahal serves. Non-Veg Thali consisting the Chicken Tikka, Mutton Masala, Kadhai Chicken, Steamed Rice, Bread Basket, Dal Fry, Papad, Raita, Gulab Jamun, and Lassi is a complete meal to enjoy in this restaurant. Chicken Tikka is devoid of smoky note of charcoal due to unavailability and expensiveness of organic coal in UAE but, Curry Mahal tries to compensate it with hack (visit the restaurant and understand).
Akbari Veg Kofta and Shahi Nalli Rogan Josh have true Mughlai essence in it. There are varieties of dishes in Veg and Non-veg main course, but Mughlai recipes are worth trying in Cury Mahal. Appropriate choice of chefs makes each dish in the restaurant true to its sense and taste. Hindu chefs prepare Chaat and Punjabi Dishes whereas Muslim chef is designated to prepare Mughlai delicacies, and this is how the perfection is guaranteed. The hospitable staff is attentive and knowledgable.
India has always been a land of wisdom and diversity; each element of Life in India is carefully and artistically crafted and developed since ages. Food is a vital element of Life, and each generation has invested time and energy to improvise it. Let it be spiced curries, gratifying desserts, or bread; India has a unique style to cook them. Curry Mahal, Abu Dhabi, is the place that shows the Culture of Indian Food to Emiratis. A must visit place!
Don’t forget to try delectable desserts; Malai Kulfi is something you should not miss.
Rate: 3.5/5
Food: 4/5
Ambience: 4/5
Staff: 4/5
Average Cost: AED 235 for two people (approx.)
Location: Near ADCB, Muroor Road, Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi
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