Today is none other than India’s Independence Day. A national holiday in India that commemorates the nation’s independence from the United Kingdom on 15 August 1947, this is basically India’s version of the 4th of July. Minus the hot dogs. The holiday is celebrated throughout India with flag-hoisting ceremonies, parades, and general frivolity.
With Indian expatriates making up roughly 30% of the population of the UAE, this is the perfect day to celebrate the hard-work and efforts of all the proud Indians who now call the Emirates their home.
Having brought the wonderful variety of Indian culture to the Emirates, what better way could there be to celebrate India’s Independence than by indulging in some of the finest Indian cuisine that’s been transported to Dubai’s deserts?
Without further ado, here are 10 of the Dubai’s finest Indian restaurants where we highly recommend you celebrate your own independence by ordering whatever the hell you want.
***
Ananta
The culinary philosophy behind Ananta at The Oberoi, Dubai is the creation of a gastronomic bridge between traditional and post-modern Indian cuisine. Ananta restaurant serves a tantalizing array of culinary masterpieces, innovative specialties, and classical dishes embellished with contemporary flair.
Ananta offers unparalleled luxury fine dining in Dubai. Luxuriously furnished in rich crimson with crisp, white linen tables, Ananta is dominated by a magnificent show kitchen where guests can watch the master chefs hand craft Indian delicacies in traditional, coal-fired clay ovens.
Location: The Oberoi, Dubai
Contact: +971 4 444 1 407
Chutney’s
With aromas from two tandoor ovens permeating the surroundings, experience the incredible Nawabi flavours of the northern and frontier regions of India at Chutney’s restaurant in Bur Dubai. Thick curries, biryanis and kebabs are all on the menu, along with decadent desserts such as pistachio and saffron dumplings smothered in honey syrup.
Live music is provided by a Ghazal trio, a fitting complement to authentic North Indian cuisine, renowned for its tasty curries with beautifully balanced spices, using a classic combination of ingredients such as green chillies, mint, ginger and cashew nuts.
Location: Mövenpick Hotel Bur Dubai
Contact: +971 4 310 4340
Amala
From the moment you step inside Amala, you’ll find that the welcome is warm and authentically Indian. The Mughlai cuisine on offer is strongly influenced by Persia and Turkey and is known for its richness, with exotic spices, dried fruits, and cream.
You can dine within the impressive interiors or even outside on the terrace as you sample the varied flavours of North Indian cuisine through this truly extravagant dining experience.
Location: Jumeirah Zabeel Saray
Contact: +971 4 453 0444
Mint Leaf of London
Perched on the 15th floor of the Emirates Financial Towers, South Tower in the heart of DIFC, Mint Leaf Dubai unveils a selection of authentic Indian cuisine with an innovative contemporary twist that promises a truly exceptional gastronomic experience. A subsidiary of Mint Leaf Group, London, the food here is tasty and free from pretensions.
Location: 15th Floor, South Tower, Emirates Financial Towers, DIFC
Contact: +971 4 706 0900
Tresind
Blending the finest Indian ingredients with progressive culinary techniques, Tresind takes you to a gastronomic journey par extraordinaire.
With tantalising flavours and fascinating plating techniques, prepare yourself for a multi-sensory culinary experience that will not only engage your taste buds, but also mesmerise you with its breath-taking presentation. The dishes at Tresind are undoubtedly worthy of a cameo on your Instagram.
Location: Nassima Royal Hotel
Contact: +971 4 308 0000
Naya
The latest addition to Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Naya presents a vibrant and colourful blend of classic and contemporary Indian Cuisine in fairly luxurious surroundings.
The restaurant, with its new interiors and contemporary approach to the cuisine and service philosophy, will offer Indian delicacies such as butter-based curries, roti, chappatis and tandoori in a relaxed and family friendly environment. From creating the recipes, to choosing just the right ingredients and seasoning, every dish is a reflection of things done in the traditional way to delight Indian food lovers. Nothing fancy, just good food.
Location: Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Contact: +971 4 432 3232
Armani / Amal
Time-honoured cooking methods, signature ingredients and the most authentic of recipes recreate a true taste of India in Amal, accentuated by the gentle strains of traditional musicians and inspired interiors. Would you expect anything else from a location attached to the Armani name?
Dine sharing style with a collection of regional dishes and complementary menus prepared tableside by talented chefs with exotic curries, tandoor specialties and fragrant side dishes paired with a specially chosen menu of world-class beverages. Not only is the food great but Amal also offers a fairly impressive view of The Dubai Fountain.
Location: Armani Hotel Dubai
Contact: +971 4 888 3666
Bombay Brasserie
Taj Dubai’s signature restaurant, Bombay Brasserie is a pleasant mix of classic and contemporary. The dining experience here delivers drama, authenticity & innovation with a live open kitchen, vibrant oversized art and a botanical bar concept. The vibrant interiors and low-level lighting set a sophisticated and relaxed dining experience for fashionable diners. It also helps that chef Ajay Negi is an absolute wizard in the kitchen.
Location: Taj Dubai
Contact: +971 4 438 3222
Indego by Vineet
Amid minimalist opulence, the award-winning Indego by Vineet is a restaurant where the textures, flavours and expressive range of Indian cuisine are sumptuously brought alive. Guided by Michelin-starred Chef Vineet Bhatia, this restaurant has become known for its exquisite contemporary combination of traditional spices and ingredients with fine-dining presentation.
Location: Grosvenor House Dubai
Contact: +971 4 317 6000
Rang Mahal by Atul Kochhar
Discover the sensational flavours of New India, courtesy of Michelin-starred chef Atul Kochhar, via Rang Mahal’s vibrant venue and exciting menu of modern Indian cuisine.
Appealing to all epicureans from fine dining connoisseurs to lovers of traditional Indian food, Rang Mahal by Atul Kochhar fuses a touch of tradition with contemporary flair; creating a feast for all of the senses.
Location: JW Marriott Marquis Dubai
Contact: +971 4 414 3000
.jpg)