Indian By Nature
Food embodies the spirit of civilisation, and it is an integral part of the nation’s identity as are its monuments and art forms. The national character of people is defined as much by cuisine as by the language, literature, art, and artefacts. The French, the Italian, the Mexican, and the Chinese, to name just a few, are people that take great pride in projecting their culinary heritage. Similarly, the cuisines of India tells the story of the interaction of the Indian people with foreigners through the centuries in a fascinating manner. The term Indian cuisine sounds appropriate in the context of the Food and dietary habits in the subcontinent. Different regional styles enrich the mainstream as do tributaries of the mighty river.
There more than eight major culinary regions in India that are identifiable: Kashmir, Punjab, Delhi, Rajasthan, Coastal cuisine (especially the Western Ghats and Arabian sea coastline), Awadh, South Indian, Hyderabad, Bengal, North-East, etc. If described briefly, each region has distinct Nature of cuisines as per its journey through cultural influences and climate.
Situated at the crossroads of Asia and touching the historic silk route, Kashmir has imbibed a diversity of cultural influences emanating from central Asia, Persia, Tibet, subcontinental mainland. Mughals influenced Awadh, Delhi, and Hyderabadi cuisine. The barren land of Rajasthan, where cooking makes generous use of Ghee and chilli or pepper, and most of the community is Vegetarian. The Bengali cooking on the opposite of Rajasthan shows a marked preference of variety of delicate sweetness and a distinct garam masala with strong regional identity.
The diversity is Nature of Indian cuisine, and Dubai based restaurant – Indian by Nature (IBN) represents it through varieties of dishes to the diverse community in UAE. From the artistic presentation of Food to elegant interiors, IBN has executed each restaurant aspect impressively. The F&B industry of UAE thriving to be competitive and IBN has its place in the competition because it represents Indian cuisine’s vegetarian facet. IBN serves Vegetarian Lacto-Ovo meal. Indian Food culture has always given importance to Vegetarianism. Fresh herbs and healthy cooking style of North-East, Dairy infused delicacies of North, an abundance of leafy vegetables and spices in the south, and tropical plants of the coast have blessed India with variety of Vegetarian Dishes. IBN has invested energy in finding the appropriate chefs and right dishes representing the corners of India and has set up the unique eatery in the heart of Dubai – Karama.
Rustic, Organic, and Inclusive gastronomic trends are nicely presented in IBN through the varieties of Dishes from all corners of India. Dal Baati of West, Korma of South, Tandoori preparations of North, and sharp Thai basil-infused North-eastern curries are exquisite. Although there is no 100% authenticity (even it cannot be achieved by anyone), each dish of IBN takes the memory lane of eater to India if he/she has tasted Indian Food before.
Paneer Tikka Masala’s smokiness and creaminess are something to not to be missed; try them with Tandoori Rotis or Paratha. Rustic representation of Daal-Baati Churma is a perfect representation of Rajasthan’s barren land and culinary heritage. Vegetable Korma with flavours of South Indian spices and dash of curry leaves and mustard seeds is close to a tasting of South India; they serve it in Coconut. Anise-like scent and hints of liquorice, along with slight spiciness of Thai basil correctly utilised in Green Thai Curry by IBN; its platting is unique.
There are countable sweet store and eateries in UAE that serve rare and delicious Indian Dessert – Ghevar. A traditional dessert of the state of Rajasthan liberally sprinkled with saffron, dry fruits and silver ‘varak’, Ghevar makes for a delicious blend of wheat flour and sugar syrup making it a food sampler’s paradise. Known to be a gift to be presented on auspicious occasions, the honeycomb sweet is savoured mostly on Teej and Raksha Bandhan. Believed to herald the moments of nuptial bliss, ghevar is also fondly gifted to newly married girls following a traditional ritual. With almost ten variations including paneer ghevar, kesariya ghevar, and even malai ghevar, the sweetmeat manages to be light and luscious despite being laden with a mélange of desi ghee and sugar syrup. With its disputed origin; some claims it has travelled India with Persians, few claims Indians fetched it from Iran, Ghevar continues to stand on a gastronomical no-man’s land. IBN’s Malai Ghevar is a perfect treat for your taste buds as the honeycombed and crispy cake (Ghevar) with clotted cream (Malai) is scrumptious and delicate Dessert. Rasamalai Triffle is the fusion of Gajar ka Halwa and Rasmalai, and it looks scrumptious but taste nothing special. Fresh Mocktails are worth a try.
The utter joy of eating Golgappas is on the Golgappa Thela of India. However, due food regulatory authority of UAE, it is rare to find such ‘Thelas’ on streets of UAE, but IBN has its in-house Thela that reminds Indian Golgappa Thela.
From Street Food to Dessert, each dish is real to Indianess in IBN. Spare time and Enjoy the varying Vegetarianism of India presented in ‘Indian by Nature’, be my guest.
Rating:
Service: 4/5
Food: 4/5
Location: 4/5
Ambience: 4.5/5
Price: 4.5/5
Overall: 4/5
Average Cost: AED 120 for two people (approx.)
Location: Shop 8, Zabeel Plaza, Street 20 B, Al Karama, Dubai
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