When news dropped that Dubai’s La Mer development was being demolished, only one question crossed our mind: But what about Masti?
If you went to the Indian fusion restaurant’s original location, you likely thought the same. After all, it’s undoubtably one of our favourite high-end Indian concepts, whether in Dubai or the rest of the world. We at Esquire Middle East have emphasized that point year after year, appearing on our best of the Gulf lists since it opened in 2019. And for a moment, that all seemed over.
In case you haven’t heard, we have good news—Masti is back. It’s found a new home in The Dubai EDITION—a chic, youthful concept of its own that is a much more suitable station than La Mer was. In fact, the clientele that has already turned the hotel into one of Downtown Dubai’s hotspots since it opened in November 2021 is likely the same group that lamented the loss of La Mer’s brightest star.
We went in with the same questions you likely have: Is this the Masti we remember, or did it lose a certain je ne sais quoi in the move, as has happened to relocated restaurants time and time again?
Having now tried it, we can safely declare this is what Masti always should have been, with its innovative yet familiar dishes and familiar décor punctuated by the city’s iconic skyline in an always bustling locale. The only question now is how we’re going to resist going when it’s become all the more convenient.
Oh, and the food remains delicious. This time we were particularly entranced with the Chicken Tikka Masala Bao, which beats similar fusion concept BB Social Dining at its own game. Don’t miss the Crispy Chicken Tandoori Momos either, nor the delectable signature Angus Beef Cheek Vindaloo nor the Buratta Butter Chicken, even better than we’d remembered it.
Even if you’re not hungry, stop by for a cocktail, with the Oh My Coconut and The Silk Route our current picks on the ever-evolving menu.
Masti at La Mer is dead. Long live Masti at The Dubai EDITION.
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